Music News
1. Pregnant soprano Anna Netrebko extends maternity leave, withdraws from Met 'Boheme' revival
By Associated Press - August 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Soprano Anna Netrebko is extending her pregnancy leave and has withdrawn from performances of Puccini's "La Boheme" at the Metropolitan Opera in December and January.Netrebko, 36, announced in February that she and her fiance, Uruguayan baritone Erwin Schrott, were expecting, and...
2. 'American Idol' star Clay Aiken now a father; record producer gives birth to his baby boy
By Associated Press - August 8, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) _ Former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken is a father. The 29-year-old crooner from Raleigh announced the birth of Parker Foster Aiken on his Web site's blog Friday. "No hyphens. One first name," he wrote. "One middle name. One last name."Aiken's mother, Faye, told Raleigh TV...
3. Live Nation posts a 2Q slim profit, beating Wall Street expectation of a loss
By Associated Press - August 7, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Concert company Live Nation Inc. says its net profit in the second quarter shrank 88 percent to $1.2 million, or two cents a share.The results, however, beat Wall Street analysts' expectation of a loss.Revenue rose 18 percent to $1.16 billion in the quarter to June, up from $986...
4. Mother knows best: Usher fires manager, rehires mother to manage his career
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY - August 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Usher's mother is back as his manager following a much publicized split. The 29-year-old superstar announced Thursday that he has ended his partnership with celebrity manager Benny Medina, whose clients include Mariah Carey, and has rehired Jonnetta Patton.Patton had managed her...
5. Elvis' peacock jumpsuit sells for $300K, sets auction record for memorabilia owned by The King
By ULA ILNYTZKY - August 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Elvis Presley's favorite performance costume, the peacock jumpsuit, sold for $300,000 Thursday, making it the most expensive piece of Elvis memorabilia sold at auction.The online sale by auctioneer Gotta Have It! ended at 3 a.m. The pre-sale estimate was $275,000 to $325,000.The...
6. Dixie Chick Emily Robison and singer Charlie Robison divorce
By Associated Press - August 7, 2008
SAN ANTONIO (AP) _ Dixie Chick Emily Robison and her husband, singer Charlie Robison, have divorced.The San Antonio Express-News reported that Charlie Robison filed for divorce in January. The couple were at the Bexar County Courthouse on Wednesday when the divorce was finalized.The divorce filing...
7. Contemporary country stars duet with Elvis Presley on Christmas CD
By JOHN GEROME - August 6, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Thanks to technology, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and LeAnn Rimes will be among the country stars performing with the king of rock 'n' roll on "Elvis Presley Christmas Duets."The new album, due out Oct. 14, will also feature Gretchen Wilson, Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans,...
8. Publicist: Lisa Marie Presley is expecting twins
By Associated Press - August 6, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Lisa Marie Presley is expecting twins, her spokeswoman, Cindy Guagenti, said Wednesday.The babies are expected to arrive in the fall.Presley — daughter of Elvis Presley and actress Priscilla Presley — announced her pregnancy on her MySpace page in March, saying she was...
9. Rental truck carrying Iggy Pop, Stooges' equipment stolen after concert in Montreal
By Associated Press - August 5, 2008
MONTREAL (AP) _ A rental truck containing Iggy Pop and the Stooges' equipment has been recovered empty after being stolen in Montreal.Stooges road manager Eric Fischer says the 15-foot truck stolen Monday contained all the group's instruments and stage gear. He tells the Detroit Free Press the lost...
10. Nicola Rescigno, co-founder of the Dallas Opera, dies at 92 at hospital in Italy
By ALESSANDRA RIZZO - August 5, 2008
ROME (AP) _ Nicola Rescigno, the co-founder of the Dallas Opera and one of Maria Callas' favorite conductors, has died at a hospital in Italy, officials said Tuesday. He was 92.Rescigno died Monday of complications following heart failure and breathing problems, said Corrado Ricci, a doctor at the...
11. Key 'Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe moving on as hit TV show faces ratings challenge
By LYNN ELBER - August 4, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A key "American Idol" producer who's guided the top-rated TV show since its debut is leaving the job as the Fox juggernaut faces the challenge of staying on top in its eighth season.Nigel Lythgoe is negotiating a joint-venture deal with "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller and 19...
