BBC Films has come on board to back a feature documentary on Theodore DeReese “Teddy” Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010), the late singer–songwriter and composer, who rose to fame as lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes… Continue Reading →...
- 2/10/2017
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Teddy Pendergrass, the R&B legend who became the first black male singer to record five consecutive multi-platinum albums in the U.S., is getting the documentary treatment.
Storyvault Films, Tempo Productions and Wasted Talent are on board to produce Pendergrass, examining the life of the singer known as the "Black Elvis," who rose to fame in the 70s as the lead singer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and achieved global success with hits including Don't Leave Me This Way and If You Don't Know Me By Now. Pendergass' career would be interrupted in 1981 aged just 31 when he...
Storyvault Films, Tempo Productions and Wasted Talent are on board to produce Pendergrass, examining the life of the singer known as the "Black Elvis," who rose to fame in the 70s as the lead singer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and achieved global success with hits including Don't Leave Me This Way and If You Don't Know Me By Now. Pendergass' career would be interrupted in 1981 aged just 31 when he...
- 2/10/2017
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
People staff writer (and resident American Idol expert) Patrick Gomez predicts who will become the fifteenth – and final – Idol:
After fifteen seasons of searching for superstars, American Idol is set to end Thursday with the crowning of one final winner.
"Whoever wins will be the bookend to a legacy that started with Kelly Clarkson," explains host Ryan Seacrest, who is featured in the current issue of People. "People will always remember the first winner and the last winner."
So, you know, no pressure.
Warning: spoilers from Wednesday's performance finale of American Idol ahead.
The second-to-last episode of the Fox...
After fifteen seasons of searching for superstars, American Idol is set to end Thursday with the crowning of one final winner.
"Whoever wins will be the bookend to a legacy that started with Kelly Clarkson," explains host Ryan Seacrest, who is featured in the current issue of People. "People will always remember the first winner and the last winner."
So, you know, no pressure.
Warning: spoilers from Wednesday's performance finale of American Idol ahead.
The second-to-last episode of the Fox...
- 4/7/2016
- by Patrick Gomez, @PatrickGomezLA
- People.com - TV Watch
People staff writer (and resident American Idol expert) Patrick Gomez predicts who will become the fifteenth - and final - Idol:After fifteen seasons of searching for superstars, American Idol is set to end Thursday with the crowning of one final winner. "Whoever wins will be the bookend to a legacy that started with Kelly Clarkson," explains host Ryan Seacrest, who is featured in the current issue of People. "People will always remember the first winner and the last winner." So, you know, no pressure. Warning: spoilers from Wendesday's performance finale of American Idol ahead.The second-to-last episode of the...
- 4/7/2016
- by Patrick Gomez, @PatrickGomezLA
- PEOPLE.com
American Idol Performance Finale Recap: It's All Over But the Crying (Oh, Yeah, and Also the Voting)
Can someone go to Web MD and look up whether or not it’s possible to experience the five stages of grief simultaneously?
Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Even acceptance. They’re all bearing down on me like the heel of J.Lo’s Louboutins as she dips it low midway through a “performance” of “Booty.” Don’t believe me? Read on!
PhotosAmerican Idol Farewell Week: The 30 Best Performances of All Time!
1. Ryan Seacrest told us we’d witnessed the final American Idol performance finale ever, that we’re voting for the final time, but it just can’t be true.
Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Even acceptance. They’re all bearing down on me like the heel of J.Lo’s Louboutins as she dips it low midway through a “performance” of “Booty.” Don’t believe me? Read on!
PhotosAmerican Idol Farewell Week: The 30 Best Performances of All Time!
1. Ryan Seacrest told us we’d witnessed the final American Idol performance finale ever, that we’re voting for the final time, but it just can’t be true.
- 4/7/2016
- TVLine.com
Michael Jackson made bigger records than Off the Wall, but he arguably never made a better one — the album's masterful fusion of funk, disco, pop and Quiet Storm R&B captures the singer at his most effervescent. A deluxe edition of the record arrives February 26th, accompanied by a new documentary, Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall, helmed by Spike Lee, who also directed a movie about the 25th anniversary of Bad. From Motown to Off the Wall premiered at Sundance in January, and it airs on Showtime February 5th.
- 2/5/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Neil Young and Bluenote Café: Bluenote Café (Reprise)
This is Performance Series 11 from the Neil Young Archives project, a two-cd set of live recordings from eleven 1987-88 shows with his Bluenotes band, which had to be renamed because of a lawsuit by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. (The new name better reflects Neil's original inspiration, a beloved Winnipeg bar called, yes, Blue Note Café, shown on the cover.) The first two tracks on Bluenote Café are from the year before This Note's for You was released, the rest (oddly, presented in chronological order of recording date, with just one exception) coming from the tour to promote its release.
There has never been a consensus about This Note's for You, which marked Young's return to Reprise Records after his contentious tenure at Geffen, when his stylistic shifts into genre tangents (rockabilly, electronica) led to Geffen actually suing Young.
On the one hand,...
This is Performance Series 11 from the Neil Young Archives project, a two-cd set of live recordings from eleven 1987-88 shows with his Bluenotes band, which had to be renamed because of a lawsuit by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. (The new name better reflects Neil's original inspiration, a beloved Winnipeg bar called, yes, Blue Note Café, shown on the cover.) The first two tracks on Bluenote Café are from the year before This Note's for You was released, the rest (oddly, presented in chronological order of recording date, with just one exception) coming from the tour to promote its release.
There has never been a consensus about This Note's for You, which marked Young's return to Reprise Records after his contentious tenure at Geffen, when his stylistic shifts into genre tangents (rockabilly, electronica) led to Geffen actually suing Young.
On the one hand,...
