It’s fitting that Johnny Cash’s life became a major Hollywood movie. The country music superstar found success after enduring tragedy (which became a major inspiration in his life), addiction, and forbidden love. It’s a reason his songs resonate with so many people. Sun Records founder Sam Phillips gave Cash his big break in the music business. There wouldn’t be a Man in Black otherwise, but Cash had mixed feelings about Phillips and his business practices, and he was right to see the good and bad.
Sam Phillips (left) and Johnny Cash in 1956 | Colin Escott/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Johnny Cash admitted he had mixed feelings about Sam Phillips
Phillips was the kingmaker in the Memphis music scene of the late 1950s. The producer and Sun Records founder gave some of the world’s most legendary artists their start, Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis,...
Sam Phillips (left) and Johnny Cash in 1956 | Colin Escott/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Johnny Cash admitted he had mixed feelings about Sam Phillips
Phillips was the kingmaker in the Memphis music scene of the late 1950s. The producer and Sun Records founder gave some of the world’s most legendary artists their start, Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Johnny Cash performed several country music songs that are enduring classics and crossed over to the mainstream. He didn’t write all his hits, and “Folsom Prison Blues” set his bank account back 75,000 after a plagiarism lawsuit, but that doesn’t change the fact The Man in Black remains a country legend because of his tunes. One of Cash’s signature songs, “Ring of Fire,” comes with a twisting and sordid story that is song-worthy itself.
June Carter Cash (left) and Johnny Cash | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Johnny Cash didn’t earn a songwriting credit for ‘Ring of Fire’
Aside from Cash’s deep-throated baritone, “A Boy Named Sue” and “Ring of Fire” don’t have all that much in common. The former is a relatively simple country-folk storytelling narrative. The latter is a genre-bending country-latin tune whose mariachi horns might be the highlight.
June Carter Cash (left) and Johnny Cash | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Johnny Cash didn’t earn a songwriting credit for ‘Ring of Fire’
Aside from Cash’s deep-throated baritone, “A Boy Named Sue” and “Ring of Fire” don’t have all that much in common. The former is a relatively simple country-folk storytelling narrative. The latter is a genre-bending country-latin tune whose mariachi horns might be the highlight.
- 2/9/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Johnny Cash made a name for himself as a country music star, and traditional gospel hymns were some of the earliest songs he learned. He once said his favorite album was his record of songs from his mother’s hymn book. Yet Cash praised heavy metal bands and included them on the list of music he appreciated. The Man in Black called out would-be music censors stalking the warpath in the 1980s.
Johnny Cash | Catherine McGann/Getty Images Johnny Cash covered heavy metal songs later in his career
Rick Rubin helped revive Cash’s career in the 1990s. The producer reached out to the country music legend with a simple request — play the songs you want to play. Their collaboration led to a series of albums titled after Rubin’s record label, American Recordings.
The first record, American Recordings, included Cash’s cover of punk/metal star Glenn Danzig’s “Thirteen.
Johnny Cash | Catherine McGann/Getty Images Johnny Cash covered heavy metal songs later in his career
Rick Rubin helped revive Cash’s career in the 1990s. The producer reached out to the country music legend with a simple request — play the songs you want to play. Their collaboration led to a series of albums titled after Rubin’s record label, American Recordings.
The first record, American Recordings, included Cash’s cover of punk/metal star Glenn Danzig’s “Thirteen.
- 1/27/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It didn’t take Johnny Cash long to become an established country music artist. He begged Sun Records founder Sam Phillips for a chance to record, Phillips soon relented, and his first single included a B-side that was a modest hit. The biggest hiccup was that Cash struggled through more than 35 takes to record the tune that helped him take the first step toward leaving behind his first two terrible jobs forever.
Johnny Cash | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Johnny Cash found success with one of his first songs
Cash served in the Air Force from 1950 until 1954. He formed his first band while he was in the military, which was something he and Jimi Hendrix had in common. Cash moved to Memphis, Tenn., when the Air Force discharged him and initially sold appliances as a full-time job.
But Cash, who always dreamed of being a musician, had his sights set on that goal.
Johnny Cash | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Johnny Cash found success with one of his first songs
Cash served in the Air Force from 1950 until 1954. He formed his first band while he was in the military, which was something he and Jimi Hendrix had in common. Cash moved to Memphis, Tenn., when the Air Force discharged him and initially sold appliances as a full-time job.
But Cash, who always dreamed of being a musician, had his sights set on that goal.
- 1/24/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
On Dec. 21, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its shortlists for the 2023 Oscars in 10 categories, which included advancing 15 documentary features to the next round. A total of 144 documentary features this year were eligible, and those that moved on include All That Breathes, Fire of Love and Moonage Daydream.
Among the more surprising omissions was Mars Rover doc Good Night Oppy. Members of the documentary branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees for documentary feature as well as documentary short (15 films were shortlisted from 98 qualified shorts).
A list of the 15 documentaries on this year’s Oscars shortlist follows.
All That Breathes
Winner of the Cannes Golden Eye and Sundance Grand Jury Prize (World Cinema Documentary), All That Breathes follows two brothers in New Delhi racing to save a bird falling from the sky. Shaunak Sen directs the HBO documentary. It premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival,...
Among the more surprising omissions was Mars Rover doc Good Night Oppy. Members of the documentary branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees for documentary feature as well as documentary short (15 films were shortlisted from 98 qualified shorts).
A list of the 15 documentaries on this year’s Oscars shortlist follows.
