Pop Stars
Since the 1950s, most of the stars of pop music have come from Britain and America.
However, in the last ten years, when many different kinds of music have established themselves on the pop scene, more and more stars have come from other countries.
Pop music changes all the time and new stars appear and become famous.
Many of today's stars started out in the 1960s and have changed their music to suit the time.
Although most stars take many years to become famous, their fame does not usually last long.
For a musician to stay popular and still produce good, original music over a long period of time, is a sign of true star.
Most stars start their careers in a simple way - playing in unknown nightclubs or dance halls where people want to dance to the music, not listen to it.
They may have continued doing this for many years until they get a "break" - a chance to perform in a well-known place or get a recording contract.
To become a star is the aim of every singer or musician and the dream of many a pop-crazy teenager.
However a group or star makes it to the top, they can be sure that their lives will change once they are successful.
Ordinary teenagers living at home with their parents may suddenly find themselves rich enough to buy their own houses.
An established superstar may be able to buy several.
Despite the large amounts of money that are earned, life at the top is not easy for many stars.
The pop scene is hard work and many stars need to spend a lot of time away from home.
For a lot of them, this means they have no home life and their personal relationships suffer.
In spite of great public success, life at the top can be very lonely.