- 11/21/2015
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Giveaway – Win A Limited Edition Copy Of American Hustle Original Motion Picture Soundtrack On Vinyl
Madison Gate Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, are releasing American Hustle – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, a collection of music from the critically-acclaimed box office hit with ten Oscar-nominations, in a two 12″ LP gatefold blue and red colored 150 gram vinyl edition featuring six songs from the movie not included on the CD version.
The 12” Vinyl will be available exclusively at independent retailers, as part of Record Store Day’s annual Black Friday event on November 28, 2014.
Wamg is giving away copies of the American Hustle soundtrack to a few lucky readers.
Enter Your Name And E-mail In Our Comments Section Below. We Will Contact You If You Are A Winner.
Official Rules:
1. You Must Be A Us Resident. Prize Will Only Be Shipped To Us Addresses. No P.O. Boxes. No Duplicate Addresses.
2. Winners Will Be Chosen From All Qualifying Entries.
*No purchase necessary.
American Hustle...
The 12” Vinyl will be available exclusively at independent retailers, as part of Record Store Day’s annual Black Friday event on November 28, 2014.
Wamg is giving away copies of the American Hustle soundtrack to a few lucky readers.
Enter Your Name And E-mail In Our Comments Section Below. We Will Contact You If You Are A Winner.
Official Rules:
1. You Must Be A Us Resident. Prize Will Only Be Shipped To Us Addresses. No P.O. Boxes. No Duplicate Addresses.
2. Winners Will Be Chosen From All Qualifying Entries.
*No purchase necessary.
American Hustle...
- 11/18/2014
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Madison Gate Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, are releasing American Hustle – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, a collection of music from the critically-acclaimed box office hit with ten Oscar-nominations, in a two 12″ LP gatefold blue and red colored 150 gram vinyl edition featuring six songs from the movie not included on the CD version. The 12” Vinyl will be available exclusively at independent retailers, as part of Record Store Day’s annual Black Friday event on November 28, 2014.
American Hustle – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack premieres “Stream Of Stars,” a previously-unreleased song from the legendary Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra, Traveling Wilburys) alongside Elo’s “Long Black Road,” an ultra-rare track previously available only on the Japanese release of Zoom, Elo’s final studio album.
The soundtrack album showcases an array of evocative 70s classics–including Wings’ “Live And Let Die,” Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” Elton John...
American Hustle – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack premieres “Stream Of Stars,” a previously-unreleased song from the legendary Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra, Traveling Wilburys) alongside Elo’s “Long Black Road,” an ultra-rare track previously available only on the Japanese release of Zoom, Elo’s final studio album.
The soundtrack album showcases an array of evocative 70s classics–including Wings’ “Live And Let Die,” Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” Elton John...
- 11/11/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The BBC's remake of The Lady Vanishes distanced itself rather too well from Hitchcock's classic film
The Lady Vanishes (BBC1) | iPlayer
It's Kevin (BBC2) | iPlayer
Our Queen (ITV1) | ITV Player
Who can say why the BBC suddenly decided to remake The Lady Vanishes, though it must have seemed a fair bet that only film buffs – and perhaps not the ones in the habit of dropping by for Call the Midwife at this time on a Sunday night – would remember more than the opening credits of the original 1938 Hitchcock adaptation (scrolling jerkily over a railway hobbyist's layout of a station and hotel nestling in the snow-capped Balkans, which must have looked almost real at the time). In the event they avoided plot familiarity by cunningly going back to the forgotten 1936 novel (The Wheel Spins) by Ethel White, thus dispensing with Hitchcock's gunfight at the end, his comic characters and egregiously providential turns of fortune.
The Lady Vanishes (BBC1) | iPlayer
It's Kevin (BBC2) | iPlayer
Our Queen (ITV1) | ITV Player
Who can say why the BBC suddenly decided to remake The Lady Vanishes, though it must have seemed a fair bet that only film buffs – and perhaps not the ones in the habit of dropping by for Call the Midwife at this time on a Sunday night – would remember more than the opening credits of the original 1938 Hitchcock adaptation (scrolling jerkily over a railway hobbyist's layout of a station and hotel nestling in the snow-capped Balkans, which must have looked almost real at the time). In the event they avoided plot familiarity by cunningly going back to the forgotten 1936 novel (The Wheel Spins) by Ethel White, thus dispensing with Hitchcock's gunfight at the end, his comic characters and egregiously providential turns of fortune.
- 3/24/2013
- by Phil Hogan
- The Guardian - Film News
The remaining eight contestants on "The Voice" (Mondays at 8 p.m. Et and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Et on NBC) took the stage during the semifinals and overall, it was an impressive showing.
It's shocking that we're only a week away from the Season 2 finale, when a winner will be crowned. But for now, Christina Aguilera is the one wearing the tiara. This ensemble really looks like she stole it from a "Toddlers and Tiaras" contestant and don't worry -- you'll get a full look at it (twice).
In order to determine who will swipe that headpiece out of Christina's weave make it to the final round, the ever relevant host Carson Daly reminds us that America and the coadges have equal say. The coadges have 100 votes to split among their team members as they sit fit and then America's votes -- via phone, social network, iTunes, etc. -- factor into the other half.
It's shocking that we're only a week away from the Season 2 finale, when a winner will be crowned. But for now, Christina Aguilera is the one wearing the tiara. This ensemble really looks like she stole it from a "Toddlers and Tiaras" contestant and don't worry -- you'll get a full look at it (twice).
In order to determine who will swipe that headpiece out of Christina's weave make it to the final round, the ever relevant host Carson Daly reminds us that America and the coadges have equal say. The coadges have 100 votes to split among their team members as they sit fit and then America's votes -- via phone, social network, iTunes, etc. -- factor into the other half.