All That Breathes
Winner of the Cannes Golden Eye and Sundance Grand Jury Prize (World Cinema Documentary), All That Breathes follows two brothers in New Delhi racing to save a bird falling from the sky. Shaunak Sen directs the HBO documentary. It premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Leonard Cohen. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Leonard Cohen Family Trust. © Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
The new documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song is a double biography of sorts, of beloved Canadian-Jewish songwriter/singer Leonard Cohen, who has had a cult-like following, particularly among musicians, and his most famous song “Hallelujah,” a song that seems to be everywhere and has taken on a life of its own, transforming from a more sacred form about King David to more secular form that appears in countless movie soundtracks and has become a favorite at weddings, funerals and singing contest. This excellent documentary, from co-directors Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine, has plenty for both long-time fans and those new to the musician’s work.
Unlike some previous documentaries about Leonard Cohen, who passed away in 2016, this one focuses more on his career and its evolution than on his personal or romantic life.
The new documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song is a double biography of sorts, of beloved Canadian-Jewish songwriter/singer Leonard Cohen, who has had a cult-like following, particularly among musicians, and his most famous song “Hallelujah,” a song that seems to be everywhere and has taken on a life of its own, transforming from a more sacred form about King David to more secular form that appears in countless movie soundtracks and has become a favorite at weddings, funerals and singing contest. This excellent documentary, from co-directors Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine, has plenty for both long-time fans and those new to the musician’s work.
Unlike some previous documentaries about Leonard Cohen, who passed away in 2016, this one focuses more on his career and its evolution than on his personal or romantic life.
- 7/29/2022
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
This review of “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” first appeared when the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021.
Like the blind men of lore groping to understand an elephant by focusing on a tail or a tusk or an ear, filmmakers have tended to approach the late singer, songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen in bits and pieces. Lian Lunson looked at his career through the lens of a 2005 tribute concert in “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man,” Tony Palmer’s “Leonard Cohen: Bird on a Wire” was a long-lost chronicle of a single European tour in 1972 and Nick Broomfield’s “Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love” is as much about Broomfield’s own relationship with one of Cohen’s muses, Marianne Ihlen.
And now there’s Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine’s “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, a Song.” It purports to be about a single...
Like the blind men of lore groping to understand an elephant by focusing on a tail or a tusk or an ear, filmmakers have tended to approach the late singer, songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen in bits and pieces. Lian Lunson looked at his career through the lens of a 2005 tribute concert in “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man,” Tony Palmer’s “Leonard Cohen: Bird on a Wire” was a long-lost chronicle of a single European tour in 1972 and Nick Broomfield’s “Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love” is as much about Broomfield’s own relationship with one of Cohen’s muses, Marianne Ihlen.
And now there’s Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine’s “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, a Song.” It purports to be about a single...
- 6/30/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Vintage songs are regularly remade, sampled and, most recently, interpolated into new ones. But even in that context, the saga of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” remains singular. A song that was initially rejected and ignored by the music business in the Eighties has, over the last two or three decades, become a go-to pop hymn for TV talent shows, soundtracks, even a Saturday Night Live sketch. For a long time, “Suzanne” was in the running as Cohen’s leading contribution to the post-rock pop repertoire. “Hallelujah” has now overtaken it: Pick nearly any genre,...
- 6/30/2022
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
The new documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song is arriving on July 1, and there’s a premiere party this Sunday evening at New York’s Beacon Theatre featuring performances by Judy Collins, Amanda Shires, Sharon Robinson, and Why Don’t We’s Daniel Seavey.
Directed by Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller, the film utilizes never-before-seen footage to dive deep into the creation of Cohen’s 1984 classic “Hallelujah” and the broader saga of his life. It was inspired by Alan Light’s book The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen,...
Directed by Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller, the film utilizes never-before-seen footage to dive deep into the creation of Cohen’s 1984 classic “Hallelujah” and the broader saga of his life. It was inspired by Alan Light’s book The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen,...
- 6/9/2022
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Film to receive North American theatrical release in 2022
Sony Pictures Classics announced today has acquired all worldwide rights from Dogwoof to Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine’s Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song following its launch at Venice and Telluride.
The film will receive a North American theatrical release in 2022 and explores the legendary poet and singer-songwriter through the lens of arguably his most famous work, ‘Hallelujah’. Cohen approved production before his 80th birthday in 2014. He died in 2016.
Geller and Goldfine also produced the project, inspired by Alan Light’s book ‘The Holy Or The Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff...
Sony Pictures Classics announced today has acquired all worldwide rights from Dogwoof to Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine’s Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song following its launch at Venice and Telluride.
The film will receive a North American theatrical release in 2022 and explores the legendary poet and singer-songwriter through the lens of arguably his most famous work, ‘Hallelujah’. Cohen approved production before his 80th birthday in 2014. He died in 2016.
Geller and Goldfine also produced the project, inspired by Alan Light’s book ‘The Holy Or The Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff...
- 10/14/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures Classics has taken global rights sans France and Germany, to Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine’s documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song.
The docu made its premiere at Venice and Telluride, with SPC eyeing a theatrical release for 2022.
Inspired by the book The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley & the Unlikely Ascent of Hallelujah by Alan Light, the documentary was produced and directed by Emmy Award winners Geller and Goldfine and executive produced by longtime Geller/Goldfine collaborator Jonathan Dana and Oscar winner Morgan Neville, along with Michael Drews and Robin Sagon. The late Hal Willner served as music producer, with John Lissauer providing an original score.
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song explores the legendary poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen through the lens of arguably his most famous and certainly most covered work, the hymn “Hallelujah”.
Approved for production by Cohen just...
The docu made its premiere at Venice and Telluride, with SPC eyeing a theatrical release for 2022.
