Justin Randall Timberlake (born January 31, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Often referred to as the "Prince of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Timberlake is known for his diverse artistry in songwriting, showmanship, tenor vocals, and music production. He is influenced by Michael Jackson and David Bowie, 70s and 60s music, country and gospel. He started out in 1995 with a band they formed called *NSYNC.