Update, with John Schneider statement and additional tweets: On the night he lost Fox’s The Masked Singer and spoke to various news outlets about the upcoming one-year anniversary of his wife’s death, former Dukes of Hazzard actor John Schneider called for the public executions of President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.
In a since-deleted post on X/Twitter – screen-captured by many X users including Joe Adalian, West Coast Edtior of New York Magazine’s Vulture – Schneider responded to a tweet by the president with “Mr. President, I believe you are guilty of treason and should be public hung [sic). Your son too. Your response is..? Sincerely, John Schneider.”
In a statement released through his rep, Schneider denied calling for violence or making threats.
“Seriously, folks?,” Schneider said in a statement to Deadline. “I said no such thing. Despite headlines claiming otherwise, I absolutely did not call for an act of violence or threaten a U.S.
In a since-deleted post on X/Twitter – screen-captured by many X users including Joe Adalian, West Coast Edtior of New York Magazine’s Vulture – Schneider responded to a tweet by the president with “Mr. President, I believe you are guilty of treason and should be public hung [sic). Your son too. Your response is..? Sincerely, John Schneider.”
In a statement released through his rep, Schneider denied calling for violence or making threats.
“Seriously, folks?,” Schneider said in a statement to Deadline. “I said no such thing. Despite headlines claiming otherwise, I absolutely did not call for an act of violence or threaten a U.S.
- 12/21/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In the first season of The Masked Singer, audiences crowned the autotune-stripped T-Pain, known as the Monster. In the finale of Season 10, Cow disillusioned judges and audiences alike with his hip-swerving moves and flamboyant gestures, but his definitive falsetto made the artist hard to deny. As the masked contestant’s time on the show came to a close, Cow performed “Take a Bow” by Rihanna, and was revealed as R&b singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. By the show’s end, panelist Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke were able to pin Ne-Yo, who...
- 12/21/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
The Season 10 finale of “The Masked Singer” took place Wednesday, December 20. Cow, Donut, Gazelle and Sea Queen each rocked the stage before audience members and panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Nicole Scherzinger voted for their favorite. After the first round of voting, Sea Queen and Gazelle were eliminated and revealed to be Macy Gray and Janel Parrish, respectively. After a final showdown with Cow, Donut was announced as the runner-up. The delicious crooner was revealed to be “The Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider.
“I’m a theater brat,” he told host Nick Cannon during his unmasked interview. “I started in theater when I was a kid. I’ve done theater for a very long time. I have always considered myself a singer who will act for food. Robin, I’ve had five number one songs, so I have sold millions of records, but nobody knows it,...
“I’m a theater brat,” he told host Nick Cannon during his unmasked interview. “I started in theater when I was a kid. I’ve done theater for a very long time. I have always considered myself a singer who will act for food. Robin, I’ve had five number one songs, so I have sold millions of records, but nobody knows it,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Jelly Roll delivered his latest confessional to the late-night stage on Tuesday with “Halfway to Hell,” the first track from his new record Whitsitt Chapel.
Backed by his band, the Tennessee singer performed the rocker about being caught between “a county jail revival” and “a bottle and a Bible,” as he asks himself (a familiar theme throughout his work) if he’s “worth savin’ if I’m always fadin’?”
“This little light of mine damn near burned me alive/Lord knows that Mama tried,” sings Jelly Roll, before admitting he’s still at a crossroads.
Backed by his band, the Tennessee singer performed the rocker about being caught between “a county jail revival” and “a bottle and a Bible,” as he asks himself (a familiar theme throughout his work) if he’s “worth savin’ if I’m always fadin’?”
“This little light of mine damn near burned me alive/Lord knows that Mama tried,” sings Jelly Roll, before admitting he’s still at a crossroads.
- 10/4/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
As Kane Brown readies the release of “I Can Feel It,” a new song that samples the iconic drum solo from Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” the country artist is announcing a run of spring tour dates he’s dubbed In the Air tour. The dates kick off in March and run through September. Several of the dates include stadium appearances.
Tyler Hubbard will serve as the opening act for most dates, while Jon Pardi, Chris Young, Bailey Zimmerman, Cole Swindell, Parmalee, Locash, and RaeLynn will appear on various dates.