Inspired by the book The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley & the Unlikely Ascent of Hallelujah by Alan Light, the documentary was produced and directed by Emmy Award winners Geller and Goldfine and executive produced by longtime Geller/Goldfine collaborator Jonathan Dana and Oscar winner Morgan Neville, along with Michael Drews and Robin Sagon. The late Hal Willner served as music producer, with John Lissauer providing an original score.
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song explores the legendary poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen through the lens of arguably his most famous and certainly most covered work, the hymn “Hallelujah”.
Approved for production by Cohen just...
- 10/14/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
For over 25 years, Emmy-award winning directors/producers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine have jointly created multi-character documentary narratives that use the personal stories of their protagonists to paint a larger portrait of the human experience. They are especially known for meticulous archival research, which made works such as “Ballets Russes” (2005) and “Isadora Duncan: Movement from the Soul” (1988) so extraordinary. “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” explores the life of the legendary singer-songwriter through the prism of his internationally renowned song, “Hallelujah.” Dogwoof is the international sales agent for the Venice-bowing doc.
What inspired you to take on this topic?
It was a combination of things. We’d seen Leonard Cohen twice when he came through the Bay Area during his world tours in 2010 and 2013 and were deeply moved by those concerts, and especially by his performances of “Hallelujah.” Then one night over dinner, our friend, film historian David Thomson,...
What inspired you to take on this topic?
It was a combination of things. We’d seen Leonard Cohen twice when he came through the Bay Area during his world tours in 2010 and 2013 and were deeply moved by those concerts, and especially by his performances of “Hallelujah.” Then one night over dinner, our friend, film historian David Thomson,...
- 9/4/2021
- by Alissa Simon
- Variety Film + TV
Daniel Gellar and Dayna Goldfine’s “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” begins at what is, by most definitions, the end: with Cohen’s final concert, in December of 2013. He roams the stage, growling out the title song in his trademark fedora and black suit, with all 79 of his years behind it, and it sounds like both a dirge and a celebration. By this time, the omnipresent “Hallelujah” was the song Cohen was most associated with, its strange combination of spirituality and sin, of operatic emotion and shrugging acceptance, making it a standard – the 21st century’s “Yesterday.”
Telluride 2021 Preview: 10 Must-See Films To Watch
But there’s a whole oddball history there, a strange, twisted story of the “Hallelujah” path from forgotten album track to cultural ubiquity, first told in Alan Light’s 2012 book “The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of ‘Hallelujah...
Telluride 2021 Preview: 10 Must-See Films To Watch
But there’s a whole oddball history there, a strange, twisted story of the “Hallelujah” path from forgotten album track to cultural ubiquity, first told in Alan Light’s 2012 book “The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of ‘Hallelujah...
- 9/2/2021
- by Jason Bailey
- The Playlist
A new Venice-bound documentary on singer Leonard Cohen will be shopped internationally by doc specialists Dogwoof.
Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine’s latest feature “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” is executive produced by Oscar winner Morgan Neville and Jonathan Dana, a long-time collaborator of directors Geller and Goldfine (“The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden”). The film explores the poet and singer-songwriter’s life through the lens of what’s arguably his most famous work, the hymn “Hallelujah,” which has been covered countless times by other artists over the years.
“Hallelujah” will world premiere Out of Competition at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 2.
“With Leonard Cohen’s worldwide reputation and ‘Hallelujah’s’ standing as one of the most recognized and covered songs from any artist, Dogwoof’s abilities as a global partner create a perfect fit for representing our documentary. We are delighted to work with their excellent team,...
Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine’s latest feature “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” is executive produced by Oscar winner Morgan Neville and Jonathan Dana, a long-time collaborator of directors Geller and Goldfine (“The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden”). The film explores the poet and singer-songwriter’s life through the lens of what’s arguably his most famous work, the hymn “Hallelujah,” which has been covered countless times by other artists over the years.
“Hallelujah” will world premiere Out of Competition at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 2.
“With Leonard Cohen’s worldwide reputation and ‘Hallelujah’s’ standing as one of the most recognized and covered songs from any artist, Dogwoof’s abilities as a global partner create a perfect fit for representing our documentary. We are delighted to work with their excellent team,...
- 7/27/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The short documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono, 24 Hours: The World of John and Yoko, is available to stream on the Coda Collection on Amazon Prime Video.
The release marks the first time the 35-minute film has been available in full since it first aired on the BBC December 15th, 1969. Directed by Paul Morrison, 24 Hours follows Ono and Lennon over five days, documenting their creative efforts and activism, including their famous campaign to promote peace. Filming took place at Lennon’s Tittenhurst Park estate, Abbey Road Studios, and the Apple Records offices.
The release marks the first time the 35-minute film has been available in full since it first aired on the BBC December 15th, 1969. Directed by Paul Morrison, 24 Hours follows Ono and Lennon over five days, documenting their creative efforts and activism, including their famous campaign to promote peace. Filming took place at Lennon’s Tittenhurst Park estate, Abbey Road Studios, and the Apple Records offices.
- 5/17/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Nearly 45 years ago, Peter Frampton released his first concert record, Frampton Comes Alive! The album made the struggling solo artist (and former member of Humble Pie) a rock household name and pinup. Its multi-platinum success also reverberated through the industry, inspiring a slew of double-live albums by other acts who hadn’t quite broke through by that point.
But as he writes in his candid autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, co-written with Alan Light (Hachette Books, Oct. 20), Frampton’s breakthrough moment also showed him the way,...
But as he writes in his candid autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, co-written with Alan Light (Hachette Books, Oct. 20), Frampton’s breakthrough moment also showed him the way,...