- 5/1/2012
- by Jaimie Etkin
- Aol TV.
Carson Daly kicked off last night's The Voice by basically asking Cee-Lo, "Isn't it crazy how unbeatable your team is? How do you feel about killing all the other teams and seeing if America notices? Would that just tickle you, you sassy man? Spank your own ass! You're the winner!" Duly noted, Carson, but the elite duo of Jamar Rogers and Juliet Simms had six other singers to spar with last night. Did they conquer just as much as Carson foreshadowed? Or did Christina Aguilera -- dressed like a magician's assistant who picks up extra tips as a JonBenet Ramsey impersonator -- and her team take over? I rank 'em worst to first below.
8. Erin Willett (Team Blake): David Guetta’s “Without You” (feat. Usher)
Nooooooooo! Erin Willett, my chief source of saucy hand motions, volcano goddess moans, and Mae West stank on this show, really effing blew it.
8. Erin Willett (Team Blake): David Guetta’s “Without You” (feat. Usher)
Nooooooooo! Erin Willett, my chief source of saucy hand motions, volcano goddess moans, and Mae West stank on this show, really effing blew it.
- 5/1/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
It’s not easy being a contestant on The Voice. Not only must these fledgling artists show extreme patience at getting upstaged in the midst of their critiques by chants of “I love you Adam!”/”I love you Xtina!” (possibly delivered by Adam’s and Xtina’s assistants, disguised in trench coats and sunglasses) but they also have to endure backstage interviews in the Sprint lounge conducted by a babbling ponytail attached to a stem-cell smoothie. (Sometimes that entity is referred to as a “Christina Milian.”)
This week’s semifinal show, however, proved that sometimes it’s worth putting up...
This week’s semifinal show, however, proved that sometimes it’s worth putting up...
- 5/1/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
NBC Christina Aguilera on “The Voice.”
Judges have their final two singers, both of whom sing one song each. For the contestants, the only competition is their fellow teammate. Who moves on is determined Tuesday evening. Tonight, each performer sang exactly like you would expect them to: like they only had one shot left, and they had to make it count.
Singer: Tony Lucca
Team: Adam
Song: “How You Like Me Now” by The Heavy
This is the second week...
Judges have their final two singers, both of whom sing one song each. For the contestants, the only competition is their fellow teammate. Who moves on is determined Tuesday evening. Tonight, each performer sang exactly like you would expect them to: like they only had one shot left, and they had to make it count.
Singer: Tony Lucca
Team: Adam
Song: “How You Like Me Now” by The Heavy
This is the second week...
- 5/1/2012
- by Jozen Cummings
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
After an appearance at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas, actor Tyrese Gibson announced that he would be starring in an upcoming biopic, with LatinoReview reporting that the model-turned-actor has been set to play the famous R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass.
An American R&B and singer/songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970′s, he was the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blues Notes, while later going on to become a well known solo artist. In 1982, after a car accident, the singer was left paralyzed from the waist down. He started the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to help those with spinal cord injuries upon his death in 2010.
Although Gibson is no stranger to singing, this is the first time he will be doing so in a feature film. I’m not too familiar with his musical career, but I have seen some of his acting credits — which, I have to be honest,...
An American R&B and singer/songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970′s, he was the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blues Notes, while later going on to become a well known solo artist. In 1982, after a car accident, the singer was left paralyzed from the waist down. He started the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to help those with spinal cord injuries upon his death in 2010.
Although Gibson is no stranger to singing, this is the first time he will be doing so in a feature film. I’m not too familiar with his musical career, but I have seen some of his acting credits — which, I have to be honest,...
- 4/30/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
It’s a tough week to predict who’s going home on American Idol – unless, of course, you’re Randy Jackson. Asked by Ryan Seacrest at the close of Top 8 performance night who was worthy of viewer votes, the “third judge” rattled off the names of Skylar, DeAndre, Phillip, Joshua, Jessica, and Colton — in other words, everyone except Elise and Hollie.
But I can’t be too upset with Randy. It’s not like he pulled a basket of rotting rutabagas out from under the judges’ table and began hurling them at the competition’s two remaining blonde gals. And what’s more,...
But I can’t be too upset with Randy. It’s not like he pulled a basket of rotting rutabagas out from under the judges’ table and began hurling them at the competition’s two remaining blonde gals. And what’s more,...
- 4/5/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Gwen Stefani and No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal mentored the final eight tonight as American Idol kicked off a night of songs from the 80's.
DeAndre Brackensick opened the show with a bang, bringing the crowd to their feet with an enjoyable rendition of DeBarge's 1982 hit, I Like It. All three of the judges sang their praise for the DeAndre, with Jennifer Lopez declaring the performance a "great start to the show."
Elise Testone followed up Brackensick's crowd pleaser with a moving take on Foreigner's I Want to Know What Love Is. In the end, Elise took in mixed reviews from the panel for both her song choice and delivery.
Jermaine Jones Before American Idol Scandal
Phillip Phillips went on to perform the Genesis classic That's All to fit the theme for this week, which seemed an ideal choice for the young singer until he delivered a disappointing performance to his mentors in rehearsals. Following the advice...
DeAndre Brackensick opened the show with a bang, bringing the crowd to their feet with an enjoyable rendition of DeBarge's 1982 hit, I Like It. All three of the judges sang their praise for the DeAndre, with Jennifer Lopez declaring the performance a "great start to the show."
Elise Testone followed up Brackensick's crowd pleaser with a moving take on Foreigner's I Want to Know What Love Is. In the end, Elise took in mixed reviews from the panel for both her song choice and delivery.
