Lil Wayne, Coldplay Lead Grammy Nominations

Rapper Lil Wayne leads the nominations for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards with eight, including album of the year and best rap album for "Tha Carter III," best rap song for "Lollipop" and best rap/sung collaboration for "Got Money" featuring T-Pain.

Other leading artists are Coldplay, who earned seven nominations, and Jay-Z, Ne-Yo and Kanye West, who each scored six.

In album of the year, the nominees were: Coldplay for "Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends," Lil Wayne for "Tha Carter III," Ne-Yo for "Year of the Gentlemen," Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for "Raising Sand" and Radiohead for "In Rainbows."

Source:Billboard

See the full list by clicking on the link below:

Grammy Nominees

GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT: LIVE!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 6:00 PM SHARP!
Door Time: 4:00 PM

The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! - Countdown To Music's Biggest Night will announce nominations in at least six categories, feature performances by past GRAMMY® winners and nominees including Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Foo Fighters, B.B. King, John Mayer, and Taylor Swift, and will set the stage for the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards on Feb. 8, 2009. The special also marks the first time nominations for the annual GRAMMY® Awards will be announced live on primetime television.

Following the one-hour live telecast, guests will experience a one-hour exclusive concert by John Mayer in celebration of the grand opening of the GRAMMY MuseumSM.

2009 GRAMMY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNED

2009 GRAMMY Hall of Fame® Inductees Announced as the GRAMMY MuseumSM Debuts to the Public on Dec. 6

The Recording Academy® Honors Timeless Recordings Including "Let The Good Times Roll" To Be Performed by B.B. King and John Mayer on "The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!!" Dec. 3, 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS

The Recording Academy® announced the newest additions to its GRAMMY Hall Of Fame®, adding 28 recordings to a timeless list that now includes 826 titles. The Hall Of Fame will be a featured part of the GRAMMY MuseumSM at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles opening on Dec. 6, and serves as a celebration and reminder of the triumphs and achievements of the recording arts. Selections are drawn from all categories of music, representing the diversity and musical excellence for which The Recording Academy is renowned.

"The GRAMMY Hall of Fame represents a proud tribute to the many important recordings that have enriched and even changed our lives and now they are featured in our GRAMMY Museum for all to experience and enjoy," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "Our 2009 inductees span decades and genres — from classical, calypso and country to R&B, soundtracks, and rock and roll — and these masterpieces possess the qualities that make them everlasting representations of how the recording arts are such a vital part of our culture."

The selections range from 1928's "I Wanna Be Loved By You" by Helen Kane to the Police's 1983 album Synchronicity. The soundtrack from the film The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly as well as "Love Theme from The Godfather" are included in this year's list of inductees. There are four classical recordings, including 1961's "Copland: Appalachian Spring," conducted by Aaron Copland (with the London Symphony Orchestra) and one musical show, Man Of La Mancha. Rock recordings include Jimi Hendrix's "The Star-Spangled Banner" and Queen's "We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You." In the R&B genre, "Let The Good Times Roll" by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five will be featured in a unique live performance by B.B. King and John Mayer on "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!" airing Wednesday, Dec. 3, 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame was created in 1973 to honor recordings of lasting significance that were issued prior to the 1958 inception of the GRAMMY® Awards. The Hall is now open to any recording that has been in release for at least 25 years. New submissions are chosen annually by a special member committee of experts and historians drawn from all branches of the recording arts. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees of The Recording Academy. The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame is unique in that it is open to all genres of music popular as well as specialized forms.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

Britney Talks....Music

Britney Spears appears on the cover of the lastest Rolling Stone Magazine. She talks about being old, dating and life as a mom. She also manages to say a word or two about Circus, her new CD.

