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Madonna vs. Bruce New Albums Coming June 14th: Springsteen is Already Number 1 on Amazon, Madge is at 97

Roger Friedman
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Madonna vs. Bruce New Albums Coming June 14th: Springsteen is Already Number 1 on Amazon, Madge is at 97

Circle next Friday, June 14th (yes, it’s almost the middle of June). That’s the day Bruce Springsteen and Madonna go head to head with album releases. Bruce has “Western Stars.” Madonna has “Madame X.” Two legacy stars, over 60 years old, with very different fan bases. What will happen?

We won’t know until the following Thursday, June 20th, when the numbers are counted. But even now it’s possible to get an idea.

Neither act will have much sales in the way of streaming. So CDs– yes, CDs–and paid downloads will be the main venue for each of them.

So far, Amazon lists Bruce at number 1 in CD sales of all its discs, even though it hasn’t been released. Amazon buyers have already made “Western Stars” number 1. As for digital, Amazon lists “Western Stars” at number 44. That’s not surprising. As I said, the bulk of Bruce’s sales won’t come from streaming or Spotify or Apple Music.

As for Madonna, “Madame X” is the number 97 CD on the top 100. On the Amazon digital chart, it’s a much worse story– somewhere in the 500s. There is not much clamor for “Madame X.”

But here’s the catch: Madonna is including CDs or paid downloads with her concert tickets. If ticket buyers redeem their links or CDs, it will count on the charts as a sale. It’s quite possible that Madonna will edge out Bruce at number 1 based on this crazy catch. If she doesn’t, then you know things are really bad. In any case, each time Madonna has used this loophole to hit number 1, she’s dropped by 70 or 80 percent the following week.

I haven’t heard Madonna’s album, except for the failed singles including “Medellin.” Springsteen’s album surprised me. It’s very, very strong. When word spreads beginning on the 14th, this may help sales. “Western Stars” is going to get rave reviews.

Meanwhile, Madonna’s already in PR trouble, complaining her New York Times Magazine profile coming this Sunday. She wrote on Instagram: “It makes me feel raped. And yes I’m allowed to use that analogy having been raped at the age of 19.”

So, we’re not off to a good start.

“Green Book” Director Peter Farrelly Celebrates Composer Kris Bowers for Ava Duvernay’s “When They See Us”

Roger Friedman
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“Green Book” Director Peter Farrelly Celebrates Composer Kris Bowers for Ava Duvernay’s “When They See Us”

Director Peter Farrelly was touting his Oscar winning “Green Book” with the movie’s composer, Kris Bowers, at a recent thank you/listening party for the widely talented composer at the Ross House in the Hollywood Hills.

Farrelly led a Krug champagne toast in Kris’s honor celebrating his stellar achievements with a roomful of people who Kris feels are instrumental to his success. Given that the fact he’s only 30, his achievements are indeed spectacular. Kris grew up in LA a musical prodigy. Then New York’s Julliard beckoned. He graduated from the famed academy, all the while performing no less then at the White House for Obama. The Queen of Soul herself Aretha Franklin, was a huge fan of his and had Kris play at many of her parties.

Kris not only composed the “Green Book” score, he coached Mahershala Ali and played the piano in the film. Kris and his actress fiancé Briana Nicole Henry– who’s knocking them dead (literally) on “General Hospital” these days– are one of the loveliest and most talented couples in Hollywood.

The event included a multi-media performance with visuals corresponding to his music. With the homeowner/sound mixer John Ross (‘Silver Linings Playbook’) manning the massive sound board of the newly remodeled theater in the house. Kris discussed the pieces he scored and was performing from Ava Duvernay’s current “When They See Us,” “Green Book,” “Black Monday,” and “Monster and Men.” He shared how much he was affected by the new Netflix series “When They See Us” about the Central Park Five. He said, “I wrote some of the music almost like a horror score because what was happening to these innocent young men was so truly frightening.”

