Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam
January 30, 2008 6:49 PM Subscribe
Yeah, some of those aren't so interesting.
Oh my god, Joan Baez's real name is Joan Chandos Baez, and she's been hiding it for all these years!
posted by Mr. President Dr. Steve Elvis America at 6:55 PM on January 30, 2008
Oh my god, Joan Baez's real name is Joan Chandos Baez, and she's been hiding it for all these years!
posted by Mr. President Dr. Steve Elvis America at 6:55 PM on January 30, 2008
Eric Clapton was born Eric Patrick Clapton. And the rest is history.
posted by Mike D at 6:56 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by Mike D at 6:56 PM on January 30, 2008
Yeah, I hate all of the OMG SECRET MIDDLE NAMES!!! that are cluttering up the list. otherwise - fun.
posted by moxiedoll at 7:07 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by moxiedoll at 7:07 PM on January 30, 2008
They left out Paul McCartney, who is actually (gasp!) James Paul McCartney!... Seriously, though, I enjoy silly trivia like this. Thanks!
posted by amyms at 7:13 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by amyms at 7:13 PM on January 30, 2008
Someone hurry up and post the funny ones.
posted by Joseph Gurl at 7:14 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by Joseph Gurl at 7:14 PM on January 30, 2008
Paula McCartney?
posted by maxwelton at 7:14 PM on January 30, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by maxwelton at 7:14 PM on January 30, 2008 [1 favorite]
I enjoy silly trivia like this.
I love silly trivia, too, but the fact that Tony=Anthony does not qualify as trivia.
posted by jonmc at 7:14 PM on January 30, 2008
I love silly trivia, too, but the fact that Tony=Anthony does not qualify as trivia.
posted by jonmc at 7:14 PM on January 30, 2008
I was talking about the concept of "stars' real names" as a whole, jonmc. I totally acknowledge your miffed state over the Tony=Anthony thing.
posted by amyms at 7:20 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by amyms at 7:20 PM on January 30, 2008
amyms: there's plenty of other entries like this
Les Claypool (Primus) - Leslie Edward Claypool
Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) - Kurt Donald Cobain
Judy Collins - Judith Marjorie Collins
Kim Deal (Pixies) - Kimberly Ann Deal
Neil Diamond - Neil Leslie Diamond
This list is padded like a bra on prom night.
posted by jonmc at 7:26 PM on January 30, 2008
Les Claypool (Primus) - Leslie Edward Claypool
Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) - Kurt Donald Cobain
Judy Collins - Judith Marjorie Collins
Kim Deal (Pixies) - Kimberly Ann Deal
Neil Diamond - Neil Leslie Diamond
This list is padded like a bra on prom night.
posted by jonmc at 7:26 PM on January 30, 2008
Some of the best...
Adam Ant - Stuart Leslie Goddard
Brook Benton - Benjamin Franklin Pierre
Chubby Checker - Ernest Evans
Alice Cooper - Vincent Damon Furnier (but you knew that wasn't his REAL name didn't you?)
Elvis Costello - Declan Patrick McManus
Bobby Darin - Walden Waldo Robert Cassotto
Gary Glitter - Paul Gadd
Dobie Gray - Leonard Victor Ainsworth
Wolfman Jack - Robert Weston Smith
...but the trivial ones do bring the whole thing down, as they usually do on lists like this.
posted by wendell at 7:32 PM on January 30, 2008
Adam Ant - Stuart Leslie Goddard
Brook Benton - Benjamin Franklin Pierre
Chubby Checker - Ernest Evans
Alice Cooper - Vincent Damon Furnier (but you knew that wasn't his REAL name didn't you?)
Elvis Costello - Declan Patrick McManus
Bobby Darin - Walden Waldo Robert Cassotto
Gary Glitter - Paul Gadd
Dobie Gray - Leonard Victor Ainsworth
Wolfman Jack - Robert Weston Smith
...but the trivial ones do bring the whole thing down, as they usually do on lists like this.
posted by wendell at 7:32 PM on January 30, 2008
You're preaching to the choir, jonmc. I agree with you on the "meh" ones. I was simply expressing my enjoyment of the interesting ones... Sheesh, this isn't even my FPP, I'm not going to worry about defending it.
But if you're looking to pick a fight: Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!
*runs far, far away from the thread*
posted by amyms at 7:37 PM on January 30, 2008
But if you're looking to pick a fight: Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!
