Samantha Ronson: What's the story with Lindsay Lohan's BFF?

Though you may not have heard of her before, Samantha is hardly just emerging from oblivion, as if she was snatched away from the job of a blue-vested discount-store greeter after being "discovered" by a celeb. As wild as that might have been, Sam Ronson's backstory is actually a lot wilder -- and way hipper -- than that. (In truth, the most tacky/tawdry aspect of her newsworthy status is that she's coming by it not due to her musical talent, but because of her love life.)

LAPD chief William Bratton, July 2008: "If you notice, since Britney started wearing clothes and behaving, Paris is out of town not bothering anybody anymore, thank God, and evidently Lindsay Lohan has gone gay, we don't seem to have much of an issue," told KNBC-TV, regarding possible paparazzi restrictions in the Hollywood area.

Samantha: The backstory

Samantha Ronson was born in London in 1977, and raised in the higher echelons of London society. Her mom, Ann Dexter-Jones, is variously described as the mom of three very talented kids, a healing Reiki master, or -- most frequently -- a "socialite." Samantha's dad was a real estate developer, while her step-father is Mick Jones, the guitarist and brainchild of the American supergroup, Foreigner. Ronson has been a staple on the New York and Hollywood party scenes for years, mainly as a celebrated DJ. Her beats have entertained the most elite celebrity clients, both in nightclubs and at private parties. But spinning is not Samantha's only vocation -- she's no stranger to the musician end of the music world. In her early 20s she discovered a passion for singing and songwriting. MTV adores her and so does fellow New York institution Jay-Z. The rapper, hip-hop mogul signed Ronson to his Roc-A-Fella records in 2003. (In 2008, however, has left the label and is reportedly now solely focusing on becoming the go-to DJ for Hollywood's elite. That, and keeping Lindsay company.)

Her hip and happenin' siblings

Whether it's her brother who serves as Amy Winehouse's producer (tell me that's not a full time job), her clothing designer sister, or her own mad disc jockey skills, the Ronson family have no shortage of creative talent. Here's a look:

THE BROTHER: Mark Ronson

BORN: September 4, 1975JOB: CJ/Producer/MusicianCLAIMS TO FAME: Mark Ronson, began his career as a DJ, but has since gotten into music production. Mark is largely credited as being the producer who brought British songbird Amy Winehouse to mass audiences with her breakthrough record, "Back to Black" which has the can't-miss-it (and unfortunately apt) single, "Rehab." He also produced his own critically-acclaimed album of covers -- called "Version" -- which features singers such as Lily Allen, Kenna, Robbie Williams and Amy Winehouse. That piece of work won Mark three Grammys and an English BRIT Award.GIRLFRIEND: 19-year-old Daisy Lowe has been dating Mark since early 2008. She's 13 years younger then he is -- in fact, Daisy's mum is just five years older than her "fella." Too, Daisy is no stranger to awkward personal questions being raised by the tabloids. Musician Gavin Rossdale, now married to Gwen Stefani, found out he was Daisy's father only in 2004.ON SAMANTHA: Of the Lohan-Ronson combo, Daisy Lowe told the (UK) Mirror, "Sam is an amazing girl. The four of us had a brilliant time -- a real laugh... Lindsay is really down to earth. Her and Sam make a lovely couple -- they seem really happy. Their relationship is totally genuine. And they're just so sweet together. Mark totally approves."

THE SISTER: Charlotte Ronson

BORN: August 7, 1977JOB: Clothing designer

CLAIMS TO FAME: Samantha's twin sister, Charlotte, is the founder of her own clothing line -- aptly named Charlotte Ronson.Charlotte's official bio reads like a who's-who of Hollywood... which, in many ways, it really is. For example: "Known for her impeccable style and trendsetting designs, Ronson's clothing and accessories have quickly become a favorite among such fashion forward celebrities, hipsters and socialites such as Gisele Bundchen, Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, Mischa Barton, Ellen Pompeo, Gwen Stefani, Winona Ryder and Jennifer Love Hewitt." It goes on to mention that Charlotte Ronson has been working on a T-shirt line with her mom, Samantha, Mark and her best friend Shoshanna Lonstein-Gruss (who first came into the public eye as Jerry Seinfeld's girlfriend). In addition, she was putting together "a collection of 'must have' handbags with friend, and Hollywood style icon, Nicole Richie."