12. BMI to honor the Jacksons as icons at its annual Urban Awards next month
By Associated Press - August 4, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ There's a possibility for a Jacksons reunion of sorts — the brothers are set to be honored as BMI Icons at its annual Urban Awards next month.So far, all the brothers, with the exception of Michael, have confirmed their attendance at the event, to be held Sept. 4 at the...
13. Rhythmic croaking of native frogs heard on new CD by Nebraska university expert
By Associated Press - August 4, 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ An animal expert at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has released a CD of the rhythmic stylings of Nebraska's native frogs.Herpetologist Dennis Ferraro says frog songs are all about attracting a mate. Male frogs produce a simple bass line to say they're in their own territory...
14. Annie Lennox says complacency threatens to slow progress of AIDS fight
By Associated Press - August 2, 2008
MEXICO CITY (AP) _ Annie Lennox says complacency threatens to slow the fight against AIDS.The singer-songwriter is participating in the international AIDS conference in Mexico City this week as an ambassador for Oxfam.On Saturday, she urged artists, musicians, filmmakers and women to keep the issue...
15. Madonna returning to home state of Michigan to introduce film at Michael Moore's festival
By JOHN FLESHER - August 2, 2008
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- She might be known worldwide as the Material Girl, but there's more than a little of the small-town Michigan girl left in Madonna. The pop superstar arrived in this northern Michigan resort town Saturday to introduce her documentary, "I Am...
16. Wild, long-lost 50's rockers wow a new generation in Indonesia
By ROBIN McDOWELL - August 1, 2008
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) _ It took a half century and YouTube to bring Indonesia's rock 'n roll legends back home.Andy Tielman and his three brothers left for Europe in 1957, where they packed clubs and stadiums with their high-energy shows, tossing guitars across the stage, plucking strings with...
17. Johnny Cash documentary puts 'old golden throat' in a golden spotlight, no word of drugs
By JOE EDWARDS - July 31, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ A 40-year-old documentary about Johnny Cash to air on the Public Broadcasting Service shows him in concert and in casual settings. But unlike the 2005 movie "Walk the Line," there's no mention of his well-documented substance abuse.The documentary "Johnny Cash: The Man, His...
18. Philip Morris pulls ads promoting Alicia Keys show in Indonesia after singer protests
By Associated Press - July 31, 2008
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) _ Philip Morris International has pulled down billboards and posters promoting an Alicia Keys concert Thursday in Indonesia's capital after the singer protested the cigarette company's sponsorship.The logo and slogans of A Mild cigarettes, produced by a Philip Morris...
19. Amy Winehouse taken to London emergency room; reason not immediately known
By DAVID STRINGER - July 28, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ Amy Winehouse was released from a London hospital Tuesday after an overnight stay to treat what her spokesman said was an adverse reaction to medication.The 24-year-old singer-songwriter was discharged from London's University College after spending the night in observation, said...
20. American jazz saxophonist Johnny Griffin, who played with the greats, dies in France at 80
By Associated Press - July 26, 2008
%meta(topic:01011000;ap_topic:general entertainment;subtopic:music;%)PARIS (AP) — Jazz saxophonist Johnny Griffin, who played with America's greats from Thelonious Monk to Lionel Hampton but chose to live in France, died hours before a concert, his agent said Saturday. He was 80.Griffin,...
21. Country star Taylor Swift receives her high school diploma _ in the mail
By Associated Press - July 26, 2008
%meta(topic:01011000;ap_topic:general entertainment;subtopic:music;%)NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — While most of her peers donned caps and gowns to receive their high school diplomas, country star Taylor Swift was strumming a guitar and performing for thousands of fans.So Swift got her diploma in...
22. NYC gospel singer Wright remains in critical condition, learns of wife's death in car wreck
By Associated Press - July 26, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ A Grammy-nominated gospel singer from New York City remains in critical condition three weeks after a car crash that killed his wife and grandson.Family members say the Rev. Timothy Wright is conscious and alert but still on a respirator at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville,...