*runs far, far away from the thread*
posted by amyms at 7:37 PM on January 30, 2008
But it's good to know that Grace Jones is really Grace Mendoza and Barry Manilow is really Barry Pincus.
posted by wendell at 7:38 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by wendell at 7:38 PM on January 30, 2008
Someone hurry up and post the funny ones.
Violinist Benjamin Kubelsky
Oh, you want funny? Well, he's not a musician, but Albert Brooks was born Albert Einstein. And his father, Parkyakarkus, died in Milton Berlinger's arms.
Sheez, as Jacob Cohen used to say: "Tough Room!"
posted by hal9k at 7:50 PM on January 30, 2008
Violinist Benjamin Kubelsky
Oh, you want funny? Well, he's not a musician, but Albert Brooks was born Albert Einstein. And his father, Parkyakarkus, died in Milton Berlinger's arms.
Sheez, as Jacob Cohen used to say: "Tough Room!"
posted by hal9k at 7:50 PM on January 30, 2008
BBC-TV has a financial reporter named Julia Caesar. The first time I heard her sign off an item, I Googled her because I didn't think I'd heard it correctly. But I did. Funny parents, that Mr and Mrs Caesar.
posted by Mike D at 8:16 PM on January 30, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by Mike D at 8:16 PM on January 30, 2008 [2 favorites]
Akon - Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam
posted by drjimmy11 at 8:50 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by drjimmy11 at 8:50 PM on January 30, 2008
Afrika Bambaataa - Kevin Donovan
I... don't know what to say. *sniff*
posted by flatluigi at 8:57 PM on January 30, 2008
I... don't know what to say. *sniff*
posted by flatluigi at 8:57 PM on January 30, 2008
Tori Amos is really Myra? Cant wait to drop that on my wife, who's a fan.
And some I wonder why they bothered. What's wrong with Grace Wing that Slick was a better choice?
I did wonder what Ice-T's real name was though.
posted by JaredSeth at 9:18 PM on January 30, 2008
And some I wonder why they bothered. What's wrong with Grace Wing that Slick was a better choice?
I did wonder what Ice-T's real name was though.
posted by JaredSeth at 9:18 PM on January 30, 2008
Ry Cooder is Ryland Peter Cooder? That there is just stuffed with win.
posted by dawson at 9:21 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by dawson at 9:21 PM on January 30, 2008
What's wrong with Grace Wing that Slick was a better choice?
Actually, it's not a stage name. Her maiden name is Grace Wing. She then married Jerry Slick, the brother-in-law of Darby Slick, the guitarist for the Great Society, the band Grace Slick was in before she got recruited by Jefferson Airplane. The song "Somebody to Love" is credited to Slick, but it was actually written by Grace's brother-in-law, Darby Slick.
By the way, Grace Slick's maiden name came in handy, because when she graduated from Smith College, she was still known as Grace Wing. When another alumna of Smith College, Tricia Nixon, decided to throw a tea party for Smith alumnae, the guest list included Grace Wing, which the Nixons had no idea was the same person as the antiwar, counterculture icon Grace Slick. Grace Slick decided to attend the party, but with Abbie Hoffman as her "date." She put LSD under her fingernails in the hopes that she could "dose" Tricia Nixon's tea. She was stopped by White House security before she could attend the party, but when she was asked about the incident in an interview, I believe Grace Slick said that the worst a little acid could do to Tricia Nixon was make her into a nice, interesting person "instead of a grinning robot."
posted by jonp72 at 9:39 PM on January 30, 2008 [5 favorites]
Actually, it's not a stage name. Her maiden name is Grace Wing. She then married Jerry Slick, the brother-in-law of Darby Slick, the guitarist for the Great Society, the band Grace Slick was in before she got recruited by Jefferson Airplane. The song "Somebody to Love" is credited to Slick, but it was actually written by Grace's brother-in-law, Darby Slick.