Click her to listen to a sneak preview of Circus:

CIRCUS

Chris Brown Wins Big At American Music Awards

Justin Timberlake presents Merit Award To Annie Lennox

Alvin and The Chipmunks WINNER - Favorite Album, Soundtrack

Chris Brown WINNER - Artist of the Year
WINNER - Favorite Male Artist, Pop or Rock Music
WINNER - Favorite Male Artist, Soul / Rhythm & Blues Music

Mariah Carey WINNER - Honorary Award

Daughtry WINNER - Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Pop or Rock Music

Enrique Iglesias WINNER - Favorite Artist, Latin Music

Jonas Brothers WINNER - T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award

Alicia Keys - "As I Am" WINNER - Favorite Album, Pop or Rock Music
WINNER - Favorite Album, Soul / Rhythm & Blues Music

Annie Lennox WINNER - Award of Merit

Linkin Park WINNER - Favorite Artist, Alternative Rock Music

Brad Paisley WINNER - Favorite Male Artist, Country Music

Rascal Flatts WINNER - Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Country Music

Rihanna WINNER - Favorite Female Artist, Pop or Rock Music
WINNER - Favorite Female Artist, Soul / Rhythm & Blues Music

Jordin Sparks WINNER - Favorite Artist, Adult Contemporary Music

Taylor Swift WINNER - Favorite Female Artist, Country Music

Third Day WINNER - Favorite Artist, Contemporary Inspirational

Three 6 Mafia WINNER - Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Rap / Hip-Hop Music

Carrie Underwood WINNER - Favorite Album, Country Music

Kanye West WINNER - Favorite Male Artist, Rap / Hip-Hop Music
WINNER - Favorite Album, Rap / Hip-Hop Music

Chinese Democracy Is Finally Done, Really It Is

Guns N' Rose's 'Chinese Democracy': The saga of the long-delayed album
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

When the last new Guns N' Roses album came out, there were no iPods or digital downloads. There was no "American Idol." No music blogs. No MySpace.

"Use Your Illusion" volumes 1 and 2 instantly topped the charts as simultaneous releases in 1991. Guns N' Roses was one of the hottest bands in rock 'n' roll -- a sure hitmaker and stadium filler. Fans couldn't wait for the new material. Now, 17 years later, that new material arrives.

With an entirely new lineup -- save for founding frontman Axl Rose -- and after myriad stumbles and delays, Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" was released Sunday (and can be heard free at myspace.com/gunsnroses).

"Is this going to be 'Snakes on a Plane,' where the buildup is more exciting than the thing itself?" wondered Rob Brunner, senior editor for music at Entertainment Weekly.

Here's a look at the long evolution of the album that time almost forgot:


1994: Rose begins work on "Chinese Democracy."


1996: Guitarist Slash quits the band. Drummer Matt Sorum and bassist Duff McKagan follow. "That sort of seemed like the beginning of this album," Brunner said.


1998: Rose assembles a new band. They begin making music at Rumbo Recorders, where GNR's original lineup recorded parts of its multi-platinum 1987 debut, "Appetite for Destruction."

"That's when people started to think, 'What's he doing?' It seemed pretty bizarre to people who were fans of 'Paradise City,' " Brunner said.


1999: Rose invites Rolling Stone to preview tracks from "Chinese Democracy." The magazine anticipated the album could be released the next year.


2000: Rose hires two new musicians, including guitarist Buckethead. The singer appears onstage for the first time in years during a surprise performance at a small Sunset Strip nightclub.


2001: Rose and the new GNR band perform new material at the House of Blues in Las Vegas.


2002: A cornrowed Rose and his band unveil a new track during a three-song medley at the MTV Video Music Awards. "What was striking about this is how little anyone was talking about the music," Brunner said. "It was all about his appearance and the fact that he showed up. It had nothing to do with the song itself. ... That's when it started seeming like things were not going in the right direction."


2004: Geffen declares that it has spent enough money on "Chinese Democracy" and that it's Rose's "obligation to fund and complete the album." The label releases a Guns N' Roses greatest-hits record.


2006: Rose announces that "Chinese Democracy" won't be released in 2006 as planned and sets March 6, 2007, as the new release date. Four tracks from the album leak online.


2007: "Chinese Democracy" does not materialize. More tracks leak online.


2008: In March, Dr Pepper announces it will give a free soda to everyone in America if "Chinese Democracy" is released before the end of the year. (The company says it is making good on its promise.) Two tracks are officially released in the fall: one in the "Rock Band 2" video game and another in the film "Body of Lies." In October, Geffen announces that "Chinese Democracy" will hit stores on Nov. 23. On Nov. 20, the album's 14 tracks stream on MySpace.com.

"This is his shot," Brunner said. "If this doesn't connect now, I don't think anyone, another 15 years from now, will be panting over the long-awaited follow-up to 'Chinese Democracy.' "

Brad Paisley, George Strait, Kenny Chesney Win Big at CMAs

The 42nd Annual "CMA Awards" aired on ABC last night to the biggest ratings for the network in a long time.
George Strait's became the artist with the most CMA Awards in history, adding Single of the Year for "I Saw God Today" and Album of the Year for Troubadour, both co-produced by Strait and Tony Brown, to his tally. With these two trophies and two additional for producing, Strait's 22 CMA Awards trophies eclipse Brooks & Dunn's previous record of 19 Awards.
"I love this album and I really appreciate everyone who bought it," the humble Strait said after accepting his second Award of the night. "Everyone says they've got the greatest fans. Well, I really got the greatest fans."
One of Country's best showmen Kenny Chesney picked up his fourth Entertainer of the Year Award, tying Garth Brooks' record for the most wins in the category.
"As much as tonight is about Awards I really believe that being able to stand up here is more about great songs; it's more about the fans," Chesney said. "This is my fourth time standing up here and I am really humbled."
Earlier in the broadcast, Chesney brought out reggae group The Wailers to perform an island-flavored medley that combined Chesney's "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven" and Bob Marley's classic "Three Little Birds."
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood co-hosted the gala event live on the ABC Television Network from the Sommet Center in Downtown Nashville. Paisley remarked that he and Underwood "both grew up watching the CMA's each and every year," with Underwood joking, "We're new at this job so they can kick us out at any minute."
But it turns out that "Country Music's Biggest Night" was very good to its hosts.
Paisley picked up his second Male Vocalist and fourth Music Video of the Year Award for "Waitin' on a Woman," featuring legendary actor Andy Griffith and directed by Jim Shea and Peter Tilden. "I won't take long," Paisley said with his signature sense of humor. "I've talked enough."
Backstage, Paisley expressed excitement about Griffith's first CMA Awards win. "I can't wait to talk to him about it. I'm sure he is thrilled."
Underwood nabbed her third consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year Award. Upon accepting her Award, Underwood thanked those in the music industry who voted for her. "I got through here in an unconventional way and you guys didn't have to accept me," she said.
One of the most touching moments of the night was when Leslie Ponder, whose husband was killed in combat in Afghanistan, introduced Underwood's performance of "Just a Dream."
First-time Entertainer nominees Sugarland picked up their second consecutive Vocal Duo of the Year Award and lead singer Jennifer Nettles snagged her first Song of the Year Award for writing the duo's heart-wrenching single "Stay."
"You never know when you come up here if you are ever going to get to come up here again," Nettles said about their Vocal Duo win. "So we are very thankful."
Nettles and partner Kristian Bush later brought the house down with the powerful performance of "Love" from their third consecutive Platinum album Love on the Inside.
With their win for Vocal Group of the Year, Rascal Flatts tied The Statler Brothers for most consecutive wins in the category with six. The Statlers still hold the record for most total wins for Vocal Group with nine. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney lavished praise repeatedly on the people that got them where they are today. "We thank all of our fans," LeVox said. "Again all of our fans, again all of our fans, again all of our fans."
Lady Antebellum picked up the coveted New Artist of the Year Award (formerly Horizon Award) after performing their breakout hit "Love Don't Live Here."
"It's very humbling," said group member Hillary Scott backstage with partners Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley. "We do not take this lightly at all. We have so much to prove."
The other performers nominated for New Artist of the Year included Kellie Pickler with the sassy "Best Days of Your Life," James Otto singing "Just Got Started Loving You," Jason Aldean with the rocking "She's Country," and Rodney Atkins offering a little slice of his backyard in "It's America."
In the pre-telecast ceremony, CMA Awards were given to two first-time winners - Mac McAnally for Musician of the Year and Robert Plant, who won the Musical Event of the Year Award with Alison Krauss for "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)."
Paisley and fellow Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Keith Urban opened the show with their new vocal/guitar duet "Start a Band" from Paisley's Play album and then broke up later in the broadcast to each go solo. Urban performed "Sweet Thing" while Paisley offered CMA Award-winning song "Waitin' On a Woman." Fellow Male Vocalist nominee Alan Jackson brought along a few dozen friends to line dance to his party anthem "Good Time."
The Female Vocalist of the Year nominees showed why women in Country Music are a force to be reckoned with. Taylor Swift acted out a fairytale complete with Prince Charming in her performance of "Love Story," Martina McBride belted "Ride," and Miranda Lambert offered the poignant "More Like Her."
Vocal Duo of the Year nominees Brooks & Dunn got a little help from Musical Event of the Year nominee Reba McEntire to help perform "Cowgirls Don't Cry."
Vocal Group of the Year nominees the Eagles made a return trip to the CMA Awards, performing "Busy Being Fabulous" from their wildly successful Country effort Long Road Out of Eden. Two-time nominee Trace Adkins performed his hit "You're Gonna Miss This."
Country Music was infused with a little rock - Kid Rock. The Detroit native performed his mega hit "All Summer Long." Former Hootie and the Blowfish lead singer Darius Rucker showed his Country side performing No. 1 hit "Don't Think I Don't Think About It."
A little bit of Hollywood came to Nashville in the form of Awards presenters, including the stars of the upcoming film epic "Australia" Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, "Hannah Montana" stars Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus, and Reese Witherspoon, who appears in the forthcoming holiday comedy "Four Christmases."
Shania Twain made a special appearance, her first on the CMA Awards since 2005, to present the Entertainer of the Year Award and received a standing ovation from the audience.
Other presenters on "Country Music's Biggest Night" included Vince Gill, Julianne Hough, Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, John Rich, Josh Turner, Jimmy Wayne, and Lee Ann Womack.
The winners of "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" are:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Brad Paisley

