Our favorite musician-actors

From Al Jolson ("The Jazz Singer," was the very first movie with sound) to Robert Pattinson (who starred in and contributed two songs to the soundtrack of the first "Twilight" film), some the world's most popular actors have also been musicians. It's a natural transition, when you think about it. Most already have a built-in fan base. As performers, they're already comfortable in front of an audience.

Elvis, of course, was a much better singer than an actor. He made a total of 31 movies, virtually all successful. More recently, Justin Timberlake, Madonna and Beyonce have all transitioned from music to movies - with varying degrees of success. A pretty face or a legion of devoted fans doesn't always equal a strong, or well-received, film performance.

But, occasionally, you find a musician who can really deliver a line. Frank Sinatra's music career was on the skids - until his gritty, Academy Award-winning performance in 1953's "From Here to Eternity" shot him back into the spotlight. Modern troubadours like Tom Waits, Kris Kristofferson and J.D. Souther, lend a depth to their screen roles that seem effortless. Their performances are captivating, raw and honest - and really good.

Which actor-musicians (and their roles) are your favorites?