By the way, Grace Slick's maiden name came in handy, because when she graduated from Smith College, she was still known as Grace Wing. When another alumna of Smith College, Tricia Nixon, decided to throw a tea party for Smith alumnae, the guest list included Grace Wing, which the Nixons had no idea was the same person as the antiwar, counterculture icon Grace Slick. Grace Slick decided to attend the party, but with Abbie Hoffman as her "date." She put LSD under her fingernails in the hopes that she could "dose" Tricia Nixon's tea. She was stopped by White House security before she could attend the party, but when she was asked about the incident in an interview, I believe Grace Slick said that the worst a little acid could do to Tricia Nixon was make her into a nice, interesting person "instead of a grinning robot."
posted by jonp72 at 9:39 PM on January 30, 2008 [5 favorites]
Yngwie Malmsteen - Lars Johann Yngwie Lannerback
Seems six of one, half dozen of the other.
Missing: Gary Lee Weinrib and Alexander Zivojinovich
NOT RUSHIST
posted by turbodog at 10:06 PM on January 30, 2008
Seems six of one, half dozen of the other.
Missing: Gary Lee Weinrib and Alexander Zivojinovich
posted by turbodog at 10:06 PM on January 30, 2008
Sage Francis / Xaul Zan - Paul Francis
Is he famous or popular? he claims not to be in his songs...
"Vanilla Ice" seems to be a case of the nom-de-plum being less cool then the birth name, as does Hannah Montana.
Xzibits real name is 'Alvin' huh,,gaffaw; just like that other vocalist with squeaky voice.
posted by oblio_one at 10:13 PM on January 30, 2008
Is he famous or popular? he claims not to be in his songs...
"Vanilla Ice" seems to be a case of the nom-de-plum being less cool then the birth name, as does Hannah Montana.
Xzibits real name is 'Alvin' huh,,gaffaw; just like that other vocalist with squeaky voice.
posted by oblio_one at 10:13 PM on January 30, 2008
On preview, Ice T is named Tracy Morrow. I wish I could remember like appointments and girlfriends names instead of this junk :(
posted by oblio_one at 10:15 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by oblio_one at 10:15 PM on January 30, 2008
On preview with an attentive mind: I read JaredSeth's comment too quick and then didn't see 'Ice T' under 'I' and assumed it wasn't on the list.
posted by oblio_one at 10:26 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by oblio_one at 10:26 PM on January 30, 2008
So wait; Clay Aiken used a fake name on American Idol, even before he was famous or knew he'd be accepted on the show?
posted by davejay at 10:42 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by davejay at 10:42 PM on January 30, 2008
I wouldn't have pegged Frank Black as a Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV.
posted by streetdreams at 11:31 PM on January 30, 2008
posted by streetdreams at 11:31 PM on January 30, 2008
Dido - Florian Cloud de Bounevialle Armstrong
They didn't even get that right. It's Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong.
And you thought you were pretentious!
posted by blacklite at 11:35 PM on January 30, 2008
They didn't even get that right. It's Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong.
And you thought you were pretentious!
posted by blacklite at 11:35 PM on January 30, 2008
Snoop Dogg is listed under the D's. Because his last name is Dogg.
Or maybe it's because of Deeez Nuuuts!
posted by team lowkey at 11:50 PM on January 30, 2008 [1 favorite]
Or maybe it's because of Deeez Nuuuts!
posted by team lowkey at 11:50 PM on January 30, 2008 [1 favorite]
I hate that I know this, but Clay Aiken uses his mother's maiden name- I believe he had it legally changed so really what they mean is that he wasn't BORN with the name Aiken... but it's still his real name.
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 12:06 AM on January 31, 2008
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 12:06 AM on January 31, 2008
jonp72, thanks for clarifying that. Interesting story too. I learn something new every day on here.
posted by JaredSeth at 3:20 AM on January 31, 2008
posted by JaredSeth at 3:20 AM on January 31, 2008
Gary Glitter
Middle name's missing, but I fixed it: Paul "The Pedo" Gadd
posted by bwg at 3:52 AM on January 31, 2008
Middle name's missing, but I fixed it: Paul "The Pedo" Gadd
posted by bwg at 3:52 AM on January 31, 2008
I confess, I'm actually Wolfgang Skot Juhasz Dogsbody.
posted by Wolfdog at 4:09 AM on January 31, 2008
posted by Wolfdog at 4:09 AM on January 31, 2008
Bobby Darin - Walden Waldo Robert Cassotto
Oh, to be a fly on the wall when the first two names were chosen and see the Who's on First? routine the nurse on duty must have endured.
posted by kittyprecious at 5:00 AM on January 31, 2008
Oh, to be a fly on the wall when the first two names were chosen and see the Who's on First? routine the nurse on duty must have endured.
