Leslie Jones, born Annette Leslie Jones on September 7, 1967, in Memphis, Tennessee, is an American comedian, actress, and writer known for her bold humor and commanding presence. Raised as a military brat, she moved frequently during her childhood, eventually settling in Los Angeles. Jones discovered her comedic talent early, winning a campus comedy competition at Colorado State University, which set her on a path to stand-up comedy. Her journey from open mics to national fame showcases her resilience, as she navigated a male-dominated industry and faced racial and gender-based challenges. Siblings Leslie had a younger brother, Rodney Keith Jones…
Author: Kevin Koech
Gracie Madigan Abrams, born on September 7, 1999, in Los Angeles, California, is an American singer-songwriter who has carved a distinct niche in the indie-pop scene. The daughter of renowned filmmaker J.J. Abrams and producer Katie McGrath, Gracie grew up in Pacific Palisades, surrounded by creativity and storytelling. Her music, often described as “sad-girl bedroom pop,” resonates with themes of heartbreak, vulnerability, and coming-of-age, drawing listeners into her introspective world. From an early age, Abrams showed a passion for music, beginning to write songs at eight years old. After graduating from The Archer School for Girls, she briefly studied international…
Kyle James Kozub Mooney, born on September 4, 1984, in San Diego, California, is an American comedian, actor, writer, and director. Growing up in the Scripps Ranch neighborhood, Mooney developed an early passion for comedy, influenced by his love for 1980s and 1990s television, VHS collecting, and local San Diego culture, including carne asada burritos and Rigoberto’s red salsa. His career spans a notable tenure on Saturday Night Live, critically acclaimed film projects, and creative ventures in animation and music, establishing him as a multifaceted entertainer with a cult following. Siblings Kyle is the youngest of three boys born to…
Michael Lamar White IV, known professionally as Trippie Redd, is an American rapper and singer born on June 18, 1999, in Canton, Ohio. Emerging from the SoundCloud rap scene in the late 2010s, Trippie Redd has become a prominent figure in modern hip-hop, known for blending genres like emo rap, trap, R&B, and alternative rock. His music often explores themes of love, loss, and personal struggles, resonating with a wide audience through its emotional depth and melodic delivery. Raised in challenging circumstances, with his father incarcerated at the time of his birth, Trippie was brought up by his mother, Tonya…
Benson Boone, born on June 25, 2002, in Monroe, Washington, is an American singer-songwriter who has rapidly risen to prominence in the music industry. Raised in a close-knit family, Boone discovered his musical talent almost by accident during his high school years. Initially known for his athletic pursuits, including competitive diving and tennis, Boone had no formal vocal training until a friend recruited him to sing at a school talent show. His natural talent shone through, sparking a journey that would take him from viral TikTok videos to international stages. Boone’s emotive voice and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with a…
Fred Durst, born William Frederick Durst on August 20, 1970, in Jacksonville, Florida, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and director. He is best known as the frontman and lyricist of the nu metal band Limp Bizkit. Originally named Frederick Allen Mayne III, Durst was rechristened after his mother, Anita, remarried Bill Durst, a local police officer. His early life was marked by frequent moves, from Orlando to a farm in Cherryville, North Carolina, before settling in Gastonia, where he graduated high school. Durst’s childhood was shaped by financial struggles and a turbulent family dynamic, including his parents’ separation…
Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, known professionally as The Kid Laroi, is an Australian rapper, singer, and songwriter born on August 17, 2003, in Waterloo, New South Wales, Australia. Emerging from humble beginnings, Laroi’s rise to fame began at a young age, fueled by his passion for hip-hop and a determination to escape the challenges of his childhood. His stage name, “Laroi,” is derived from his Kamilaroi heritage, reflecting his maternal great-great-grandfather’s Aboriginal roots as part of the Stolen Generation. Laroi’s music, blending melodic rap with emotional lyricism, has resonated globally, establishing him as one of Australia’s most prominent musical exports.…
Paulina “Pau” Villarreal Vélez, born on February 5, 2002, in Monterrey, Mexico, is a dynamic musician renowned for her role as the drummer, vocalist, and primary songwriter for the rock band The Warning. From an early age, Paulina displayed a natural affinity for music, beginning classical piano lessons at age four and transitioning to drums by age seven after showcasing remarkable coordination playing the video game Rock Band. Her passion for rock music, influenced by her parents and icons like Neil Peart, shaped her distinctive drumming style. Beyond drumming, she sings lead vocals on select tracks, plays piano, and manages…
