Linkin Park

They're at it again! Chester, Mike and the rest of Linkin Park released another phenomenal album titled Meteora. Sophomore albums are famously tricky affairs. Musicians have their entire lives to pen their debut album, the theory goes, and a relatively short time to follow it up. But what if the debut in question is the biggest selling album in recent memory? And what if the music industry has Hollywood-like expectations for another instant blockbuster? That was the scenario Linkin Park faced when they entered the studio to record Meteora, the follow-up to their multi-platinum debut Hybrid Theory.

To those outside the band, the pressure to follow up that success might have seemed insurmountable. But within Linkin Park, vocalists Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda, guitarist Brad Delson, turntablist Joseph Hahn, drummer Rob Bourdon, and bassist Phoenix weren't sweating it in ways you might expect. Instead of dwelling on outside expectations, they set to work, meticulously crafting each moment of each song to their own exacting standards. The bigger picture developed accordingly.

"We don't ever want to have the mindset where we need to sell 10 million albums each time out. That's ridiculous," says Bennington. "It's a blessing to sell that many albums; it doesn't happen very often in this business--even once in your career is an achievement. Our obligation is to our fans. We're not going to get too comfortable and say it's a given that people will run out and buy our albums." "And if you know us, you know the biggest pressure came from within the band," says Shinoda.

"We just wanted to make another great album that we're proud of," says Bourdon. "We focused on that, and worked hard to create songs we love. We're our own harshest critics." If you doubt that, consider this: Shinoda and Bennington wrote 40 unique choruses for Meteora's poignant first single, "Somewhere I Belong," before arriving at the best possible version.

The entire band, in fact, sounds more fully realized on Meteora. It's a rare achievement: A full integration of six members that still retains the unique qualities of each individual. The end result is the thumbprint style known as Linkin Park. "We don't really analyze the chemistry," says Bourdon. "We're just lucky and grateful that we found each other and that we work so well together."

"The collaborations are more seamless now," agrees Bennington. "Mike, for instance, knows more about me as a person, and I know more about him, so it's easier to write lyrics together. It's not possible to have secrecy in our relationship. You have to open up, because you want the other person to be on the same page. We're all that way with each other."

Thanks to AjWiT05@aol.com for submitting the biography.

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Linkin-Park-Biography/9EF5136D3FAF011A4825698F0031F838

Linkin Park

They're at it again! Chester, Mike and the rest of Linkin Park released another phenomenal album titled Meteora. Sophomore albums are famously tricky affairs. Musicians have their entire lives to pen their debut album, the theory goes, and a relatively short time to follow it up. But what if the debut in question is the biggest selling album in recent memory? And what if the music industry has Hollywood-like expectations for another instant blockbuster? That was the scenario Linkin Park faced when they entered the studio to record Meteora, the follow-up to their multi-platinum debut Hybrid Theory.

To those outside the band, the pressure to follow up that success might have seemed insurmountable. But within Linkin Park, vocalists Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda, guitarist Brad Delson, turntablist Joseph Hahn, drummer Rob Bourdon, and bassist Phoenix weren't sweating it in ways you might expect. Instead of dwelling on outside expectations, they set to work, meticulously crafting each moment of each song to their own exacting standards. The bigger picture developed accordingly.

"We don't ever want to have the mindset where we need to sell 10 million albums each time out. That's ridiculous," says Bennington. "It's a blessing to sell that many albums; it doesn't happen very often in this business--even once in your career is an achievement. Our obligation is to our fans. We're not going to get too comfortable and say it's a given that people will run out and buy our albums." "And if you know us, you know the biggest pressure came from within the band," says Shinoda.

"We just wanted to make another great album that we're proud of," says Bourdon. "We focused on that, and worked hard to create songs we love. We're our own harshest critics." If you doubt that, consider this: Shinoda and Bennington wrote 40 unique choruses for Meteora's poignant first single, "Somewhere I Belong," before arriving at the best possible version.

The entire band, in fact, sounds more fully realized on Meteora. It's a rare achievement: A full integration of six members that still retains the unique qualities of each individual. The end result is the thumbprint style known as Linkin Park. "We don't really analyze the chemistry," says Bourdon. "We're just lucky and grateful that we found each other and that we work so well together."

"The collaborations are more seamless now," agrees Bennington. "Mike, for instance, knows more about me as a person, and I know more about him, so it's easier to write lyrics together. It's not possible to have secrecy in our relationship. You have to open up, because you want the other person to be on the same page. We're all that way with each other."

Thanks to AjWiT05@aol.com for submitting the biography.

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Linkin-Park-Biography/9EF5136D3FAF011A4825698F0031F838

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Morgan Lohan (1986 - )

In New York, NY, on 02 July 1986, Lindsay Lohan became the first child of a proud couple: Dina (a one-time Radio City "Rockette" and Wall Street analyst who now manages her daughter's career) and Michael Lohan (a long-time Wall Street trader who developed, then sold, his family's multi-million-dollar pasta business to fund and develop major studios and independent Hollywood productions). Three siblings (Michael, Aliana and Dakota) would follow in the years to come.

Lindsay started modeling (she was the first redheaded child ever signed by the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency) and acting at the tender age of 3. People in the business quickly recognized her talent, and she was hired to shoot more than 60 commercials; including spots for Pizza Hut, Wendy's and Jell-O (with Bill Cosby). A plum role soon followed on the television series Another World as the third actress (in late 1996 and early 1997) to play Alexandra "Alli" Fowler.

Around this time, USA Today says Lindsay also would become one of several New York-area children to appear in a Halloween skit on David Letterman, dressed as garbage (!).

It was not until 05 January 1997 that she knew she would be cast in a major motion picture. The director of The Parent Trap, Nancy Meyers, called Lindsay that day and told her that she had the part — or is that parts — of the twins. As you no doubt have seen (after all, you're here), Lindsay proved that she is an actress of considerable skill, deftly handling two different personalities in one single movie.

Lindsay was officially recognized for her talent as well; earning a Young Artist Award for Leading Actress (which she shared with Stepmom's Jena Malone), and nominations for a YoungStar Award and a Blockbuster Entertainment Award.

Early in 1999, Lindsay filmed another movie. Life-Size — originally a Wonderful World of Disney production later released on home video — allowed Lindsay to act with Tyra Banks.

In 2000, Lindsay won the role of "Rose" in Bette Midler's television sitcom, Bette. After shooting the pilot episode, the show's producers decided it would be easier on the crew — most of whom lived near Los Angeles — if filming moved to California. Lindsay gave up the role to stay in New York, and Los Angeles-area actress Marina Malota was pegged to take over the role of Midler's teen-aged daughter. The series was canceled only a few months later, due to sagging ratings and the strain on the show's stars (ironically, Midler had to fly cross-country from her New York home to film her own show).

In June, 2001, Lindsay completed filming the role of "Lexy Gold" in Get a Clue, the Disney Channel Original Movie of the Month for January, 2002 — later rescheduled for telecast in June, 2002.

Walt Disney Pictures announced on 31 July 2002 that Lindsay had signed on to play Anna Coleman in the theatrical remake of Freaky Friday. Updating yet another film from its vaults, Disney signed Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis (A Fish Called Wanda) as the mother-and-daughter team who wake up one day in each other's bodies. Lohan — who already proved she could fill Hayley Mills' shoes and then some — took on a role that helped propel a young Jodie Foster to stardom.

In September, 2002, Lindsay appeared poised to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a singer when one of the biggest names in music, Emilio Estefan, Jr., took Lindsay under his professional wing. Estefan Enterprises announced a five-album production deal and the promise of an aggressive effort to "sell" her pop style "with a rock edge" to a major record label.

In 2003, Lindsay accepted the lead role in Disney's Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (originally a New Line project written for Hilary Duff, who had to pass due to her full schedule). Filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and in New York City, Queen is set for release early in 2004.

Later in 2003, leaving The Mouse behind (for now), Lindsay jumped over to Paramount Studios to re-team with Freaky director Mark S. Waters for Mean Girls. Principal photography ended in November, 2003. During filming, she began negotiations to star in Dramarama for Warner Bros.

Lindsay Lohan shares her birthday with the late US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the late civil rights activist Medgar Evers, the late King Olav V of Norway, former Philippine First Lady Imelda ("I have more shoes than you") Marcos, New Hampshire Congressman John Sununu, WWF wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart, retired NASCAR driver Richard "The King of Stock Car Racing" Petty, and the late Wendy's Restaurant founder Dave Thomas (really!). Fellow actors born on 02 July include Yancy Butler (Witchblade), James McNichol (General Hospital, brother of actress Kristy McNichol), Jerry Hall (Batman, ex-wife of Mick Jagger), Ron Silver (Billionaire Boys' Club), Brock Peters (Star Trek), Ken Curtis (Gunsmoke), and Polly Holliday (Flo on television, "Marva Kulp, Sr." in The Parent Trap).

Trivia:

Lindsay also has worked as a model for Abercrombie & Fitch Kids (A&F Kids) and Calvin Klein Kids.

Her family's last name is pronounced "low-han" but, when speaking quickly, they tend to say "lowen".

Lindsay was raised on Long Island, NY, where her family still maintains its home. She hasn't ruled out moving to California, however, following high school.

Her birthday is 02 July, not 11 October. That birthday was shared by Annie James and Hallie Parker, Lindsay's characters in The Parent Trap.

Lindsay earned the roles of the twins after a six-month casting search. Later, Life-Size and Get a Clue were offered by Disney as part of a three-picture deal signed after Trap was filmed.

Immediately after Trap, Disney offered Lindsay the lead female role in Inspector Gadget but, having just finished seven months' work on The Parent Trap, she declined. The role instead was accepted by Michelle Trachtenberg. Soon, a rumor began to circulate that Trachtenberg "gave" the Trap role to Lohan, who later "gave" the Gadget project to Trachtenberg. The rumor is not true. (On the other hand, did you know Michelle's "birthday is on October 11th??! How weird is that?")

Following a self-imposed hiatus, Lindsay auditioned for Freaky Friday.

The body-switch comedy opened on 06 August 2003, and immediately took its place as the top comedy at the box office, earning well over $100 million in US release. Lindsay's singing debut, Ultimate, helped propel the film's soundtrack album into Billboard Magazine's Top 20 in under three weeks.

Ultimate was written for Friday by songwriters Jeff Coplan and Robert Ellis Orrall.
source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Lindsay-Lohan-Biography/62CB18258F54216C48256EE1000CC40D

Limp Bizkit

Limp Bizkit is a band from Jacksonville, Florida. They started out on around late 1994 giving free shows and concerts whenever they could get a gig. Yes i know its hard to believe but the Number 1 band in the nation once was nothing but your tipical Local Band trying to get a record deal. Fred and Sam met up and became good friends when Sam suggested his cousin, John Otto, to play the drums for the band. Later, Wes was brought into the picture along with House of Pains main man, DJ Lethal and Limp Bizkit was started. They got their name when Fred was talking to his friend (and now roadie) when said that "his brain was like a limp biscuit." So Fred liked it and the name of their band after it.

This is an awesome band that already has a large fan base from touring with Family Values, and other tours that tend to attract large crowds.It also helps when you open for bands such as Korn and the Deftones. Limp Bizkit, after all the struggles and shit they had to put up with, has the biggest fan crowd in North America with their first hit "Faith from the album 3 Dollar Bill Ya'll, then they really hit it big with there big hit "Nookie" which was on there sophmore album, Significant Other.

After "Nookie" took the top spot on every chart in Canada and US, it was time for Limp Bizkit to give alittle something back to the fans. That summer, Limp Bizkit started the now famous "Back to Basics Tour". This tour was a free tour, first come first serve basis and was ment to give something back to the fans and to thank them for their support. Soon after that Fred and the gang got ready to release their Junior (3rd) record to the public. Struggling with titles such as "Limpendence Day" and "The Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water," Limp Bizkit finally decided on a name, "The Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water." Around November/October they released the album. It was a total hit right away selling thousands within the first week. With hits such as "rollin" and "my generation" Limp Bizkit was back on top of the world.

Wes Borland dropped the group to set off in his own way, and this left the band short a guitarist. After trying Fred, and having a nation wide contest, then hadn't found anyone. John Otto, at a bar, was having fun. He ran into Mike Smith, former S.N.O.T native. They found each other talking, eventually jamming, and eventually touring.

Their fourth album is dropped Septemeber 23rd, and the first single off of it is "Eat You Alive". Results May Vary is the title of the album, and now is housing "Behind Blue Eyes" as it's single.

Thanks to Craig VanWagoner for submitting the biography.
source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Limp-Bizkit-Biography/6DE0F7FE249F3ED6482568C700000F65

Lily Allen

Lily Allen is the 21 year old strange glint in her eyes singer/writer who has been tearing up the web at a rate of knots. When she was a young girl- "I was very lonely actually. I went to 13 different schools so never had time to make enduring friendships. Music became a lifeline to me."

Born in Hammersmith, Lily grew up fast. "I listened to punk, ska and reggae when I grew up, courtesy of my parents' record collections. We moved around London... Shepherds Bush, Bloomsbury, Islington... and I absorbed all the music around me. I got expelled from various schools and was sent to boarding school as they thought it would be a restraining influence, but I ran away to Glastonbury and other places when I was 14. I was into jungle and drum and bass. It was obvious I didn't like authority. I guess I knew from an early age that I could never do a job where I'd have to sit in an office all day long."

Lily finally left school at 15 when it became obvious her creative needs were not being met. "I always read a lot. It was frustrating moving schools so much because I always felt I couldn't articulate my feelings as much as I wanted to. Books and music helped me do that. I became obsessed by quite arcane subjects, like second world war evacuation stories and books about 18th century aristocracy. I started to feel like I could have a voice. But I wanted to write about my own world in an entertaining way. So I did."

"Riding through the city on my bike all day
'Cause the filth took away my license...
Everything seems to look as it should
But I wonder what goes on behind doors
A fella lookin' dapper and he's sitting with a slapper
Then I see it's a pimp and his crack whore"

Lily's incisive lyrical observations belie her years. "A lot of female artists, and male ones for that matter, are boring singers who don't say anything. Certainly not to my generation. With the kind of music I do you have to be direct and quite literal. I don't play an instrument, which really makes me focus on the vocal melody, and the lyrics are incredibly important to me. I don't want to be part of a scene... the whole idea of that makes me feel sick... and most of the music I listen to is by outsider figures, which is where I feel happiest."

"There was a little old lady who was walking down the road
She was struggling with bags from Tesco
There were people in the city having lunch in the park
I believe that is called alfresco
Then a kid came along to offer a hand
But before she had time to accept it
Hits her over the head, doesn't care if she's dead
'Cause he's got all her jewelry and wallet"

Lily's current listening is not that of an average 20 year old. Even a cursory glimpse at her site shows a breathtaking appreciation of diverse music. Listed amongst a host of current and unsigned dance artists are names like The Specials, Rip Rig and Panic, T.Rex ("possibly the best band ever, ever!") The Slits, Blondie and Wreckless Eric. Oh, and Kate Bush "when she was my age", Prince and Eminem.

Lily signed to Parlophone in December. "Since then it's gone mad. The online support I got for my music grew quickly, then the next thrill was hearing it on the radio. The reaction has been so positive it's left me reeling a bit. But I'm happy and I know the songs can live up to people's expectations. I chose to make LDN a low key 7" release to start things at a decent level ? also I know that all the songs on the album are so strong that we have loads more singles in the bag."

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Lily-Allen-Biography/F29715EB499672CF4825719A00473D8F

Lifehouse

"I don't have it all figured out," says 20-year-old Lifehouse singer-guitarist-songwriter Jason Wade. "You learn so many things every day, and it's overwhelming sometimes trying to see how it all fits together. I'm starting to realize that each day is a different road and a different journey, and you don't have to have it all figured out; you don't have to have all the answers to everything right now."

One of the things Jason hasn't figured out is how Lifehouse - which also includes bassist Sergio Andrade and drummer Rick Woolstenhulme (self-described "guitar guy" Stuart Mathis, who played on Lifehouse's early demos, joins the band onstage) - went from playing a few college shows to sharing the road with Pearl Jam, Fuel, Everclear and matchbox twenty.

Perhaps even more incomprehensible is how this recently obscure Los Angles band scored a #1hit on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart, with "Hanging By A Moment," only ten weeks after the release of their debut album, No Name Face (issued Oct. 31, 2000, on DreamWorks Records). Jason, Sergio and Rick were equally incredulous at the appearance of their song "Everything" on the popular TV show "Roswell."

"It's all been unbelievable," Jason says of Lifehouse's success thus far. "We didn't expect any of this, but we're so grateful to have so many people hearing our songs. I really can't explain how it's happened."

In fact, the trio's frontman is hard-pressed to explain most of the unexpected twists his life has taken. His early years in Camarillo, Calif., for instance, would suggest an all-American boyhood, but then his family began touring the Far East, visiting Japan, Thailand and Singapore before moving to Hong Kong. Moreover, he admits to having little interest in music until his parents split up and the songs just started pouring out of him.

"This record deals a lot with self-discovery and breaking out of whatever your parents or your boss or whoever thinks you should be, says Jason of No Name Face. "It's about trying to find out for yourself who you're supposed to be - your purpose, your destiny in the world."

Reluctant to discuss his lyrics in detail, Jason feels they are infinitely open to interpretation. "That's the great thing about a song - a lyric may mean something totally different for someone else than it does for me and still be just as valid," he insists. A case in point is album closer "Everything": "We've been playing it on tour and when kids come up after the show, it seems like they always tell us how much they love that song. They don't really know what it's about, but they hear something in it that connects to them personally. That's why you don't have to tell the whole picture in the lyrics; you give a road to start on that people can relate to."

Jason understands firsthand how bleak life can seem without something or someone to relate to. "When I was a kid and we lived in Hong Kong, we lived in a small village and the people there hated us," he says. "They thought we were witches bringing trouble to their neighborhood. They lit firecrackers at our door every morning, and they actually stole our cat, cooked and ate it! I was totally scared and freaked out and I didn't have any friends."

After four difficult years, Jason's family moved back to the U.S., to Portland, Ore. Asked why, he ventures: "My parents had a lot of issues. But they wouldn't allow me to see the problems in their relationship. Our family was always peaceful; there was never any fighting or anything. We looked perfectly happy from the outside. It was like 'Pleasantville.' The worst part was that I couldn't acknowledge anything was wrong, so I couldn't do anything about it. I felt completely powerless."

By the time he was 12, Jason's parents had divorced and he'd moved with his mom to the Seattle area. He spent most of his early days there alone in his room, pouring his heart out in poetry. "I was experiencing all the pain anyone feels when their parents get divorced. It opened up all this stuff," he confides. "But it also opened up this creative outlet for me. It's funny, because I was never a musical kid - never took lessons, never really listened to the radio. But I suddenly just started writing lyrics and coming up with melodies. We lived in the woods, and I'd take these long walks and the songs would just start happening."

Jason's mother had been musical. "My mom always had a guitar lying around the house," he recollects. "I finally just picked it up and learned how to play a few chords." Having found some solace in music, he eventually began reconciling himself to his new circumstances and settled into his new home.

This phase of his life ended, however, when his mother decided to relocate the family to Los Angeles. "I didn't want to move at all," he attests. "I'd finally made all these friends, and Washington had been a really a comforting place for me during the divorce. I thought it would be home forever."

So, at 15, Jason moved to L.A., where he hooked up with bassist Sergio Andrade and began blossoming as a songwriter. "I really didn't know anyone. Serge lived next door and we had a lot of stuff in common, like playing basketball and running," he says. "He'd just started playing bass, so we hung out a lot. We spent all our time jamming out in the garage, writing songs and helping each other get better."

Originally from Guatemala City, Sergio left his homeland at age 14 to move to California. He, too, had a musical parent. "My father played piano," he confirms, "and I ended up playing keyboards." He gravitated toward rock, pop and Latin styles, also playing trombone and flute in the school orchestra.

Sergio later switched to drums and then bass, becoming somewhat obsessed with the instrument - "All I did was play bass," he says. "I knew Jason was a talented guy, but that wasn't what mattered to me," Sergio continues. "I was still learning English and really didn't know anyone. I just wanted to be involved in music and make some friends."

The two paired with a drummer (who has since left the group) and after honing their sound for a few more months, inaugurated a Friday night residency at a local school auditorium. The gatherings were casual events where the band was afforded onstage jam time (some of these jams became songs, among them "Everything"). "They had a really good P.A. system there and we could do whatever we wanted," Jason reports. "We got smoke machines and lights and basically turned it into this little club scene. Kids would come from all over, and we started filling the place up. At one point we were getting, like, 450 people out every week. That went on for two years."

Word-of-mouth about the band soon reached No Name Face producer Ron Aniello, who let them make some rudimentary recordings at his home studio.

Drummer Rick Woolstenhulme also heard about the band through the grapevine. Born and raised in the Arizona farm town of Gilbert, he says he was one of those kids who was always pounding on things. "My mom plays piano, my dad plays piano and guitar and my brother plays guitar," Rick relates. "I guess they decided I was the next musician in the family, so they got me this beat-up old kit and I started taking lessons right away." Rick went on to attend The Los Angeles Music Academy and has played drums and percussion ever since.

"I was playing with this other group," he says of his earliest, accidental exposure to Lifehouse, "and Jason and Serge were practicing in the next room - I'd bump into them in the hallway." A while later, someone suggested to Rick that he check out a band called Lifehouse, who were looking for a new drummer. "The name didn't ring a bell for me. Even after I officially met these guys, we didn't make the connection right away," he recalls. "It was a couple weeks of 'I've seen you somewhere' and 'you look really familiar' before we figured it out."

Remarks Jason: "It was one of those weird coincidences. As soon as we met and started playing with Rick we knew he was the guy. It just clicked. We'd all go to the beach and Burger King and just do nothing together. We knew right away it was going to work." Attests Rick: "It was really smooth - I just sort of snapped on."

Sergio says of the band's collaboration: "Jason would usually have the song written before he'd bring it to us. Then we all kind of arrange it together. The way we work on songs feels really natural, which I think has a lot to do with us being tight as a band and as friends."

Aniello saw the progress Lifehouse was making but felt the band needed more time to develop before recording an album. So Jason kept on writing, and the trio continued to rehearse intensively and play gigs, including some at local colleges. Comments Sergio: "We went through a lot of phases trying to find our own sound. We learned from our mistakes. We'd see tapes of ourselves onstage and go, 'This is horrible.' But we'd just say, 'Okay, we gotta fix it,' and go back and practice some more."

Jason stayed in touch with Aniello. Two years passed, and then he played "Breathing" for the producer. "He got really excited about it," Jason says, "and he played it for his friend Jude Cole, who's our manager now.

"I was blown away by what I heard," says Cole. "Here were these teenagers skateboarding around their tract-house neighborhood and banging out this really deep music in the garage. I was totally moved by 'Breathing' - it was the kind of song that captures a moment in time, the kind you always remember where you were when you first heard it. Jason was only 17, but he already had that incredibly resonant voice. I was also impressed by his writing and guitar work. He had an instinctive understanding of how to create a mood. Even before Ron started playing me their other stuff, I knew I had to work with this band."

Cole immediately called DreamWorks Records principal Michael Ostin, who had been Cole's own A&R representative when Cole was a recording artist. In 1998, DreamWorks funded Lifehouse's first real demos, which Aniello produced.

Many of these tracks made their way to No Name Face. "When we tried to re-record some of the songs for the album, we just couldn't get the same spirit the demos had," Jason says. "The demos had been recorded right after the songs were written and even though they weren't perfect, they were so real, so honest." "Trying," for instance, is fundamentally the same recording Jason made at Ron's home studio when he was 15, with one significant change: "I had to go back in and re-record my vocals for the album because my voice had changed."

The rest of No Name Face was also laid down mostly at Aniello's home studio. "Ron's studio is right down the street from us," Jason says. "If we'd been working really late, we'd just spend the night there. We'd wake up, have breakfast with Ron and get right back to it. He's been like a father to me in a lot of ways, and the whole recording process had this homegrown, family feel that made it so easy to be creative. I wrote 'Hanging By A Moment' in the studio while we were finishing some other stuff."

Jason's trust in Aniello helped make these sessions a learning experience. "I came in wanting it to be all slick and fancy," he concedes. "I was so excited to be in the studio making a record - I wanted every instrument and every effect on the planet. Ron said pretty early that he felt the record should sound organic, that the production should be simple and transparent. I'd have all these ideas, and we did use some of them, but after a while I realized he was right. The record needed to sound more raw."

This sonic edge was indeed the right complement to Lifehouse's emotionally charged songs. Evidence of that can be found in the thousands of calls placed to Modern Rock stations across America requesting "Hanging By A Moment."

"The best thing about all this is being able to stay on the road," says Jason. "We've been meeting new fans in cities all over the country. It's so cool to hear what they think about the music, and it makes me feel so good when they say that one of our songs has helped them get through a rough time, that they were able to apply it to their own life."

To be sure, this is the sort of opportunity only afforded a band on the way up. But Jason and his mates have had no trouble staying grounded amid all the hubbub. After all, it's not like they've actually met Pearl Jam. "We love Pearl Jam," Jason says. "Once we got over the shock of actually being on tour with them, we went backstage to hang out with them. But security would never let us through the door. We tried a bunch of times and could never get in. I'm sure the band didn't even know about it. And, of course, security had no idea who we were - we were just some fans."

Being "just a fan," a music lover like any other, is what Jason is and always wants to be. "My ultimate goal in writing songs is simply to connect with people," he says, "and I hope that comes across in everything we do."

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Lifehouse-Biography/EA4ABF0E8C5F916148256A0700080062

Lemar

Less than a year ago, Lemar Obika’s hopes of making it as a singer seemed to be dead in the water. Having actually achieved his ambition of securing a record deal with a major record label, the twenty five year old singer’s dream suddenly turned to dust when, before even getting a record out, his contract was cancelled: a victim of internal changes at the label.

This was a cruel blow for the twenty five year old Tottenham born singer who had spent nearly seven years building his reputation on the London R&B scene: performing alongside the likes of Destiny's Child and Usher along the way.

Reluctantly, Lemar returned to his old day job as an accounts manager at the Nat West Bank and weighed up his options. Chief amongst these was a return to full time education: the singer having earlier turned down a place to study Pharmacy at Cardiff University in favour of pursuing his singing career. As it turned out, however, fate was to have different plans in store for him.

"I'd left my keys in the staff cafeteria one lunch time and went back to get them," he remembers. "That's when I saw the TV advert for Fame Academy. It was completely a chance thing. I think if I hadn't of gone through what I'd gone through with my record deal I wouldn't really have been interested. But I really thought there was no other option - here was one final chance for me to say - 'This is me'. It really was the last straw."

As is so often the case, it would be this last throw of the dice that would provide an unexpected breakthrough. For having entered, not only did Lemar make his way through the qualifying rounds and onto the finals of the BBC Fame Academy show but his performances of Al Greens's - Let?s Stay Together and duet with Lionel Ritchie on Easy Like A Sunday Morning would become highlights of the programme’s ten week run.