Tyler Hubbard will serve as the opening act for most dates, while Jon Pardi, Chris Young, Bailey Zimmerman, Cole Swindell, Parmalee, Locash, and RaeLynn will appear on various dates.
- 9/20/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
On “Chevrolet,” Dustin Lynch explains how he doesn’t need much for everlasting happiness. Y’know, he simply requires a six-pack (beverage nonspecific), some Brooks & Dunn (let’s go with “Rock My World”), a little “country girl” (“dressed to kill,” natch), a vehicle (guess), and apparently free rein to rewrite the lyrics to Dobie Gray’s 1973 hit, “Drift Away.”
The song, which features Jelly Roll, the leading CMA Awards male nominee, and appears on Lynch’s upcoming Killed the Cowboy album, is a note-for-note remake of the 50-year-old soft-rock...
The song, which features Jelly Roll, the leading CMA Awards male nominee, and appears on Lynch’s upcoming Killed the Cowboy album, is a note-for-note remake of the 50-year-old soft-rock...
- 9/15/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Tom Leadon, the guitarist who co-founded Mudcrutch with Tom Petty and Mike Campbell and was the brother of Eagles co-founder Bernie Leadon, has died. He was 70. He died March 22, but no other details were available.
Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch guitarist Campbell confirmed the news on social media. “Tom Leadon was my deepest guitar soul brother,” he wrote on Instagram (see the post below). “We spent countless hours playing acoustic guitars and teaching each other things. A kinder soul never walked the earth. I will always miss his spirit and generosity. Sleep peacefully my old friend.”
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Tom Petty Estate Blasts Kari Lake's "Failed Campaign" For Use Of 'I Won't Back Down' Related Story Tom Petty Doc Lands At YouTube Originals Alongside Unscripted Orders
Born on September 16, 1952, in Rosemount, Mn, Leadon was the fourth of 10 children. His family moved to...
Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch guitarist Campbell confirmed the news on social media. “Tom Leadon was my deepest guitar soul brother,” he wrote on Instagram (see the post below). “We spent countless hours playing acoustic guitars and teaching each other things. A kinder soul never walked the earth. I will always miss his spirit and generosity. Sleep peacefully my old friend.”
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Tom Petty Estate Blasts Kari Lake's "Failed Campaign" For Use Of 'I Won't Back Down' Related Story Tom Petty Doc Lands At YouTube Originals Alongside Unscripted Orders
Born on September 16, 1952, in Rosemount, Mn, Leadon was the fourth of 10 children. His family moved to...
- 3/28/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Rolling Stone‘s interview series King for a Day features long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and singers who had the difficult job of fronting major rock bands after the departure of an iconic vocalist. Some of them stayed in their bands for years, while others lasted just a few months. In the end, however, they all found out that replacement singers can themselves be replaced. This edition features former Fleetwood Mac singer Billy Burnette.
Billy Burnette has been creating music on a professional level for so long that...
Billy Burnette has been creating music on a professional level for so long that...
- 12/6/2022
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Bruce Springsteen closed out his three-episode residency on The Tonight Show Wednesday with a soulful rendition of “Nightshift,” off his new covers LP Only the Strong Survive.
Backed by the same powerhouse band that accompanied him for the previous night’s performances, Springsteen delivered his take on the Commodores’ 1985 classic, a tribute to soul legends Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The single is the “newest” recording featured on Only the Strong Survive, which is mostly comprised of R&b singles from the Sixties and Seventies.
While the three-night takeover concluded,...
Backed by the same powerhouse band that accompanied him for the previous night’s performances, Springsteen delivered his take on the Commodores’ 1985 classic, a tribute to soul legends Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The single is the “newest” recording featured on Only the Strong Survive, which is mostly comprised of R&b singles from the Sixties and Seventies.
While the three-night takeover concluded,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
It’s been a decade of reminiscence and reflection for Bruce Springsteen. He’s revisited classic albums on tour, retold his life story on the page and Broadway stage, and written songs about late childhood friends. Even when he released 2020’s Letter to You, his first proper E Street Band record in years, he used some of his earliest Seventies songs as source material.
Only the Strong Survive, his new album of reverent soul and R&b covers, arrives in this same spirit of nostalgic recollection for the 73-year-old. The...
