The 50th anniversary of the most groundbreaking album of all time is upon us. June 1st will mark the landmark release of The Beatles’ “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” from 1967. It was the album that changed literally everything.

So far the only concrete item to mark the anniversary is a new book called “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: The Album, the Beatles, and the World in 1967″ by Brian Southall, due May 9th from Imagine Press. Southall was director of PR at EMI Records, the Beatles’ label from 1964 until last year when EMI was subsumed into Capitol Records.

Otherwise, Olivia Harrison and other members of the Beatles extended family are talking right now about what they’ll do to mark occasion. It would be swell if there were some kind of concert. Indeed, Paul McCartney is starting his 2017 tour in Japan at the end of April. It’s unclear where he will be on June 1st, or if he’s set aside the date. A TV special seems like a natural idea, too. So far, though, nothing’s been decided. But I’m told to expect an announcement shortly.

I’m so happy to report that “Color Purple” star Cynthia Erivo has finally arrived. The Tony winner will perform at the Oscars’ Governors Ball for the all the winners and nominees after the Academy Awards show is over. Whilst the glitterati chow down on Wolfgang Puck’s cuisine they will get to hear this remarkable singer. It’s a coup for the Academy!

Last Sunday  Cynthia wowed the world when she sang the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” with John Legend during the In Memoriam segment of the Grammys. I have been saying for well over a year that Cynthia is the best new singer anywhere. She needs a recording contract, a great producer and some songs. Being a Broadway star is a great thing, but Erivo is much more than that.

My guess is, some hot shots hear her at the Governor’s Ball and sign her up fast. They’re going to wonder, as I do, where her sound comes from. She’s just extraordinary.

Here’s the audio from the Grammys

and The Color Purple

EXCLUSIVE Joni Mitchell’s appearance at Clive Davis’s pre Grammy gala last Saturday night was meaningful in so many ways.

But for Gregg Alexander, it was probably the most memorable moment of his career. Gregg — one of the songwriters from the terrific movie “Begin Again”– is best known as the leader of a group called The New Radicals. The group had a short run from 1997-99, and two hits– “You Get What You Give” and “Someday We’ll Know.” They come from the album “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too.” Co-written with Rick Nowells, this song– and “Someday” written with Danielle Brisebois–are just top of the pops. At least, I’ve always felt that way.

Turns out Joni Mitchell feels that way, too. The legendary songwriter once told a magazine that she loved “You Get What You Give.” So, having been told this by Alexander on Saturday night at the party, I introduced him to her.

When Joni was told who Gregg was and what songs he’d written, she literally beamed. Alexander, who is quite tall, leaned down as Joni said: “When I heard that song, I changed my mind about quitting the business. I was done. I wasn’t going to do anything more. But that it is the most brilliant song. I am so happy to meet you.”

Gregg told Joni that around that time he’d had a dream about her. Like most great songwriters, Alexander holds Joni in high esteem. He said, “I don’t want to sound stalkerish. But I knew all this had something to do with you.”

Joni was pleased to hear it. “I’ll tell you, I was really going to quit. But that song gave me hope.” After 1999, Joni released three more albums: “Both Sides Now”– the orchestral versions of her songs, plus “Shine” and “Travelogue.”

I sent Gregg a photo I took of him and Joni in the Beverly Hilton ballroom. It has a purple cast thanks to the crazy lighting for Clive’s all star show. Gregg wrote back to me: “It’s ok that it’s purple. Maybe Prince was looking down on us. He idolized Joni, too.”

PS Gregg also wrote the Santana hit “Game of Love,” which Michelle Branch sang on. There was also a Tina Turner version: