Put on any action movie made between 1903’s The Great Train Robbery and 2017’s John Wick, pay attention to the risks playing out before you, and you’ll never stop asking why the hell aren’t stunt performers lauded for their efforts by the Academy Awards. In the 1970s, one of the greatest and most underrated decades for action movies, you could still see every danger to life and limb on screen. CGI wasn’t around yet, and the law was barely paying attention.
The result is an era where bloody martial arts imports and Blaxploitation commentary blended with tight-wire action and terrifyingly real stunts. The very best remain iconic, from the Dirty Harrys to 1979’s global phenomenon, Mad Max. But with the passage of time comes forgetting, and the ‘70s hide some of the best, wildest, and sometimes even edgiest movies waiting for fans to rediscover.
Get Carter (1971)
Once upon a time,...
The result is an era where bloody martial arts imports and Blaxploitation commentary blended with tight-wire action and terrifyingly real stunts. The very best remain iconic, from the Dirty Harrys to 1979’s global phenomenon, Mad Max. But with the passage of time comes forgetting, and the ‘70s hide some of the best, wildest, and sometimes even edgiest movies waiting for fans to rediscover.
Get Carter (1971)
Once upon a time,...
- 6/1/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
“Fans say they want 2015 Vince,” Vince Staples says on “Etouffée,” a track from his sixth studio album, Dark Times. While the SoCal rapper’s career is an undeniable success story, far removed from his experiences as a teenage Crip that’s inspired much of his work, he’s still haunted by the possibility that violence might lie around every corner.
The album’s cover depicts a barely visible noose against a black background, and paranoia abounds on tracks like “Government Cheese.” The song’s refrain, “Don’t forget to smile,” starts to feel like sarcasm when a dejected Staples takes a phone call from an imprisoned friend: “Told him I was good, wonder if he believed it/Couldn’t tell him the truth.” He raps in a numb monotone throughout the track, like he’s pulling the words from his mouth.
Staples’s trust issues extend to romantic relationships as well.
The album’s cover depicts a barely visible noose against a black background, and paranoia abounds on tracks like “Government Cheese.” The song’s refrain, “Don’t forget to smile,” starts to feel like sarcasm when a dejected Staples takes a phone call from an imprisoned friend: “Told him I was good, wonder if he believed it/Couldn’t tell him the truth.” He raps in a numb monotone throughout the track, like he’s pulling the words from his mouth.
Staples’s trust issues extend to romantic relationships as well.
- 5/26/2024
- by Steve Erickson
- Slant Magazine
The U.S. Supreme Court has endorsed open-ended recovery of damages for copyright infringement, ruling that music producer Sherman Nealy can pursue over a decade’s worth of damages for an unlicensed sample of his work by Flo Rida in his 2008 tune “In the Ayer.”
The finding, in a 6-3 ruling issued on Thursday, could expand the scope of damages in cases in which plaintiffs were previously barred from recovering money for infringement that occurred more than three years before the filing of a lawsuit. In some cases, claimants could potentially get a bigger payout by waiting to sue and letting damages stack rather than trying to stop the alleged infringement as long as they bring a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
“There is no time limit on monetary recovery,” wrote justice Elena Kagan in the majority opinion. “So a copyright owner possessing a timely claim for infringement is entitled to damages,...
The finding, in a 6-3 ruling issued on Thursday, could expand the scope of damages in cases in which plaintiffs were previously barred from recovering money for infringement that occurred more than three years before the filing of a lawsuit. In some cases, claimants could potentially get a bigger payout by waiting to sue and letting damages stack rather than trying to stop the alleged infringement as long as they bring a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
“There is no time limit on monetary recovery,” wrote justice Elena Kagan in the majority opinion. “So a copyright owner possessing a timely claim for infringement is entitled to damages,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The music from Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism sounds very modern. Despite this, one of the album’s creators explained how Motown songs inspired it. He picked out one Smokey Robinson tune in particular as a model for the songs on Dua Lipa’s newest record. Notably, Robinson said he had a lot to say about his legacy as a musicians.
A producer compared Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ to a Smokey Robinson song
Lipa is a high-tech, modern pop star. Her music is filled with synthesizers and the latest genre trends. However, even the most forward-thinking pop stars can look to the past for inspiration. The classic hits of Motown inspired the construction of songs from Lipa’s Radical Optimism if not its sonic palette.
Danny L Harle is one of the producers of Radical Optimism. During a 2024 interview with Grammy.com, Harle discussed one of the concepts behind the album.
A producer compared Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ to a Smokey Robinson song
Lipa is a high-tech, modern pop star. Her music is filled with synthesizers and the latest genre trends. However, even the most forward-thinking pop stars can look to the past for inspiration. The classic hits of Motown inspired the construction of songs from Lipa’s Radical Optimism if not its sonic palette.
Danny L Harle is one of the producers of Radical Optimism. During a 2024 interview with Grammy.com, Harle discussed one of the concepts behind the album.
- 5/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If this story were a hard-boiled detective novel, the title might be The Case of the Mysteriously Shrinking Album.
Over the past few weeks, both Beyoncé and Taylor Swift unveiled projects that seemed to include every piece of music they had ever recorded for their respective albums: Cowboy Carter stretched out to 27 tracks, the complete version of The Tortured Poets Department to 31. But while critics and some fans grapple with that overload of material, another diametrically opposed trend is shaping up. For some modern pop artists, and a few veterans,...
Over the past few weeks, both Beyoncé and Taylor Swift unveiled projects that seemed to include every piece of music they had ever recorded for their respective albums: Cowboy Carter stretched out to 27 tracks, the complete version of The Tortured Poets Department to 31. But while critics and some fans grapple with that overload of material, another diametrically opposed trend is shaping up. For some modern pop artists, and a few veterans,...
- 5/8/2024
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Tonight on “American Idol,” with guidance from guest mentor Gene Simmons, the Top 14 take on songs from legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees as America votes live for the Top 12. Plus, the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are announced live.
Below, follow with our live blog for “American Idol 22” Episode 12 airing Sunday, April 21 (8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Et).
See ‘American Idol’ deaths: Full list of singers we’ve lost
8:00 p.m. — Previously on “American Idol”! The Top 20 performed for a spot in the Top 14. The top 10 vote-getters advanced automatically before judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie saved four more. The six eliminated artists were Ajii, Jennifer Jeffries, Kennedy Reid, Mackenzie Sol, Odell Bunton Jr. and Quintavious. Who will go home tonight?
8:05 p.m. — Luke opened up the show with a performance of “Small Town” by John Mellencamp. Next all three judges take...
Below, follow with our live blog for “American Idol 22” Episode 12 airing Sunday, April 21 (8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Et).
See ‘American Idol’ deaths: Full list of singers we’ve lost
8:00 p.m. — Previously on “American Idol”! The Top 20 performed for a spot in the Top 14. The top 10 vote-getters advanced automatically before judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie saved four more. The six eliminated artists were Ajii, Jennifer Jeffries, Kennedy Reid, Mackenzie Sol, Odell Bunton Jr. and Quintavious. Who will go home tonight?
8:05 p.m. — Luke opened up the show with a performance of “Small Town” by John Mellencamp. Next all three judges take...
- 4/22/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The Rolling Stones‘ self-titled debut album came out on April 16, 1964. Sixty years later, it’s still great rock ‘n’ roll! More than that, there’s a lot of interesting facts behind this impactful album. It also boasts one awesome collaboration.
The Rolling Stones barely wrote any of the album
The cornerstone of The Rolling Stones is the songwriting partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Only one song from The Rolling Stones was credited to Jagger and Richards: “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back).” Most of the album is composed of covers, including songs by rock ‘n’ roll icons like Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry, although two tracks are credited to “Nanker Phelge,” a collective pseudonym for the track.
While Jagger and Richards only penned one track for the record what a track it is. “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)” is an impressive ballad that shows...
The Rolling Stones barely wrote any of the album
The cornerstone of The Rolling Stones is the songwriting partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Only one song from The Rolling Stones was credited to Jagger and Richards: “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back).” Most of the album is composed of covers, including songs by rock ‘n’ roll icons like Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry, although two tracks are credited to “Nanker Phelge,” a collective pseudonym for the track.
While Jagger and Richards only penned one track for the record what a track it is. “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)” is an impressive ballad that shows...
- 4/18/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Andrew Bird has announced his latest album, Sunday Morning Put-On, due out May 24th via Loma Vista Recordings. Recorded alongside the artist’s Andrew Bird Trio project, today’s announcement comes accompanied by two songs from the record, “I Fall in Love Too Easily” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Bird has billed Sunday Morning Put-On as a tribute to mid-century, small group jazz, with the tracklist featuring compositions by musicians like Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Heart, and more. Drummer Ted Poor and bassist Alan Hampton join bird on the recordings, with additional contributions coming from Jeff Parker and Larry Goldings.
Get Andrew Bird Tickets Here
“Most Saturday nights [in my 20s], I’d stay up listening to a radio show called ‘Blues Before Sunrise’ on Wbez from 12:00 to 4:00 a.m,” the artist said of the album’s inspiration. “The DJ, Steve Cushing, played old, rare 78rpm records of blues,...
Bird has billed Sunday Morning Put-On as a tribute to mid-century, small group jazz, with the tracklist featuring compositions by musicians like Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Heart, and more. Drummer Ted Poor and bassist Alan Hampton join bird on the recordings, with additional contributions coming from Jeff Parker and Larry Goldings.
Get Andrew Bird Tickets Here
“Most Saturday nights [in my 20s], I’d stay up listening to a radio show called ‘Blues Before Sunrise’ on Wbez from 12:00 to 4:00 a.m,” the artist said of the album’s inspiration. “The DJ, Steve Cushing, played old, rare 78rpm records of blues,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Jonah Krueger
- Consequence - Music
The best pop stars are full of surprises. Beyoncé surprised everyone by releasing her version of The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” Paul McCartney had a strong reaction to the cover on social media. Fascinatingly, the original song was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement.
Paul McCartney said Beyoncé understood the message of The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’
So many classic artists across genres have put their own spin on Beatles songs. Some of the R&b icons who covered Fab Four tracks include Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Beyoncé added her name to that canon with her cover of “Blackbird,” a folk ditty from The White Album.
In a 2024 Instagram post, Paul himself heaped praise on Queen B’s “Blackbird.” “I am so happy with @beyonce’s version of my song ‘Blackbird,'” he wrote. “I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message...
Paul McCartney said Beyoncé understood the message of The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’
So many classic artists across genres have put their own spin on Beatles songs. Some of the R&b icons who covered Fab Four tracks include Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Beyoncé added her name to that canon with her cover of “Blackbird,” a folk ditty from The White Album.
In a 2024 Instagram post, Paul himself heaped praise on Queen B’s “Blackbird.” “I am so happy with @beyonce’s version of my song ‘Blackbird,'” he wrote. “I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 5 of “The Masked Singer,” “Group C Finals: Shower Anthems Night,” which aired April 3 on Fox.
After two weeks of being on “The Masked Singer” chopping block, Sisqó is finally gone-guh-gone-gone-gone.
I think I’ll sing it again: Sisqó’s been dumped like a truck, truck, truck. “The Masked Singer” has removed his butt, butt, butt. Let me see (who sang) that song!
That’s right, “Thong Song” superstar Sisqó on Wednesday became the latest celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer,” revealed to be the Lizard.
For Sisqó as the Lizard, several of the panelists had figured it out. Robin Thicke and Rita Ora knew it was Sisqó. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Ray J. Ken Jeong said it was Michael Bivins.
Lizard was voted out after being one of the two lowest vote-getters in the two previous episodes.
After two weeks of being on “The Masked Singer” chopping block, Sisqó is finally gone-guh-gone-gone-gone.
I think I’ll sing it again: Sisqó’s been dumped like a truck, truck, truck. “The Masked Singer” has removed his butt, butt, butt. Let me see (who sang) that song!
That’s right, “Thong Song” superstar Sisqó on Wednesday became the latest celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer,” revealed to be the Lizard.
For Sisqó as the Lizard, several of the panelists had figured it out. Robin Thicke and Rita Ora knew it was Sisqó. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Ray J. Ken Jeong said it was Michael Bivins.
Lizard was voted out after being one of the two lowest vote-getters in the two previous episodes.
- 4/4/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The season of the very first sign of the zodiac is here, and that’s exactly why being a leader comes so easy for Aries folks.
And that’s no joke, Aries really don’t know what else to be but a boss, CEO or innovator, because they’d rather play by their own rules. They march to the beat of their own drum and rarely ever need anyone to play backup instrumentals. Their charm, playful personality and great sense of humor make up for their impulsiveness and sometimes hot-temper, and there’s absolutely no other sign who will keep it all the way real with you like an Aries does, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. They tell it like it is, as dishonesty goes against their entire m.o.
As ambitious as they are — known for being some of the greatest to ever...
And that’s no joke, Aries really don’t know what else to be but a boss, CEO or innovator, because they’d rather play by their own rules. They march to the beat of their own drum and rarely ever need anyone to play backup instrumentals. Their charm, playful personality and great sense of humor make up for their impulsiveness and sometimes hot-temper, and there’s absolutely no other sign who will keep it all the way real with you like an Aries does, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. They tell it like it is, as dishonesty goes against their entire m.o.
As ambitious as they are — known for being some of the greatest to ever...
- 3/30/2024
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Houston was the first lecture hall Beyoncé encountered in her studies of all things country. There, her professors were the Texans building community through church, cuisine, and cowboy culture. Even as her rising star whisked her away from her hometown, the musician’s roots continued to run deep, and the studio became her classroom. In 2016, she released “Daddy Lessons,” a self-reflective musical treatise about suiting up as a soldier ready to protect and defend both herself and her family — an artisan of true Texan values. With Cowboy Carter, her first full-length plunge into country music,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
The cast of Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International’s forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael has come into focus lately with the casting of many of the film’s pivotal roles. The studios announced on Monday, March 25th that they have cast several new key roles in the highly anticipated film, now in production, with a group of individuals who have featured prominently throughout Michael’s life.
Chief among them is Larenz Tate, who plays Motown Records founder and impresario Berry Gordy – the man who redefined American music by developing and giving a national platform to such acts as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips – and the Jackson 5 – to name a few.
Other new prominent roles include the following:
Kat Graham plays the legendary Diana Ross, lead singer of the chart-topping Motown group The Supremes,...
Chief among them is Larenz Tate, who plays Motown Records founder and impresario Berry Gordy – the man who redefined American music by developing and giving a national platform to such acts as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips – and the Jackson 5 – to name a few.
Other new prominent roles include the following:
Kat Graham plays the legendary Diana Ross, lead singer of the chart-topping Motown group The Supremes,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Micheal, is one of the most anticipated film projects in recent memory. Bringing the King of Pop’s story to life on the silver screen is a Herculean task, and you need shining stars to help it burn bright on screens. Today, Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International announced new vital roles for the forthcoming film, including actors to play La Toya Jackson, Dick Clark, Diana Ross, and more!
Per today’s official press release courtesy of Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International:
Larenz Tate plays Berry Gordy, the Motown Records founder and impresario. Gordy is the man who redefined American music by developing and giving a national platform to such acts as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips – and the Jackson 5 – to name a few.
Kat Graham plays the legendary Diana Ross,...
Per today’s official press release courtesy of Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International:
Larenz Tate plays Berry Gordy, the Motown Records founder and impresario. Gordy is the man who redefined American music by developing and giving a national platform to such acts as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips – and the Jackson 5 – to name a few.
Kat Graham plays the legendary Diana Ross,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is embracing the Motown sound — announcing key castings including Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and Kat Graham as the legendary Diana Ross.
As the film chronicles Jackson’s rise to prominence — first as a member of the Jackson 5, then as a solo artist — the record label will factor in significantly. “Power” franchise star Tate (who coincidentally played “Thriller” producer Quincy Jones in 2004’s “Ray”) takes on the Motown impresario Gordy, who redefined American music by platforming such acts as the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Diana Ross & the Supremes.
Graham portrays Ross, who, as lead singer of the chart-topping group, was asked to officially introduce the Jackson 5 to the world and remained a lifelong influence on Michael Jackson.
Other new cast members of the Lionsgate...
As the film chronicles Jackson’s rise to prominence — first as a member of the Jackson 5, then as a solo artist — the record label will factor in significantly. “Power” franchise star Tate (who coincidentally played “Thriller” producer Quincy Jones in 2004’s “Ray”) takes on the Motown impresario Gordy, who redefined American music by platforming such acts as the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Diana Ross & the Supremes.
Graham portrays Ross, who, as lead singer of the chart-topping group, was asked to officially introduce the Jackson 5 to the world and remained a lifelong influence on Michael Jackson.
Other new cast members of the Lionsgate...
- 3/25/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
“The Masked Singer” season 11 debuted another quartet of contestants on March 20. Of these new contenders for the Golden Mask, our favorite is the one disguised as Poodle Moth. She won over the crowd and the judges with her cover of the Billy Joel classic “Just the Way You Are.”
We’ve been rewatching that performance and her clues video. While we think that Poodle Moth is a professional singer we don’t agree with the judges that it is Wynonna Judd, Rita Wilson or Trisha Yearwood. Keep reading for all your “The Masked Singer” spoilers including the answer to the question, “Who is Poodle Moth”?
We are convinced that Poodle Moth is Chrissy Metz. Although best known for her starring role in the TV drama “This Is Us,” Metz is also a talented singer, focusing on inspirational music.
Poodle Moth admitted to feeling that she “was never going to be...
We’ve been rewatching that performance and her clues video. While we think that Poodle Moth is a professional singer we don’t agree with the judges that it is Wynonna Judd, Rita Wilson or Trisha Yearwood. Keep reading for all your “The Masked Singer” spoilers including the answer to the question, “Who is Poodle Moth”?
We are convinced that Poodle Moth is Chrissy Metz. Although best known for her starring role in the TV drama “This Is Us,” Metz is also a talented singer, focusing on inspirational music.
Poodle Moth admitted to feeling that she “was never going to be...
- 3/21/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Were you as impressed as we were when Clock raised her voice in song for the first time on “The Masked Singer”? She wowed us with her flawless cover of “Piano Man” on the March 20 episode. And she won over the judges with her diction and delivery of this Billy Joel classic.
Overnight, we’ve rewatched that performance by Clock and her clues package. Forget those guesses by the judges that Dandelion is Anita Baker, Evelyn “Champagne” King or Diana Ross We are sure we know Clock’s true identity. Keep reading as we have all your “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the answer to the question, “Who is Clock?”
We were convinced that Clock is disco diva Thelma Houston. Don’t believe us? Besides the fact that the Clock sounds just like her, consider how so many of the clues fit in with the life of Thelma Houston.
Just like Clock,...
Overnight, we’ve rewatched that performance by Clock and her clues package. Forget those guesses by the judges that Dandelion is Anita Baker, Evelyn “Champagne” King or Diana Ross We are sure we know Clock’s true identity. Keep reading as we have all your “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the answer to the question, “Who is Clock?”
We were convinced that Clock is disco diva Thelma Houston. Don’t believe us? Besides the fact that the Clock sounds just like her, consider how so many of the clues fit in with the life of Thelma Houston.
Just like Clock,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Art holds the power of transporting people back to the past without the help of a time machine. Therefore, it is quite understandable why people give out millions and millions of dollars to acquire and keep some of these beautiful pieces of history for themselves. However, not many are as lucky as Eddie Murphy when it comes to purchasing art.
Eddie Murphy in Coming 2 America
When Eddie Murphy sought after the famous ‘The Sugar Shack’ painting by artist Ernie Barnes, he purchased the original piece for just a meager fifty thousand dollars which is basically pennies for an actor of his caliber. However, the shocking part is that while Eddie Murphy paid five digits for an original painting, the duplicate was sold to someone for a whopping sixteen million dollars!
Eddie Murphy Bought ‘The Sugar Shack’ for $50,000 Eddie Murphy on Jimmy Kimmel Live
In January 2023, Eddie Murphy made an appearance on talk show,...
Eddie Murphy in Coming 2 America
When Eddie Murphy sought after the famous ‘The Sugar Shack’ painting by artist Ernie Barnes, he purchased the original piece for just a meager fifty thousand dollars which is basically pennies for an actor of his caliber. However, the shocking part is that while Eddie Murphy paid five digits for an original painting, the duplicate was sold to someone for a whopping sixteen million dollars!
Eddie Murphy Bought ‘The Sugar Shack’ for $50,000 Eddie Murphy on Jimmy Kimmel Live
In January 2023, Eddie Murphy made an appearance on talk show,...
- 3/17/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Ariana Grande has a whole new era—or should we say, it has her? Her excellent new Eternal Sunshine is a bold personal statement, with her most inventive, pained, reflective songs. “It’s kind of a concept album,” the pop queen said in February. “‘Cause it’s all different heightened pieces of the same story, of the same experience.” So no wonder she’s taking inspiration from the crazy boys who invented the concept album: The Beatles. In a NYC playback session for Eternal Sunshine, the pop queen revealed that...