Only the Strong Survive, his new album of reverent soul and R&b covers, arrives in this same spirit of nostalgic recollection for the 73-year-old. The...
- 11/4/2022
- by Jonathan Bernstein
- Rollingstone.com
Bruce Springsteen’s soul covers record Only The Strong Survive lands November 11, and he’s just shared a video for “Don’t Play That Song,” which you can check out right here.
The 1962 song was written by Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun and Betty Nelson, the wife of Ben E. King. The original rendition was released by King on his 1962 LP Don’t Play That Song!, but the most memorable rendition arrived in 1970 when Aretha Franklin covered it on her album Spirit in the Dark. It’s also been recorded by Mariah Carey,...
The 1962 song was written by Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun and Betty Nelson, the wife of Ben E. King. The original rendition was released by King on his 1962 LP Don’t Play That Song!, but the most memorable rendition arrived in 1970 when Aretha Franklin covered it on her album Spirit in the Dark. It’s also been recorded by Mariah Carey,...
- 10/28/2022
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Bruce Springsteen has shared the video for his cover of the 1985 Commodores hit “Nightshift,” which will appear on his upcoming soul covers LP Only the Strong Survive, out November 11.
Commodores wrote the song a few years after parting ways with Lionel Richie to honor the memories of Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The soul icons died just months apart the previous year. It was the group’s final Top 40 hit.
“Nightshift” is the newest song that Springsteen selected for Only the Strong Survive. Other tunes include Aretha Franklin’s “Don’t Play That Song,...
Commodores wrote the song a few years after parting ways with Lionel Richie to honor the memories of Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The soul icons died just months apart the previous year. It was the group’s final Top 40 hit.
“Nightshift” is the newest song that Springsteen selected for Only the Strong Survive. Other tunes include Aretha Franklin’s “Don’t Play That Song,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
There’s a new Bruce Springsteen album on the way.
The Boss confirmed he’d be releasing a collection of 15 soul music covers titled Only The Strong Survive, which is set to be released by Columbia Records on November 11.
A press release confirmed, “Featuring lead vocals by Springsteen, Only The Strong Survive celebrates soul music gems from the legendary catalogues of Motown, Gamble and Huff, Stax and many more.
“This 21st studio album from Bruce Springsteen will also feature guest vocals by Sam Moore, as well as contributions from The E Street Horns, full string arrangements by Rob Mathes, and backing vocals by Soozie Tyrell, Lisa Lowell, Michelle Moore, Curtis King Jr., Dennis Collins and Fonzi Thornton.”
Credit: Columbia Records
Springsteen said of the record: “I wanted to make an album where I just sang. And what better music to work with than the great American songbook of the ’60s and ’70s?...
The Boss confirmed he’d be releasing a collection of 15 soul music covers titled Only The Strong Survive, which is set to be released by Columbia Records on November 11.
A press release confirmed, “Featuring lead vocals by Springsteen, Only The Strong Survive celebrates soul music gems from the legendary catalogues of Motown, Gamble and Huff, Stax and many more.
“This 21st studio album from Bruce Springsteen will also feature guest vocals by Sam Moore, as well as contributions from The E Street Horns, full string arrangements by Rob Mathes, and backing vocals by Soozie Tyrell, Lisa Lowell, Michelle Moore, Curtis King Jr., Dennis Collins and Fonzi Thornton.”
Credit: Columbia Records
Springsteen said of the record: “I wanted to make an album where I just sang. And what better music to work with than the great American songbook of the ’60s and ’70s?...
- 9/29/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Bruce Springsteen is releasing a collection of soul covers entitled Only The Strong Survive on November 11. Check out the video right here for “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do),” which was originally recorded by Frank Wilson.
The album centers around soul classics, both obscure and well-known, released from the Sixties through the Eighties. It gets its title from Jerry Butler’s 1969 tune “Only The Strong Survive.” The disc also includes “Soul Days” by Dobie Gray, “Nightshift” by the Commodores, “I Wish It Would Rain” by the Temptations, and “Somebody...
The album centers around soul classics, both obscure and well-known, released from the Sixties through the Eighties. It gets its title from Jerry Butler’s 1969 tune “Only The Strong Survive.” The disc also includes “Soul Days” by Dobie Gray, “Nightshift” by the Commodores, “I Wish It Would Rain” by the Temptations, and “Somebody...