The emotion in the room was palpable as Bowers performed on a Steinway Grand along with Lara Somogyi (harp), Adam Agati (guitar), Solomon Dorsey (bass) and Aaron Steele (drums). As Farrelly pointed out, “Kris’s career has no bounds. He can do anything. He’s just absurdly talented.” And for the moment, an Emmy nomination for his poignant score for “When They See Us,” is well deserved and hopefully forthcoming.

RIP Mac Rebennack aka “Dr. John,” Legendary Blues and Soul Musician, Famous for “Right Place, Wrong Time”

Roger Friedman
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RIP Mac Rebennack aka “Dr. John,” Legendary Blues and Soul Musician, Famous for “Right Place, Wrong Time”

So sad: the amazing Dr John has passed away. He was 77. A great great musician with whom I had many terrific chats over the years. What a loss. What an amazing, influential person. He will be sorely missed.

Here’s a link to a very good obit from his hometown of New Orleans.

Brian Wilson, Musical Genius of the Beach Boys, Cancels June Tour After Feeling “Mentally Insecure”

Roger Friedman
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Brian Wilson, Musical Genius of the Beach Boys, Cancels June Tour After Feeling “Mentally Insecure”

Brian Wilson, the musical genius of the Beach Boys, is canceling his June tour. He says below in a statement posted to his website that he’s feeling “mentally insecure.”

Here’s the thing, Brian: you owe us no explanation. Take care of yourself, That’s more important than anything. When you’re ready, everyone will come see you. You are a national treasure. Don’t forget that.

If you were planning to see Brian are disappointed, rent his movie “Love and Mercy,” listen to his first two solo albums, and songs like “Surf’s Up.” Splash some water around. Put on headphones for “Good Vibrations,” listen to “California Girls” and “Sloop John B” and wonder why we deserve Brian Wilson in the first place. My personal favorite is “Don’t Worry Baby.”

Dear friends,
It is with great regret that I need to postpone my upcoming June tour.
It is no secret that I have been living with mental illness for many decades. There were times when it was unbearable but with doctors and medications I have been able to live a wonderful, healthy and productive life with support from my family, friends and fans who have helped me through this journey.
As you may know in the last year or so I’ve had 3 surgeries on my back. The surgeries were successful and i’m physically stronger than i’ve been in a long time.
However, after my last surgery i started feeling strange and it’s been pretty scary for awhile. I was not feeling like myself. Mentally insecure is how I’d describe it. We’re not sure what is causing it but i do know that it’s not good for me to be on the road right now so I’m heading back to Los Angeles.
I had every intention to do these shows and was excited to get back to performing. I’ve been in the studio recording and rehearsing with my band and have been feeling better. But then it crept back and I’ve been struggling with stuff in my head and saying things I don’t mean and I don’t know why. Its something i’ve never dealt with before and we cant quite figure it out just yet.
I’m going to rest, recover and work with my doctors on this.
I’m looking forward to my recovery and seeing everyone later in the year.
The music and my fans keep me going and I know this will be something I can AGAIN overcome.
Love & Mercy,
Brian Wilson

Commemorating Billy Preston, the Fifth Beatle, R&B Star, Who Died June 6, 2006, His Estate is Still Not Settled

Roger Friedman
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Commemorating Billy Preston, the Fifth Beatle, R&B Star, Who Died June 6, 2006, His Estate is Still Not Settled

It’s hard to imagine but when Billy Preston died on June 6, 2006 he was just 59 years old. His 60th birthday would have come in September.

Billy was in a coma for six months after a botched medical situation. Just weeks before, in fall 2005, he’d appeared on stage with his pal, “Soul Man” Sam Moore at Mohegan Sun, and at the launch of the DVD for “The Concert for Bangla Desh.”

An ace keyboardist and pianist, as well as songwriter and singer, Billy cut his teeth with Little Richard and played on countless hits through the Sixties. In 1969 he hooked up with the Beatles, and was the only artist whose name was featured on one of their hits (“Get Back”). If the “Let it Be” movie is ever released, we’ll see Billy playing with the guys on the roof.