- 10/15/2020
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Come on, let’s do it again. Peter Frampton’s Do You Feel Like I Do? A Memoir brings it all back when you can’t remember who’s wine, what wine, and where the hell you may have dined while living the life of a working rock star.
Written by Frampton with Alan Light, Peter comes alive on the pages of Do You Feel Like I Do? A Memoir. He’s been in you, and now he’s letting you in. Hachette Books will release the book on Oct. 20. The stories are all first-hand accounts from the innovative guitarist himself. And he’s not using that talking box either. He got that effect, by the way, while he was playing sessions with country music’s premiere pedal steel guitarist, Pete Drake, for George Harrison‘s 1970 album All Things Must Pass. He liked the sound of Drake’s innovation so...
Written by Frampton with Alan Light, Peter comes alive on the pages of Do You Feel Like I Do? A Memoir. He’s been in you, and now he’s letting you in. Hachette Books will release the book on Oct. 20. The stories are all first-hand accounts from the innovative guitarist himself. And he’s not using that talking box either. He got that effect, by the way, while he was playing sessions with country music’s premiere pedal steel guitarist, Pete Drake, for George Harrison‘s 1970 album All Things Must Pass. He liked the sound of Drake’s innovation so...
- 10/11/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Jewel has shared a previously unreleased demo of her 1996 hit “You Were Meant for Me,” set to appear on the 25th-anniversary edition of Pieces of You, out November 20th.
The demo (understandably) boasts a much rawer feel than the final product, with the woodwinds and soft drums stripped away to leave just Jewel’s voice and guitar. Joining Jewel on the demo is co-writer Steve Poltz, who provides a bit of back-up as they sing, “Dreams last so long, even after you’re gone/And I know that you love...
The demo (understandably) boasts a much rawer feel than the final product, with the woodwinds and soft drums stripped away to leave just Jewel’s voice and guitar. Joining Jewel on the demo is co-writer Steve Poltz, who provides a bit of back-up as they sing, “Dreams last so long, even after you’re gone/And I know that you love...
- 9/29/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Peter Frampton has teamed up with former Rolling Stone editor Alan Light for a memoir, Do You Feel Like I Do?, set for release on October 20th.
“This is my journey,” Frampton says in a statement. “All I ever wanted to do was play guitar and it’s taken me many different places – physically and mentally. I’ve been to the moon and back without a rocket, but also to the depths of despair. You never stop paying your dues. Failure has been my greatest inspiration. I brush myself off...
“This is my journey,” Frampton says in a statement. “All I ever wanted to do was play guitar and it’s taken me many different places – physically and mentally. I’ve been to the moon and back without a rocket, but also to the depths of despair. You never stop paying your dues. Failure has been my greatest inspiration. I brush myself off...
- 2/19/2020
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Leonard Cohen’s career had reached a low point when he wrote “Hallelujah.” It was 1984, and he had been out of the spotlight for quite a long time. His 1977 LP, Death of a Ladies’ Man, a collaboration with Phil Spector, was a commercial and critical disappointment, and his next album Recent Songs fared no better. When Cohen submitted the songs for his subsequent LP, Various Positions, to Columbia, label execs didn’t hear “Hallelujah,” the opening song of Side Two, as anything special. They didn’t even want to release the album,...
- 12/12/2019
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
Come all ye Catholic school rejects, New Age earth mothers, gender rebels and jilted ex-lovers: Alanis Morissette has room around the campfire for you.
“It’s like a family reunion,” she said Monday night, beaming onstage at the sold-out historic Apollo Theater in New York City. Accompanied by guitarists Jason Orm and Julian Coryell, Morissette performed her 1995 breakthrough album, Jagged Little Pill, in its entirety; in lieu of an actual campfire was a toasty reception by longtime fans, and some more recent converts.
“Just keep the creepy uncles in the back,...
“It’s like a family reunion,” she said Monday night, beaming onstage at the sold-out historic Apollo Theater in New York City. Accompanied by guitarists Jason Orm and Julian Coryell, Morissette performed her 1995 breakthrough album, Jagged Little Pill, in its entirety; in lieu of an actual campfire was a toasty reception by longtime fans, and some more recent converts.
“Just keep the creepy uncles in the back,...
- 12/3/2019
- by Suzy Exposito
- Rollingstone.com
Penny Marshall Photo: Alan Light
Penny Marshall, director of Big and A League Of Their Own and much-loved star of the sitcom Laverne & Shirley, has died at the age of 75, it was revealed today.
Making her directorial début in 1986 with Jumpin' Jack Flash , Marshall carved out a career in a world where female directors were still very much a rarity. She was the first woman ever to direct a film that earned over $100M at the box office. Her 1990 hit Awakenings, which starred Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, was a Best Picture Oscar nominee. Her final film, the documentary Rodman, is due for release next year.
"You need to see what the actor needs. This one wants to be talked to privately. That one doesn't mind if you block it for them. Just tell me the truth and I'll adapt to it," she said, talking about her directing.
Penny Marshall, director of Big and A League Of Their Own and much-loved star of the sitcom Laverne & Shirley, has died at the age of 75, it was revealed today.
Making her directorial début in 1986 with Jumpin' Jack Flash , Marshall carved out a career in a world where female directors were still very much a rarity. She was the first woman ever to direct a film that earned over $100M at the box office. Her 1990 hit Awakenings, which starred Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, was a Best Picture Oscar nominee. Her final film, the documentary Rodman, is due for release next year.
"You need to see what the actor needs. This one wants to be talked to privately. That one doesn't mind if you block it for them. Just tell me the truth and I'll adapt to it," she said, talking about her directing.
- 12/18/2018
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Ray Davies set the rock world aflutter late in June when he casually seemed to say that the Kinks were getting back together — and then characteristically undercut his comment by saying they’d be reuniting at the pub. Mark Goodman and Alan Light of SiriusXM’s “Debatable” grilled Davies on the subject today, asking him directly whether the famously fractious group, helmed by Ray and his younger brother Dave since 1963, are actually sorting out their differences and getting back together for the first time since 1996 — and as he’d said, reuniting with founding drummer Mick Avory for the first time since the early 1980s.
“We’ve got nothing to sort out — we’ll never get on!” Davies replied, referencing Dave and Avory. “But if we acknowledge that, we can make good music, because [Dave] is an outstanding guitar player. I still love winding [Dave] up,” he laughed. “I tried winding Gary up,...
“We’ve got nothing to sort out — we’ll never get on!” Davies replied, referencing Dave and Avory. “But if we acknowledge that, we can make good music, because [Dave] is an outstanding guitar player. I still love winding [Dave] up,” he laughed. “I tried winding Gary up,...
- 7/12/2018
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
History has been cruel to Elvis Presley in many ways. To most people under 50, he’s known only as a jumpsuit-wearing joke, the man who inspired countless cheesy impersonators and cheap Vegas wedding chapels. But "he was much deeper and smarter than his image," Jerry Schilling, a member of Elvis' "Memphis Mafia" inner circle and an executive producer of the new HBO documentary Elvis Presley: The Searcher, exclusively tells Closer Weekly. "Elvis was anything but comical. He certainly had a great sense of humor, but we wanted viewers to get to know him as a human being." That’s why Jerry, with Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla Presley (who also exec-produced the film), enlisted confidantes, experts, and musical disciples like Bruce Springsteen and the late Tom Petty to offer new insight into the King for this sprawling, three-and-a-half-hour doc. "Elvis was a light for all of us," Tom says in the film.
- 4/4/2018
- by Closer Staff
- Closer Weekly
With their latest documentary, Rolling Stone: Stories From the Edge, directors Alex Gibney and Blair Foster stitch together old performance footage, recordings from interviews with artists (Ice-t) and Presidents (Bill Clinton), and readings from some of the magazine's most important stories, with the likes of Johnny Depp subbing in for Hunter S. Thompson. Instead of following the magazine's activities year by year, the narrative is dictated by big stories: The film jumps from one big scoop to the next, skipping from Hunter S. Thompson on George McGovern in 1972 to an...
- 11/6/2017
- Rollingstone.com
Early in the new documentary Rolling Stone: Stories From the Edge, a 22-year-old Jann Wenner is seen sitting at his desk in the cramped San Francisco loft where he started the magazine 50 years ago. The Berkeley dropout is surrounded by a bulging Rolodex, a rotary telephone and a photo of the Beatles, discussing why he started the new publication. "Rock & roll is a particular form [of music] that's changed tremendously, has changed, keeps changing," he tells a local TV reporter. "There was no publication that covered it the way it should be covered,...
- 10/30/2017
- Rollingstone.com
An untitled HBO Entertainment documentary from Sony Pictures Television about the life and music of Elvis Presley is wrapping production this month and will debut on a yet-to-be announced date on the network. Directed by Emmy and Grammy winner Thom Zimny, who has work on multiple Bruce Springsteen documentary and video projects, and written by Alan Light, the three-hour, two-film presentation takes the audience on a comprehensive journey from Presely's childhood through…...
- 11/14/2016
- Deadline TV
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich admits he's lived through so many rock concert clichés that This Is Spinal Tap now plays like a "horror film." The musician laughs about the landmark mockumentary during a debate with veteran music journalist/Rolling Stone contributor Alan Light and comedian Tom Papa about history's "most influential band," sampled in the above clip from Craig Ferguson's History Channel series Join or Die.
"Every single functioning band out there has sat and looked at that movie and cringed because we have all lived every one of those 'Hello Cleveland' moments,...
"Every single functioning band out there has sat and looked at that movie and cringed because we have all lived every one of those 'Hello Cleveland' moments,...
- 4/1/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Last week Sarah Jones, an Atlanta-based second assistant camera operator, was killed on location in Wayne County, Georgia while filming on the Gregg Allman biopic, Midnight Rider. According to sources, Sarah, 27, died after being struck by a train during the filming of a dream sequence where a bed had been placed on a railroad bridge over the Altamaha River. The scene was to include two trains, when a third appeared unexpectedly, giving the crew little time to escape. In addition to her death, a number of additional crew were injured by flying debris. There has been an outpouring of grief and kind words for Sarah Jones both within the entertainment community, particularly those that work behind the scenes, and the rest of the country in general. One of the more noteworthy gestures is a petition to include Sarah in the Academy Awards’ ‘In Memoriam’ segment, honoring those that have passed in the year since the previous airing...
- 2/27/2014
- by Dustin Hucks
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
The accident that killed one crewmember and injured several others on the set of the Gregg Allman biopic Midnight Rider may not have been given proper permission to shoot, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Where Does Gregg Allman Rank on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers List?
Assistant camera operator Sarah Jones, 27, died after being struck by a train during the filming of a dream sequence. The crew had placed a bed on a railroad bridge for a scene involving two trains when a third train unexpectedly appeared, striking and killing the...
Where Does Gregg Allman Rank on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers List?
Assistant camera operator Sarah Jones, 27, died after being struck by a train during the filming of a dream sequence. The crew had placed a bed on a railroad bridge for a scene involving two trains when a third train unexpectedly appeared, striking and killing the...
