Music News
Rod Stewart realizes a dream recording with Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder on new 'Soulbook'
NATALIE ROTMAN - November 3, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) Rod Stewart grew up idolizing soul singers like Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and Otis Redding. On his new album, "Soulbook," he gets a chance to pay tribute to his childhood idols in song and even gets a chance to sing with one of them on the CD. Smokey Robinson is one...
British singing star Leona Lewis makes full-length live concert debut in hometown
HILARY FOX - November 3, 2009
LONDON (AP) British pop singer Leona Lewis won strong fan support at her first ever full-length concert Monday night, performing on familiar territory in the east London neighborhood where she grew up and still lives. It marked a successful return to the public eye for the pop singer...
Music Review: Ryan Leslie's sophomore CD is enjoyable, but too generic
MESFIN FEKADU - November 2, 2009
Ryan Leslie, "Transition" (Universal Motown) Nine months after putting out his debut CD to underwhelming response, Ryan Leslie is back, this time, with "Transition." The transition doesn't refer to his music. Instead, the singer says his sophomore disc was inspired by "a...
Country legend wants 'country' title back, thinks pop-country stars have 'stolen our identity'
CAITLIN KING - November 2, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Country Music Hall of Famer George Jones isn't a big fan of where the genre has moved in recent years. When asked about what he thought about music by today's top country stars, the 78-year-old said while they are good, "they've stolen our identity."...
Music Review: On 'Play On," Underwood shows maturation and growth for a top-notch third album
MICHAEL McCALL - November 2, 2009
Carrie Underwood, "Play On" (19 Recordings/Arista Nashville) Carrie Underwood opens her third album with an audacious stomper, "Cowboy Casanova," a put-down of a playboy that slyly references a famous quarterback Underwood briefly dated. But everything else about the bold, sassy tune...
Carrie Underwood is looking for something different on her third album, 'Play On'
CHRIS TALBOTT - November 2, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Pop-country has made superstars out of acts like Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and more, but the term is not particularly endearing in Nashville, even to the artists who have come to define it. "I hate saying pop-country I hate using that," Carrie Underwood says...
Former agent jailed for embezzling from composer to Queen Elizabeth II
By Associated Press - November 2, 2009
LONDON (AP) The former agent to Queen Elizabeth II's official composer was sentenced to prison Monday for embezzling more than 500,000 pounds ($800,000) from his employer over a period of 16 years. Michael Arnold was the agent and manager of musician Peter Maxwell Davies for more than...
Elton John recovering in London hospital after canceling concerts because of flu, e-coli
By Associated Press - November 2, 2009
LONDON (AP) Elton John has been hospitalized after suffering from a case of E. coli bacterial infection and the flu, his spokesman said Monday. Gary Farrow said the pop star hopes to be released soon but has been forced to cancel concerts in England, Ireland and the United States....
MTV Europe Awards to be held in Berlin, celebrating 20 years since fall of the Berlin wall
MARY MacPHERSON LANE - November 2, 2009
BERLIN (AP) This time it's Berlin calling. The MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) are coming to the German capital with an international cast, featuring performances by U2, the Foo Fighters, Shakira and Leona Lewis. Berlin is the only city to host the awards show twice, in...
Tom Hanks says Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' is his favorite song of the year
MESFIN FEKADU - October 30, 2009
NEW YORK (AP) Tom Hanks is down with the single ladies. Hanks first racked his brain when asked for his favorite tune of 2009 while backstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25th anniversary concert Thursday. Then, the song came to him though he didn't know all the...