He was signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records and made a historic album called “That’s the Way God Planned It.” He jumped to A&M Records with Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss and had three massive hits: the instrumental “Space Race,” “Nothing from Nothing,” and “Will it Go Round in Circles.”

Billy wrote many songs but his most famous “You Are So Beautiful,” which he co-wrote. Joe Cocker had a number 1 hit with it. Everyone wanted him for duets, but you can look up his with Al Green on “You’ve Got a Friend” from one of Al’s later albums, and it will blow you away. Before he died, Billy cut a gorgeous duet on “You Are So Beautiful” with Sam Moore. He regularly played with and for Aretha Franklin, who loved him. Their joint appearance on The David Brenner Show is a YouTube classic.

The Preston estate is still not settled after all these years. That’s another story about which I’ve written. I hope it concludes soon. In the meantime, we salute Billy, who I was honored to know, and all his amazing accomplishments. Maybe one day he’ll be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Another Print Mag Almost Bites the Dust: “Entertainment Weekly” Becomes “Entertainment Monthly,” Website Remains

Roger Friedman
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Another Print Mag Almost Bites the Dust: “Entertainment Weekly” Becomes “Entertainment Monthly,” Website Remains

Another era ends in print magazines.

Entertainment Weekly is becoming Entertainment Monthly after the July 4th weekend.

I knew EW when it was a baby, and watched it grow into a very popular magazine in the late 1990s and 2000s. I worked there for a short time in 1991, and wrote some of my favorite pieces including a feature about the supporting characters of “Dallas,” and a cover story on Ellen Barkin.

Back before the internet, and before the trades– Variety and THR– beefed up into aggressive enterprises, EW broke all the interesting entertainment news. The original generations of writers and editors were the first “meta” people of my generation to grab hold of a publication. They took everything seriously, sometimes too much. I’ll never forget an edit meeting when a top editor announced, “Nancy is having her second look surgery next month” to the crowd. I thought he was talking about a real person. It was a character on ‘thirtysomething.’

Before everything was digital, “EW” was wrestled to the ground on a Tuesday or Thursday by a group of Time Lifers who read the stories, went out and had a big dinner, drank a lot, came out and clamped that sucker down at 3am. It was like being with Lou Grant before he went to WJM. Everyone was passionate and opinionated. Those were the days.

The newly appointed editor is JD Heyman, who’s been there or associated with then a long time. I didn’t know his predecessor Henry Goldblatt, who was there was a couple of years. Before him it was Jess Cagle, who also edited People until the magazines’ new owner, Meredith, wore him out. When I worked at EW, Jess had the office next to mine. He was always destined to edit both magazines and did a great job.

EW going monthly is just a precursor to stopping the print version altogether. The website will go on. But sooner or later EW will be in print but go the way of Life and other titles. As a monthly they can’t break news, so they’ll be special issues at best, meant for dentists’ offices or as collectibles.

 

 

“Rocketman” Soars By 57% Tuesday Over Monday, Elton John Places 3 Albums Including 2 Boxed Sets in Top 10, and the “Rocket Man” Single is Back, Too!

Roger Friedman
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“Rocketman” Soars By 57% Tuesday Over Monday, Elton John Places 3 Albums Including 2 Boxed Sets in Top 10, and the “Rocket Man” Single is Back, Too!

Don’t say “Rocketman” isn’t flying high.

The Elton John biopic was up 57% Tuesday over Monday, which means adults are flocking to see it. The total since Friday is now at $31.8 million. Word of mouth is spreading, and it’s all good.

Meantime, Sir Elton has two versions of his greatest hits albums on in the top 10 including a boxed set with 51 tracks. The “Rocketman” soundtrack is also in the top 10. Elton John’s catalog is doing as well as Queen’s was when “Bohemian Rhapsody” was in theaters.

