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Clive Davis Returns to the Smithsonian for Black Music Month Screening of Mark Ronson Doc and Chat with Grammy Chief Harvey Mason, Jr.

Roger Friedman
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Clive Davis Returns to the Smithsonian for Black Music Month Screening of Mark Ronson Doc and Chat with Grammy Chief Harvey Mason, Jr.

Legendary music mogul Clive Davis already has his likeness hanging at the Smithsonian Museum’s National Portrait Gallery, painted by no less than David Hockney.

Now Clive returns to the Smithsonian — this time to the National Museum of African American History and Culture — on June 1st.

Clive will show his sensational film, “Do You Remember?” which was mixed by Mark Ronson and documents his incredible number of hits that he brought to life.

Afterwards, there will be a Q&A with Grammy chief Harvey Mason, Jr., who’s coming in from Los Angeles. Harvey is a musician and a movie producer, and the son of a great musician, Harvey Sr.

The talk will be about Clive’s incredible history with Black music. When he first got to Columbia Records, he was instrumental in the careers of Miles Davis, Santana, Sly and the Family Stone and many other artists.

But in the early 70s, he brought in Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff from Philadelphia Intentional Records, and they became his Motown. From Teddy Pendergrass with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, to the O’Jays, Billy Paul, The Three Degrees, Dee Dee Sharp, MFSB, Patti Labelle, and of course the great Lou Rawls, Philly Intil dominated the charts.

After Clive started Arista Records, his devotion to R&B was unmatched. His monster hits came from Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Dionne Warwick, Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight Jennifer Hudson, TLC, Toni Braxton, Monica, Usher, Deborah Cox, Fantasia, Ray Parker Jr., and OutKast.

This will be a historic night!

Thw event will be held in the Oprah Winfrey Theater. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
Space is limited. Advanced registration is required. For inquiries, please contact NMAAHCPubPgms@si.edu.

Crash! Donald Trump’s Truth Social Stock Falls to All Time New Low on Day When Dow Jones is UP: Weeks of Irrational Posts Don’t Help

Roger Friedman
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Crash! Donald Trump’s Truth Social Stock Falls to All Time New Low on Day When Dow Jones is UP: Weeks of Irrational Posts Don’t Help

It was inevitable.

After weeks of irrational overnight posts by its owner, Donald Trump’s Truth Social is in the sewer.

Today, TrumpMedia, the stock that supports Truth Social, fell to an all time low price of $8.27.

That’s the lowest it’s ever been.

And this was a day when the Dow Jones was UP by almost 160 points.

The price of Trump Media doesn’t really matter anymore. Trump has already ripped off the small investors, and delivered proceeds to his pals. For most of Trump Media’s investors, this was more a matter of showing fealty to the bulbous orange clown than getting a decent return.

What goes on, on Truth Social? Trump spends hours day and night attacking his perceived rivals, spewing hate, and personal venom. He does take time out to make completely off the wall statements about foreign relations. You can only imagine officials in other countries passing this shit around every day, with LOL written on top.

Oh Lordy! Jacob Elordi Eludes Cannes Jury Duty, Claims Foot Injury, Goes Off on Vacation with Kendall, Kylie, and Timothee Chalamet, Drives Car

Roger Friedman
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Oh Lordy! Jacob Elordi Eludes Cannes Jury Duty, Claims Foot Injury, Goes Off on Vacation with Kendall, Kylie, and Timothee Chalamet, Drives Car

You may recall that I broke the story of Jacob Elordi being chosen for the Cannes Film Festival jury.

That news became an open question. Then Elordi — who has an Oscar nomination and is on TV right now in “Euphoria” — had to withdraw from service.

The very tall actor and possible next James Bond claimed he had a foot injury and would be unable to travel to the Cote d’Azur.

Well, that’s one good way to get out of jury duty! Try it the next time you’re summoned.

So how has Jacob’s recovery gone so far?

Luckily, we have TMZ to document the healing. The tabloid news site has got pictures of Elordi on vacation with girlfriend Kendall Jenner (Kardashian), plus Kylie Jenner and Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet.

TMZ also has a picture of the foursome in a car. Jacob is driving, so we can surmise his ailment was on his left foot. Or, he’s up for a reboot of “My Left Foot.”

As James Brown might say, Stay on the good foot!

If you’re going to back out of Cannes, maybe it’s better to lay low until it’s over. Next thing you know, we’ll see Elordi playing soccer!

One more quote, from the late Logan Roy: These are not serious people.

And PS, it does seem like these guys don’t get it about the Jenner sisters. Many think that poor Timothee’s Oscar campaign went kaput because of all this socializing. Will the James Bond team want another iteration of that debacle on her their hands?

Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin Daughter Will Make Acting Debut in New Nancy Meyers Romcom: Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree

Roger Friedman
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Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin Daughter Will Make Acting Debut in New Nancy Meyers Romcom: Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree

When Blythe Danner hit the acting world years ago could she have imagined a family dynasty?

Danner gave birth (with late great husband Bruce Paltrow) to Gwyneth Paltrow, who won an Oscar for “Shakespeare in Love” in 1999 and went on to become a Marvel staple.

Now Gwyneth’s 22 year old daughter, Apple, with Chris Martin, is heading into the biz.

Apple Martin — who probably had no problem getting a SAG card as the only ‘Apple’ — wiii make her film debut in Nancy Meyers’ new rom com.

The untitled film is Meyers’ first since 2015, so it’s a big deal. Penélope Cruz, Kieran Culkin, Erin Doherty, Jude Law, and Owen Wilson were already announced as the main cast. Today they’re joined by Apple, Tony Hale, and Beverly D’Angelo. The movie will be released in December 2027.

Apple has already gotten to the core of a career with a top talent agency — CAA — and manager, Cade Hudson. She’s proven that the Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

What about paying dues and all that? That’s very pre-Nepo. As dad Chris Martin would say, Viva la vida! With those genes. why wait?

PS Gwyneth was already in movies in her late teens. This should come as no surprise.

Also: just wait til the young actress gets a project on Apple TV!

Swatch Kills Collectors Market, Stops Riots in Front of Stores by Putting Audemars Piguet Collab for Sale Online for 400 Bucks

Roger Friedman
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Swatch Kills Collectors Market, Stops Riots in Front of Stores by Putting Audemars Piguet Collab for Sale Online for 400 Bucks

The party is over, and so are the riots.

Swatch had a terrible weekend, closing stories because there were massive fights and rioting in front of its stores.

The reason? Their Royal Pop pocketwatch made in collaboration with Audemars Piguet.

The watch comes on a plastic lanyard, not a strap, although clever entrepreneurs are quickly manufacturing their own bands.

Now, to assuage the insanity Swatch has put the Pop online. You can but it for $400.

You can check what stores have it in stock easily, without having to line up in the middle of the night.

This kills the collectors market. Right now there are a lot of posts on ebay and elsewhere selling the Pop for thousands of dollars.

But that will be over by the end of the day. Swatch has plenty of these trinkets in stock.

What turned this marketing plan into an international melee? This was worse than the crazy demand for “Marty Supreme” jackets a few months ago.

Swatch was deliberately dense about giving information in advance. They purposely let the situation grow out of control to get their name back in the news, even if it meant losing sales over the weekend. Whoever devised this mischief should get a marketing award!

Anyway, the Royal Pop is not worth $400 even if Audemars name is stamped on it. I’d say wait a few months and pick it up for 100 bucks.

BTW, on Canal Street in New York they’re already got the knock off for 15 bucks. Sold!

Why does the black and white one look like an Oreo?

Harry Styles Courts Controversy and Anger, Endorses Fan Who Yells “Viva, viva Palestina” During Amsterdam Show (Watch)

Roger Friedman
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Harry Styles Courts Controversy and Anger, Endorses Fan Who Yells “Viva, viva Palestina” During Amsterdam Show (Watch)

Harry Styles has so far managed to walk a fine line politically.

But the British pop star crossed that line tonight in Amsterdam at one of his shows.

When a fan yelled, “Viva, viva Palestina!” Styles responded, “Correct!”

This puts a new spin on Styles, who’s taking a stand here against Israel. How will his Jewish fans feel? Or the people who helped make him a star?

There’s going to be a lot of back pedaling tomorrow morning, especially since Harry is counting on his 30 shows at Madison Square Garden this fall to wild successes. “Viva Viva Palestina” is not the rallying cry here, no matter what anyone thinks.

Stay tuned…

Happy Ending: Chris Christie Finally Gets His Picture with Bruce Springsteen After It Seemed Like He’d Been Snubbed at A Concert

Roger Friedman
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Happy Ending: Chris Christie Finally Gets His Picture with Bruce Springsteen After It Seemed Like He’d Been Snubbed at A Concert

A couple of nights ago at Madison Square Garden, former NJ governor Chris Christie had a bad time.

It looked from video like Bruce Springsteen, on a big swing around the crowded stadium, snubbed him. (see at bottom)

Everyone thought so, at least, and the word spread quickly. Must have been a political thing, right?

But you know Bruce would not do that, even to Trump. He’s too much of a gentleman. And, of course, they do share a love of New Jersey.