- 3/13/2024
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
Elvis Presley‘s “A Little Less Conversation” was written by a country star. The star revealed what the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll wanted from the song. While “A Little Less Conversation” is one of Elvis’ most famous songs today, it was meant for another singer. Notably, the tune became a hit in the 1960s and again in the 2000s.
Elvis Presley’s ‘A Little Less Conversation’ was written for a musical
“A Little Less Conversation” was written by Mac Davis. He was a country singer who had several hits. In addition, he wrote tunes for artists such as Elvis, Weezer, Avicii, Kenny Rogers, and Bruno Mars. During a 2010 interview with Smashing Interviews Magazine, Davis discussed writing “A Little Less Conversation” for Elvis’ musical Live a Little, Love a Little.
“[Session musician] Billy Strange came to me … he was doing the music for that movie,” Davis recalled. “Elvis had told him that...
Elvis Presley’s ‘A Little Less Conversation’ was written for a musical
“A Little Less Conversation” was written by Mac Davis. He was a country singer who had several hits. In addition, he wrote tunes for artists such as Elvis, Weezer, Avicii, Kenny Rogers, and Bruno Mars. During a 2010 interview with Smashing Interviews Magazine, Davis discussed writing “A Little Less Conversation” for Elvis’ musical Live a Little, Love a Little.
“[Session musician] Billy Strange came to me … he was doing the music for that movie,” Davis recalled. “Elvis had told him that...
- 3/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Vinyl is more popular than ever, and it continues to be the preferred listening medium for audiophiles, and delivery method for artists. Large artwork, easy-to-read liner notes, and analog sound are just some of the advantages vinyl has over digital files. Yes, your albums can wear, warp, and scratch, but they’ll last a lifetime if you take care of them correctly.
A number of current pop artists have released vinyl versions of their latest records too, from Beyonce to Olivia Rodrigo. Classic albums like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon,...
A number of current pop artists have released vinyl versions of their latest records too, from Beyonce to Olivia Rodrigo. Classic albums like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon,...
- 3/5/2024
- by Sage Anderson
- Rollingstone.com
Music by Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, Janis Joplin, and more has been placed on the surface of the moon in an “arts-centric time capsule” by the Odysseus lunar lander.
Launched by SpaceX, Odysseus arrived on the moon’s surface along with the time capsule on Thursday, February 22nd. Consisting of a digitized archive of music, photos, artwork, and more, the time capsule supposedly offers a rough overview of the breadth of human culture, from fragments of ancient Sumerian music notation to paintings by Rembrandt and Van Gogh to beats by Timbaland and more.
Housed in a glass, nickel, and NanoFiche structure, the time capsule was engineered to last for millions of years, if not more. Thematically, the curators focused on works from 1969, in commemoration of the Apollo 11 landing and the Woodstock festival that occurred weeks later. Others of the 222 total artists featured include Marvin Gaye, Santana, Chuck Berry,...
Launched by SpaceX, Odysseus arrived on the moon’s surface along with the time capsule on Thursday, February 22nd. Consisting of a digitized archive of music, photos, artwork, and more, the time capsule supposedly offers a rough overview of the breadth of human culture, from fragments of ancient Sumerian music notation to paintings by Rembrandt and Van Gogh to beats by Timbaland and more.
Housed in a glass, nickel, and NanoFiche structure, the time capsule was engineered to last for millions of years, if not more. Thematically, the curators focused on works from 1969, in commemoration of the Apollo 11 landing and the Woodstock festival that occurred weeks later. Others of the 222 total artists featured include Marvin Gaye, Santana, Chuck Berry,...
- 2/27/2024
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Vinyl is more popular than ever, and it continues to be the preferred listening medium for audiophiles, and delivery method for artists. Large artwork, easy-to-read liner notes, and analog sound are just some of the advantages vinyl has over digital files. Yes, your albums can wear, warp, and scratch, but they’ll last a lifetime if you take care of them correctly.
A number of current pop artists...
Vinyl is more popular than ever, and it continues to be the preferred listening medium for audiophiles, and delivery method for artists. Large artwork, easy-to-read liner notes, and analog sound are just some of the advantages vinyl has over digital files. Yes, your albums can wear, warp, and scratch, but they’ll last a lifetime if you take care of them correctly.
A number of current pop artists...
- 2/23/2024
- by Sage Anderson
- Rollingstone.com
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Few things are as synonymous with football as Gatorade. From athletes rehydrating on the sidelines to players dumping a whole bucket of the drink on their coach after a championship win — as Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Mike Ditka once said, “If you’ve never had a Gatorade bath, you haven’t done anything very exceptional.”
Thirty-seven years after Bill Parcells’ Gatorade shower at Super Bowl Xxi,...
Few things are as synonymous with football as Gatorade. From athletes rehydrating on the sidelines to players dumping a whole bucket of the drink on their coach after a championship win — as Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Mike Ditka once said, “If you’ve never had a Gatorade bath, you haven’t done anything very exceptional.”
Thirty-seven years after Bill Parcells’ Gatorade shower at Super Bowl Xxi,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Waiss Aramesh
- Rollingstone.com
The Recording Academy celebrated Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz Thursday night at the Black Music Collective Ceremony, one of the most anticipated nights ahead of the 2024 Grammys.
As each icon took the stage to accept the Global Impact Award, which recognizes personal and professional achievements in the industry, both shared heartfelt stories of their journeys to that moment. Throughout the dinner, some of the most revered artists in music came out to show their love and respect for the honorees, including Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, H.E.R., Quavo, Busta Rhymes, Babyface,...
As each icon took the stage to accept the Global Impact Award, which recognizes personal and professional achievements in the industry, both shared heartfelt stories of their journeys to that moment. Throughout the dinner, some of the most revered artists in music came out to show their love and respect for the honorees, including Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, H.E.R., Quavo, Busta Rhymes, Babyface,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
From singing backup at Elvis Presley’s 1968 comeback TV special to writing Michael Jackson’s “She’s Out of My Life” to arranging the vocals on Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man, longtime Quincy Jones collaborator Tom Bahler has had an improbably jam-packed music career. But as he sees it, the peak of it all came in January of 1985, when Jones called upon him to arrange the array of superstar vocals on “We Are the World.”
With a new documentary on the song, The Greatest Night in Pop, out now on Netflix,...
With a new documentary on the song, The Greatest Night in Pop, out now on Netflix,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Brian Hiatt
- Rollingstone.com
Although it isn’t structured any differently from dozens of other cradle-to-grave documentaries about artistic luminaries, “Luther: Never Too Much” sheds light on much more than just the life and career of R&b singer Luther Vandross. Drawn largely from interview and performance footage of Vandross over his almost 40 years in entertainment, and bolstered and contextualized by retrospective talks will collaborators and confidantes, director Dawn Porter’s film exposes some uneasy truths about the music industry and the media we may now know, but whose seeming ubiquitousness at the time he was alive may be difficult to fully comprehend.
White audience members in particular may stand to learn the most about him — a fact Porter pointedly attributes to the genre siloes of radio’s heyday and cultural prejudices against black singers who weren’t thin or light-skinned enough to receive the opportunity to cross over from R&b to pop.