The big news is that the original “Rocket Man” single is also back on the singles chart, at number 57. Maybe radio will start playing it again. That would be bliss!

“Rocketman” will hit $100 million without too much trouble by next week at the latest.

 

 

Landmark Tiananmen Square Doc Makes Producer Trudie Styler, Director Michael Apted “Persona Non Grata” in China 30 Years Later

Roger Friedman
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Landmark Tiananmen Square Doc Makes Producer Trudie Styler, Director Michael Apted “Persona Non Grata” in China 30 Years Later

Producer Trudie Styler says that after making the landmark Tiananmen  Square documentary, “Moving the Mountain,” back in 1994, she and director Michael Apted became persona non grata in China.

Last night Styler and Apted showed the extraordinary, moving documentary at the Metrograph Theater to friends and members of the Council on Foreign Relations on the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square student protests. The film was shot surreptitiously in China, with Styler, Apted and their crew just barely getting out of China with their footage. The movie went on to win the prestigious Ecumenical Jury Prize at the Berlin Festival in 1995.

“Moving the Mountain” is notable for its narration and on camera appearances by then student  Li Lu, who wrote a memoir about his involvement as a leading student activist at Tiananmen Square. He escaped from China to study at Columbia University as Warren Buffet’s protege, where he was one of the first students in history to receive three degrees simultaneously: a B.A. in Economics, a M.B.A. and a J.D. in 1996. He’s now an international financier and investor.

The screening came as the 30th anniversary is being discussed around the world. But in China, as many outlets have reported, new generations have no idea what happened in Tiananmen Square. The event– in which 10,000 people were killed has been scrubbed from China’s history by the government. Most younger Chinese people have never seen the classic photo of a brave student stopped a series of tanks cold in the square.

When “Moving the Mountain” was shown in 1994-95 around the world, the Chinese government was not pleased. Styler tells me that soon after, her husband, rock star Sting, was invited to perform at the Great Wall of China.  (Sting declined the invitation.”He said, they’re inviting me but my wife is not allowed to come.” said Styler, who has not been back to China and can never return even for a sightseeing visit. “I’m persona non grata there now,” she said.  So is the famous filmmaker Apted, despite his many accolades for films like “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and the “Up” series of documentaries. (The latest, “63 Up,” is airing right now in Britain.)

Sadly, “Moving the Mountain” is not available digitally or even on VHS anymore. A company like Criterion needs to come and revive it so it’s accessible on all modern formats. The film is a piece of  urgent importance considering China’s revisionist history.  But of course, the question remains if any streaming company with financial interests in China will want to show it. I certainly hope so.

 

 

Disney-Fox Braces For Box Office Disaster with $200 Mil-Plus X Men Movie “Dark Phoenix,” As Negative Reviews Pour In

Roger Friedman
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Disney-Fox Braces For Box Office Disaster with $200 Mil-Plus X Men Movie “Dark Phoenix,” As Negative Reviews Pour In

Disney is not used to failure with Marvel movies. Their “Avengers: Endgame” is on track to become the biggest movie of all time.

But after the new merger with Fox, Disney is about to release what may be Marvel’s final X Men movie, “Dark Phoenix” to terrible reviews. They are bracing for major disappointment. The budget is said to be well over $200 million after massive re-shoots.

“Dark Phoenix” was originally slated for release last November, but was pulled, according to reports, to change its ending.

The failure of “Dark Phoenix” will be hard also on its star, Sophie Turner, known to all as Sansa Stark from “Game of Thrones.” She has only known wild success. On top of that, Turner is getting married in two weeks in the South of France to pop star Joe Jonas.

But “Dark Phoenix” — which also stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Jennifer Lawrence — has a meager 18 rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

One reviewer in Seattle wrote: “Phoenix” is a joyless addition to the long-running “X-Men” franchise – 12 movies over 18 years – and one is left with the impression that the series has been too long at the fair.”

The worst part of the reviews is that bloggers, who usually love every comic book movie, are contributing the most negative essays.

