New this week: Harry Styles, 'Angelyne' and 'The Valet'
This week’s new entertainment releases include Harry Styles' third solo album, a reboot of “Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers” that has attracted some top “Saturday Night Live” alums, and Emmy Rossum stars in a series about media personality Angelyne.
Murakami plays antiwar songs on radio to protest Ukraine war
Playing James Taylor’s “Never Die Young” and going back to songs that marked the antiwar movement in the 1960s, Japanese author Haruki Murakami added his voice to protests against the war in Ukraine with a special edition of his Tokyo radio show.
Elton John, Stevie Wonder reunite on ‘Finish Line’
Together again: Music superstars Elton John, right, and Stevie Wonder collaborated on a new single, "Finish Line," that was released Thursday. “I couldn’t be more proud of ‘Finish Line’ -- I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best records I’ve ever made,” John, 74, said in a statement. “Elton, anyone who hears your voice singing ‘Finish Line’ will hear and feel your wisdom, your pain, your soul, your love, but also your resilience ... Long live Sir Elton John!”Elton John and Stevie Wonder reunite on "Finish Line," the latest single off John’s upcoming all-star LP 'The Lockdown Sessions.' “Because A, it’s Stevie Wonder, and you made Stevie sound like a 17-year-old again.
wftv.comStevie Wonder to headline Global Citizen Live in Los Angeles
Global Citizen Live FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016 file photo, Musician Stevie Wonder performs at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton before President Barack Obama spoke to the audience in Kissimmee, Fla. Stevie Wonder will headline Global Citizen Live’s star-studded 24-hour event in Los Angeles this month to help raise money and make a plea for increased COVID-19 vaccine doses along with bringing awareness toward climate change and poverty. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Stevie Wonder will headline Global Citizen Live’s star-studded 24-hour event in Los Angeles this month to help raise money and awareness around poverty, climate change and the need for more access to COVID-19 vaccine doses worldwide. Global Citizen officials announced Thursday that Wonder will be among several performers — including H.E.R., Adam Lambert and Demi Lovato — to take part in the event at The Greek Theatre on Sept. 25. In the U.S., Global Citizen wants the Biden administration to increase COVID-19 vaccine access by sharing at least 350 million doses with the poorest countries by the end of September. In May, Global Citizen sponsored VAX Live, which generated more than 26 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and $302 million for programs aimed at a more equitable distribution of vaccines.
wftv.comPaul Simon sells song catalog to Sony Music Publishing
Sony Music Publishing announced Wednesday, March. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Paul Simon is the latest icon to sell his rich catalog of songs. Sony Music Publishing announced Wednesday that it has acquired Simon's catalog, which includes six decades of music, from his time in Simon & Garfunkel to his solo career. Ad“I’m pleased to have Sony Music Publishing be the custodian of my songs for the coming decades. Sony Music Publishing also represents catalogs by Motown, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Ashford & Simpson, Leonard Cohen and more.
Poet Amanda Gorman revisits inaugural triumph with Oprah
In this combination photo, Oprah Winfrey, left, attends the premiere of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" on April 18, 2017, in New York and Amanda Gorman attends Porter's 3rd annual Incredible Women Gala on Oct. 9, 2018, in Los Angeles. Gorman revisits her inaugural poem that wowed observers, among them Oprah Winfrey, in the Apple TV+ series "The Oprah Conversation." (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, left, and Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)LOS ANGELES – Amanda Gorman revisits her inauguration day poetry reading that wowed observers, among them Oprah Winfrey, in the Apple TV+ series “The Oprah Conversation.”The 23-year-old Gorman “stepped into a moment in history with enormous grace and dignity,” Winfrey said in a statement. The first National Youth Poet Laureate and the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, Gorman recited “The Hill We Climb” for the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Others who have been interviewed for “The Oprah Conversation” include former President Barack Obama, Matthew McConaughey, Stevie Wonder and author Ibram X. Kendi.
The joy of music returns for Grammy winners, performers
Beyonce, left, and Megan Thee Stallion accept the award for best rap song for "Savage" at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish made history at the Grammy Awards. Just as joyously, dozens of creators largely sidelined for a year due to the pandemic got to make music again. 's topical “I Can't Breathe” won song of the year and Megan Thee Stallion was named best new artist. ___This story has been corrected to show the ceremony was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, not Staples Center.
Ladies night: Beyoncé, Swift make history as others win big
Four women won the top four prizes Sunday, including Swift, who became the first female performer to win album of the year three times. Beyoncé — with her 28th win — became the most decorated woman in Grammy history. And 9-year-old Blue Ivy Carter — who won best music video alongside her mother — became the second youngest act to win a Grammy in the show’s 63-year history. Megan Thee Stallion, who won three honors, also made history and became the first female rapper to win best rap song. She's also the fifth rap-based act to win best new artist.
Eddie Murphy to be inducted into NAACP Hall of Fame
FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2020, file photo, Eddie Murphy accepts the lifetime achievement award at the 25th annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. Murphy will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame this month. The NAACP announced Thursday, March 11, 2021, that Murphy will be inducted during the March 27 ceremony, which will air on CBS. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)LOS ANGELES – Eddie Murphy will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame this month. The NAACP announced Thursday that Murphy will be inducted during the March 27 ceremony, which will air on CBS. The NAACP Image Awards honoring entertainers and writers of color will also simulcast on BET, MTV, VH1, MTV2, BET HER and LOGO.