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Carrie Underwood

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Rascal Flatts

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Sugarland

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Troubadour
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA Nashville

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
"I Saw God Today"
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR
"Stay"
Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles Publishing

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
"Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)"
Rounder Records

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
"Waitin' On a Woman"
Brad Paisley featuring Andy Griffith
Directed by Jim Shea and Peter Tilden

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Mac McAnally - Guitar

SOURCE Country Music Association
http://www.CMAawards.com

ARETHA FRANKLIN NAMED GREATEST SINGER EVER

She's already the Queen of Soul, but now Aretha Franklin has been named the greatest singer of the rock era in a poll conducted by Rolling Stone magazine.

Franklin, 66, came in ahead of Ray Charles at No. 2, Elvis Presley at No. 3, Sam Cooke at No. 4 and John Lennon at No. 5, according to the magazine's survey of 179 musicians, producers, Rolling Stone editors, and other music-industry insiders.

The 100-strong list will be published on Friday, when Rolling Stone hits the newsstands with four different covers.

The issue includes testimonials from musicians. R&B singer Mary J. Blige, for example, writes that Franklin is "the reason why women want to sing." Former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, who was No. 15 on the list, describes Presley's voice as "confident, insinuating and taking no prisoners."
Besides Franklin, the only other living people in the top 10 were Bob Dylan at No. 7 and Stevie Wonder at No. 9. Marvin Gaye was No. 6, Otis Redding No. 8, and James Brown No. 10.

