Born to a Jewish family in Natick, Massachusetts, Richman began playing music and writing his own songs in the mid-1960s. Richman became infatuated with the Velvet Underground, and in 1969 he moved to New York City, living on the couch of their manager, Steve Sesnick, while working odd jobs and try

Charming, Clever, Fleeting, Joyful, Playful, Pop, Post-punk, Primal, Quirky, Self-reflection, Sincere, Singer/songwriter, Whimsical

"Who you callin' a bitch?" demands Queen Latifah in her song, "U. N. I. T. Y." -- and she expects an answer with respect. This performer has been many things in her life: singer, hip-hop goddess, actress, feminist, impresario. Perhaps she's even been a bitch, but make no mistake -- all roles have bee

Feminist, In-your-face, Primal, Sensual

Sometimes sublime and tender, sometimes raving and frightening, Janis Joplin's vocals had a raw energy unmatched by any white blues singer of her time. And Joplin lived as wildly as she sang. Although she was born into a comfortable, middle-class family in Port Arthur, Texas, she always seemed to be

Bombast, Classic rock, Gritty, Primal, Psychedelic music, Visceral

Charles Mingus was one of the most distinguished and colorful personalities in jazz. He is a virtuoso of the bass who is credited with expanding the instrument's melodic function. When New Orleans jazz moved indoors, the bass replaced the tuba and helped hold down the rhythm of a musical piece. In a

Free/avant-garde, Hard bop/post-bop, Improvised, Moody, Primal, Sublime