George Floyd kin joins protest anthem album project
Terrence Floyd, brother of George Floyd, plays the drums with other artists during a recording session for an album of protest songs with the Rev. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK – Before a late night rehearsal in December, Terrence Floyd couldn’t remember the last time he squatted on a drum throne, sticks in hand and ready to perform. Surely, he said, it had not happened since his brother, George Floyd, died at the hands of police in Minneapolis last May, sparking a global reckoning over systemic racism and police brutality. Kevin McCall, a civil rights activist who said he believes an album of street-inspired protest anthems does not yet exist. AdSome historians cite Billie Holiday’s musical rendition of the Abel Meeropol poem, “Strange Fruit,” in 1939 as one of the sparks of the civil rights movement.
Chick Corea, jazz great with 23 Grammy Awards, dies at 79
FILE - Jazz pianist and composer Chick Corea poses for a portrait in Clearwater, Fla., on Sept. 4, 2020, to promote his new double album "Plays." Corea, a towering jazz pianist with a staggering 23 Grammy awards who pushed the boundaries of the genre and worked alongside Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, has died. (Mike Carlson/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Chick Corea, a towering jazz pianist with a staggering 23 Grammy Awards who pushed the boundaries of the genre and worked alongside Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, has died. He recorded and performed classical music, standards, solo originals, Latin jazz and tributes to great jazz pianists. In addition to his Grammy wins, Corea also had four Latin Grammy wins.
PJ Morton 1st artist in residence at Dillard University
Morton is the first artist in residence at a historically Black private university in New Orleans. Dillard University announced that Morton will teach master classes in songwriting, music publishing, studio production and talent management during the 2021-22 academic year. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)NEW ORLEANS – Grammy-winning musician PJ Morton is the first artist in residence at Dillard University, a historically Black private university in New Orleans. “I’m so excited to be partnering with Dillard University. His most recent project, “Gospel According to PJ,” is a Grammy nominee for this year’s best gospel album.
Questlove uncovers 'Black Woodstock' in his hit Sundance doc
The film will debut at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. (Sundance Film Festival via AP)Sundance Institute programs. Known as “Black Woodstock,” the festival occurred during the same summer as Woodstock — and just 100 miles away — but received far less attention. It debuted Thursday night at the Sundance Film Festival where it spawned immediate acclaim and countless at-home dance parties for virtual festivalgoers — a party Questlove extended with a live-streamed after-party DJ set. Morris Park for a celebration of soul, gospel, funk and, most of all of Black identity at a pivotal point in African American culture.
Despite bleak 2020, celebrities make effort to brighten year
(AP Photo)LOS ANGELES – Yes, 2020 may seem like a complete fail with all the constant bad news and tragic moments. It’s been filled with gloom and doom(scrolling), but some celebrities and those inspired by them have tried to brighten a bleak year. He reassigned his 10 seamstresses in New York to produce thousands daily for health care workers on the frontlines. The singer and husband Emilio Estefan's restaurant Estefan Kitchen served up homemade meals for health care workers in Miami. The challenge coordinated offers by celebrities and athletes to raise funds to feed those in need during the pandemic.
Star-studded benefit concert to honor nurses on Thanksgiving
All rights reserved)LOS ANGELES – Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan will be among the entertainers honoring nurses in a star-studded benefit virtual concert on Thanksgiving. Nurse Heroes announced Tuesday that the concert called Nurse Heroes Live will stream on the organization’s YouTube and Facebook along with LiveXLive on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. EST. The benefit will provide money for a variety of programs including scholarships for nurses and their children. Taylor Swift will donate a signed collectible edition “Folklore" guitar, which will be auctioned for the benefit of the Nurses Heroes Foundation. The nurses of New York's Northwell Health will be the first beneficiaries of the concert.
Drake bests Aretha Franklin, Wonder to set Billboard record
1 hit on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, Drake has bested a record previously held by icons Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Drake's “Laugh Now Cry Later," featuring rapper Lil Durk, reached the No. Wonder and Franklin, who died in 2018, each have had 20 songs top the chart. 1 hits on the R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, 12 include him in the leading role, including “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” “Hotline Bling,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Best I Ever Had,” his first major hit released in 2009. Earlier this year, 34-year-old Drake made Billboard chart history when he set a new record for most songs on the Hot 100 chart — Billboard's main songs chart that includes all music genres.
The Latest: Biden unleashes scathing attacks on Trump
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – The Latest on the presidential campaign (all times local):8 p.m.Joe Biden is letting loose against President Donald Trump in the final days of the presidential campaign. Noting Trump has called himself a “perfect physical specimen,” Biden, a devout Catholic, jokingly made the sign of the cross. The former president spoke Saturday at a drive-in rally at his first joint campaign event with Joe Biden. ___12:20 p.m.President Donald Trump says the nation is at a crossroads as Election Day approaches. But the Biden campaign is looking to capitalize on the favorable political environment in the state as the coronavirus pandemic drags down President Donald Trump in typically GOP-leaning states.