White audience members in particular may stand to learn the most about him — a fact Porter pointedly attributes to the genre siloes of radio’s heyday and cultural prejudices against black singers who weren’t thin or light-skinned enough to receive the opportunity to cross over from R&b to pop.
- 1/21/2024
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Marlena Shaw, the oft-sampled soul singer best known for her enduring 1969 hit “California Soul,” has died at the age of 81.
Shaw’s daughter Marla Bradshaw confirmed her mother’s death Friday on social media; no cause of death was provided.
“It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away today,” Bradshaw said. “She was peaceful. We were at peace… She went listening to some of her favorite songs.”
Shaw’s onetime...
Shaw’s daughter Marla Bradshaw confirmed her mother’s death Friday on social media; no cause of death was provided.
“It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away today,” Bradshaw said. “She was peaceful. We were at peace… She went listening to some of her favorite songs.”
Shaw’s onetime...
- 1/21/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
One of the ghostwriter’s most valuable skills is getting their subjects to talk. So, when I gathered L.A.’s most successful ghostwriters at the Formosa Cafe to gossip, they knew all my tricks. In desperation, I went with the most transparent of all reporting techniques — buying them all fruity cocktails.
A reputation for discretion is not only how they get work, but how they avoid getting sued; they sign nondisclosure agreements for every memoir they write. But even if they revealed nothing scandalous about their famous clients — or at least nothing that couldn’t be discovered with a Google search — I learned a lot about the curious craft of ghostwriting and the types of personalities drawn to help famous people tell their life stories. Also, I learned why I am far too egotistical to do their job.
Sitting around the table were Neil Strauss (who has written memoirs for Rick Rubin,...
A reputation for discretion is not only how they get work, but how they avoid getting sued; they sign nondisclosure agreements for every memoir they write. But even if they revealed nothing scandalous about their famous clients — or at least nothing that couldn’t be discovered with a Google search — I learned a lot about the curious craft of ghostwriting and the types of personalities drawn to help famous people tell their life stories. Also, I learned why I am far too egotistical to do their job.
Sitting around the table were Neil Strauss (who has written memoirs for Rick Rubin,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Joel Stein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Legend named his favorite Beatles song and he made a good choice. His explanation, however, was awful. He said a certain Beatles song stuck out to him because it was adapted into a movie. That movie was so terrible George Harrison publicly attacked it.
John Legend’s favorite Beatles song is from ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’
During a 2009 interview with Cleveland.com, Legend was asked to name his favorite song by The Beatles. He picked the title track from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. While that tune isn’t as acclaimed as “Yesterday” or “Strawberry Fields Forever,” it boasts a catchy hard-rock riff and some of the Fab Four’s trademarked British humor.
“That sticks out because of the movie,” Legend said. “Everything they did … incredible talent, man. It’s just amazing how great they were, how they influenced our culture, and how the music still stands up today.
John Legend’s favorite Beatles song is from ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’
During a 2009 interview with Cleveland.com, Legend was asked to name his favorite song by The Beatles. He picked the title track from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. While that tune isn’t as acclaimed as “Yesterday” or “Strawberry Fields Forever,” it boasts a catchy hard-rock riff and some of the Fab Four’s trademarked British humor.
“That sticks out because of the movie,” Legend said. “Everything they did … incredible talent, man. It’s just amazing how great they were, how they influenced our culture, and how the music still stands up today.
- 1/18/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Demi Lovato named her favorite Beatles song and her choice was flawless. In the same vein, she revealed that she wanted to be a rock singer from the early days of her career. Paul McCartney was asked to pick the best songs in his catalog and he mentioned the same tune Lovato did.
Demi Lovato loves 1 of The Beatles’ most popular songs
During a 2009 interview with Cleveland.com, Lovato was asked to name her favorite Beatles song. She chose “Yesterday,” the most beloved rock ballad of all time. “It’s such a beautiful song,” she opined. “Out of all their songs, I just really connect to that one.”
In a 2022 interview with Vogue, Lovato discussed her relationship with rock music in general. “I started getting into rock music when I was about 12,” she remembered. “What transitioned me into that was the emo and scene days. I was raised in Texas,...
Demi Lovato loves 1 of The Beatles’ most popular songs
During a 2009 interview with Cleveland.com, Lovato was asked to name her favorite Beatles song. She chose “Yesterday,” the most beloved rock ballad of all time. “It’s such a beautiful song,” she opined. “Out of all their songs, I just really connect to that one.”
In a 2022 interview with Vogue, Lovato discussed her relationship with rock music in general. “I started getting into rock music when I was about 12,” she remembered. “What transitioned me into that was the emo and scene days. I was raised in Texas,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, is getting a global release. Lionsgate is releasing the movie stateside on April 18, 2025, with Universal is handling overseas distribution.
Today, Lionsgate announced that it was beginning production on director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael on January 22.
The John Logan-scripted movie, produced by Bohemian Rhapsody‘s Graham King, follows the complicated man who becomes the King of Pop, from triumphs to tragedies, from his human side and personal struggles to his creative genius. The co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain, also are producers.
Among those involved in the production are Oscar-winning director of photography Dion Beebe, production designer Barbara Ling, costume designer Marci Rodgers, choreographers Rich + Tone, Oscar-winning makeup artist Bill Corso, Oscar-nominated hair stylist Carla Farmer, Oscar-winning sound and music supervisor John Warhurst and VFX supervisor Louis Morin, joined by a crew...
Today, Lionsgate announced that it was beginning production on director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael on January 22.
The John Logan-scripted movie, produced by Bohemian Rhapsody‘s Graham King, follows the complicated man who becomes the King of Pop, from triumphs to tragedies, from his human side and personal struggles to his creative genius. The co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain, also are producers.
Among those involved in the production are Oscar-winning director of photography Dion Beebe, production designer Barbara Ling, costume designer Marci Rodgers, choreographers Rich + Tone, Oscar-winning makeup artist Bill Corso, Oscar-nominated hair stylist Carla Farmer, Oscar-winning sound and music supervisor John Warhurst and VFX supervisor Louis Morin, joined by a crew...
- 1/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In the 2010s, “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele became one of the most ubiquitous and beloved songs ever. Aretha Franklin first heard it while watching television. Franklin revealed what she thought of the song and Adele as an artist.
Aretha Franklin heard some kids ‘screaming’ the melody of Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’
During a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, the Queen of Soul discussed hearing children sing “Rolling in the Deep.” “I saw one of Adele’s promo pieces, and kids were on a bus singing ‘We could’ve had it all,'” he said. “They were just screaming it. But I was listening to the melody, I said, ‘That’s a good melody, I like that melody.'”
Franklin compared Adele to one of the most acclaimed songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s. “She’s a very, very fine, solid writer,” Franklin said. “I like her writing a lot.
Aretha Franklin heard some kids ‘screaming’ the melody of Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’
During a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, the Queen of Soul discussed hearing children sing “Rolling in the Deep.” “I saw one of Adele’s promo pieces, and kids were on a bus singing ‘We could’ve had it all,'” he said. “They were just screaming it. But I was listening to the melody, I said, ‘That’s a good melody, I like that melody.'”
