Maroon 5

In a previous life, the members of Maroon 5 were a straightforward rock band called Kara's Flowers. When that didn't pan out, they went back to school, literally (they took off for college) and musically. Discovering an appreciation for the R&B and soul flavorings of artists like Stevie Wonder, the newly formed Maroon5 found they had a knack for writing soulful, groove-oriented songs. Today, the group has sold more than three million copies of their 2002 debut album, Songs about Jane, which continues to ride high on the hits, "Harder to Breathe," "This Love" and "She Will Be Loved," Maroon 5 is up for more than one Grammy, including Best New Artist. —EP