Jermaine Jones Before American Idol Scandal
Phillip Phillips went on to perform the Genesis classic That's All to fit the theme for this week, which seemed an ideal choice for the young singer until he delivered a disappointing performance to his mentors in rehearsals. Following the advice...
- 4/5/2012
- Entertainment Tonight
A shining eagle soared, swooped, and exploded into 1,000 points of golden light. A babbling brook ran through a picturesque forest. And a multitude of pocket watches swayed from their vintage chains.
Yes, it was Music of the ’80s night on American Idol, but a concurrent Insane/Ridiculous Backdrops theme ran through it.
Also notable: Stumbles from front-runners Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone, decisive “I’m not done yet!” moments from Skylar Laine and DeAndre Brackensick, and a quartet of duets that were (mostly) superior to the solo performances.
Idology: Heejun Han on Asian Clichés, Cowboy Drama, Hilfiger-Gate and His One Idol Regret
Anyhow,...
Yes, it was Music of the ’80s night on American Idol, but a concurrent Insane/Ridiculous Backdrops theme ran through it.
Also notable: Stumbles from front-runners Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone, decisive “I’m not done yet!” moments from Skylar Laine and DeAndre Brackensick, and a quartet of duets that were (mostly) superior to the solo performances.
Idology: Heejun Han on Asian Clichés, Cowboy Drama, Hilfiger-Gate and His One Idol Regret
Anyhow,...
- 4/5/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Fox
Two things were clear on tonight’s “American Idol.” First, the top eight didn’t always get the same feedback from the mentors during rehearsals that they did from the judges following their live performances. Second: count nobody out.
The crew sang songs from the 80’s, rehearsing with No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal joining Jimmy to help the singers along. To kick the decade off, a picture of Randy dressed, well, in a super-80’s way,...
Two things were clear on tonight’s “American Idol.” First, the top eight didn’t always get the same feedback from the mentors during rehearsals that they did from the judges following their live performances. Second: count nobody out.
The crew sang songs from the 80’s, rehearsing with No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal joining Jimmy to help the singers along. To kick the decade off, a picture of Randy dressed, well, in a super-80’s way,...
- 4/5/2012
- by Stephanie Krikorian
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez and Skylar Laine shine during the top eight's trip back in time.
By Adam Graham
Joshua Ledet and Jessica Sanchez on "American Idol"
Photo: Fox
The "American Idol" top eight traveled back to the '80s on Wednesday (April 4), and were helped along the way by guest mentors Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal. Each contestant took the stage twice — once for a solo and once for a duet with a fellow contestant.
The trip back in time paid off big for Skylar Laine, who made a huge surge forward in the competition. Laine said that after winding up in the bottom three last week, she was hesitant to return with another upbeat song, so she bagged doing Dolly Parton's "Nine to Five" in favor of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings." The gamble paid off: Laine received a standing ovation from the judges, and cameras caught Lopez mouthing,...
By Adam Graham
Joshua Ledet and Jessica Sanchez on "American Idol"
Photo: Fox
The "American Idol" top eight traveled back to the '80s on Wednesday (April 4), and were helped along the way by guest mentors Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal. Each contestant took the stage twice — once for a solo and once for a duet with a fellow contestant.
The trip back in time paid off big for Skylar Laine, who made a huge surge forward in the competition. Laine said that after winding up in the bottom three last week, she was hesitant to return with another upbeat song, so she bagged doing Dolly Parton's "Nine to Five" in favor of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings." The gamble paid off: Laine received a standing ovation from the judges, and cameras caught Lopez mouthing,...
- 4/4/2012
- MTV Music News
Trenton, N.J. — Soul singer Howard Tate, who got a second chance at a musical career three decades after being derailed by disputes with industry executives, personal tragedy and drug addiction, has died at age 72.
Tate died Friday of natural causes at his apartment in Burlington City, county medical examiner's spokesman Ralph Shrom said.
Tate was born in Macon, Ga., and grew up in Philadelphia, where as a teenager he sang with the doo-wop group The Gainors. He was a rising star in the music world who later suffered through decades of such extreme darkness that his long-time producer figured he was dead before having a career resurgence and receiving a Grammy nomination in 2004.
In the late 1960s and early '70s, Tate had three top 20 R&B hits, including "Get It While You Can," written by his longtime producer Jerry Ragovoy and made more famous by Janis Joplin. Ragovoy,...
Tate died Friday of natural causes at his apartment in Burlington City, county medical examiner's spokesman Ralph Shrom said.
Tate was born in Macon, Ga., and grew up in Philadelphia, where as a teenager he sang with the doo-wop group The Gainors. He was a rising star in the music world who later suffered through decades of such extreme darkness that his long-time producer figured he was dead before having a career resurgence and receiving a Grammy nomination in 2004.
In the late 1960s and early '70s, Tate had three top 20 R&B hits, including "Get It While You Can," written by his longtime producer Jerry Ragovoy and made more famous by Janis Joplin. Ragovoy,...
- 12/7/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Diana Ross says hello to 67 today. Born Diane Ernestine Earle Ross, the singer’s music has appeared in many films including Happy Gilmore, Why Do Fools Fall In Love and Slaves Of New York. The film Lady Sings The Blues kick-started her acting career. She later appeared in Mahogany, The Wiz, Out Of Darkness and Double Platinum.
Actor Keith Diamond welcomes 49. You’ve seen the New York native on Martin, The Cosby Show, Prison Break, Criminal Minds, Weeds, Charmed, NCIS, The Closer, Burn Notice and Bones.
Teddy Pendergrass would have been 61 today. The soulful singer, who sang with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, made his acting debut as a night club singer in the movie Soup For One. His songs can be heard in films such as The Nutty Professor, Undercover Brother and Alfie.