With his all too obvious talent and charisma confirming him as an early favourite with the programmes huge audience, Lemar would eventually make it to the show?s final week before ending up coming third in the overall competition. Well aware of the pitfalls of appearing on such a programme, Lemar feels that overall Fame Academy was a positive experience: the key point for him is that he managed to achieve his success on Fame Academy whilst also managing to stay true to himself, both musically and personally.

“I had a lot of apprehensions about doing the show because the only thing you could compare it to at that point was Pop Idol,” he now admits. “I didn?t want to be ridiculed or forced to sing pop. In the advert they said you could sing your own genre of music and that’s what convinced me - because I felt there would be scope for me to do what I wanted to do. And it turned out to be true,” he says.

Certainly those viewing were struck by the authenticity of Lemar’s talents and his lack of affectation. Amongst the millions captivated by Lemar?s appearances was the Queen of UK R&B, Beverly Knight, who was so impressed by the aspiring singer that she wrote to the shows producers inviting him to join her onstage at her gig at the Hammersmith Apollo when he finished the show.

"I only caught Fame Academy on TV a couple of times and saw Lemar on both occasions,” says Beverly. “I just thought he was really good and promising, so I asked Lemar to join me at The Hammersmith Apollo. I perform a duet in my live shows and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for him to showcase his talent within a more soulful and different environment.”

With the concert falling the day after Lemar actually left Fame Academy, it would be his first taste of life after Fame Academy and his first opportunity to really gauge public opinion. As it turned out he had no reason to worry. “The reception was absolutely amazing. I hadn?t even sung and there was a standing ovation. Then we sang her song Beautiful Contradiction together and the place went mad. So I was over the moon - it was like wow,” he says.

This positive response has been repeated virtually everywhere Lemar goes, whether it be on the nationwide Fame Academy tour that followed the TV show, or out on the street as Lemar goes about his daily business. He says: “Everyone has been so nice. From the streetest streetest cat to the most sort of middle class lady, everybody’s been great. I was just walking down the street now and this young guy came up to me and was like, ‘Yo, Lemar, you’e large’.”

It’s this mixture of street credibility and mainstream appeal, together with Lemar?s outstanding vocal abilities, which have seen the cream of the UK’s writing and production teams lining up to work with him. Stargate, So Solid Crew, Cut Father & Joe and Blacksmith are just a few of the names Lemar has been in the studio with amassing more that twenty seven songs in little over a month.

Lemar’s first single is set to be Dance (With You)- released August 11th. A song which Lemar describes as – “a cross between Michael Jackson and Musiq Soulchild.” The song cleverly manages the balancing act of staying true to the R&B scene where Lemar comes from and also keeping in tow the audience he built up with Fame Academy.

Says Lemar: “When I did the Fame Academy Tour I really saw that my audience is very broad: so I want to make sure that I incorporate people. On my album I want to pull in the street side and make sure there’s enough there for them, because that?s where I from, but I also don’t want to lose the audience that I built up on TV. So, it’s basically going to be soulful R&B, that will be the base, and when I do mainstream it will be tasteful and in keeping with that.”

With his days at Nat West less than a year behind him, whatever happens, Lemar says he will be keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

“I just want to take things one step at a time. The only thing I can do is to do what I feel is best and take whatever hail stones come my way,” he says.
source : http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Lemar-Biography/F866AB9DE267CFB948256E2900062902

Lee Ryan

Lee has always been an entertainer and attended a performing arts school as a child prior to joining one of Britain's most successful boy bands, Blue.

In 2001 Lee released his debut single with Blue, the anthemic All Rise, and at 17 he was the youngest member of the band. Notorious for his enthusiastic and mischievous performances, Lee soon became a favourite with fans old and young. As the band developed and its popularity grew, Lee's genuine musical ability as both a singer and songwriter became obvious, resulting in him co-writing and performing lead vocals on many of Blue's most successful releases.

Now in 2004 Blue has become one of the biggest-selling pop acts across the world, winning awards such as Best Newcomer at the BRIT Awards 2002, Best UK Band and Best Live Act at the Smash Hits Awards 2002 and Best Single, Best Newcomer and Best Pop Act at the Capital FM Awards. MTV Japan voted the band's One Love video as Best Pop Video whilst MTV Asia named them Best International Group.

The band has had major selling hits in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and Ireland and has sold over 5 million albums and 3 million singles across the world.

During his career with Blue, Lee's vocal talents have brought him notoriety and respect with many of the key figures in today's music industry. He has already collaborated with world-class superstars such as Elton John (Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word) and Stevie Wonder (Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours) with Blue, whilst plans have been made for Lee to work with numerous other great talents as he develops his solo career in 2005.

Along with his musical talents, Lee has always had a passion for film and screen-writing, in fact he co-directed the video to his self-penned hit 'Breathe Easy' with video director Cameron Casey. He has also recently finished a film director's course at the Tisch School of the Arts in New York, as well as having his own production company.

After five years performing with Blue Lee has become an experienced and creatively rounded performer with talents and interests across all the arts.

Lee has universal appeal - his talent, good looks and charm mean he is one of the most popular celebrities performing today, whilst his drive, energy and enthusiasm make him one of the most exciting and creative artists to watch in 2005.

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Lee-Ryan-Biography/370D4A88F25CB1A9482570510009795F

LeAnn Rimes

BORN: August 28, 1982

With her phenomenal early success, LeAnn Rimes has gone from being the little girl from Garland, Texas with the big voice to a contemporary, cosmopolitan young woman. Possessing one of the most spectacular voices in the business, as well as an incredible gift for performing, LeAnn made her motion picture debut in 2000 in the film "Coyote Ugly," stunning audiences with a fresh look and sound that are reflective of her growth as a young adult.

LeAnn recently ventured through the historic and rugged Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to record a musical special for "Music in High Places." Airing on DirecTV throughout Spring 2001, and on VH-1 in June and July 0f 2001, the show is an excellent showcase for LeAnn's personality and extraordinary vocal talent. The special features acoustic performances on the picturesque beaches of Punte Morales; near the crocodile-infested swamplands of the Yucatan jungle; in the expansive ancient ball courts of Chich?n Itz? and atop the pyramids of Izamal. LeAnn also performs a chillingly beautiful a cappella version of "Amazing Grace" in the stunning 16th century San Bernadino de Siena Convent. While all of the performances bear LeAnn's musical trademark, her fun and adventurous spirit shines through as she explores the ancient ruins and interacts with the local people.

LeAnn was born August 28, 1982 in Jackson, Mississippi, and began singing before she reached the age of two. She moved to Texas a few years later, and by age 11, had recorded her first album, All That, which was released on a small, independent label. The buzz created throughout Dallas by this album garnered the attention of Curb Records. Shortly thereafter, LeAnn released her remarkable major label debut, Blue, which went multi-platinum. The title track from that album ultimately became one of her signature songs.