- 2/25/2014
- Rollingstone.com
A second camera assistant was killed and multiple others injured during the shooting of Midnight Rider, the upcoming biopic based on the life of Allman Brothers Band founding member Gregg Allman, according to The Wrap.
Where Does Gregg Allman Rank on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers List?
The accident happened Thursday afternoon in Wayne County, Ga. during the filming of a dream sequence involving two trains. The crew had placed a mattress on a railroad bridge when a third train unexpectedly appeared, forcing crewmembers, including director Randall Miller, to remove the...
Where Does Gregg Allman Rank on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers List?
The accident happened Thursday afternoon in Wayne County, Ga. during the filming of a dream sequence involving two trains. The crew had placed a mattress on a railroad bridge when a third train unexpectedly appeared, forcing crewmembers, including director Randall Miller, to remove the...
- 2/21/2014
- Rollingstone.com
Eliza Dushku, Bradley Whitford and Joel David Moore have signed up for Midnight Rider.
The trio will join All American Rejects lead singer Tyson Ritter in the Gregg Allman biopic, reports Variety.
Midnight Rider is based on Allman's biography My Cross to Bear, which chronicles the musician's life and career as one of the founding members of The Allman Brothers Band.
Ritter is set to play the young Allman, with William Hurt as the present day version.
Dushku has been cast as the small town girl who inspires the song 'Whipping Post'. Whitford takes on the role of Allman's current manager Michael Lehman, while Moore will play his previous manager Bill McEuen, who discovered the brothers.
Midnight Rider, written by Alan Light, also stars Vampire Academy's Zoey Deutch as a groupie for the band.
The film's title is taken from one of the band's first successful songs.
Watch The Allman Brothers Band...
The trio will join All American Rejects lead singer Tyson Ritter in the Gregg Allman biopic, reports Variety.
Midnight Rider is based on Allman's biography My Cross to Bear, which chronicles the musician's life and career as one of the founding members of The Allman Brothers Band.
Ritter is set to play the young Allman, with William Hurt as the present day version.
Dushku has been cast as the small town girl who inspires the song 'Whipping Post'. Whitford takes on the role of Allman's current manager Michael Lehman, while Moore will play his previous manager Bill McEuen, who discovered the brothers.
Midnight Rider, written by Alan Light, also stars Vampire Academy's Zoey Deutch as a groupie for the band.
The film's title is taken from one of the band's first successful songs.
Watch The Allman Brothers Band...
- 2/9/2014
- Digital Spy
• The Vampire Academy’s Zoey Deutch will star opposite Tyson Ritter (The House Bunny), Wyatt Russell (Cowboys & Aliens), and William Hurt (Winter’s Tale) in the upcoming Gregg Allman biopic Midnight Rider. Deutch will play Mae, who becomes a rock ‘n’ roll groupie in the hopes of ditching her small-town life. She later becomes the love interest of Gregg Allman in the early years of The Allman Brothers Band. The film is being adapted for the big screen by producer/director Randall Miller and screenwriter Jody Savin (Bottle Shock) from Allman’s biography, My Cross to Bear, which the singer co-wrote with Alan Light.
- 1/23/2014
- by Pamela Gocobachi
- EW - Inside Movies
With a life marred by frequent tragedies and harsh experiences, musician and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman seemed destined for a biopic since the 1970s. 2012 saw the release of his best-selling memoir My Cross to Bear, co-written with Alan Light, which goes into all of Allman.s tales, from the death of brother Duane and bandmate Berry Oakley to his multiple failed marriages. So that.s a note for all hard living rock musicians right now. Write a song with a similar approach to The Allman Brothers. .Not My Cross to Bear,. so that later in life you can cleverly reverse it when you tell your own story. And now a core portion of Allman.s life will be brought to the screen, according to The Hollywood Reporter, as the rights to My Cross to Bear were acquired by Randall Miller (Bottle Shock) and Jody Savin, who...
- 4/11/2013
- cinemablend.com
Gregg Allman is to have his life story made into a movie.
The rock and blues musician's memoir My Cross To Bear is to be adapted by filmmakers Randall Miller and Jody Savin, states The Hollywood Reporter.
Miller will also direct the project, after picking up the rights to Gregg's New York Times best-selling book co-written with Alan Light.
Gregg was a member of the Southern rock group The Allman Brothers Band, who had great success in the 1960s and 1970s with hits including 'Ramblin' Man' and 'Jessica', the theme tune to BBC series Top Gear.
However, the band suffered tragedy when Gregg's brother Duane Allman died in a motorbike crash, followed 13 months later by bassist Berry Oakley, who also died in a motorcycle incident.
Two of Gregg's girlfriends also committed suicide after he broke up with them. He married six times - including to Cher - and spent years in rehab.
The rock and blues musician's memoir My Cross To Bear is to be adapted by filmmakers Randall Miller and Jody Savin, states The Hollywood Reporter.
Miller will also direct the project, after picking up the rights to Gregg's New York Times best-selling book co-written with Alan Light.
Gregg was a member of the Southern rock group The Allman Brothers Band, who had great success in the 1960s and 1970s with hits including 'Ramblin' Man' and 'Jessica', the theme tune to BBC series Top Gear.
However, the band suffered tragedy when Gregg's brother Duane Allman died in a motorbike crash, followed 13 months later by bassist Berry Oakley, who also died in a motorcycle incident.
Two of Gregg's girlfriends also committed suicide after he broke up with them. He married six times - including to Cher - and spent years in rehab.