Actor Keith Diamond welcomes 49. You’ve seen the New York native on Martin, The Cosby Show, Prison Break, Criminal Minds, Weeds, Charmed, NCIS, The Closer, Burn Notice and Bones.
Teddy Pendergrass would have been 61 today. The soulful singer, who sang with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, made his acting debut as a night club singer in the movie Soup For One. His songs can be heard in films such as The Nutty Professor, Undercover Brother and Alfie.
- 3/26/2011
- by Cynthia
- ShadowAndAct
Wednesday night, American Idol broke out the time-honored theme of “Songs From the Year You Were Born,” which is alternately known as “Excuses to Show Contestants’ Baby Photos” Week and also “Holy Crap, You Could Have Totally Changed That Singer’s Diaper!” Night. Song selections ranged from Nirvana to Whitney Houston (twice!), and from “I’m just gonna pretend that wasn’t the theme from Disney’s Pocahontas” to “Dude, Carrie and Allison sang it better, and as a matter of fact, so did Gina Glocksen.” And that was just the tip of the inscrutable iceberg.
Scotty McCreery’s mom...
Scotty McCreery’s mom...
- 3/17/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
It's that very special week of the year, when we collectively realize that "American Idol" contestants were born the same year we saw "Uncle Buck" at the Westbury Drive-In. It's the dreaded "Songs From the Year the Contestants Were Born" theme, or as I like to call it, "Producers Force Thia Megia to Sing a Song That Wasn't Written 100 Years Ago."
But this week "Idol" is also giving back. Portions of the proceeds from the studio recordings will go to helping the relief efforts in Japan. But really, the entire world benefits from watching Steven Tyler sing, "There's something wrong with the world today ... Oh, hi there. Let's talk natural disasters."
Before I point out that 75 percent of the season 10 contestants were born after "Mannequin" hit theaters, and 25 percent of them after "Mannequin 2: On the Move," let's rip right into the top 12's performances.
Naima Adedapo
Song: Tina Turner...
But this week "Idol" is also giving back. Portions of the proceeds from the studio recordings will go to helping the relief efforts in Japan. But really, the entire world benefits from watching Steven Tyler sing, "There's something wrong with the world today ... Oh, hi there. Let's talk natural disasters."
Before I point out that 75 percent of the season 10 contestants were born after "Mannequin" hit theaters, and 25 percent of them after "Mannequin 2: On the Move," let's rip right into the top 12's performances.
Naima Adedapo
Song: Tina Turner...
- 3/17/2011
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
The squealing, oh for the love of my cochleae, the squealing! For what amounted to a rather middling Top 12 performance show, the Idoldome was nonetheless Kathy Griffin-with-a-vuvuzela loud. I knew something was up when Ryan Seacrest was greeted with the same enthusiasm as that kid who received a Nintendo 64 on Christmas morning. So, yes, the audience was pumped. Cory Almeida, Idol’s go-to warm-up guy, took advantage of the electricity in the Idoldome by… doing the same warm-up routine he always does. And Debbie the Stage Manager informed everyone that this was the season’s first live performance show...
- 3/17/2011
- by John Young
- EW.com - PopWatch
"If You Don't Know Me By Now" struck a chord with the judges and the studio audience for Stefano Langone on Wednesday's (March 16) "American Idol." Even if the folks at home -- or some of us -- weren't quite as wowed, Langone apparently brought it with Simply Red's version of the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes classic.
Obviously Langone couldn't mimic the distinctive vocals of Simply Red frontman (and Sideshow Bob lookalike) Mike Hucknall, but he delivered a solid performance that had J.Lo singing along from the judge's table and screaming "Ten, ten, ten" when it was her turn to weigh in on the performance.
Randy Jackson dubbed Langone's song "the best performance of the night so far" and Steven Tyler did not buck the trend, calling Stefano's singing "over the top beautiful."
How do you think Stefano did?...
Obviously Langone couldn't mimic the distinctive vocals of Simply Red frontman (and Sideshow Bob lookalike) Mike Hucknall, but he delivered a solid performance that had J.Lo singing along from the judge's table and screaming "Ten, ten, ten" when it was her turn to weigh in on the performance.
Randy Jackson dubbed Langone's song "the best performance of the night so far" and Steven Tyler did not buck the trend, calling Stefano's singing "over the top beautiful."
How do you think Stefano did?...
- 3/17/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Bernard Wilson - member of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes - has died at the age of 64. Wilson passed away following a heart attack on Boxing Day in Voorhees, New Jersey. The singer's cousin Faith Peace-Mazzccua told The AP: "Bernard was a very funny person, he should have been a comedian. He didn't take no stuff and he loved people." Wilson was a member of the Blue Notes while (more)...
- 12/28/2010
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
40th Anniversary: The 2010 Yearbook40th Anniversary: The 2010 YearbookLooking back, 2010 has been a powerful year, filled with tragic deaths and joyful births, messy divorces and new love, natural disasters and selfless acts of heroism. Before we can start a new year, we must look back and review all that has moved us in 2010 — like the always-inspiring First Lady Michele Obama, voice of a country, proud wife and loving mother. In honor of the 40th anniversary of Essence, we take a look back at the highs and lows of the year...Best Example of Black Love: The First CoupleNo one can deny the impact of the First Couple on the African-American family. Every time Barack and Michelle Obama are photographed holding hands or sharing an affectionate kiss they strengthen our belief in Black love. He adores her to no end and she supports him with all her heart. Makes us all warm inside.
- 12/9/2010
- Essence
John Legend was well placed in the center of Miss Universe 2010 pageant stage on Monday, August 23, surrounded by beautiful women around the world while performing a medley. Backed up with The Roots, the singer gave a soulful rendition of "Save Room" while the Top 10 contestants danced around him to show off their night gowns.