posted by kittyprecious at 5:00 AM on January 31, 2008
Pepa (Sandra Denton) made the list, but Salt was omitted? What the HELL, internet??
posted by LordSludge at 6:21 AM on January 31, 2008
posted by LordSludge at 6:21 AM on January 31, 2008
Bobby Darin - Walden Waldo Robert Cassotto
In fact, one of Bobby Darin's albums from his "new Dylan"/folk troubadour period is titled Born Walden Robert Cassotto. Del Shannon also released a psychedelic album under his real name, The Further Adventures of Charles Westover.
posted by jonp72 at 6:21 AM on January 31, 2008
In fact, one of Bobby Darin's albums from his "new Dylan"/folk troubadour period is titled Born Walden Robert Cassotto. Del Shannon also released a psychedelic album under his real name, The Further Adventures of Charles Westover.
posted by jonp72 at 6:21 AM on January 31, 2008
Taco - Taco Ockerse
I'm not sure that's the half I would have dropped.
posted by L. Fitzgerald Sjoberg at 6:23 AM on January 31, 2008
I'm not sure that's the half I would have dropped.
posted by L. Fitzgerald Sjoberg at 6:23 AM on January 31, 2008
I can't believe nobody's pointed out possibly the best Rock Name vs Real Name:
Gene Simmons (KISS) - Chaim Klein Witz
posted by splatta at 8:15 AM on January 31, 2008
Gene Simmons (KISS) - Chaim Klein Witz
posted by splatta at 8:15 AM on January 31, 2008
Was anyone else ever named Steveland? Was it a typo at the hospital? The name of a store his mother walked past?
posted by pracowity at 9:45 AM on January 31, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by pracowity at 9:45 AM on January 31, 2008 [1 favorite]
Gene Simmons (KISS) - Chaim Klein Witz
Yup, Gene is a "sabra," born in Haifa, Israel. He's also pretty right-wing on Israeli/Palestinian issues too.
posted by jonp72 at 9:58 AM on January 31, 2008
Yup, Gene is a "sabra," born in Haifa, Israel. He's also pretty right-wing on Israeli/Palestinian issues too.
posted by jonp72 at 9:58 AM on January 31, 2008
Wow, from that link Gene Simmons sounds like a very insecure person.
posted by splatta at 12:48 PM on January 31, 2008
posted by splatta at 12:48 PM on January 31, 2008
BBC-TV has a financial reporter named Julia Caesar. ... Funny parents, that Mr and Mrs Caesar.
Bill Lear, as in Lear Jet and 8-track tape, named his daughter Shanda. And when I was a file clerk at a hospital billing office, I came across records for a Ferris Wheeler.
posted by pax digita at 3:02 AM on February 1, 2008
Bill Lear, as in Lear Jet and 8-track tape, named his daughter Shanda. And when I was a file clerk at a hospital billing office, I came across records for a Ferris Wheeler.
posted by pax digita at 3:02 AM on February 1, 2008
Funny parents, that Mr and Mrs Caesar.
I once ran across a name in an Edmonton White Pages that I couldn't believe. Parents with the family name Case thought it hilarious to name their kid Justin.
Can you imagine the scene with substitute teacher?
Sub: What's your name?
Kid: Justin Case.
Sub: Go to the Principle's office.
Kid: But ... but ...
Sub: And take I.P. Freely with you.
posted by bwg at 5:06 AM on February 1, 2008
I once ran across a name in an Edmonton White Pages that I couldn't believe. Parents with the family name Case thought it hilarious to name their kid Justin.
Can you imagine the scene with substitute teacher?
Sub: What's your name?
Kid: Justin Case.
Sub: Go to the Principle's office.
Kid: But ... but ...
Sub: And take I.P. Freely with you.
posted by bwg at 5:06 AM on February 1, 2008
BBC-TV has a financial reporter named Julia Caesar. The first time I heard her sign off an item, I Googled her because I didn't think I'd heard it correctly. But I did. Funny parents, that Mr and Mrs Caesar.
There seem to be many football players from Brasil named Júlio César.
posted by ersatz at 5:08 AM on February 1, 2008
There seem to be many football players from Brasil named Júlio César.
posted by ersatz at 5:08 AM on February 1, 2008
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Wow, whatta revelation. My world is rocked.
posted by jonmc at 6:51 PM on January 30, 2008