In the following year, LeAnn released You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs, and accomplished a feat never before achieved by a Country artis–the album debuted simultaneously on three Billboard Magazine charts (Pop, Country and Contemporary Christian). Next came The Early Years: Unchained Melody, a compilation of her compelling early work, which went multi-platinum. LeAnn had a massive hit with the #1 pop single "How Do I Live," which currently holds the Billboard chart record of 32 consecutive weeks at #1. This single also gave LeAnn the distinction of becoming the first Country artist ever to achieve triple-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). She is also only the second woman, along with Whitney Houston, ever to earn this honor. "How Do I Live" has also recently passed the 200-week mark on the Top Country Singles Sales Charts; this is the first time any single has reached the 200 mark on any Billboard chart.

LeAnn's career has been marked by more than stratospheric record sales. In 1997, she won two Grammys, including "Best New Artist," which marked the first time a Country artist had ever captured that honor. She also won an American Music Award, three Academy of Country Music awards, a TNN Music City News award, Billboard's special "Hot 100" award, and the CMA "Horizon Award." LeAnn closed that year with four Billboard Music Awards, including "Artist of the Year." Overseas, she has also been awarded the BBC's prestigious "Rising Star" award.

In 1998, LeAnn recorded and released Sittin' On Top of the World. The album featured the hit single "Commitment," as well as "Looking Through Your Eyes," which was included on the soundtrack of the animated film "Quest for Camelot."

The following year, LeAnn released the self-titled LeAnn Rimes, which featured her unique interpretations of 11 Country standards including "Crazy," "I Fall To Pieces," "Leavin' On Your Mind," and "Me And Bobby McGee." The album produced the smash hit single "Big Deal." Among her professional and personal highlights that year, LeAnn credits recording "Written In The Stars," a duet with Elton John for the award-winning soundtrack to the Broadway musical, "Aida," and traveling to Europe to present a special Thanksgiving Day concert for the Pope. She also enjoyed serving as "Good Morning America’s" celebrity host for the American Music Awards.

LeAnn made her acting debut in 1997, starring in the ABC movie "Holiday in Your Heart," which aired to public and critical acclaim. The movie was based on the book of the same title, which LeAnn co-wrote with Tom Carter.

In 2000, LeAnn made her motion picture debut in Buena Vista's "Coyote Ugly" for producer Jerry Bruckheimer. In addition to appearing in a surprise cameo in the film, LeAnn recorded four Diane Warren songs for the soundtrack, including the hit single "Can't Fight The Moonlight." Both the album and song were huge multi-platinum hits in the U.S. and worldwide. The album was nominated for an American Music Award and the Blockbuster Entertainment Award in the category of "Favorite Soundtrack" and "Can't Fight The Moonlight" won the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for "Favorite Song From A Movie." LeAnn made another soundtrack contribution in 2000, recording the char--topping hit single "I Need You" for the television miniseries "Jesus." LeAnn donated her artist fee and royalties from the single to create a wing at the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Tennessee called the LeAnn Rimes Adventure Gym.

LeAnn will soon head back into the studio to record her eighth album, on which she hopes to take some musical departures and give voice to the new and exciting directions in which she is moving as an artist. She is also looking to explore more options in film and television.

LeAnn currently resides in Los Angeles.

source : http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/SingerUnid/C0100F32491BC46B48256945000D8498

Leah Dizon

Leah Dizon (Ria Dizon?, born as Leah Donna Dizon on September 24, 1986) is a model, singer, and a TV personality in Japan, born in Las Vegas, Nevada, US.[1] She has two older brothers, an older sister, and two younger brothers. Her astrological sign is Libra, and her Chinese zodiac sign is Tiger. Her blood type is O.[1] Her ethnicities include Chinese, Filipino and French

Career
Leah Dizon received moderate success in America including the cover features of various import car magazines. However, her modeling career in the United States gained her much attention and a fanbase overseas, predominantly in Asia. One year after her pictures were posted up on the internet, she already had 2,000,000 hits from search engines.[1] Following the advice of her fans, Dizon sent a demo tape with model photographs of herself to a talent agency in Japan and in April of 2006, after being accepted, she immediately moved to Tokyo. In October 2006, she released her first photobook titled Petite Amie (Girlfriend in French), which was ranked as the third best selling photobook of that year.[2]

On February 14, 2007, she released her first CD single and DVD package, Softly under the record label Victor Entertainment(VIZL-216),[3] which peaked at number #7 in the Oricon Weekly Chart. At the same time, she also released her second photobook titled Hello! Leah.[4].

On May 30, 2007, Dizon released her second single ????
, which also peaked at #7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart. The title track is described as a 'grooving, up-tempo dance song' and the single features 2 B-sides: Could you be that one? and ?????~ Love Story.[5] The title track, ????
is being used in a Lotte TV ad[6] while Could you be that one? is being used in a PlayStation 3 Ninja Gaiden Sigma TV ad, with Dizon starring in both commercials.

Her third single entitled L?O?V?E U was released on August 8, 2007. [7]

Leah will be releasing her debut album "Destiny Line" September 12th, 2007. The CD+DVD Edition is to contain 14 tracks, 10 of which was penned by Leah herself the single PVs as well as a special album PV "Again and Again". The CD Only Edition will contain the digitally released remix of ????
, called (yasutaka nakata-capsule mix).

Leah Dizon's third photobook titled Heaven, will be released October 5th, 2007. It will include a DVD.
source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leah_Dizon

L.A. Guns

History

Foundation, merge with Hollywood Rose and reformation (1983-1985)
In the 1980s, Tracii Guns formed the band known as L.A. Guns with singer Michael Jagosz, bassist Ole Beich, and drummer Rob Gardner. Michael Jagosz was sent to prison for a short time and was replaced by singer Axl Rose. Axl soon quit to form Hollywood Rose and was replaced by Michael Jagosz after he had returned from his time in prison. After a while, Tracii Guns, Rob Gardner, and Ole Beich combined L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose, with members Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin. When this happened the new band became known as Guns N' Roses, which explains the name, Guns for L.A. Guns, and Roses, for Hollywood Rose. Tracii quickly left the band due to differences with Axl Rose.


Reformation (1985-1988)
For the second lineup of L.A. Guns, Tracii recruited Mau Maus and The Joneses drummer Paul Mars Black on lead vocals and guitarist Mick Cripps (who switched to bass) and teamed up with drummer Nickey "Beat" Alexander. They were later joined by ex Dogs D'Amour first singer, Robert Stoddard on rhythm guitar. This lineup demoed and gigged in 1985 and 1986, with Black contributing to most of the material that would be recorded on their debut album.

Paul was replaced by Phil Lewis of the British band, Girl. Mick then switched to guitar when Robert left, and former member of Faster Pussycat, Kelly Nickels, was added on bass. L.A. Guns then recorded their first album, released in 1988 on Vertigo Records, L.A. Guns. The debut album spawned the singles "One More Reason" and "Sex Action" along with many other L.A. Guns classics.