Legend and The Roots are long-time collaborators. The appearance at Miss Universe 2010 is a good promo for their upcoming joint project, "Wake Up!". The collaborative album which will be released on September 21 contains covers of classic songs from the '60s and '70s including Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody".
Beside "Save Room", they also belted out Stevie Wonder's "I Love Every Little Thing About You" after half of the Top 10 finished telling the audience what their gowns represent.
The beauty pageant witnessed Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete being crowned this year's Miss Universe.
Legend and The Roots are long-time collaborators. The appearance at Miss Universe 2010 is a good promo for their upcoming joint project, "Wake Up!". The collaborative album which will be released on September 21 contains covers of classic songs from the '60s and '70s including Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody".
Beside "Save Room", they also belted out Stevie Wonder's "I Love Every Little Thing About You" after half of the Top 10 finished telling the audience what their gowns represent.
The beauty pageant witnessed Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete being crowned this year's Miss Universe.
- 8/24/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
We recently had the privilege of talking to VH1 Posted artists John Legend and Questlove about their upcoming collaboration album out on September 21. (If you missed the interview, click here.) Ever since, we can’t get enough of their first single “Wake Up,” a remake of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes classic that is impossible to listen to without shoulder popping and snapping. And today, the music video is upon us. It’s Friday, no one’s in the office, so turn your speakers up and have a moment to yourself with this: VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip...
- 8/20/2010
- by Michelle Collins
- BestWeekEver
John Legend and The Roots say "Wake Up Everybody" in a new music video supporting their latest joint track. Together with their featured guests Melanie Fiona and Common, they spread message of "no more sleepin' in bed" and urge people to do something to make the world a better place to live.
A cover version of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' 1975 classic song, "Wake Up Everybody" is taken from "Wake Up!", the collaborative album between John Legend and The Roots. The music video was filmed in Brooklyn and is directed by Gil Green.
The album itself will be released in United States on September 21. It will feature soulful music from the 60's and 70's all with an underlying theme of awareness, engagement and consciousness effectively telling listeners to "Wake Up!"...
A cover version of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' 1975 classic song, "Wake Up Everybody" is taken from "Wake Up!", the collaborative album between John Legend and The Roots. The music video was filmed in Brooklyn and is directed by Gil Green.
The album itself will be released in United States on September 21. It will feature soulful music from the 60's and 70's all with an underlying theme of awareness, engagement and consciousness effectively telling listeners to "Wake Up!"...
- 8/20/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Every day a multitude of stars wander through the halls of MTV News to talk about their latest projects and goof around with our intrepid correspondents. But sometimes we catch stars elsewhere, and that's why we put together Spotted!, a daily compendium of stars in the wild.
John Legend may be from Ohio and is currently collaborating with Philadelphia hip-hoppers the Roots, but he could easily claim a status as an honorary New Yorker. The singer took to the stage at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Park for "A Great Day in Harlem: Concert Under the Stars," a celebration of the music, culture and people of one of New York City's most storied neighborhoods. The free concert was dubbed "The Sounds of Philadelphia" and also featured Keith Sweat, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes and Elizabeth Withers. It's part of the annual celebration of Harlem, which features a multitude of...
John Legend may be from Ohio and is currently collaborating with Philadelphia hip-hoppers the Roots, but he could easily claim a status as an honorary New Yorker. The singer took to the stage at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Park for "A Great Day in Harlem: Concert Under the Stars," a celebration of the music, culture and people of one of New York City's most storied neighborhoods. The free concert was dubbed "The Sounds of Philadelphia" and also featured Keith Sweat, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes and Elizabeth Withers. It's part of the annual celebration of Harlem, which features a multitude of...
- 7/26/2010
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
John Legend and The Roots join forces to open our eyes in their new album Wake up!, coming out September 21st. It's a cover album of soulful political, social and war-protest songs from the 1960s and '70s, summoning the activist spirit from our more socially conscious past. So far we know they've covered Marvin Gaye's "Wholy Holy," Donny Hathaway's "Little Ghetto Boy," Mike James Kirkland's "Hang on in There," Eddie Harris and LesMcCann's "Real Compared to What," and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody" which will be their first single and feature Melanie Fiona and Common. Here's an exclusive preview of the album cover: I spoke to John Legend about this new album, Obama, The Roots and more. Why make this kind of an album now? "We were kinda inspired by what was going on with the...
- 7/15/2010
- by Samantha Zalaznick
- Huffington Post
Stars from across the globe gather in South Africa to kick off the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a massive concert.
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Fergie performs with the Black Eyed Peas at the World Cup Concert Thursday
Photo: Getty Images
On Thursday (June 10), many of the world's biggest entertainers helped kick off what is arguably the world's biggest sporting event, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with a massive concert at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. As the soccer/football competition pits nations against each other in the game, the concert highlighted Africa's singular talent while setting the stage for some international collaborations.
A legion of dancers and drummers heralded South African trumpet legend Hugh Masekela, who opened the event with singer Lira. Following an address by FIFA president Sepp Blatter and South African president Jacob Zuma, the Black Eyed Peas rocked the stage. The Peas got the party started with their...
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Fergie performs with the Black Eyed Peas at the World Cup Concert Thursday
Photo: Getty Images
On Thursday (June 10), many of the world's biggest entertainers helped kick off what is arguably the world's biggest sporting event, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with a massive concert at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. As the soccer/football competition pits nations against each other in the game, the concert highlighted Africa's singular talent while setting the stage for some international collaborations.
A legion of dancers and drummers heralded South African trumpet legend Hugh Masekela, who opened the event with singer Lira. Following an address by FIFA president Sepp Blatter and South African president Jacob Zuma, the Black Eyed Peas rocked the stage. The Peas got the party started with their...