Tate Rosner McRae, born on July 1, 2003, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a multifaceted talent known for her work as a singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Rising to prominence at just 13 as the first Canadian finalist on the American reality TV show So You Think You Can Dance, McRae has since transitioned from a dance prodigy to a global pop sensation. Her emotionally raw lyrics and dynamic performances have captivated audiences worldwide, establishing her as one of the most exciting young artists in the music industry. Born to a Scottish-Canadian father, Todd McRae, a lawyer, and a German…
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, known professionally as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter born on November 7, 1996, in Takapuna, a suburb of Auckland. Raised in Auckland’s North Shore suburbs of Devonport and Bayswater, she emerged as a global music sensation in her teens with a distinctive style that blends introspective lyricism with unconventional pop sounds. Her music, often exploring themes of youth, identity, and societal critique, resonates with a wide audience, earning her critical acclaim and commercial success. Lorde’s artistic journey began early, influenced by her poet mother, Sonja Yelich, who encouraged her to engage with diverse literary genres,…
Johnny Orlando, born on January 24, 2003, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is a multifaceted Canadian singer, songwriter, actor, and YouTube personality. Rising to fame at the tender age of eight, Johnny captivated audiences by posting covers of popular pop songs by artists like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Shawn Mendes on his YouTube channel, JohnnyOsings. What began as a modest venture, with videos recorded in his bathroom for its superior acoustics, quickly transformed into a viral sensation, amassing millions of views and subscribers. His early success laid the foundation for a flourishing career in music and entertainment, marked by original…
Anton Zaslavski, known professionally as Zedd, is a Russian-German DJ, record producer, and songwriter born on September 2, 1989, in Saratov, Russia. Raised in Kaiserslautern, Germany, after his family moved there when he was three, Zedd grew up in a musically inclined household. His stage name, Zedd, is derived from the British English pronunciation of the letter “Z,” the first letter of his surname. Zedd’s career spans electro house, progressive house, dubstep, and classical music, earning him global recognition for hits like Clarity and Stay. Siblings Zedd has two siblings, an older brother, Arkadi Zaslavski, and a younger half-brother, Daniel…
Martin Garrix, born Martijn Gerard Garritsen on May 14, 1996, in Amstelveen, Netherlands, is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and musician who has become a global icon in electronic dance music (EDM). Known for his infectious tracks like Animals and Scared to Be Lonely, Garrix rose to fame at a remarkably young age, becoming the youngest artist to top the Beatport charts with his breakout single Animals in 2013. His music, which blends progressive house, electro house, big room, and future bass, has resonated with millions, earning him a massive following and performances at major festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and…
Alessia Caracciolo, known professionally as Alessia Cara, is a Canadian singer-songwriter born on July 11, 1996, in Mississauga, Ontario, and raised in Brampton. Of Italian descent, with her father a first-generation Canadian born to Italian parents and her mother an Italian immigrant from Calabria, Cara grew up in a culturally rich household where she was fluent in Italian. Her passion for music emerged early, sparked by a guitar gifted by her parents at age 10. By 13, she was posting acoustic covers of songs like “Love Yourself” and “Sweater Weather” on YouTube, which caught the attention of EP Entertainment. Known…
Luke McMaster, born on March 22, 1976, in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, is a celebrated Canadian singer, songwriter, producer, and performing artist known for his soulful voice and contributions to the music industry. Raised in a family that valued academic achievement, McMaster initially kept his musical ambitions private, teaching himself guitar and honing his songwriting skills during his teenage years. His passion for music, particularly soul and R&B, led him to pursue a career that has spanned over two decades, marked by chart-topping hits, collaborations with global icons, and a commitment to preserving the legacy of classic soul music. Now based…