- 9/29/2022
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Ramsey Lewis, a jazz pianist and composer who had a surprise appearance on the pop charts in 1965 with the hit “The In Crowd,” died Monday at 87. No cause of death was given, but his Facebook page indicated he “died peacefully at his home in Chicago” this morning.
A three-time Grammy-winner, Lewis was also honored with a 2007 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award.
Hollywood & Media Deaths 2022: A Photo Gallery
Lewis, bassist Eldee Young and drummer Redd Holt became the classic Ramsey Lewis Trio. The group met in high school as freshmen.
Their instrumental cover of “The In Crowd,” written by Dobie Gray, was followed by two more hits, “Hang on Sloopy” and “Wade in the Water.”
Lewis was a veteran performer thanks to the numerous live music venues in his native Chicago.
“It was great because it gave musicians coming up [in the ranks] the chance to get their act together,...
A three-time Grammy-winner, Lewis was also honored with a 2007 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award.
Hollywood & Media Deaths 2022: A Photo Gallery
Lewis, bassist Eldee Young and drummer Redd Holt became the classic Ramsey Lewis Trio. The group met in high school as freshmen.
Their instrumental cover of “The In Crowd,” written by Dobie Gray, was followed by two more hits, “Hang on Sloopy” and “Wade in the Water.”
Lewis was a veteran performer thanks to the numerous live music venues in his native Chicago.
“It was great because it gave musicians coming up [in the ranks] the chance to get their act together,...
- 9/12/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The Rolling Stones will mark the 40th anniversary of their 1981 album, Tattoo You, with a reissue featuring a bonus disc filled with previously unreleased material. The set will arrive on October 22nd via Polydor/Interscope/UMe.
To accompany the announcement, the Stones released “Living in the Heart of Love,” one of the nine previously unreleased songs that will appear on the bonus disc, Lost & Found. The nine songs were all originally recorded while the Stones were making Tattoo You, but were recently completed and enhanced with additional vocals and guitar by the Stones.
To accompany the announcement, the Stones released “Living in the Heart of Love,” one of the nine previously unreleased songs that will appear on the bonus disc, Lost & Found. The nine songs were all originally recorded while the Stones were making Tattoo You, but were recently completed and enhanced with additional vocals and guitar by the Stones.
- 8/19/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
If we didn’t have a clear picture of what the Season 20 finale of The Voice was going to look like before Monday’s Semi-Finals — and we kinda did — we sure did afterwards. It was going to be a two-contestant race between Team Blake Shelton’s so-good-i’m-running-out-of-superlatives Cam Anthony and Team Kelly Clarkson’s young old-school country boy Kenzie Wheeler.
But who would be joining them, competing for third fourth and fifth place? Based on Monday’s performances, singing for the Wildcard Instant Save Tuesday would be Team Nick Jonas’ Rachel Mac, Team Kelly’s Corey Ward, Team John...
But who would be joining them, competing for third fourth and fifth place? Based on Monday’s performances, singing for the Wildcard Instant Save Tuesday would be Team Nick Jonas’ Rachel Mac, Team Kelly’s Corey Ward, Team John...
- 5/19/2021
- by Charlie Mason
- TVLine.com
In the Seventies — or any other decade, in fact — it would have been hard to imagine less-likely duet partners than Bob Dylan and Bette Midler. In the fall of 1975, Dylan was newly invigorated, coming off Blood on the Tracks, and Midler was the midst of her first flush of pop fame, which had begun with her 1973 hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” From their voices to their personas, they didn’t just seem to exist on separate planets but in different galaxies.
But in January 1976, 45 years ago this month, they joined...
But in January 1976, 45 years ago this month, they joined...
- 1/8/2021
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Reggie Young, whose guitar playing graced hundreds of rock, pop and country records by everyone from Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley to George Strait and Merle Haggard, died Thursday at his home in Leipers Fork, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. He was 82.
As lead guitarist for the Memphis Boys, the house band at American Studios, Young played on more than 100 of the most recognizable hits of late Sixties and early Seventies, including Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto,” followed by a brief stint in Atlanta before relocating to Music City.