Franklin compared Adele to one of the most acclaimed songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s. “She’s a very, very fine, solid writer,” Franklin said. “I like her writing a lot.
- 1/4/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tracee Ellis Ross is opening up about being the daughter of Diana Ross.
The 51-year-old Black-ish actress spoke to Flaunt magazine about their relationship in a new interview.
During the conversation, she revealed that while the 79-year-old music legend wasn’t a “partier,” she was frequently surrounded by other celebrities.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Don’t get me wrong, Michael Jackson was around. Marvin Gaye called the house all the time. Cher and my dad and my mom and Michael played doubles tennis. Andy Warhol photographed me. You know what I mean?”
“All of that stuff was just a part of my life. But at the same time, the feelings and the experiences and the way my mother created home life for us was very ‘normal,’” she continued.
“My mom, of course, has led a very public life, but she is such a private person, and such a home person.
The 51-year-old Black-ish actress spoke to Flaunt magazine about their relationship in a new interview.
During the conversation, she revealed that while the 79-year-old music legend wasn’t a “partier,” she was frequently surrounded by other celebrities.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Don’t get me wrong, Michael Jackson was around. Marvin Gaye called the house all the time. Cher and my dad and my mom and Michael played doubles tennis. Andy Warhol photographed me. You know what I mean?”
“All of that stuff was just a part of my life. But at the same time, the feelings and the experiences and the way my mother created home life for us was very ‘normal,’” she continued.
“My mom, of course, has led a very public life, but she is such a private person, and such a home person.
- 12/31/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Norby Walters, the onetime music agent who ran the annual “Night of 100 Stars” Oscar party for years and hosted an iconic low-stakes poker party for actors, died December 12. He was 91. His son, Walters Media Group founder and former Bold Films CEO Gary Michael Walters, confirmed the news but did not provide details.
Born Norbert Meyer, in 1952 Walters started booking jazz luminaries such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz into his father’s bar.
Walters and his brother, Walter took over a place from their father and dubbed it Norby & Walter’s Bel Air, but its sign had no ampersand — which led to the name Walters would use during his career. He later took over a failing nightclub located next to the world-famous Copacabana, dubbed it Norby Walters’s Supper Club, and attracted a who’s who of boldfaced New York City names.
“What was I going to do?...
Born Norbert Meyer, in 1952 Walters started booking jazz luminaries such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz into his father’s bar.
Walters and his brother, Walter took over a place from their father and dubbed it Norby & Walter’s Bel Air, but its sign had no ampersand — which led to the name Walters would use during his career. He later took over a failing nightclub located next to the world-famous Copacabana, dubbed it Norby Walters’s Supper Club, and attracted a who’s who of boldfaced New York City names.
“What was I going to do?...
- 12/21/2023
- by Erik Pedersen and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Egot recipient John Legend officially attached himself to “The Voice” coaching panel during its 16th installment, after previously giving advice as a mentor. Magic struck on his first at-bat in 2019 when he proved victorious as a coach with contemporary artist Maelyn Jarmon (Season 16), but he’s never won since. Now that the Season 24 blind auditions, battles and knockouts have concluded, can John prevail yet again on NBC’s reality TV show?
Tour our gallery above (or click here for direct access) for a closer look at Team John Legend on “The Voice” Season 24, including photos, bios and artist rankings. Also see our features for Team Niall Horan, Team Gwen Stefani and Team Reba McEntire.
See‘The Voice’ coaches ranked worst to best
1. Mac Royals (4-chair-turn) — Top 12
Hometown: Wrightsville, Ar
Mac grew up without his father, who was incarcerated for much of Mac’s childhood, but found solace in the strong female figures in his life.
Tour our gallery above (or click here for direct access) for a closer look at Team John Legend on “The Voice” Season 24, including photos, bios and artist rankings. Also see our features for Team Niall Horan, Team Gwen Stefani and Team Reba McEntire.
See‘The Voice’ coaches ranked worst to best
1. Mac Royals (4-chair-turn) — Top 12
Hometown: Wrightsville, Ar
Mac grew up without his father, who was incarcerated for much of Mac’s childhood, but found solace in the strong female figures in his life.
- 11/29/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Bob Dylan went public with his support for disgraced Rolling Stone founder and ex-editor Jann Wenner last night, telling an audience at New York City’s Beacon Theatre that he wants Wenner “back in” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Wenner, a founder and longtime major force behind the Hall of Fame, was voted off the Board of Directors in September after his comments in a New York Times interview were widely deemed racist and sexist.
During last night’s show at the Upper West Side venue, Dylan gave a shout-out to Wenner before expressing his thoughts on the ouster.
“All right, l’d like to say hello to Jann Wenner, who’s in the house,” Dylan said (listen to a recorded clip posted on the Dylan.FM Podcast below). “Jann Wenner, surely everybody’s heard of him. Anyway, he just got booted out of the Rock ‘n’ Roll...
Wenner, a founder and longtime major force behind the Hall of Fame, was voted off the Board of Directors in September after his comments in a New York Times interview were widely deemed racist and sexist.
During last night’s show at the Upper West Side venue, Dylan gave a shout-out to Wenner before expressing his thoughts on the ouster.
“All right, l’d like to say hello to Jann Wenner, who’s in the house,” Dylan said (listen to a recorded clip posted on the Dylan.FM Podcast below). “Jann Wenner, surely everybody’s heard of him. Anyway, he just got booted out of the Rock ‘n’ Roll...
- 11/17/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Dylan expressed his support for disgraced Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner during a concert in New York City on Thursday night.
Dylan rarely speaks during his shows, but he felt compelled to shout out Wenner towards the end of his gig at the Beacon Theatre. “All right, l’d like to say hello to Jann Wenner, who’s in the house. Jann Wenner, surely everybody’s heard of him,” Dylan said.
“Anyway, he just got booted out of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame – and we don’t think that’s right. We’re trying to get him back in.”
In September, Wann was removed from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors after making derogatory remarks about Black and female artists. Specifically, Wenner came under fire for comments he made to the New York Times in an interview promoting his new book The Masters.
Dylan rarely speaks during his shows, but he felt compelled to shout out Wenner towards the end of his gig at the Beacon Theatre. “All right, l’d like to say hello to Jann Wenner, who’s in the house. Jann Wenner, surely everybody’s heard of him,” Dylan said.
“Anyway, he just got booted out of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame – and we don’t think that’s right. We’re trying to get him back in.”
In September, Wann was removed from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors after making derogatory remarks about Black and female artists. Specifically, Wenner came under fire for comments he made to the New York Times in an interview promoting his new book The Masters.
- 11/17/2023
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
Paul McCartney‘s “Ebony and Ivory” and The Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye” might not seem connected on the surface. However, Paul says the tunes are both about “a deep theme in the universe.” Stevie Wonder also had insightful things to say about “Ebony and Ivory.” In his opinion, the tune was reflective but didn’t challenge people, but politely asked them to do something.
Paul McCartney said ‘Ebony and Ivory’ and The Beatles’ ‘Hello, Goodbye’ are about duality
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul discussed both “Hello, Goodbye” and “Ebony and Ivory.” “‘Hello, Goodbye’ was one of my songs,” he said. “There are Geminian influences here I think: the twins.