It’s likely, according to sources and reports, that Disney will re-boot “X Men” now that they have 12 movies in the can. The X’s are supposed to join the Marvel Universe, meaning joining up with the remaining Avengers and Spider Man in future movies, all re-cast.

click here for all today’s headlines

Stay tuned…

 

Hollywood’s A-List– Leo, Jennifer, Quincy, Jamie Foxx– Show Up for “The Black Godfather,” Clarence Avant

Leah Sydney
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Hollywood’s A-List– Leo, Jennifer, Quincy, Jamie Foxx– Show Up for “The Black Godfather,” Clarence Avant

A-list Hollywood showed up in droves Monday night for a screening of “The Black Godfather,” a new documentary about music man Clarence Avant.  What a group: Norman and Lynn Lear, Quincy Jones, Sean Combs, Jamie Foxx, Jimmy Kimmel, Leonardo DiCaprio, Laura Dern, Queen Latifah, Vince Vaughn, Diane Warren, Jennifer Aniston, Pharrell Williams, Ava DuVernay, Chadwick Boseman, former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young, Courteney Cox, Holly Robinson-Peete, and more.

Reginald Hudlin directed, and Nicole Avant, Clarence’s talented daughter, produced. The famed Democratic fundraiser is also married to Netflix chief Ted Sarandos, so that’s where you’ll find “The Black Godfather” beginning this weekend.

Legendary music executive and producer Clarence Avant’s tentacles reach far and wide, mainly with music but in sports and politics as well.  The premiere —  held at Paramount Studios — showed Avant’s colorful, complicated life in all its star-studded glory.  The idea to honor this legend and his influential life over the last 60 years was Nicole’s brainchild.

Ted introduced the film and after acknowledging he was married to the film’s producer he quipped, “Truth be told, this is a film that was getting made, this is a story that had to be told.  What was I supposed to do?  Let it go to HBO or something?  That was not going to happen.”  Ted went on to say, “It should not be surprising that Nicole produced a great film, Nicole produces greatness every day.”

The film’s director, Reginald Hudlin, explained that “this is a movie made out of love. Because Clarence, despite the fact that he’ll curse you out very quickly, is all about love.  The amazing group of people who testify on his behalf were all happy to do because they love Clarence.”

And what a stellar bunch they are. In the film you’ll find Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Hank Aaron, Andrew Young, David Geffen, Senator Kamala Harris, Jamie Foxx, Irving Azoff, Sir Lucian Grainge, Cicely Tyson, Suzanne De Passe, Dolores Robinson, Diane Warren, Clive Davis and more. Clarence guided and helped the careers of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and L.A Reid, execs such as Sony/ATV Chairman/CEO Jon Platt.  He discovered the great Bill Withers (“Lean on Me”) and so many more and stood up to powerful forces that tried to diminish those very black artists.

Stories that are woven in are fun and some poignant. Clarence’s now defunct label, Sussex, was named by combining Success and Sex! Clarence’s mantra is all about the numbers as well as connecting people.  The film talks about his misses, nearly losing his house as well as his myriad successes.  His son, entertainment executive Alex Avant talks eloquently about what a singular figure his father is. His eloquent, lovely classy wife Jacqueline is wise and funny.

Deep down Clarence is humble; not a braggart or self-promoter.  His desire to use his divine savvy to further those he cares about and to make sure they are being dealt with “in a fair and just way,” clearly has been the motivating force behind his storied career.

The film ends with Clarence matter of fact explaining, “I’ve lived a good life.  If I wake up tomorrow as Warren Buffett, I’d have a better life.”

Do not miss this.  Like the man himself, “The Black Godfather” is one of a kind.

The film streams this Friday and is in limited theatrical release as well.

PS Soap opera fans may notice that Brad Bell, EP of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” on CBS, named a whole family for the Avants. That’s almost as good as a gold record!

Some of Clarence Avant’s hits on Sussex Records:

 

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