As lead guitarist for the Memphis Boys, the house band at American Studios, Young played on more than 100 of the most recognizable hits of late Sixties and early Seventies, including Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto,” followed by a brief stint in Atlanta before relocating to Music City.
- 1/18/2019
- by Stephen L. Betts
- Rollingstone.com
The highly-anticipated album, A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg, is now available on CD, digital and streaming platforms. Released worldwide through BMG, sales will benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (Pcf), a cause near and dear to Dan’s wife, Jean Fogelberg.
A Tribute To Dan Fogelberg
In 2008, a year after Dan Fogelberg passed away from prostate cancer, Jean released “Sometimes A Song”, a Valentine’s Day gift to her from Dan, and donated proceeds to Pcf. Each year since then she has designed the annual Pcf Holiday Cards to help raise money and awareness.
In 2010, Jean put together a production dream team of some of Dan’s long-time friends, including producer Norbert Putnam; mega manager Irving Azoff; and concert promoter Chuck Morris. Together they gathered some of the industry’s leading musicians and vocalists to record an album honoring Dan. Included in the stellar lineup are Garth Brooks, Zac Brown, Jimmy Buffett,...
A Tribute To Dan Fogelberg
In 2008, a year after Dan Fogelberg passed away from prostate cancer, Jean released “Sometimes A Song”, a Valentine’s Day gift to her from Dan, and donated proceeds to Pcf. Each year since then she has designed the annual Pcf Holiday Cards to help raise money and awareness.
In 2010, Jean put together a production dream team of some of Dan’s long-time friends, including producer Norbert Putnam; mega manager Irving Azoff; and concert promoter Chuck Morris. Together they gathered some of the industry’s leading musicians and vocalists to record an album honoring Dan. Included in the stellar lineup are Garth Brooks, Zac Brown, Jimmy Buffett,...
- 11/23/2017
- Look to the Stars
People will tell you Tom Waits’ best album is Rain Dogs. This is not strictly true. It is perhaps the most Waits-ian of Tom Waits albums, by virtue of having a Waits lookalike on the cover and a song selection that ranges across virtually every genre of music (and combinations thereof) Waits could wrangle. But the best Tom Waits album is not Rain Dogs. Instead it’s Bone Machine (which netted Waits his first Grammy in 1993), and it turns 25 years old today.
Waits explained Rain Dogs’ titular inspiration to Spin in 1985: “You know, dogs in the rain lose their way back home.
Waits explained Rain Dogs’ titular inspiration to Spin in 1985: “You know, dogs in the rain lose their way back home.
- 9/12/2017
- by Alex Heigl
- PEOPLE.com
Disney Xd's upcoming animated series take on Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" is set owe even more to last year's hit film as the show is set to get its own licensed soundtrack 1970s hits with the "Cosmic Mix Volume One".
The soundtrack will feature in the series itself and will be available to purchase physically and digitally from October 16th. No doubt the studio is keen for this to be even half as successful as the film's "Awesome Mix Volue One" was.
The track list is as follows, and unsurprisingly there's already already YouTube playlists of all the songs on the Cosmic Mix:
"Hooked On a Feeling" – Blue Swede
"Funk No. 49" – The James Gang
"Drift Away" – Dobie Gray
"Walk Away" – The James Gang
"Boys Are Back in Town" – Thin Lizzy
"Shake Your Groove Thing" – Peaches and Herb
"Funk Funk" – Cameo
"Joy to the World" – Three Dog Night
"I Will Survive...
The soundtrack will feature in the series itself and will be available to purchase physically and digitally from October 16th. No doubt the studio is keen for this to be even half as successful as the film's "Awesome Mix Volue One" was.
The track list is as follows, and unsurprisingly there's already already YouTube playlists of all the songs on the Cosmic Mix:
"Hooked On a Feeling" – Blue Swede
"Funk No. 49" – The James Gang
"Drift Away" – Dobie Gray
"Walk Away" – The James Gang
"Boys Are Back in Town" – Thin Lizzy
"Shake Your Groove Thing" – Peaches and Herb
"Funk Funk" – Cameo
"Joy to the World" – Three Dog Night
"I Will Survive...