“It’s such a deep theme in the universe, duality man woman, black white, ebony ivory, high low, right wrong, up down, hello goodbye that it was a very easy song to write,” he said. “It’s just a song of duality,...
Paul McCartney said ‘Ebony and Ivory’ and The Beatles’ ‘Hello, Goodbye’ are about duality
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul discussed both “Hello, Goodbye” and “Ebony and Ivory.” “‘Hello, Goodbye’ was one of my songs,” he said. “There are Geminian influences here I think: the twins.
“It’s such a deep theme in the universe, duality man woman, black white, ebony ivory, high low, right wrong, up down, hello goodbye that it was a very easy song to write,” he said. “It’s just a song of duality,...
- 11/12/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Conny Van Dyke, a Motown Records star who acted on television during the ‘60s and ‘70s and again in the ‘00s, has passed away at age 78. Van Dyke’s son, Bronson Page, told Variety that the singer-songwriter died of complications of vascular dementia on Saturday at home in Los Angeles. She also battled colon cancer during her lifetime and suffered a stroke that partially paralyzed her, the magazine reports. Born in 1945, Van Dyke got a start in the music industry writing songs for Wheelsville Records in her native Detroit. She signed with Motown Records in 1961, according to Variety, and in 1963, she released single versions of “Oh, Freddy,” written by Smokey Robinson, and “It Hurt Me Too,” written by Marvin Gaye. Everett Collection “I had Marvin Gaye playing the piano for me, Stevie Wonder playing the bongos. He really was 12 years old,” Van Dyke said in an interview with comedian Skip E. Lowe,...
- 11/12/2023
- TV Insider
Conny Van Dyke, a singer-songwriter signed to Motown Records who starred in such films as “W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings” and “Framed,” has died. She was 78.
Van Dyke died on Nov. 11 at her home in Los Angeles due to complications of vascular dementia, her son Bronson Page told Variety.
The Detroit native was a longtime colon cancer and stroke survivor. She got her start in the entertainment industry when she was just 15 and a student in high school, making the film “Among the Thorns” with Tom Laughlin, Bill Wellman Jr. and Stephanie Powers. During that time, Van Dyke also worked as a songwriter for Wheelsville Records in Detroit.
In 1961, Van Dyke signed with Motown Records, making her one of the first white recording artists on the label. Her first two singles, “Oh, Freddy,” written by Smokey Robinson, and “It Hurt Me Too,” previously written and recorded by Marvin Gaye, were...
Van Dyke died on Nov. 11 at her home in Los Angeles due to complications of vascular dementia, her son Bronson Page told Variety.
The Detroit native was a longtime colon cancer and stroke survivor. She got her start in the entertainment industry when she was just 15 and a student in high school, making the film “Among the Thorns” with Tom Laughlin, Bill Wellman Jr. and Stephanie Powers. During that time, Van Dyke also worked as a songwriter for Wheelsville Records in Detroit.
In 1961, Van Dyke signed with Motown Records, making her one of the first white recording artists on the label. Her first two singles, “Oh, Freddy,” written by Smokey Robinson, and “It Hurt Me Too,” previously written and recorded by Marvin Gaye, were...
- 11/11/2023
- by Valerie Wu
- Variety Film + TV
A version of this response appeared on the Black Rock Coalition’s website.
When Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner made offensive comments in The New York Times about women and Black artists, the Black Rock Coalition, which has battled stereotypes and musical categorizations about what rock is “supposed to be” since 1985, felt obligated to speak out and condemn his misogynistic and racist statements. While we were among many organizations and individuals to call out Wenner, he also had a number of supporters, citing his contributions to popular culture and to the world of music journalism.
When Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner made offensive comments in The New York Times about women and Black artists, the Black Rock Coalition, which has battled stereotypes and musical categorizations about what rock is “supposed to be” since 1985, felt obligated to speak out and condemn his misogynistic and racist statements. While we were among many organizations and individuals to call out Wenner, he also had a number of supporters, citing his contributions to popular culture and to the world of music journalism.
- 10/23/2023
- by LaRonda Davis, Earl Douglas and Darrell M. McNeill
- Rollingstone.com
Rick Astley has released his ninth studio album, Are We There Yet?, via BMG. Stream it via Apple Music or Spotify below.
The English singer wrote, recorded, played, and produced the follow-up to 2018’s Beautiful Life at his home in London. Preceded by the singles “Dippin My Feet” and “Never Gonna Stop,” Are We There Yet? was influenced by the likes of Bill Withers, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye, as well as the live instrumentation of the famed R&b scene in Muscle Shoals. Pick up your physical copy here.
In support of the album, Astley will play a handful of UK shows, including a pair of gigs at London’s Royal Albert Hall. He will return to the road in early 2024 for a UK and Ireland arena tour, featuring Belinda Carlisle, The Lottery Winners, and Scouting for Girls opening on select dates. See the schedule below, and tickets are available here.
The English singer wrote, recorded, played, and produced the follow-up to 2018’s Beautiful Life at his home in London. Preceded by the singles “Dippin My Feet” and “Never Gonna Stop,” Are We There Yet? was influenced by the likes of Bill Withers, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye, as well as the live instrumentation of the famed R&b scene in Muscle Shoals. Pick up your physical copy here.
In support of the album, Astley will play a handful of UK shows, including a pair of gigs at London’s Royal Albert Hall. He will return to the road in early 2024 for a UK and Ireland arena tour, featuring Belinda Carlisle, The Lottery Winners, and Scouting for Girls opening on select dates. See the schedule below, and tickets are available here.
- 10/13/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
This article contains spoilers for the Oct. 10 episode of “Dancing With the Stars.”
Singer Jason Mraz who was tied at the top of the leaderboard last week, earned the first “9”s of the season on Tuesday night’s “Dancing With the Stars.” Later in the show, “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix, who danced in flats due to a possible unrevealed injury, was shocked to also be given two “9”s and two “8” scores.
Mraz and partner Daniella Karagach shook it up for Motown Night with a spirited Jive to “Do You Love Me” by The Contours. Carrie Ann Inaba called it “brilliant,” while Derek Hough raved that Mraz made the dance look “effortless.” Tonioli gushed that it was “like watching a scene from a movie.”
Motown Night saw extra points for everyone as “The $100,000 Pyramid” host Michael Strahan joined as a guest judge.
Tyson Beckford and Jenna Johnson jammed to a...
Singer Jason Mraz who was tied at the top of the leaderboard last week, earned the first “9”s of the season on Tuesday night’s “Dancing With the Stars.” Later in the show, “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix, who danced in flats due to a possible unrevealed injury, was shocked to also be given two “9”s and two “8” scores.
Mraz and partner Daniella Karagach shook it up for Motown Night with a spirited Jive to “Do You Love Me” by The Contours. Carrie Ann Inaba called it “brilliant,” while Derek Hough raved that Mraz made the dance look “effortless.” Tonioli gushed that it was “like watching a scene from a movie.”
Motown Night saw extra points for everyone as “The $100,000 Pyramid” host Michael Strahan joined as a guest judge.
