What’s Your Name?

I was watching the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies the other day. I had a little epiphany when Little Walter was mentioned. Why is it that when white artists change their names it is to something that sounds like a normal name but is just easier to spell or less ethnic but when black people do it they change it something ignorant?

For example:

Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler changed his name from Stephen Tallarico but a man born with the name Richard Penniman thought it best to be known as Little Richard.

Maybe it s just the black or hip hop lifestyles that make people do this. The white rappers do this, like Eminem and the Beastie Boys. I just don’t get it really. If I had a talent and thought I may become famous I would want to be known by my own name.