Jacob Uitti

When it comes to the world of rap music, a unique moniker is essential. Few of the genre's stars ever start out a career using their given name.

The 1980s had to be the most unique decade for music in 20th century. The era blended disco and grunge, rap and glam rock. But it also featured the rise of the synthesizer. The electronic instrument was a mainstay in the era, used in everything from rock to dance music.

Halsey took the stage Thursday (November 21) for an intimate audience of about 1,400 fans at San Francisco's Regency Ballroom as part of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card Exclusives music series.

Nashville. Music City. The place where dreams are made of and songs flow out into the streets like water. There is no other place like it. Therefore, it stands to reason that some of the biggest names in music who have come through the city have also written songs about it.

In the 1990s, the acoustic guitar made a comeback. The jangly six-string was everywhere. From jam bands to solo acts using looper pedals, the instrument was in the hands of people all over late-night shows, live concerts, and your neighborhood pub.

Starting in 2009, the Athens, Alabama-born rock band Alabama Shakes began to rise up the ranks and enter our music-loving hearts. Fronted by lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, the group also included guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell and drummer Steve Johnson. After the group got a lot of attention online with their debut EP, they were signed by Dave Matthews' ATO Records.

In the 1960s music fans were treated to some of the greatest singing voices of all time. From Otis Redding to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and many more. It was the golden age of soul singers that seemed like it would go unrivaled forever. But ah-ha! Not so fast! Today, there are a few select singers whose voices rival those of the 1960s.

To many, Jay-Z is the greatest and most iconic rapper of all time. Not only does he boast 14 No. 1 albums on the Billboard Top 200, as well as many other hit songs, but he is a self-made billionaire who also married the talented and beautiful pop star Beyoncé. Indeed, Jay-Z has done it all in the rap game, from business to glamour and celebrity.

It's the age of the dragon. Thanks to television shows like Game of Thrones , the mythological creature is well known to people all around the world. But even before the popular HBO television show came to fame, there were rockers singing about the flying, fire-breathing animal.

Few songwriters and performers have ever come close to matching the crossover success of Alicia Keys. The glamorous songwriter, singer, and piano player has somehow been able to earn acclaim and attention in pop music while also appealing to those who enjoy more classical-style songs. She's a mainstay on awards shows and has both street cred and appeal from all ages.