Rock legend Sammy Hagar got a shocking surprise on the latest episode of PBS' ‘Finding Your Roots,’ when he learned that his biological surname is not Hagar, but Belcher.
The former Van Halen frontman appeared on the show, hosted by educator Henry Louis Gates Jr., to explore his ancestral history and uncover some secrets about his family tree. Using DNA testing and genealogical research, Gates revealed to Hagar that he does not share any genetic markers with any men with the last name Hagar, meaning that somewhere along his paternal line, there was a break in the Hagar lineage.
Hagar was stunned by the news, saying, "This is nutty as anything I’ve ever imagined.” He then asked Gates if he could find out what his real biological surname is, and Gates obliged.
Gates told Hagar that his DNA matches 27 men with the last name Belcher, indicating that he is a descendant of a Belcher male who had a son with a Hagar female, and that son took his mother's surname. Gates traced Hagar's Belcher ancestry back to the 18th century, when his fifth great-grandfather, John Belcher, was born in Virginia.
Hagar was amazed by the revelation, saying, "What a trip." He also joked that he might have to change his name to Sammy Belcher, or start a new band called Belcher. Finding Your Roots is a series that explores the diverse backgrounds and stories of celebrities, politicians, athletes, and other public figures, using DNA analysis and historical records.
Hagar's episode also featured TV actor Ed O'Neill, who learned that he is related to Abraham Lincoln and has Irish and Spanish ancestry.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]