Meshell Ndegeocello

Ndegeocello, who was born Michelle Johnson, picked her own surname. It is Swahili for "free as a bird," and reflects the mindset with which she approaches both her life and her music.

Ndegeocello is widely regarded as one of the best female bass players, and was the first woman to appear on the cover of Bass Player magazine. Initially she was self-taught, explaining in interviews that she has continued to learn from bandmates and fellow musicians throughout her career.

She was one of the first acts on Maverick Records, Madonna's label.