Other notables included Paul McCartney at No. 11, one place ahead of his idol, Little Richard; and Mick Jagger at No. 16, also one ahead of a key influence, Tina Turner. Among the top 25, 50-year-old Michael Jackson was the youngest, coming in at No. 25.

Voters included Metallica frontman James Hetfield, folk singers David Crosby and Yusuf Islam, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, punk rock veteran Iggy Pop and English pop star James Blunt. They each submitted their top 20 choices, and an accounting firm tabulated the results.
SOURCE: YAHOO NEW; REUTERS

Red Hot Chili Peppers Front Man Headed To HBO

Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis is developing a series for HBO based on his unconventional, rock 'n' roll childhood. Kiedis has partnered with Catapult 360 partners Marc Abrams and Michael Benson to create the series, tentatively titled "Scar Tissue."

A writer is still being sought for the script, which will center on Kiedis' relationship with his father, Spider, who sold drugs and mingled with rock stars on the Sunset Strip, all while aspiring to get into showbiz.

The show will begin with young Kiedis moving from Grand Rapids, Mich., to West Hollywood to live with his dad. But Kiedis' father, having been raised in a tyrannical household, decided to go to the other extreme.

"He introduced me to the arts, to a more culturally magnificent life," Kiedis told Daily Variety. "But some of it was this heavy, adult matter that I wasn't quite capable of digesting. ... It was a very rich but kind of challenging period of my life. I was thrust into this adult mentality by age 11.

Catapult 360 contacted Kiedis after Benson read the singer's autobiography, also titled "Scar Tissue." (Show is not based on the book, however, which focused more on Kiedis' life as a rock star.) Abrams and Benson sat down with Kiedis, who told them he wrote the memoir specifically to express himself on his early experiences with his father.

"To be able to look at a very famous figure and get an origin story, to see the pieces of the puzzle that put him on the path to fame -- it became very clear that this was a special project," Abrams said.

The show will also center on West Hollywood and Los Angeles in the early 1970s, including the rock stars encountered by Kiedis and his father (who, according to lore, was a drug dealer for the Who and Led Zeppelin, among others).

Kiedis plans to be heavily involved in the project and is regularly corresponding with his father, who now lives in Portland, to record memories of their life 30 years ago on Palm Avenue in West Hollywood.

"I love mulling over all this raw material," he said. "(My father's) into it too. He sees it as our last great hurrah. For us to be reconnecting to construct these memories -- the women and the rock bands and the doormen of these clubs -- is exciting."

Kiedis also is mulling the possibility of narrating the show (which is being developed as an hourlong drama with comedic elements) and even making cameos from time to time.

PARAMORE To Appear At Hot Topic in Hollywood

HOT TOPIC PRESENTS PARAMORE, PERFORMING A "LOST SHOW"
Beginning Tuesday, November 4, purchase the Exclusive Paramore t-shirt for $30 and receive a wristband that gets you preferred access to “The Lost Show” performance in the central courtyard, level 2, and guarantees the opportunity to meet the band following the concert at Hot Topic. One wristband per person. Space is limited. For more information see a Hot Topic associate or call 323.462.2590. **No cameras allowed and one autograph per person**

November 18 at 4pm

Source : Hollywood/ Highland Newsletter

Gavin Rossdale Inspired By Son

Gavin Rossdale Is Inspired by Son Zuma

Former Bush front man Gavin Rossdale is getting a little help being inspired nowadays, reports People.com.

He told the magazine of his two-month-old son, “He’s super mellow, and at the moment very Buddha-like.”

The rocker doesn’t even mind that already young Zuma is more trouble for mom Gwen Stefanie than older brother Kingston, as he calls his youngest, “perfect all the way.”

Rossdale even adds that he is seeing things more zen like now. “What I've found from having children is that they just want to make you be better,” he told the magazine.

He continued, “Beforehand, without children, I think that I was probably more reckless and thinking a bit less about the consequences, and now I want to make sure I'm good for them when they check me out.”