- 6/10/2010
- MTV Music News
The songwriting/production team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff has been the musical force behind over 3500 songs in 35 years, rivaling catalogs by Lennon and McCartney, and even Bacharach and David. Their Philly International label focused on "The Sound Of Philadelphia," was distributed by Clive Davis' Columbia Records group in the seventies, and gave the latter company its most successful R&B chart hits. Almost immediately after signing with the company, Gamble and Huff's combined talents steered the likes of The O'Jays, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Mfsb, and the Three Degrees into both R&B and Pop's Top Ten with songs such as "Love Train," "Me And Mrs. Jones," "Back Stabbers" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" becoming as timeless as any single can be. The pair has received many prestigious awards, but none...
- 5/7/2010
- by Mike Ragogna
- Huffington Post
The world of soul music took a major hit yesterday when Teddy Pendergrass passed away. The music legend died in a hospital in his hometown of Philadelphia following complications from colon cancer. He was 59 years old.The singer/songwriter was born in North Philadelphia in 1950. He began his career in 1970 as a drummer for the band Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. He was soon promoted to lead singer, and served that role until he left the band due to disputes with Melvin in 1976. During his time with the group, they reached the height of their success releasing hits like "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Wake Up Everybody." Pendergrass en ...
- 1/14/2010
- by By Actress Archives
Teddy Pendergrass, one of the top-selling soul singers of the 1970s and '80s, has died.
Pendergrass, who continued his career after being paralyzed in a horrific car accident in 1982, died Wednesday night (Jan. 13) at a hospital near Philadelphia, according to wire reports. He was 59.
Pendergrass started his career as the drummer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and eventually became the group's lead singer; he has the lead vocal on the group's hit "If You Don't Know Me By Now." He launched a solo career in 1977 and scored several No. 1 hits on the R&B charts, including "Close the Door" in 1978 and "Joy" in 1988. He was also a five-time Grammy nominee.
Pendergrass was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident in March 1982 -- the brakes on his Rolls Royce failed and the car hit a guard rail and two trees. His death came eight months after surgery for colon cancer.
Pendergrass, who continued his career after being paralyzed in a horrific car accident in 1982, died Wednesday night (Jan. 13) at a hospital near Philadelphia, according to wire reports. He was 59.
Pendergrass started his career as the drummer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and eventually became the group's lead singer; he has the lead vocal on the group's hit "If You Don't Know Me By Now." He launched a solo career in 1977 and scored several No. 1 hits on the R&B charts, including "Close the Door" in 1978 and "Joy" in 1988. He was also a five-time Grammy nominee.
Pendergrass was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident in March 1982 -- the brakes on his Rolls Royce failed and the car hit a guard rail and two trees. His death came eight months after surgery for colon cancer.
- 1/14/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Soul artist Teddy Pendergrass dead at 59. The legendary soul star, Teddy Pendergrass, has died at the age of 59. The musician passed away at a hospital in his hometown, Philadelphia, on Wednesday, reportedly eight months after he underwent surgery to treat colon cancer.
The singer rose to stardom as the lead vocalist of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the 1970s, releasing hits including the Grammy Award-nominated track "If You Don't Know Me By Now". Pendergrass quit the group in 1975 to pursue a solo career and released popular singles like "Love T.K.O.", "Close the Door" and "I Don't Love You Anymore". His career was put on hold by a near-fatal car accident in 1982 which left him paralyzed from the waist down after suffering severe spinal injuries.
Pendergrass returned to the studio two years later to record a duet with Whitney Houston, "Hold Me", which featured on her self-titled 1985 debut album.
The singer rose to stardom as the lead vocalist of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the 1970s, releasing hits including the Grammy Award-nominated track "If You Don't Know Me By Now". Pendergrass quit the group in 1975 to pursue a solo career and released popular singles like "Love T.K.O.", "Close the Door" and "I Don't Love You Anymore". His career was put on hold by a near-fatal car accident in 1982 which left him paralyzed from the waist down after suffering severe spinal injuries.
Pendergrass returned to the studio two years later to record a duet with Whitney Houston, "Hold Me", which featured on her self-titled 1985 debut album.
- 1/14/2010
- Reel Empire
R&B legend suffered a difficult recovery following colon cancer surgery.
By Gil Kaufman
Teddy Pendergrass (circa 1979)
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images
One of the world's great soul men, singer Teddy Pendergrass, died at age 59 on Wednesday after a long battle with colon cancer. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Pendergrass, who was paralyzed after a 1982 car accident, died in a Philly hospital eight months after undergoing colon cancer surgery and suffering through a difficult recovery.
In his prime in the 1970s, Pendergrass was one of the premier R&B singers in America, leading Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes to the top of the charts with indelible soul classics such as "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "I Miss You."
Teddy Pendergrass Remembered
After leaving the Blue Notes in 1976, Pendergrass recorded a series of solo hits for the legendary Philadelphia International label into the 1980s, including his signature between-the-sheets hit,...
By Gil Kaufman
Teddy Pendergrass (circa 1979)
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images
One of the world's great soul men, singer Teddy Pendergrass, died at age 59 on Wednesday after a long battle with colon cancer. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Pendergrass, who was paralyzed after a 1982 car accident, died in a Philly hospital eight months after undergoing colon cancer surgery and suffering through a difficult recovery.
In his prime in the 1970s, Pendergrass was one of the premier R&B singers in America, leading Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes to the top of the charts with indelible soul classics such as "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "I Miss You."
Teddy Pendergrass Remembered
After leaving the Blue Notes in 1976, Pendergrass recorded a series of solo hits for the legendary Philadelphia International label into the 1980s, including his signature between-the-sheets hit,...