Biden, Obama make a final appeal to Michigan's Black voters
The Democratic presidential nominee is teaming up with his former boss, Barack Obama, for a swing through Michigan on Saturday. “I think that helps.”R&B legend Stevie Wonder will perform in Detroit on Saturday after Biden and Obama speak. The press for Michigan’s Black voters comes after voting was down roughly 15% in Flint and Detroit four years ago — a combined 48,000-plus votes in a state Trump carried by about 10,700 votes. Jonathan Kinloch leads the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party, which includes parts of Detroit, and expressed confidence that Black voters will turn out for Biden. While Biden is expected to win the vast majority of Black voters in next week’s election, Trump has also courted them and hopes to shave into Democrats’ historic advantage in the community.
Obama skewers Trump while joining Biden on the campaign trail in Michigan
Former President Obama joined Joe Biden, his former vice president, on the campaign trail in Michigan on Saturday, calling this the "most important election of our lifetimes" and skewering President Trump. These were the first joint appearances by Mr. Obama and Biden during the 2020 election. Mr. Obama called Biden his "brother," and said his former running mate "will be a great president." Mr. Obama talked about the importance of down ballot races, from congressional races to local district attorney races. Not making things perfect, but making things better," Mr. Obama said.
cbsnews.comStevie Wonder releases 2 new songs, gives health update
Wonder released two new songs Tuesday reflecting the current times that he hopes inspires change. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Stevie Wonder released two new songs Tuesday reflecting the current times that he hopes inspires change. Wonder said he started writing “Where Is Our Love Song” when he was 18. It’s just a hard break.”All proceeds from “Where Is Our Love Song” — which features Grammy-winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr. — will benefit Feeding America. You see color, don’t act like you don’t see color, you do.
Japanese fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto dies at 76
TOKYO Japanese fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto, known for his avant-garde and colorful work that included flamboyant costumes of the late rock icon David Bowie, has died of leukemia, his company said Monday. Yamamoto developed leukemia in February and was determined to recover and come back with renewed energy, said the company, Kansai Yamamoto. Born in 1944 in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Yamamoto debuted in 1971, becoming the first Japanese fashion designer to hold a show in London. He became internationally known for blending traditional Japanese motifs with brilliant colors and bold designs. He contributed to collections in Tokyo, New York and Paris for nearly two decades until 1992 and produced the Kansai Super Show and Nippon Genki Project."
Get ready: Motown Museum reopens after 4-month closure
Studio A is seen at the Motown Museum, Wednesday, July 15, 2020, in Detroit. The Detroit building where Berry Gordy Jr. built his music empire reopened its doors to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)DETROIT Get ready, because the Motown Museum is back in business. The Detroit building where Berry Gordy Jr. built his music empire reopened its doors to the public on Wednesday. That's probably the most celebrated change at Motown Museum, Terry said.
New this week: Neil Young, 'Miss Juneteenth,' Padma Lakshmi
This combination of cover images show, from left, Rough and Rowdy Ways," by Bob Dylan, "Homegrown," a release by Neil Young and "Bigger Love" by John Legend. Peoples film will debut Friday on-demand on Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Miss Juneteenth isnt about that history but the contemporary African American struggle to remain in the middle class. AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSICBob Dylan: Its been eight years since the legend Bob Dylan released an album of original material. Neil Young: Neil Young also has a new album out on Friday, though he finished it 45 years ago.
13 fun facts about Friday the 13th
Whether you think it's unlucky or not, cross your fingers and check out these 13 fun facts about Friday the 13th and our collective aversion to the number 13. Taylor Swift thinks of 13 as her lucky number and has some connections with Friday the 13th: "I was born on the 13th. Frighteningly entertainingThe 13th film in the "Friday the 13th" franchise was released by Paramount Pictures in 2017. Bad things can happenThe movie "Alive" is based on the true story of a plane crash in South America on Friday, October 13, 1972. The word for fear of the number 13 is "triskaidekaphobia."
Meet America's Oldest Woman: Alelia Murphy Just Turned 114
Americas oldest woman has just turned 114 years young. Serenaded by family and friends with Stevie Wonder's classic take on "Happy Birthday," Alelia Murphy reached the milestone on July 6. To mark the occasion, New York State Senator Brian Benjamin declared the date be known as Alelia Murphy Day in Harlem. She was part of the movement of African Americans to Harlem, Benjamin told WCBS. RELATED STORIESCalypso Rose Makes History as Oldest Coachella Performer116-Year-Old Japanese Woman Is World's Oldest Living PersonBritains Oldest Twins Say Drinking Gin Helped Them See 102 Years Old
Stevie Wonder to have kidney surgery in September
LONDON - Stevie Wonder will be taking a break from music. The legendary singer-songwriter announced during a concert in London on Saturday that he will be undergoing kidney surgery. "So what's gonna happen is this, I'm going to have surgery, I'm going to have a kidney transplant in September of this year. I'm all good, I'm all good, I'm all good. I have a donor, it's all good," Wonder said.