Christie showed up again last night, which surprised everyone. And now the man behind Bridgegate got his wish — a backstage visit and a photo, now posted to social media.

Christie is certainly a music fan. In 2015, he sat in front of me for the Adele concert at Radio City Music Hall. He was very nice, but that was a long time ago, before all this Trump debacle began. It was after the Bridge incident, but I didn’t snub him, either.

Saying Goodbye to Dr. Hook, aka Dennis Locorriere, of the Medicine Show, Dead at Almost 77: From “Sylvia’s Mother” to “Rolling Stone”

Roger Friedman
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Saying Goodbye to Dr. Hook, aka Dennis Locorriere, of the Medicine Show, Dead at Almost 77: From “Sylvia’s Mother” to “Rolling Stone”

Sad news for folks my age.

Dennis Locorriere aka Dr Hook of the famed medicine Show, has died of kidney disease at age 76, a couple of weeks short of his birthday. He was married three times.

Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show were the kind of pop act that could survive in the 1970s with catchy singles. They didn’t win Grammy Awards and they weren’t hip. But they were the sort of group where you’d ask, Who sings that? And be surprised at the answer.

Dr. Hook had several hits starting with “Sylvia’s Mother,” one of a few songs circa 1973 where the narrator is at the sad end of a telephone call. “Sylvia’s mother said Thank you for calling.” It was a story, back when songs with them were appreciated. It probably helped that the group sing and play instruments.

Dr. Hook was also self-referential. That’s what made “The Cover of the Rolling Stone” take off. There was actually a time when acts wanted to be on that cover. Eventually, they made it.

Other hits included “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” and “Only Sixteen” (don’t worry, the narrator was, too).




Tonight’s “60 Minutes” Will Be the Last of Its Kind as At Least Two Correspondents are Leaving, and Maybe the Executive Producer

Roger Friedman
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Tonight’s “60 Minutes” Will Be the Last of Its Kind as At Least Two Correspondents are Leaving, and Maybe the Executive Producer

Everyone get your handkerchiefs out.

“60 Minutes” ends its season tonight. It will not return in the same condition.

The most respected news program on TV will not see its 60th birthday in 2028 wit the same independence and courage of its convictions.

Probably leaving: correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Bill Whitaker.

The former saw her El Salvador prison story postponed and then played on a night no one was watching. CBS News chief Bari Weiss sees Alfonsi as a threat to her world domination and string pulling by Trump.

Watch Alfonsi’s CECOT story here.

Whitaker, who’s done such a great job, turns 75 this summer, and is Black. Weiss isn’t crazy about either trait. He’s going to retire, at least from CBS. He should be given a huge send off, but Weiss will probably get him a gift card to Sephora.

Lesley Stahl, in her 80s, will probably stay until Weiss does something really bad to her. Scott Pelley? It’s 50/50 he’ll come back in the fall. But Weiss can’t really do the show without him.

Executive producer Tanya Simon is also a coin toss. She comes from establishment CBS News. Her father was beloved correspondent Bob Simon, who survived being kidnapped and all kinds of other atrocities only to die in a rogue Uber on the West Side Highway. Simon will have to decide if she can go forward with a “60 Minutes” for Fox News viewers, or go elsewhere.

The clock is ticking. You can hear it. Loudly.

Barbra Streisand Follows Jacob Elordi as Second Hollywood Star to Skip Cannes Over Injury: Knee Problems Prevent Closing Ceremony Attendance

Roger Friedman
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Barbra Streisand Follows Jacob Elordi as Second Hollywood Star to Skip Cannes Over Injury: Knee Problems Prevent Closing Ceremony Attendance

This is the Cannes from hell.

With new Hollywood stars, Thierry Fremaux was counting on Barbra Streisand to attend closing ceremonies and receive her honorary Palme d’or.

Now she says she can’t make the trip because of a knee injury. I’m sorry, she didn’t know that when she accepted?

Streisand is now the second actor to cancel Cannes over an injury. Earlier, Jacob Elordi said he broke his toe.

Are these real injuries? We don’t know.

I feel bad for Thierry. Everything has gone awry this year. No big studio movies. Few stars on the Croisette. Lots of D listers roaming around. No deals for distribution. And now, this.

Streisand said in a statement:

“On the advice of my doctors, as I continue recovering from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year. But I am deeply honored to receive the Honorary Palme d’or and had so been looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition.

“I was also very much looking forward to spending time with colleagues whom I so admire – and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved. While I regret that I can’t be there in person, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the filmmakers from around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision are being celebrated this year.

“My heartfelt thanks to the Festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema.”

The Festival says they will still put on a tribute Saturday night. Maybe Barbra can send a taped message, or appear via Zoom.

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