- 9/15/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Ed Sheeran is a ginger Byron for the Millennial generation: he documents his alcohol-soaked misadventures in love with a dark vulnerability that seems to grasp that they are often doomed before they start. And yet, Sheeran goes back to dead-end road again and again looking for a different result, filled with optimism. On “X,” his sophomore set and confident follow up to "+," the British singer/songwriter explores love—most often, but not always, the romantic kind—through a drunken lens. Armed with his acoustic guitar and with producers like Pharrell Williams and Rick Rubin by his side to round out his vision and often contemporize it, the 23-year old bares his soul. Even though the producers dress up some of this tunes, Sheeran is a troubadour, who’s more interested in telling a story than wrapping it in flashy sheen. To his credit, though the songs are clearly autobiographical, Sheeran...
- 6/23/2014
- Hitfix
Looking back over his performances on "American Idol," exiting contestant C.J. Harris tells Gold Derby (in the webcam chat below) that two were his best. "I think the Marshall Tucker Band 'Can't You See' worked really good for me and 'Gravity' by John Mayer. I think those two are probably my strongest performances. "I was hoping to get further down in the competition and do more things that fit my voice, but, unfortunately, I didn't get to," he adds. "I would've done some Gary Clark Jr., Dobie Gray, Bill Withers --- that old soul music that really fits me." -Break- Aside from music moments, Harris says how happy it was to have his family join him at the telecast. " Me and my mom and my sister -- we've been through a lot as a family. For me to make it that far and for my mom being able to come...
- 4/26/2014
- Gold Derby
It was an emotional goodbye for C.J. Harris on Thursday night, as the 23-year-old Alabama native was the latest contestant voted off American Idol. Though he didn’t make the top five, Harris will spend the summer touring across the country with the American Idols Live! Tour, but first he’s just excited to get back home and spend some time with his son. EW was with C.J. after his elimination, and then he stopped by the offices Friday for a video interview.
Entertainment Weekly: How are you feeling?
C.J. Harris: Well, I’m feeling just fine. I mean,...
Entertainment Weekly: How are you feeling?
C.J. Harris: Well, I’m feeling just fine. I mean,...
- 4/25/2014
- by Jake Perlman
- EW - Inside TV
Broadway's Charlotte d'Amboise Pippin, Felicia Finley Mamma Mia and Mara Davi A Chorus Line, Smash are set to perform tonight, September 29 at 730pm at Nyu's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts 566 Laguardia Place where Oscar and Tony Award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones will be honored at the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation's Bright Lights Shining Stars Gala, receiving their prestigiousAmbassador for the Arts Award. Also set to perform are Joanne Borts Once, Clifton Brown Jessica Lange Dance, Luke Spring A Christmas Story and Adrienne Warren Bring it On.
- 9/29/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Broadway's Charlotte d'Amboise Pippin, Felicia Finley Mamma Mia and Mara Davi A Chorus Line, Smash are set to perform on Sunday, September 29 at 730pm at Nyu's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts 566 Laguardia Place where Oscar and Tony Award-winning actressCatherine Zeta-Jones will be honored at the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation's Bright Lights Shining Stars Gala, receiving their prestigiousAmbassador for the Arts Award. Also set to perform are Joanne Borts Once, Clifton Brown Jessica Lange Dance, Luke Spring A Christmas Story and Adrienne Warren Bring it On.
- 9/19/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
For the breakout star of The Voice, Blake Shelton sure has been a total energy suck the last few weeks of Season 4.
Oh sure, his rakish charm remains as reliable as ever. Who else could get away with yelling “kiss my ass!” to Adam Levine and making it land without a hint of toxicity? But Blake’s sudden and inexplicable “I only want country artists!” mindset has been a smudge on the show the likes of which we haven’t seen since Xtina’s wayward lipstick exploits of Season 3.
Yes, I know Blake’s heart belongs to Nashville, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Oh sure, his rakish charm remains as reliable as ever. Who else could get away with yelling “kiss my ass!” to Adam Levine and making it land without a hint of toxicity? But Blake’s sudden and inexplicable “I only want country artists!” mindset has been a smudge on the show the likes of which we haven’t seen since Xtina’s wayward lipstick exploits of Season 3.