Speaking of Rossdale’s handy work, his performance Thursday night at the BAFTA/LA’s Brittania Awards, marked a comeback for the former “Bush” front man, who came out with his first solo album Wanderlust, with the hit song, “Love Remains the Same.”

He says of fans reconnecting with him, “It's just meant a lot, really, because of your faith. You keep making records and people hear them. I love singing and making music and so I'm into the success.”



source: CityLife; People.com

Celine Dion To Release Ulimate CD

On Tuesday, October 28th, Columbia Records will release two special edition CDs featuring career-spanning repertoire from Celine Dion, the biggest selling female artist of all time. 'My Love...Essential Collection' is a single disc featuring 17 songs, consisting of Celine's biggest hits....songs such as the international chart-topper "All By Myself" (her unforgettable interpretation of the groundbreaking Eric Carmen power ballad), "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" (Celine's first English-language single), her landmark 1996 Olympic Ceremonies performance of "Power of the Dream, the brand-new never-released "There Comes A Time," and the newly recorded lead track "My Love". This lead track, a semi-autobiographic song recently written for Celine by Linda Perry (Christina Aguilera, Dixie Chicks, Gwen Stefani) has become a show-stopper every night during Celine's sold-out World Tour, which is currently in flight across North America. My Love impacts at radio on September 22nd.

The two-disc edition, entitled 'My Love...Ultimate Essential Collection', is a 26 song set, that has been further expanded to include rarities like "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman," "The Prayer" (a duet with Andrea Bocelli), "Tell Him" (a duet with Barbra Streisand), "I Knew I Loved You," "Dance With My Father", and "Pour que tu m'aimes encore" (the biggest song of Celine's French career).

Celine's 'My Love...' anthologies cover virtually every single aspect of her extraordinary career, including fan favorites, a definitive assemblage of chart-topping international successes, as well as new and unreleased recordings culled from once-in-a-lifetime experiences that Celine has participated in over the years.

Ne-Yo To Star In Romantic Feature Venice Beach

photo credit:MySpace.com

Reuters states chart-topping R&B performer Ne-Yo is going multihyphenate. The singer is set to star in, executive produce and write the soundtrack for Fox Atomic's romantic feature 'Venice Beach.'

'Venice' centers on an 18-year-old Manhattan Beach woman who, after her talented older sister dies in a car accident, represses her own singing talent until she meets a gifted musician-singer (Ne-Yo) from Venice Beach. A budding romance between the two turns into a quest for musical careers, which meets resistance from his friends and her family.

Duane Adler is writing the script for the music-driven film. His credits include 'Step Up' as well as 'Save the Last Dance' and its 2006 sequel, in which Ne-Yo appeared.

source: blackvoices.com

Janet Jackson's Tour Resumes

Getty Images

Janet Jackson returned to the stage for the first time in two weeks on Wednesday, resuming her Rock Witchu Tour in Washington, DC at the Verizon Center.

Having recovered from a bout with vestibular migraines, an unusual condition that creates the sensation of vertigo, the 42-year-old singer then took the stage at 8:45pm, sporting an outrageous mohawk while the crowd applauded thunderously.

Jackson's opening featured exploding pyrotechnics and a walk down memory lane, as the she performed classics like 'Pleasure Principle,' 'Control' and 'What Have You Done For Me Lately.' Effortlessly, the Grammy winner went into other songs like 'Feedback,' 'Alright' and 'Miss You Much.'