23. Hank Williams Jr. to continue 'Monday Night Football' anthem on ESPN
By Associated Press - July 25, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Hank Williams Jr., who has sung the opening theme for "Monday Night Football" since 1989, will continue the tradition this season.ESPN spokesman Bill Hofheimer says Williams will again base the theme song on his hit "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight."Williams is...
24. DMX raps outside Phoenix court after pleading not guilty to theft and identity theft charges
By Associated Press - July 24, 2008
PHOENIX (AP) _ DMX rapped for reporters outside a Phoenix courtroom Thursday after pleading not guilty to felony charges of theft and identity theft.Then he plugged an album.Authorities allege the 37-year-old rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, gave the name "Troy Jones" and an incorrect...
25. Union Station
By JOHN GEROME - July 24, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ With Alison Krauss touring this summer with Robert Plant, the guys in her band, Union Station, had some time to kill, like enough to read biographies of all 43 presidents and maybe paint their houses and their neighbors' houses, too.But guitarist-singer Dan Tyminski kept...
26. Neil Young documents anti-war tour in film 'CSNY: Deja Vu'
By DAVID BAUDER - July 23, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Not every musician will make a film that features a fan facing him from a concert audience with two arms raised, middle fingers extended — more than one fan, in fact.Neil Young was singing protest songs on a "Freedom of Speech" tour with David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham...
27. Correction: Mick Jones story
By Associated Press - July 23, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ In a July 22 story about Foreigner's Mick Jones, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Foreigner's co-headlining tour with Bryan Adams stops Thursday. The bands have a concert Thursday, July 24, near San Antonio, Texas, before ending their combined tour Saturday in...
28. Madame Tussauds in London unveils waxwork of troubled singer Amy Winehouse
By EMILY RISTOW - July 23, 2008
%meta(topic:01011000;ap_topic:general entertainment;subtopic:music;%)LONDON (AP) — Madame Tussauds unveiled a waxwork of Amy Winehouse on Wednesday complete with her signature beehive, black eyeliner and a bright yellow minidress.Winehouse's hair and 5-inch black heels make the model nearly 6...
29. B singer and Long Island native Ashanti has a new gig: tourism ambassador
By Associated Press - July 23, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Grammy-winning singer and Long Island native Ashanti has a new gig: tourism ambassador.The R&B singer was introduced Tuesday at a news conference as one of nine ambassadors who will promote tourism in Nassau County on Long Island.County Executive Thomas Suozzi placed an orange...
30. Jonas Brothers' house purchase has people buzzing in Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Westlake
By Associated Press - July 22, 2008
WESTLAKE, Texas (AP) _ The Jonas Brothers reportedly bought a house in a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb — and some young neighbors sound thrilled.Tarrant County records obtained by The Dallas Morning News indicate that the three band members granted power of attorney to their mother, Denise Jonas,...
31. BSO conductor Levine had malignant kidney growth, doctors say surgery to remove it successful
By Associated Press - July 22, 2008
%meta(topic:01011000;ap_topic:general entertainment;subtopic:music;%)BOSTON (AP) — A growth on a kidney removed from conductor James Levine was malignant, but the cancer was caught early and no further treatment is needed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra said Tuesday.Doctors in New York removed...
32. Juanes headlines Paris concert to press for release of Colombia hostages
By JENNY BARCHFIELD - July 20, 2008
%meta(topic:01011000;ap_topic:general entertainment;subtopic:music;%)PARIS (AP) — Former hostage Ingrid Betancourt took the stage and shook her hips to a Colombian superstar's guitar riffs, leading the crowd in chants of "Freedom for all!" at a concert Sunday dedicated to captives held by...
33. Band singer Jo Stafford, known to WWII troops as 'GI Jo,' dies of heart failure at 90
By BOB THOMAS - July 18, 2008
LOS ANGELES -- Jo Stafford, the honey-voiced band singer who starred in radio and television and sold more than 25 million records with her ballads and folks songs, has died. She was 90. Stafford died of congestive heart failure Wednesday at her Century City home, her...
34. 50 Cent passes court-ordered drug test and will be allowed to take son on vacation
By Associated Press - July 18, 2008
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) _ Rapper 50 Cent is free to take a vacation with his son after passing a court-ordered drug test.The 33-year-old entertainer was in a Long Island courtroom Thursday to ask a judge for permission to take 11-year-old Marquise on a trip next month.A drug test was ordered, and...