Yes, I know Blake’s heart belongs to Nashville, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
- 5/1/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Kid Rock might be the greatest rock 'n roll karaoke singer of all time ... 'cause dude went to a joint in Malibu this week and pulled off AC/DC's "Back In Black" ... and TMZ caught the whole thing on tape. It all went down at Cafe Habana's Caliche Rum Weekly Karaoke Session on Wednesday -- when Rock took the mic and cranked out Two songs -- including the Dobie Gray classic, "Drift Away."Dude's got...
- 10/27/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the final six months of 2011...
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
- 1/1/2012
- WENN
Nashville, Tenn. (AP) — Dobie Gray was more than a smooth balladeer who recorded the timeless hit "Drift Away" in 1973. He wrote songs for an array of country and pop performers, was a trailblazing entertainer in South Africa and, in death, a philanthropist. Gray died in his sleep at his Nashville home Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 69. "Drift Away" also was recorded by rap artist Uncle Kracker in 2003 and became a hit again. Gray's silky tenor also was heard on other hits including "The In Crowd" in 1965 and "Loving...
- 12/8/2011
- by Joe Edwards (AP)
- Hitfix
Dobie Gray has died, aged 71. The soul singer's death was revealed on his official website last night, though there has yet to be an official announcement on how he passed away. Gray had massive hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including 'The In Crowd', 'Drift Away' and 'Out on the Floor'. Real name Laurence Darrow Brown, he was raised on a farm in Houston before moving to Los Angeles where he met Sonny Bono, and soon signed a record deal. 'Drift Away' sold over a million copies in 1973, and has been (more)...
- 12/7/2011
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Texas-born singer-songwriter Dobie Gray, best known for his hit song "Drift Away," has passed away, per his official website. He was 71 years old. Gray, whose real name is unknown (he may have been born Leonard Victor Ainsworth or Laurence Darrow Brown) was given the nickname "Dobie" by Sonny Bono, who was referencing sitcom "The Many Lives of Dobie Gillis."
Gray enjoyed success in the 1960s and early '70s with "The In Crowd" and Mentor Williams' "Drift Away," which would remain a staple song for years to come. Most recently Detroit rapper Uncle Kracker (a Kid Rock protege) enjoyed success with a 2003 version of the song he recorded with Gray, which broke adult contemporary records and transcended radio genres.
The Dec. 6 death announcement offers no cause, simply reading, "Dobie Gray: July 26, 1940 - December 6, 2011."
Kracker tweeted, "My heart goes out to Dobie's family this evening. Rip Dobie Gray.
Gray enjoyed success in the 1960s and early '70s with "The In Crowd" and Mentor Williams' "Drift Away," which would remain a staple song for years to come. Most recently Detroit rapper Uncle Kracker (a Kid Rock protege) enjoyed success with a 2003 version of the song he recorded with Gray, which broke adult contemporary records and transcended radio genres.
The Dec. 6 death announcement offers no cause, simply reading, "Dobie Gray: July 26, 1940 - December 6, 2011."
Kracker tweeted, "My heart goes out to Dobie's family this evening. Rip Dobie Gray.
- 12/7/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Singer and songwriter Dobie Gray, who had a top 5 hit in 1973 with the song “Drift Away,” has died. The news came on the evening of Dec. 6 via his official website, although no cause of death was listed. Born near Houston in 1940 to a family of sharecroppers, Gray, whose real name has been listed as Leonard Victor Ainsworth and Laurence Darrow Brown, discovered gospel music through his grandfather, a Baptist minister. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s where he met Sonny Bono, who dubbed him Dobie Gray after the then popular sitcom The
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- 12/7/2011
- by Shirley Halperin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
American Idol has entered the MySpace era (aka 2006), and is tapping into the powerful musical legacies of Toni Basil, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the Crash Test Dummies. Nope, I’m not pulling your leg. For the first time in its ten-season history, Fox’s behemoth of a singing competition is giving contestants the chance to audition online at myspace.com/americanidol from now through Oct. 6. Hopefuls between the ages of 15 and 28 (as of July 15, 2010) can submit 40-second videos in which they belt out one of 90 pre-approved tracks (listed below). Idol producers will then invite a select number of online auditioners...
- 9/15/2010
- by Michael Slezak
- EW.com - PopWatch
Wayne Allwine, who provided the voice of Mickey Mouse for the past 32 years, died May 18 at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles from complications due to diabetes. He was 62.