The singer also intends to make up dates in additional cities where concerts where postponed due to her illness. Jackson's opening act is iconic rapper turned actor LL Cool J.

source: Black Voices.com

Rick Springfield Venus In OverDrive CD

Grammy award winner Rick Springfield, 59, may be best known for his 1981 Billboard Hot 100 chart sensation, “Jessie’s Girl”, but this Australian singer has weathered through the tumultuous music business. Spawning an enduring career spanning some 40 years, Springfield releases his first new full-length studio record, “Venus In Overdrive” on New Door Records/UMe demonstrating his brand of mainstream power pop. Springfield’s songs about love and loss, greed and envy, elation and heartbreak, speak to that part of human nature that is ever present. After a 2005 covers album and a 2007 release of Christmas standards that featured one extremely moving original track, “Christmas With You”, which was dedicated to all of our fallen troops, “Venus In Overdrive” clearly demonstrates Springfield’s dynamic range and exciting energy.

A creative collaboration between Rick and his longtime bass player Matt Bissonette, “Venus In Overdrive” was recorded in its entirety in only 32 days. “We were on a roll and just couldn’t stop. It all flowed so naturally. Writing and recording these songs has been the most fun I’ve had in the studio since the early ‘80s,” says Springfield. This effort is upbeat and fun, simultaneously classic and current – definitely the music fans have loved since Rick’s distinctive canine companion Lethal Ron first graced the cover of his classic and defining album “Working Class Dog.”

“In a way, I think we should have called this album, ‘Son of Working Class Dog.’ The songs explore some of the same themes, albeit from a slightly older perspective,” notes Rick. “It’s an album about love in all of its forms…good, bad, happy, sad the kind that drives you crazy…love and all of its human failings.”

The first single, “What’s Victoria’s Secret”, conjures up memories and influences of his monster hit, “Jessie’s Girl” and its musical formula. “It’s about the sexualization of women and the dichotomy most men feel. As males we want that on one hand, but then is scares the hell out of us and we resist it. Mainly, we need to connect with women as human beings,” explains Springfield. “The song is not ‘Jessie’s Girl’, but touches some of the same places lyrically and musically.”

The reggae-tinged title track, “Venus In Overdrive,” with its dance and alternative influences is as contemporary as it is retro. Still, its guitar tracks and raw sexual angst are signature Rick Springfield. “3 Warning Shots” pays homage to fallen Beatle John Lennon, and two tracks, “She” and “Nothing Is Ever Lost,” are Beatle influenced. “Bands like the Beatles and the Who made a huge impact on my life as a musician and a songwriter, but there are some really cool things happening in music now that inevitably find their way into my psyche,” says Rick.

Two tracks on the record, “God Blinked(Swing I Sister), somewhat Motown, and, “Saint Sahara,” pay tribute to Sahara Aldridge, a young girl who frequently attended Rick’s show and who recently lost her battle with cancer. These songs salute her strength and courage. The whole band has come to love her as a member of the extended family and felt a great loss with her passing, but the songs are a celebration of her life and recognition of the people she affected in the world, making good on a promise to give her a song she could dance to. “Saint Sahara” is mesmerizing utilizing the skills of a haunting children’s choir. It’s a fitting tribute.

To date, Rick Springfield has sold over 19 million records with a whopping 17 Top-40 hits. He has performed for millions of devoted fans over the last three decades and continues to play over 100 shows a year. Attracting new fans wherever he goes with his unique brand of audience interaction, unstoppable energy, and unforgettable songs that have become the part of the soundtrack to people’s lives. “Venus In Overdrive” features 12 new songs but also boasts a limited edition package with bonus video, 30-minute video track-by-track song analysis by Rick, fan photos and more. This CD is a definite must have for your collection. For all things Rick Springfield please go to: www.rickspringfield.com.

source: LA'sThePlace.com

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME NOMINESS ANNOUNCED

(Darryl(DMC)McDaniel; Reverend Joseph(Run)Simmons, RunDMC)

Run-D.M.C., Metallica and the Stooges are among nine nominees for next year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class, the institution has announced.

The other nominees are guitarist Jeff Beck, singer Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, War, Bobby Womack, and disco and R&B group Chic.

The list is notable for the wide range of musical genres represented - hip-hop, metal, punk, disco and R&B - and the large number of first-time candidates. Only Chic, the Stooges and Jackson have been previously nominated.

