Our list of songsters on celluloid

By Terry Fleming
Special to MSN Entertainment

Ah, the acting bug - seems it bites more than just the die-hard thespians among us. Throughout the history of Hollywood, it has been sinking its fangs into musicians, as well. But why? Why have there been so many singers and songsmiths made ga-ga over the thought of cinematic stardom? Is it a matter of too much entertainment goodness to give to only one medium, or too large an ego for one showbiz realm to contain? Whatever the case, we thought we'd celebrate the most successful examples of melody makers and beat creators gone Tinseltown, but here we must define our modus operandi for the sake of clarity. We're only focusing on the modern rock, rap, and rhythm and blues worlds. No country stars (sorry Willie, sorry Dolly), no musical theater or adult contemporary personalities (our apologies Liza, Barbra), and no pre-rock crooners (forgive us Frankie, Bing, Dean, Sammy). And they have to have acted in at least two major motion pictures as characters other than themselves.

And so, without further ado, here's our list of the top 12 musical marvels to stride across the silver screen ...

(Howard Denner/Retna)