Allwine's wife, Russi Taylor, who provides the voice of Minnie Mouse, was at his side at the time of his passing.
Allwine, also was an Emmy-winning sound effects editor, was the voice of Disney's world-renowned mouse since 1977, when he first lent his familiar falsetto to animated segments for "The New Mickey Mouse Club." He went on to provide Mickey's voice for such theatrical efforts as "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (1983), "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988), "The Prince and the Pauper" (1990), the Oscar-nominated short "Runaway Brain" (1997) and the direct-to-dvd feature "Mickey, Donald and Goofy: The Three Musketeers" (2004).
Allwine's voice also has been heard at Disney parks around the world, on television, at live stage events and on radio broadcasts.
Walt Disney provided the original sounds...
Allwine's wife, Russi Taylor, who provides the voice of Minnie Mouse, was at his side at the time of his passing.
Allwine, also was an Emmy-winning sound effects editor, was the voice of Disney's world-renowned mouse since 1977, when he first lent his familiar falsetto to animated segments for "The New Mickey Mouse Club." He went on to provide Mickey's voice for such theatrical efforts as "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (1983), "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988), "The Prince and the Pauper" (1990), the Oscar-nominated short "Runaway Brain" (1997) and the direct-to-dvd feature "Mickey, Donald and Goofy: The Three Musketeers" (2004).
Allwine's voice also has been heard at Disney parks around the world, on television, at live stage events and on radio broadcasts.
Walt Disney provided the original sounds...
- 5/20/2009
- by By Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jason Aldean first learned to play the guitar by singing Alabama's "Mountain Music." He's been known to cover Guns N' Roses' "Welcome To The Jungle" in concert as well. But lately, Aldean seems to have a thing for singing Neil Diamond as well, although you are likely to hear it only if he ventures into a local bar.
Jason gets a kick out of getting drunk and going to a karaoke bar and singing someone else's song. He won't go to a karaoke bar and sing his own songs, though. Aldean says he likes to get up and sing stuff that he would never sing on stage anywhere else. One of his standards is Diamond's, "Sweet Caroline.
Aldean has done the Eagles' "Seven Bridges Road," Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," and he's even been known to do Otis Redding or Dobie Gray's "Drift Away."
Jason is playing on the road,...
Jason gets a kick out of getting drunk and going to a karaoke bar and singing someone else's song. He won't go to a karaoke bar and sing his own songs, though. Aldean says he likes to get up and sing stuff that he would never sing on stage anywhere else. One of his standards is Diamond's, "Sweet Caroline.
Aldean has done the Eagles' "Seven Bridges Road," Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," and he's even been known to do Otis Redding or Dobie Gray's "Drift Away."
Jason is playing on the road,...
- 4/19/2009
- icelebz.com
WASHINGTON -- With several country music legends committed to testify before the FCC during next week's field hearing in Nashville on media ownership, the commission might feel as if it's in the Grand Ole Opry instead of the campus of Belmont University.
Porter Wagoner, George Jones, Dobie Gray, Naomi Judd and Craig Wiseman are among the music impresarios that have tentatively agreed to testify Monday, according to entertainment industry officials.
Musicians, songwriters, actors and others who owe much of their livelihood to radio and television fear that allowing the ownership universe to contract will undercut their ability to get airplay, said Rick Carnes, president of the Songwriters Guild of America.
"The commission just keeps allowing expanding ownership limits in local markets, where one person or company can pretty much own everything," said Carnes, who also plans to testify. "If there are three country stations in a market, and they get bought out and merged into one, that really hurts us."
The hearing is the second in a series the commission is conducting on the issue.
Porter Wagoner, George Jones, Dobie Gray, Naomi Judd and Craig Wiseman are among the music impresarios that have tentatively agreed to testify Monday, according to entertainment industry officials.
Musicians, songwriters, actors and others who owe much of their livelihood to radio and television fear that allowing the ownership universe to contract will undercut their ability to get airplay, said Rick Carnes, president of the Songwriters Guild of America.
"The commission just keeps allowing expanding ownership limits in local markets, where one person or company can pretty much own everything," said Carnes, who also plans to testify. "If there are three country stations in a market, and they get bought out and merged into one, that really hurts us."
The hearing is the second in a series the commission is conducting on the issue.
- 12/5/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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