The five leading vote-getters will be announced in January and inducted April 4 in Cleveland.

The ceremony returns to Cleveland after more than a decade in New York, and tickets will be available to the public for the first time.

Run-D.M.C. was nominated in the first year of its eligibility. Metallica this month released "Death Magnetic," which marks a return to its early speed metal days.

The Stooges, recently given props in the film "Juno," last appeared on the ballot two years ago.

Left out were Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bon Jovi, both eligible for the first time. To be nominated an act must have released its first single or album 25 years prior.

More than 500 musicians, industry professionals and journalists vote on the inductions

(source: AP; SF Gate)

Songwriter Of Classic Motown Dies

Norman Whitfield, who co-wrote a string of Motown classics including "War" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," has died. He was 67.


Norman Whitfield was one of Motown's leading writers and producers.

A spokeswoman at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center says Whitfield died there Tuesday. He suffered from complications of diabetes and had recently emerged from a coma, The Detroit Free Press reported.

Whitfield was a longtime Motown producer who during the 1960s and '70s injected rock and psychedelic touches into the label's soul music. Many of his biggest hits were co-written with Barrett Strong, with whom he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004.

The two won the Grammy in 1972 for best R&B song for the Temptations' "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." Whitfield won another Grammy in 1976 for best original TV or motion picture score for "Car Wash."

Whitfield also worked as a producer for the Temptations and others.

Many of Whitfield's songs from that era, including Edwin Starr's 1970 "War" and the Temptations' 1970 "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)," have a strong political tone.

In a statement, Motown great Smokey Robinson hailed Whitfield as "one of the most prolific songwriters and record producers of our time. He will live forever through his great music."

Among Whitfield's other songs, according to the Songwriters Hall Web site, are "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep," "Cloud Nine" and "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)," all hits for the Temptations; and "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby," a 1969 hit for Marvin Gaye.

Just last week, Gaye's version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," from 1968, was ranked at No. 65 in Billboard magazine's compilation of the top singles of the past 50 years. It was also a hit for Gladys Knight and the Pips, in 1967.

source:ap, cnn

A Rose Is Still A Rose

I'm from Barcelona. Seems like a likely phrase to be heard from any Spaniards, but actually it's the name of a music band.

I’m From Barcelona, an exuberant, expansive indie-pop group whose mammothness is matched by its giant musical heart. Despite its name, I’m From Barcelona is a rock ensemble whose 29 members hail from Jönköping, Sweden, and sound like they’re backed by the entire population of Scandinavia. Unlike more ponderous mega-acts, they’re not too cool to drop pop-cultural references in their lyrics (“Why do we care/If good ol’ Britney wants to shave her head,” goes one catchy refrain) or compose an ode to stamp collecting. On their new album, Who Killed Harry Houdini? (out 10/14), the first single, “Paper Planes,” is as joyous and massive as anything you’ll hear this year from a band with fewer than 100 performers.

Source: A Very Short List, http://www.imfrombarcelona.com/

Terry Ilous to perform on The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon

Labor Day Weekend August 31 and September 1, 2008 Terry Ilous will be performing ” Got To Believe “ live as part of the 43 rd Annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon on Labor Day weekend. Ilous will be live from the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas , Nevada. The live show will air for 21 1/2 hours beginning at 9 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 31, and will be shown on some 180 “Love Network” Stations nationwide. . The broadcast raises funds for MDA’s program of research, services and education for children and adults affected by any or more than 40 diseases in MDA’s program. It’s expected to attract some 40 million viewers nationwide and many more worldwide on the Internet via RealNetworks at mda.org. In 2007, pledges and donations to the MDA Telethon brought in a record $ 63.8 million.
Check http://www.mda.org/ for local stations and start times.
MySpace.com - XYZ Terry Ilous - Toluca Lake, California - Rock / Metal / Classic Rock - www.myspace.com/terryilousxyz

(source/photocredit: all access magazine.com and entermediamusic)