35. Paul McCartney appeals to Quebec nationalists for peace ahead of his free weekend concert
By Associated Press - July 18, 2008
MONTREAL (AP) _ Paul McCartney told Quebec nationalists on Thursday "to smoke the pipes of peace" over their opposition to his free concert celebrating the city's 400th anniversary.Several artists and politicians have questioned McCartney's participation in the weekend birthday celebrations of...
36. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood enters rehab for alcoholism
By GREGORY KATZ - July 16, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ Ronnie Wood entered a rehabilitation facility Wednesday for help with alcoholism, said a spokeswoman for the Rolling Stones guitarist."Following Ronnie's continued battle with alcohol he has entered a period of rehab," the spokeswoman said on condition of anonymity as required by her...
37. Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page arrested on drug charges in upstate New York
By WILLIAM KATES - July 16, 2008
FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (AP) _ Barenaked Ladies singer and guitarist Steven Page faces a cocaine possession charge after his arrest while visiting two woman at their suburban Syracuse apartment.Page, 38, of Toronto, was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony...
38. Natalie Cole diagnosed with hepatitis C; doctors believe her drug use years ago was a factor
By Associated Press - July 16, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole has been diagnosed with hepatitis C, her publicist said in a statement Wednesday.Hepatitis C is a liver disease spread through contact with infected blood. The statement said the disease was revealed during a routine examination and was likely...
39. SC judge OKs James Brown auction to be held in New York this week
By JENNIFER PELTZ - July 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ James Brown mementoes ranging from his signature capes to a medical bracelet fetched thousands of dollars Thursday at an auction, which the soul icon's children protested.Fans and collectors packed a Christie's salesroom as more than 300 lots of Brown's belongings were sold,...
40. Beatles producer Martin honored in Los Angeles
By MICHAEL CIDONI - July 13, 2008
LOS ANGELES -- Sir George Martin, the classically trained producer who helmed the Beatles recordings from their mop-top phase through their late musical masterworks, was honored Saturday night in Los Angeles.Martin, 82, received a career award from The Recording...
41. The Who honored in Los Angeles
By DERRIK J. LANG - July 13, 2008
LOS ANGELES -- The Who was celebrated at a special concert by a few bands outside of their generation.The legendary band was honored at the Saturday taping of the third annual "VH1 Rock Honors," which will air Thursday on the cable channel. Celebrity guests such as David...
42. Bon Jovi performs for thousands in Central Park
By MARCUS FRANKLIN - July 12, 2008
NEW YORK -- Bon Jovi rocked Central Park, New Jersey style. The rock group gave a free concert Saturday night on the park's Great Lawn, delighting tens of thousands of fans who sang along with the lyrics on a glorious summer evening. The band opened with "Livin' on a...
43. Pete Seeger to do benefit for New England farmers
By Associated Press - July 12, 2008
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. -- Folk singer Pete Seeger is coming to the aid of New England farmers. Seeger will headline a Sept. 13 New England Farm Relief Concert in Brattleboro to raise money for a new micro-loan program being developed by The Carrot Project and the organization...
44. Newton-John marries Amazon Herb Co. founder
By Associated Press - July 10, 2008
LOS ANGELES -- He's the one that she wants.Olivia Newton-John, who starred in the hit movie version of the musical "Grease," has married, it was announced Thursday. Newton-John wed John Easterling on June 21 in Cuzco, Peru, said a statement from the Reno, Nev., office...
45. Nate Dogg pleads not guilty to stalking, threatening wife; his bail doubled
By Associated Press - July 8, 2008
COMPTON, Calif. (AP) _ Nate Dogg pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of stalking and threatening his estranged wife, and a court commissioner doubled his bail.The rapper, whose real name is Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, appeared in a Compton courtroom in a wheelchair Wednesday morning. His attorney...
46. Biopsy for kidney removed from conductor James Levine; brother says it is 'common procedure'
By Associated Press - July 8, 2008
BOSTON (AP) _ A biopsy will be performed on the kidney that was removed this week from Boston Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Orchestra music director James Levine, his brother said Wednesday.Doctors in New York removed the kidney Tuesday because a cyst was causing pressure and discomfort.In a...