- 4/10/2013
- Digital Spy
The filmmakers behind the upcoming music-themed feature CBGB are aiming to keep the rock flame alive with a biopic on Gregg Allman. Randall Miller and Jody Savin have picked up the rights to My Cross to Bear, Allman’s New York Times best-selling memoir co-written with Alan Light. Savin and Miller will write the screenplay for the movie and Miller will direct. The duo will produce via their Unclaimed Freight banner along their music biz partner, Brad Rosenberger. Book Review: 'My Cross to Bear' by Gregg Allman With Alan Light Allman was part of the
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- 4/10/2013
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Great Caesar’s bust is on the shelf
And I don’t feel so well myself.
– Arthur Guiterman
I guess they’re not kidding about this “dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return” business. After 1,699 issues and 42 years of publication, what began as the brainchild of 17-year-old Alan Light and, after a few earlier names was finally and best known as The Comics Buyer’s Guide – Cbg for short – has reached its end.
I don’t think I ever paid for an issue of the paper but, thanks to the generosity of its publishers, I read a lot of them. When I was sitting behind various editorial desks Cbg would appear in the mail once a week and when I had some spare time I’d page through it, reading this and that. It wasn’t a big part of my professional life, but it was nice.
Eventually,...
And I don’t feel so well myself.
– Arthur Guiterman
I guess they’re not kidding about this “dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return” business. After 1,699 issues and 42 years of publication, what began as the brainchild of 17-year-old Alan Light and, after a few earlier names was finally and best known as The Comics Buyer’s Guide – Cbg for short – has reached its end.
I don’t think I ever paid for an issue of the paper but, thanks to the generosity of its publishers, I read a lot of them. When I was sitting behind various editorial desks Cbg would appear in the mail once a week and when I had some spare time I’d page through it, reading this and that. It wasn’t a big part of my professional life, but it was nice.
Eventually,...
- 1/24/2013
- by Dennis O'Neil
- Comicmix.com
In the early days of comic book fandom, it took its cues from science fiction fandom since there was quite a bit of overlap. The early Sf zines included names and addresses so as others began publishing, they knew where to find eager subscribers. The first pure comics zine, Richard Lupoff’s Xero, didn’t arrive until 1960 but it merely ignited a new wave of comics-only zines. By the time I discovered fanzines or 1960 or 1970, you sent some money and/or some stamps and they sent you a zine.
My best friend Jeff and I wisely took our meager allowances and one of us subscribed to Don & Maggie Thompson’s Newfangles and the other ordered Paul Levitz’s The Comics Reader. This way, we could share the only two authoritative sources of comics news. By then, we were aware that a growing back issue market was fueled by Rbcc, formerly...
My best friend Jeff and I wisely took our meager allowances and one of us subscribed to Don & Maggie Thompson’s Newfangles and the other ordered Paul Levitz’s The Comics Reader. This way, we could share the only two authoritative sources of comics news. By then, we were aware that a growing back issue market was fueled by Rbcc, formerly...
- 1/10/2013
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Bono has described Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' as the "most perfect song in the world". The Us frontman spoke about the song in a new book by Alan Light, titled The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of 'Hallelujah'. The classic 1984 song has been covered many times by other artists, perhaps most notably by the late Jeff Buckley. Regina Spektor also spoke about her love for the song in the book, saying: "This song is pretty much indestructible." Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy added: "The song keeps coming up, and every time it's like it's brand new. It sounds new every time you hear it." Speaking about the book, Light told The Hollywood Reporter: "I attempt to explore the unprecedented path of this song - a protracted snowball effect (more)...
- 12/24/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
New York — It's hard to think of any song that has taken a stranger journey through popular culture than Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."
Recorded in 1984, it was on the only Cohen album rejected by his record company. Virtually no one noticed when the song did come out on an independent label. Since then, through dozens of cover versions, high-profile performances and appearances on TV or movie soundtracks, "Hallelujah" has become a modern standard.
Author Alan Light reflected upon that while at Yom Kippur services in Manhattan two years ago, as he saw congregants in tears when the choir sang "Hallelujah." His curiosity led him to write "The Holy or the Broken," about the song's trajectory, about Cohen and about its most celebrated singer, the late Jeff Buckley. The book is out Tuesday.
"At a time when everything has fragmented so dramatically, it's sort of heartening to see that this song...
Recorded in 1984, it was on the only Cohen album rejected by his record company. Virtually no one noticed when the song did come out on an independent label. Since then, through dozens of cover versions, high-profile performances and appearances on TV or movie soundtracks, "Hallelujah" has become a modern standard.
Author Alan Light reflected upon that while at Yom Kippur services in Manhattan two years ago, as he saw congregants in tears when the choir sang "Hallelujah." His curiosity led him to write "The Holy or the Broken," about the song's trajectory, about Cohen and about its most celebrated singer, the late Jeff Buckley. The book is out Tuesday.
"At a time when everything has fragmented so dramatically, it's sort of heartening to see that this song...
- 12/3/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Photo by Alan Light
We’d been feeling pretty ho-hum about theGrammy’s this year. When the best the music industry has to offer is JustinBieber and Jaden Smith, it seems like a dark day indeed. The greatestenthusiasm we could muster for the show was the Cee Lo Green performance of ablended version of “F#*k You”/”Forget You.” But news that he’s singing the tunewith the Jim Henson Company Puppets (aka the Muppets for grown-ups) wasdampened by the fact that they’d all be joined by Gwyneth Paltrow. Isn’t shedone with her singing career yet?
Then we finally heard something that will makeus tune in on Sunday. Barbara Streisand is going to belt out a number at theGrammy ceremony.
In fact Babs will pretty much be camped out atL.A.’s famed Staples Center this weekend. On Friday night she’s being honoredas the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year.