Classic lineup (1988-1992)
On the first album's supporting tour, Nickey was replaced by former W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley and this lineup remained until 1992. In 1989, they released their second album Cocked & Loaded. It contained the smash radio and video hit, "The Ballad of Jayne" which brought the album to gold sales status (over five hundred thousand sold), this was the commercial peak of their career. The album also contained the hits, "Never Enough" and "Rip & Tear". The band also released two home videos coinciding with these two albums, "One More Reason" (1989) and "Love, Peace, & Geese" (1990).

During 1991, the band released their third album Hollywood Vampires on Polydor Records. The album failed to re-achieve the gold status of Cocked & Loaded, but did spawn a few hits such as "Kiss My Love Goodbye" and "It's Over Now". And in 1993, their first album, L.A. Guns, reached gold status as well. Guns participated in the supergroup Contraband the same year. The L.A. Guns released a five song EP titled Cuts in 1992 and then in 1994 their fourth album Vicious Circle, drummer Michael "Bones" Gershima played on parts of these recording as this was around this time Phil Lewis fired drummer Steve Riley. Riley later returned to the band for the Vicious Circle club tour. After this, the L.A. Guns were dropped from Polygram (Vertigo/Polydor) Records. Phil Lewis and Mick Cripps then left the band.


Experimentation (1993-1998)
July 1995 saw Tracii Guns and Steve Riley recruit vocalist Chris Van Dahl and guitarist Johnny Crypt after seeing them perform with their band Boneyard. Six months into recording sessions, Kelly Nickels left the band and Johnny was asked to switch to the bass to avoid having to seek out and deal with yet another member. In 1996, the new L.A. Guns released their sixth record, titled American Hardcore. This new album built on the heavy music from Vicious Circle and projected a darker image for the band. They toured throughout 1996 and into 1997 when Tracii let Chris go in hopes of regaining Phil Lewis and the band's former glory. Phil refused, and so Chris was replaced by singer Ralph Saenz. Tracii, Steve, Johnny, and Ralph toured for the remainder of '97 and in early '98 released the six song EP Wasted.

Halfway through the band's 1998 Rock Never Stops tour, Ralph quit to form his own band, leaving Tracii to do another singer change. Joe Lest? from Bang Tango and Jizzy Pearl from Love/Hate were considered as candidates. Tracii and Steve picked Jizzy and quickly geared up to tour. L.A. Guns toured clubs with Jizzy in late 1998 and early 1999 when they released Shrinking Violet, produced by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke. This release was followed shortly by Johnny Crypt's departure.


Reunion (1999-2003)
Tracii and Steve had been talking with their former bandmates, Phil, Mick, and Kelly about a reunion album and tour. When Johnny found out about the reunion he left on February 6, 1999. The reunion album Greatest Hits and Black Beauties was released on Deadline Records around the same time as Shrinking Violet.

While this reconstituted version of L.A. Guns was recording, Pearl released an album under the Love/Hate moniker called Let's Eat. As for the other L.A. Guns, the reunion tour was not ready to happen, so they then recruited Dad's Porno Mag and Gilby Clarke bassist Stefan Adika to tour in support of Shrinking Violet. Stefan was later replaced by Turd, Dio, Alice Cooper, and Eric Singer Project (ESP) bassist Chuck Garric and toured with Poison, Great White, and Ratt on the Exiled From The Mainstream tour in the summer of 1999. As of September 1, 1999, Jizzy and Chuck were fired from the band as the classic lineup of Tracii Guns, Steve Riley, Phil Lewis, Kelly Nickels, and Mick Cripps prepared for the full blown reunion. L.A. Guns set out on the reunion tour in October of 1999 and recorded a live album in their hometown of Hollywood, the album called Live: A Night on the Strip was released the following year.

After the reunion, Mick and Kelly couldn't commit to the summer 2000 tour, so they were replaced by guitarist Brent Muscat and bassist Muddy, respectively. Ratt and L.A. Guns teamed up with Warrant for a remainder-of-the-summer tour, which L.A. Guns dropped off in August due to booking problems.

In August 2000, L.A. Guns re-recorded and re-released Cocked & Loaded retitled Cocked & Re-Loaded on Deadline Records. Mick Cripps again rejoined the band briefly (Brent left) in late 2000 to record an album with the band, entitled Man In The Moon, which was released on Spitfire Records in April of 2001. Mick played keyboards on the album, but did not tour to support it. Muddy later left the band after a short promo tour for Man In The Moon. He was replaced by Adam Hamilton for the winter of 2002 Man In The Moon club tour.

In 2002, Andy Johns was hired to produce the next release, Waking the Dead. This album features Adam Hamilton as the new bass player. Hailed by fans as one of the strongest and heaviest material LA Guns has ever recorded, the album features "OK, Let's Roll" - dedicated to Todd Beamer and the people who rushed the cockpit of Flight 93 during the events of September 11, 2001 attacks.


L.A. Guns without Tracii Guns (2002-present)
During September 2002, founding guitarist Tracii Guns became very interested in a new project, entitled Brides of Destruction, with M?tley Cr?e bassist Nikki Sixx. Guns saw the project as an opportunity to recapture the mainstream credibility he had held in the late '80s and therefore became lead guitarist for the outfit. In 2004, Brides of Destruction embarked on a World Tour, and the future of L.A. Guns was in doubt until both Steve Riley and Phil Lewis told the "Hairball John Radio Show" that the band would continue despite Guns' involvement in Brides of Destruction.

With a new guitarist named Stacey Blades, L.A. Guns released the covers album Rips the Covers Off. They had gone through several guitarists since Tracii Guns departed in October 2002. The band released the album Tales from the Strip in August 2005, which was met with critical acclaim from both sides of the Atlantic, hailed as the best L.A. Guns album in years. It is the only L.A. Guns album not to feature Tracii Guns (with the exception of the Japan-only live album).


A second L.A. Guns forms (2005)
In 2005 a remastered set of demos, which were recorded around the time L.A. Guns wrote their first album (before Phil Lewis joined) was released, featuring Paul Black on vocals. Soon after this, as the Brides of Destruction's second album did not maintain the success of the first, Tracii Guns put together a "solo" band and focused his attention on that.


LogoThe line-up for the Tracii Guns Band, featuring former L.A. Guns members, Paul Black, Nickey "Beat" Alexander, and Tracii Guns, as well as Tracii's son Jeremy Guns was announced. The band are now also going under the L.A. Guns name, regardless of the fact that the Phil Lewis version are still together, recording and touring. It should also be noted that Tracii Guns owns 50% of the rights to the L.A. Guns name and Steve Riley owns the other half.

