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Why Stage Names Matter

Monday, March 24, 2008

Would Elton John be able to fill Madison Square Garden as Reginald Dwight? How did Chan Marshall become Cat Power? Bill Crandall, Editor of AOL’s Spinner.com, gives us the backstory on the greatest names in rock.


Comments

  • [1] Katie from FOREST HILLS March 24, 2008 - 02:09PM

    What is Jennifer Lopez's origin for calling herself JLO?


  • [2] sabrina Asch from ny, ny March 24, 2008 - 02:23PM

    A local vocal hero, known to many as "Chainsaw" can be heard singing karaoke every friday at Cassidy's Pub in midtown.

    A self proclaimed republican redneck bankruptcy attorney from Alabama, was born with the fitting name, Jim Hennesy. He was named Chainsaw by a fellow lawyer while relentlessly pursuing the defense of an innocent.

    Chainsaw has become renowned in karaoke circles and beyond while people of all (drinking) ages come to the bar, chanting his name until they here him perform (which isn't necessarily "singing"). Chainsaw is a savant of music history from the 50's - 80's... don't expect him to go beyond those generations.


  • [3] Philip Kozloff from New York March 24, 2008 - 02:23PM

    My wife knew in her college days the 'real' Elton John who died as a result of a drug over-dose and from whom Mr. Dwight goulishly stole his name.


  • [4] Joan from Williamsburg March 24, 2008 - 02:23PM

    Where did Prince get his name? (before the symbol switch and back again)


  • [5] Joe LaFiandra from Rockland County March 24, 2008 - 02:26PM

    Hey John, what's up? This is your fellow Regis alum, Joe LaFiandra, except I was on the "3-year plan" hahaha. Remember me? The mole-maker? Anyway, I moonlight in Rockland County as a pop singer under the stage name "Joe Naturale", which rhymes with au naturale. I chose that name because it reflects where I'm coming from musically - I strip songs down to their bare essentials for one voice, an acoustic guitar and harmonica. I got the idea for my stage name when I was skinny-dipping. I hope that's not too much information! Check me out on the web- joenaturale.com Be well, I love your show!


  • [6] DemetriosMVital from the bronx March 24, 2008 - 02:27PM

    Why did Robert Zimmerman become Bob Dylan?


  • [7] Philip Kozloff from New York March 24, 2008 - 02:27PM

    OK, she concedes her memory is faulty: it was Elton Dean that she knew. It was a few years ago.


  • [8] Laura Walker from Lower Manhattan March 24, 2008 - 02:32PM

    what about meat loaf????


This thread is closed.


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