1. Dave Matthews Band
Matthews moved from his native South Africa to New York when he was just two years old. When his father died he moved back to Johannesburg with his mother, where he finished high school. He finally settled back in Charlottesville, Virginia, and assembled his self-titled, multiracial band in 1990. Matthews (guitar/vocals), Leroi Moore (reeds/saxophone), Boyd Tinsley (violin), Steffan Lessard (bass), and Carter Beauford (drums) forged a vibrant, individual sound from their wide instrumental range, with the eclectic mix significantly complementing Matthews' own expanded world view. Together they built a formidable reputation on the back of a punishing touring schedule, which helped their self-produced and financed debut, Remember Two Things, sell over 150,000 copies. learn more

2. Gwen Stefani
Gwen's brother Eric started the band No Doubt with his friend John Spence in 1987, and asked the always effervescent Gwen to join on as co-vocalist with Spence. Tony Kanal joined the group a little later, and the trio began to gain popularity by playing at local parties. But the party was over when Spence committed suicide in 1987, which left Gwen to move up the ranks to lead vocalist. The show must go on, and it did, as No Doubt continued to perform in local gigs. In the meantime, Gwen had graduated high school, and followed up her studies at Cal State Fullerton College. Gwen was forced to juggle the band, her studies, as well as what turned out to be a 7-year long romance with fellow band member, Tony Kanal. learn more

3. Ashley Simpson
"I'm a simple girl in a complex world," sings 19-year-old Ashlee Simpson on a track aptly titled "Autobiography" from her debut Geffen Records album Pieces of Me. But that doesn't begin to sum up this multi-talented performer's accomplishments at her tender age. With a regular role as Cecilia in WB's hit TV Seventh Heaven , the upcoming Ashlee reality series on MTV and debut album bowing in July, Ashlee is about to emerge from the shadows. "I've always been obsessed with music," says Ashlee, who adds that her tastes-along with her album-are not at all like older sister Jessica's. "We're into totally different bands and artists." learn more

4. The Neptunes
The Neptunes reign as today's most successful hip-hop production team. Over the last six years, they have helped propel the talents of a number of artists, their punctuating beats and syncopated rhythms fueling a unique sonic aesthetic. They have worked with current chart toppers (Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez), hard-core hip-hoppers (Noreaga, Jay-Z, Nelly) and eclectic performers (soulstress Kelis, Nelly Furtado, Counting Crows). Add to that work with longtime superstars (Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige, Babyface, Whitney Houston, Usher) and alternative ska icons (No Doubt, Sean Paul), and their artist roster spans nearly every genre of music today. learn more

5. Madonna
Born in 1958 near Detroit, Madonna Ciccone was the eldest daughter of her engineer father and housewife mother's eight children. (Madonna's mother died of cancer when she was six.) The plucky girl exhibited a showbiz flair at a young age and signed up for such artistic outlets as school shows, the cheerleading squad, piano lessons, and ballet classes. Madonna's dancing skills earned her a scholarship to attend the University of Michigan. In 1978, two years into her college studies, Madonna grew impatient for stardom, dropped out, and moved to New York. Legend has it that she set down in Times Square with only $35 and abundant ambition to her name. learn more

6. Destiny's Child
This urban R&B quartet was formed by Beyonce Knowles (b. 4 September 1981, Houston, Texas, USA), LeToya Luckett (b. 11 March 1981, Houston, Texas, USA), LaTavia Roberson (b. 1 November 1981, Houston, Texas, USA) and Kelendria Rowland (b. 11 February 1981, Houston, Texas, USA). Knowles and Roberson first began singing together when they were only 10 years old. Rowland joined the duo in 1992, with Luckett completing the line-up the following year. The quartet adopted their biblically inspired name from a chapter in the Book Of Isaiah. Knowles' father became their manager and set about grooming the quartet for success. They gained a strong local following with their street cool image. learn more

7. Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears was born December 2, 1981 in Kentwood Louisiana and has grown to become the most popular celebrity on the planet. According to her mom, Lynne, Britney was a very sweet and lovable baby. She started talking early and she also started showing her talent! Lynne says that as soon as Britney got to her feet for her first toddling steps, she became interested in music. Little Britney learned to dance as soon as she was steady on her feet, and her love of music helped her learn her steps. She studied at the prestigious Off-Broadway Dance Center and at the Professional Performing Arts School. During this time in her life, Britney's face became familiar to the public, even if her name wasn't. She appeared in several national commercials. She also was a part of some Off-Broadway productions including 1991's Ruthless, based on the 1956 thriller The Bad Seed. Britney says she enjoyed. learn more

8. Eminem
Detroit MC Marshall Mathers (a.k.a. Eminem) released his debut 12" as one half of the two man crew, Soul Intent, and soon after released his '96 debut album, Infinite, featuring members of his crew, The Dirty Dozen. After being featured in The Source's Unsigned Hype column in '98, Eminem further made his name by dropping verses on indie singles by artists like Shabaam Sahdeeq and OldWorlDisorder. By the time he released his "Just Don't Give a Fuck" 12" and Slim Shady EP, Eminem was an underground sensation. Eminem's solid reputation as a lyricist earned him the respect of the powerful Dr. Dre, who signed him to his Aftermath label. Eminem's debut on Aftermath, The Slim Shady LP, hit No. 2 on the Billboard album charts within weeks of its release thanks to the breakthrough success of the single "My Name Is." learn more

9. Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson is bright, beautiful and blessed. She possesses a voice that is capable of expressing the heartache of first love and the wondrous possibilities of an everlasting tomorrow. Her live shows have been marked by a youthful exuberance coupled with a seasoned professionalism that belies her 19 years. In an era of pre-fabricated wind-up divas, she is refreshingly honest, remarkably focused and positive, and true to her self, her beliefs and her heart. She is Jessica Simpson and Sweet Kisses, her Columbia Records debut, is an appealing and satisfying blend of pop, R&B and gospel-infused music. learn more

10. Christina Aguilera
Christina Maria Aguilera is perhaps the most talented of the recent Disney mouse ear wearing bunch to hit the music scene. Her debut album Christina Aguilera rocketed to the #1 position in its initial week, outshining hip-hop icon Puff Daddy, selling over 250,000 copies. In listening to her talented range, it sometimes is difficult to believe this diva was only born on December 18th, 1980. Christina began performing even as a child. Born in Staten Island, New Jersey and raised in Wexford, Pennsylvania, Christina was singing the national anthem at a variety of events in her hometown area. And at the age of 9, Christina appeared on Star Search, only to leave empty handed (what little did they know!). learn more