- 1/14/2010
- MTV Music News
Here are some of the highlights from the R&B legend's nearly 40 years in the music business.
By Neil Gladstone
Teddy Pendergrass
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images
Teddy Pendergrass, the 59-year-old Philadelphia soul legend who died on January 13 from complications due to colon cancer surgery, may be best remembered for a few things: gravelly ballads delivered sweat-drenched and bare-chested, quiet-storm mainstays such as "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Close the Door" and a 1982 accident in his Rolls Royce that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
After that life-changing moment, he went through a gauntlet of surgeries and wrenched his way back to the recording studio (1984's Love Language) and the stage (notably a Live Aid in 1985 and later in a late-'90s production of "Your Arms Too Short to Box With God.") But he had many other memorable moments.
1950: Theodore DeReese "Teddy" Pendergrass was...
By Neil Gladstone
Teddy Pendergrass
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images
Teddy Pendergrass, the 59-year-old Philadelphia soul legend who died on January 13 from complications due to colon cancer surgery, may be best remembered for a few things: gravelly ballads delivered sweat-drenched and bare-chested, quiet-storm mainstays such as "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Close the Door" and a 1982 accident in his Rolls Royce that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
After that life-changing moment, he went through a gauntlet of surgeries and wrenched his way back to the recording studio (1984's Love Language) and the stage (notably a Live Aid in 1985 and later in a late-'90s production of "Your Arms Too Short to Box With God.") But he had many other memorable moments.
1950: Theodore DeReese "Teddy" Pendergrass was...
- 1/14/2010
- MTV Music News
Artists take to Twitter to lament death of R&B legend.
By Shaheem Reid
Teddy Pendergrass
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images
His voice, his live performances, those classic songs — Teddy Pendergrass left a rich legacy. The legendary R&B singer, who died on Wednesday of colon cancer at the age of 59, left a lasting influence that has been evident since his star began to sparkle in the 1970s.
Kanye West sampled Pendergrass from his Harold Melvin and the Blue Note days on Jay-z's "This Can't Be Life." When Usher guest-starred on Cam'ron's "Feels Good," he mirrored Pendergrass' hook from "When Somebody Loves You Back." Many others, from Nelly to Mobb Deep, have used Teddy's music. And on Thursday morning (January 14), the music community took to Twitter to display their love for the great singer.
"R.I.P. Teddy Pendergrass — my latest greatest inspiration," Outkast's Big Boi wrote.
Tyrese, who...
By Shaheem Reid
Teddy Pendergrass
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images
His voice, his live performances, those classic songs — Teddy Pendergrass left a rich legacy. The legendary R&B singer, who died on Wednesday of colon cancer at the age of 59, left a lasting influence that has been evident since his star began to sparkle in the 1970s.
Kanye West sampled Pendergrass from his Harold Melvin and the Blue Note days on Jay-z's "This Can't Be Life." When Usher guest-starred on Cam'ron's "Feels Good," he mirrored Pendergrass' hook from "When Somebody Loves You Back." Many others, from Nelly to Mobb Deep, have used Teddy's music. And on Thursday morning (January 14), the music community took to Twitter to display their love for the great singer.
"R.I.P. Teddy Pendergrass — my latest greatest inspiration," Outkast's Big Boi wrote.
Tyrese, who...
- 1/14/2010
- MTV Music News
Congratulations, Mr. President. Seriously. Big fan. Big Prize. Still, here's a celebratory playlist that I really hope will inspire you to keep earning this glittering prize in the days and years to come. Eyes On The Prize - Bruce Springsteen Peace On Earth - U2 War - Edwin Star (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding - Elvis Costello Peace Train - Cat Stevens Peacekeeper - Fleetwood Mac One Love - Bob Marley Peace And Love - Fountains Of Wayne People Get Ready - The Impressions People Have A Power - Patti Smith Bring The Boys Home - Freda Payne Glittering Prize - Simple Minds Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - George Harrison We Gotta Get Out Of This Place - The Animals 21 Guns - Green Day Wake Up Everybody - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes Peace...
- 10/9/2009
- by David Wild
- Huffington Post
The masters of '70s R&B on what has been called a "creative rampage."
By Phil Gallo
Songwriters, producers and entrepreneurs Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff set a message of love and togetherness to lushly orchestrated ballads and dance tunes to create the Philly Soul sound of the 1970s. Their Philadelphia International Records grabbed the baton from Motown and Stax in 1971 and quickly commandeering the pop and R&B charts with records by the O’Jays, the Spinners, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Jerry Butler, Lou Rawls and Billy Paul.
<img width="275" vspace="15" hspace="15" height="228" align="left" alt="" s...
By Phil Gallo
Songwriters, producers and entrepreneurs Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff set a message of love and togetherness to lushly orchestrated ballads and dance tunes to create the Philly Soul sound of the 1970s. Their Philadelphia International Records grabbed the baton from Motown and Stax in 1971 and quickly commandeering the pop and R&B charts with records by the O’Jays, the Spinners, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Jerry Butler, Lou Rawls and Billy Paul.
<img width="275" vspace="15" hspace="15" height="228" align="left" alt="" s...
- 5/15/2009
- by Lew Harris
- The Wrap
Louis Walsh has blamed "sympathy voters" for Daniel Evans's continued progress on The X Factor. In last night's show, the pool cleaner was criticised by the judges for his performance of 'Don't Leave Me This Way', made famous by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, but he was still voted through to the next round by the public. Irish judge Walsh hit out on ITV2's Xtra Factor after Evans's mentor Dannii Minogue claimed that he deserved to be backed by voters. "He has major fans and thank you, thank you, (more)...
- 11/2/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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