We’d been feeling pretty ho-hum about theGrammy’s this year. When the best the music industry has to offer is JustinBieber and Jaden Smith, it seems like a dark day indeed. The greatestenthusiasm we could muster for the show was the Cee Lo Green performance of ablended version of “F#*k You”/”Forget You.” But news that he’s singing the tunewith the Jim Henson Company Puppets (aka the Muppets for grown-ups) wasdampened by the fact that they’d all be joined by Gwyneth Paltrow. Isn’t shedone with her singing career yet?
Then we finally heard something that will makeus tune in on Sunday. Barbara Streisand is going to belt out a number at theGrammy ceremony.
In fact Babs will pretty much be camped out atL.A.’s famed Staples Center this weekend. On Friday night she’s being honoredas the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year.
- 2/11/2011
- by Pop Culture Passionistas
- popculturepassionistas
Photo by Alan Light
Las Vegas will be losing a little bit of its sparkle onOctober 17 when the Liberace Museum closes. This was a must-see destination foranyone going to Sin City for its legendary sense of kitsch. After all, no onedazzled with tongue so firmly planted in cheek as the original piano man, WladziuValentino Liberace.
Apparently the board of directors is not “crying all the wayto the bank,” and so comes the sad news that the mirror ball piano and matchingcar will go into storage. Worse yet, 31 employees will hit the unemploymentlines. The closure is due to dwindling attendance at Lee’s museum, whichaverages 50,000 visitors a year—down from 450,000 in its heyday.
You’d think that all the glitz of a glamorous star like theGlitter Man would be a huge draw in a town like Vegas. But with competitionlike the Beatles’ Love and megastars like Cher on the Strip, Liberace...
Las Vegas will be losing a little bit of its sparkle onOctober 17 when the Liberace Museum closes. This was a must-see destination foranyone going to Sin City for its legendary sense of kitsch. After all, no onedazzled with tongue so firmly planted in cheek as the original piano man, WladziuValentino Liberace.
Apparently the board of directors is not “crying all the wayto the bank,” and so comes the sad news that the mirror ball piano and matchingcar will go into storage. Worse yet, 31 employees will hit the unemploymentlines. The closure is due to dwindling attendance at Lee’s museum, whichaverages 50,000 visitors a year—down from 450,000 in its heyday.
You’d think that all the glitz of a glamorous star like theGlitter Man would be a huge draw in a town like Vegas. But with competitionlike the Beatles’ Love and megastars like Cher on the Strip, Liberace...
- 9/22/2010
- by Pop Culture Passionistas
- popculturepassionistas
Photo by Alan Light
There’s no denying that Dennis Hopper was anincredible actor. Anyone who saw him in films like Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now,and True Romance can tell you there was no one else like him. But many peopledon’t know that the actor, who succumbed to cancer on May 29 at the age of 74,left an artistic legacy that stretched far beyond the silver screen.
In fact, Hopper was a world-class artist. As atribute to the late movie star, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angelesrecently mounted an exhibition of his paintings, sculptures, and photographs.All of the work, which spans 50 years of Hopper’s life, is impressive. But tous, the highlight of the show is his photographs—crisp, clean, black and whiteimages, which usually feature famous friends like Bill Cosby and Jane Fonda.
The exhibit runs at The Geffen Contemporary at Moca on 152 North Central Avenue...
There’s no denying that Dennis Hopper was anincredible actor. Anyone who saw him in films like Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now,and True Romance can tell you there was no one else like him. But many peopledon’t know that the actor, who succumbed to cancer on May 29 at the age of 74,left an artistic legacy that stretched far beyond the silver screen.
In fact, Hopper was a world-class artist. As atribute to the late movie star, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angelesrecently mounted an exhibition of his paintings, sculptures, and photographs.All of the work, which spans 50 years of Hopper’s life, is impressive. But tous, the highlight of the show is his photographs—crisp, clean, black and whiteimages, which usually feature famous friends like Bill Cosby and Jane Fonda.
The exhibit runs at The Geffen Contemporary at Moca on 152 North Central Avenue...
- 8/19/2010
- by Pop Culture Passionistas
- popculturepassionistas
Photos by Alan Light
When people recount the great comedy duos of all time, Mel Brooksand Carl Reiner certainly top the list. Although they’ve each enjoyed hugelysuccessful careers on their own, their 2000Year Old Man comedy albums are among the funniest recordings of all time.
The two met while working for Sid Cesar on Your Show of Shows and pitched the ideafor the show. It was rejected but became their go to bit when trying to filllulls in conversation, entertain each other during a long day, or at dinnerparties around town. They never intended to commit it to vinyl until a famousfriend intervened.
This past weekend Mel and Carl appeared together for screenings of Ten from Your Show of Shows and Carl film Enter Laughing. Read what they have to say about The 2000 Year Old Man and Sid’s shorttemper.
On Recording the 2000 Year Old Man
Carl: Mel,...
When people recount the great comedy duos of all time, Mel Brooksand Carl Reiner certainly top the list. Although they’ve each enjoyed hugelysuccessful careers on their own, their 2000Year Old Man comedy albums are among the funniest recordings of all time.
The two met while working for Sid Cesar on Your Show of Shows and pitched the ideafor the show. It was rejected but became their go to bit when trying to filllulls in conversation, entertain each other during a long day, or at dinnerparties around town. They never intended to commit it to vinyl until a famousfriend intervened.
This past weekend Mel and Carl appeared together for screenings of Ten from Your Show of Shows and Carl film Enter Laughing. Read what they have to say about The 2000 Year Old Man and Sid’s shorttemper.
On Recording the 2000 Year Old Man
Carl: Mel,...
- 7/27/2010
- by Pop Culture Passionistas
- popculturepassionistas
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