Tyson Beckford and Jenna Johnson jammed to a...
- 10/11/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Week three of “Dancing with the Stars” brought “Motown Night,” in which the celebrities performed new dance styles — mostly foxtrots — to songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes and “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5. So who busted a move, and whose moves were busted? Follow along below with our live blog for all the minute-by-minute developments and commentary as the night progresses.
Last week “Zoey 101” actress Jamie Lynn Spears was the second celebrity eliminated from the competition, leaving 12 to compete for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: model Tyson Beckford, actress Xochitl Gomez, actress Alyson Hannigan, “Too Hot to Handle” star Harry Jowsey, “The Bachelorette” alum Charity Lawson, “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, NFL player Adrian Peterson, social media personality Lele Pons, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, “Real Housewives of Beverly...
Last week “Zoey 101” actress Jamie Lynn Spears was the second celebrity eliminated from the competition, leaving 12 to compete for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: model Tyson Beckford, actress Xochitl Gomez, actress Alyson Hannigan, “Too Hot to Handle” star Harry Jowsey, “The Bachelorette” alum Charity Lawson, “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, NFL player Adrian Peterson, social media personality Lele Pons, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, “Real Housewives of Beverly...
- 10/10/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
It’s Motown Night on “Dancing with the Stars” this week and nothing says “Motown” more than… Michael Strahan. The “Good Morning America” co-anchor will guest-judge the remaining 12 couples’ routines to soul hits.
Prepare yourself for a whole lotta foxtrots. Half of the dances are foxtrots and the other six are two quicksteps, one cha-cha, one tango, one rumba and one jive. Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach have the jive, marking the second consecutive week they are the only couple assigned a particular dance style (last week was rumba). Tptb are really testing out his extra vertebrae, huh?
After sitting out last week due to Covid-19, Artem Chigvintsev is back in the ballroom this week with Charity Lawson.
See the full list below.
Tyson Beckford and Jenna Johnson: foxtrot (“Master Blaster [Jammin’]” by Stevie Wonder)
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy: foxtrot (“My Guy” by Mary Wells)
Alyson Hannigan and...
Prepare yourself for a whole lotta foxtrots. Half of the dances are foxtrots and the other six are two quicksteps, one cha-cha, one tango, one rumba and one jive. Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach have the jive, marking the second consecutive week they are the only couple assigned a particular dance style (last week was rumba). Tptb are really testing out his extra vertebrae, huh?
After sitting out last week due to Covid-19, Artem Chigvintsev is back in the ballroom this week with Charity Lawson.
See the full list below.
Tyson Beckford and Jenna Johnson: foxtrot (“Master Blaster [Jammin’]” by Stevie Wonder)
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy: foxtrot (“My Guy” by Mary Wells)
Alyson Hannigan and...
- 10/9/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Alyson Hannigan is having a lot of fun on Dancing With the Stars!
The 49-year-old actress has made it past the first two weeks of the reality competition, dancing alongside her pro partner Sasha Farber.
In week one, Alyson and Sasha landed towards the bottom of the leaderboard with their salsa, but made a “night and day” comeback, as judge Derek Hough said, in week two with their tango!
We caught up with Alyson ahead of the upcoming “Motown Night,” where she’s doing the Foxtrot to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. We got the scoop on how her family has been supporting her on the show, why she decided to join DWTS, overcoming the challenges of not being a dancer and more.
Keep reading to see our exclusive interview…
Just Jared: Congratulations on making it to another week on Dancing with the Stars!
The 49-year-old actress has made it past the first two weeks of the reality competition, dancing alongside her pro partner Sasha Farber.
In week one, Alyson and Sasha landed towards the bottom of the leaderboard with their salsa, but made a “night and day” comeback, as judge Derek Hough said, in week two with their tango!
We caught up with Alyson ahead of the upcoming “Motown Night,” where she’s doing the Foxtrot to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. We got the scoop on how her family has been supporting her on the show, why she decided to join DWTS, overcoming the challenges of not being a dancer and more.
Keep reading to see our exclusive interview…
Just Jared: Congratulations on making it to another week on Dancing with the Stars!
- 10/8/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Spike Lee is among those upset about Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner’s recent controversial choice to leave women and Black musicians out of his new book The Masters.
During a wide-ranging interview with Lee at the 2023 New Yorker Festival on Saturday, New Yorker editor David Remnick recalled how a few weeks ago the pair were talking and Lee was “exercised” about the Wenner controversy.
“It is just emblematic of how often Black people, brown people, colored people are overlooked for their genius, for their skill, hard work,” Lee said during the New Yorker Festival talk.
When reminded that Wenner had explained these omissions, in an interview with The New York Times that seemed to kickstart the backlash against the Rolling Stone co-founder, by saying that no female or Black artists were “articulate” enough to be included, Lee suggested that may have been particularly what he was irritated about.
“Whoa!
During a wide-ranging interview with Lee at the 2023 New Yorker Festival on Saturday, New Yorker editor David Remnick recalled how a few weeks ago the pair were talking and Lee was “exercised” about the Wenner controversy.
“It is just emblematic of how often Black people, brown people, colored people are overlooked for their genius, for their skill, hard work,” Lee said during the New Yorker Festival talk.
When reminded that Wenner had explained these omissions, in an interview with The New York Times that seemed to kickstart the backlash against the Rolling Stone co-founder, by saying that no female or Black artists were “articulate” enough to be included, Lee suggested that may have been particularly what he was irritated about.
“Whoa!
- 10/8/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rick Astley settled his lawsuit filed in January against rapper Yung Gravy and his collaborators for an undisclosed sum on Tuesday, according to Billboard.
Astley, known for his 1987 hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up” sued the rapper for impersonating his voice and claimed Gravy’s 2022 breakout hit, “Betty (Get Money),” imitated his distinct vocals in his Eighties classic.
“In an effort to capitalize off of the immense popularity and goodwill of Mr. Astley, defendants … conspired to include a deliberate and nearly indistinguishable imitation of Mr. Astley’s voice throughout the song,...
Astley, known for his 1987 hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up” sued the rapper for impersonating his voice and claimed Gravy’s 2022 breakout hit, “Betty (Get Money),” imitated his distinct vocals in his Eighties classic.
“In an effort to capitalize off of the immense popularity and goodwill of Mr. Astley, defendants … conspired to include a deliberate and nearly indistinguishable imitation of Mr. Astley’s voice throughout the song,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Ed Sheeran was found not liable in the copyright lawsuit trial that accused his song “Thinking Out Loud” of infringing on Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On.”
After three hours of deliberations that followed a two-week trial in New York from April to May, the jury announced their verdict in favor of Sheeran, finding that he independently created his 2014 single and did not copy Gaye’s hit.
While Sheeran was pleased with the outcome (he won’t have to retire now, as he threatened during his testimony), he...
After three hours of deliberations that followed a two-week trial in New York from April to May, the jury announced their verdict in favor of Sheeran, finding that he independently created his 2014 single and did not copy Gaye’s hit.
While Sheeran was pleased with the outcome (he won’t have to retire now, as he threatened during his testimony), he...
- 9/25/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
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