The second L.A. Guns has caused some arguments amongst the L.A. Guns fanbase, some fans have argued that the Tracii Guns Band is the "true" L.A. Guns as it features more original members. Other fans dispute this arguing that as Paul Black never appeared on any of the L.A. Guns albums until the demos featuring him were released in 2005, as well as the fact that Nickey Alexander never toured in support of the L.A. Guns records. Other fans see Phil Lewis as the "true" L.A. Guns singer due to the less notable material released during his departure from the band.

In an odd twist on October 10, 2006, Phil Lewis joined Paul Black and Tracii Guns onstage at "Cathouse 20th Anniversary" (a Hollywood club, ran by Riki Rachtman and Taime Downe), the two frontmen dueted a version of the band's song "Rip and Tear".[1]


Recent events
On August 29, 2006, Phil Lewis' L.A. Guns released "Loud and Dangerous: Live From Hollywood", a live compilation featuring the bands current line up, including a DVD of some recent live tracks as part of the package.

On March 2007, bassist Adam Hamilton has been replaced by Scott Griffin.

On July 15, 2007, Paul Black's L.A Guns performed at glam metal festival "Rocklahoma."
source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L.A._Guns

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Morgan Lohan (1986 - )

In New York, NY, on 02 July 1986, Lindsay Lohan became the first child of a proud couple: Dina (a one-time Radio City "Rockette" and Wall Street analyst who now manages her daughter's career) and Michael Lohan (a long-time Wall Street trader who developed, then sold, his family's multi-million-dollar pasta business to fund and develop major studios and independent Hollywood productions). Three siblings (Michael, Aliana and Dakota) would follow in the years to come.

Lindsay started modeling (she was the first redheaded child ever signed by the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency) and acting at the tender age of 3. People in the business quickly recognized her talent, and she was hired to shoot more than 60 commercials; including spots for Pizza Hut, Wendy's and Jell-O (with Bill Cosby). A plum role soon followed on the television series Another World as the third actress (in late 1996 and early 1997) to play Alexandra "Alli" Fowler.

Around this time, USA Today says Lindsay also would become one of several New York-area children to appear in a Halloween skit on David Letterman, dressed as garbage (!).

It was not until 05 January 1997 that she knew she would be cast in a major motion picture. The director of The Parent Trap, Nancy Meyers, called Lindsay that day and told her that she had the part — or is that parts — of the twins. As you no doubt have seen (after all, you're here), Lindsay proved that she is an actress of considerable skill, deftly handling two different personalities in one single movie.

Lindsay was officially recognized for her talent as well; earning a Young Artist Award for Leading Actress (which she shared with Stepmom's Jena Malone), and nominations for a YoungStar Award and a Blockbuster Entertainment Award.

Early in 1999, Lindsay filmed another movie. Life-Size — originally a Wonderful World of Disney production later released on home video — allowed Lindsay to act with Tyra Banks.

In 2000, Lindsay won the role of "Rose" in Bette Midler's television sitcom, Bette. After shooting the pilot episode, the show's producers decided it would be easier on the crew — most of whom lived near Los Angeles — if filming moved to California. Lindsay gave up the role to stay in New York, and Los Angeles-area actress Marina Malota was pegged to take over the role of Midler's teen-aged daughter. The series was canceled only a few months later, due to sagging ratings and the strain on the show's stars (ironically, Midler had to fly cross-country from her New York home to film her own show).

In June, 2001, Lindsay completed filming the role of "Lexy Gold" in Get a Clue, the Disney Channel Original Movie of the Month for January, 2002 — later rescheduled for telecast in June, 2002.

Walt Disney Pictures announced on 31 July 2002 that Lindsay had signed on to play Anna Coleman in the theatrical remake of Freaky Friday. Updating yet another film from its vaults, Disney signed Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis (A Fish Called Wanda) as the mother-and-daughter team who wake up one day in each other's bodies. Lohan — who already proved she could fill Hayley Mills' shoes and then some — took on a role that helped propel a young Jodie Foster to stardom.

In September, 2002, Lindsay appeared poised to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a singer when one of the biggest names in music, Emilio Estefan, Jr., took Lindsay under his professional wing. Estefan Enterprises announced a five-album production deal and the promise of an aggressive effort to "sell" her pop style "with a rock edge" to a major record label.

In 2003, Lindsay accepted the lead role in Disney's Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (originally a New Line project written for Hilary Duff, who had to pass due to her full schedule). Filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and in New York City, Queen is set for release early in 2004.

Later in 2003, leaving The Mouse behind (for now), Lindsay jumped over to Paramount Studios to re-team with Freaky director Mark S. Waters for Mean Girls. Principal photography ended in November, 2003. During filming, she began negotiations to star in Dramarama for Warner Bros.

Lindsay Lohan shares her birthday with the late US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the late civil rights activist Medgar Evers, the late King Olav V of Norway, former Philippine First Lady Imelda ("I have more shoes than you") Marcos, New Hampshire Congressman John Sununu, WWF wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart, retired NASCAR driver Richard "The King of Stock Car Racing" Petty, and the late Wendy's Restaurant founder Dave Thomas (really!). Fellow actors born on 02 July include Yancy Butler (Witchblade), James McNichol (General Hospital, brother of actress Kristy McNichol), Jerry Hall (Batman, ex-wife of Mick Jagger), Ron Silver (Billionaire Boys' Club), Brock Peters (Star Trek), Ken Curtis (Gunsmoke), and Polly Holliday (Flo on television, "Marva Kulp, Sr." in The Parent Trap).

Trivia:

Lindsay also has worked as a model for Abercrombie & Fitch Kids (A&F Kids) and Calvin Klein Kids.

Her family's last name is pronounced "low-han" but, when speaking quickly, they tend to say "lowen".

Lindsay was raised on Long Island, NY, where her family still maintains its home. She hasn't ruled out moving to California, however, following high school.

Her birthday is 02 July, not 11 October. That birthday was shared by Annie James and Hallie Parker, Lindsay's characters in The Parent Trap.

Lindsay earned the roles of the twins after a six-month casting search. Later, Life-Size and Get a Clue were offered by Disney as part of a three-picture deal signed after Trap was filmed.

Immediately after Trap, Disney offered Lindsay the lead female role in Inspector Gadget but, having just finished seven months' work on The Parent Trap, she declined. The role instead was accepted by Michelle Trachtenberg. Soon, a rumor began to circulate that Trachtenberg "gave" the Trap role to Lohan, who later "gave" the Gadget project to Trachtenberg. The rumor is not true. (On the other hand, did you know Michelle's "birthday is on October 11th??! How weird is that?")

Following a self-imposed hiatus, Lindsay auditioned for Freaky Friday.

The body-switch comedy opened on 06 August 2003, and immediately took its place as the top comedy at the box office, earning well over $100 million in US release. Lindsay's singing debut, Ultimate, helped propel the film's soundtrack album into Billboard Magazine's Top 20 in under three weeks.

Ultimate was written for Friday by songwriters Jeff Coplan and Robert Ellis Orrall.
source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Lindsay-Lohan-Biography/62CB18258F54216C48256EE1000CC40D