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.

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, 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

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.