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Kanye and Kim Will Rock Clive Davis’s All Star Pre-Grammy Dinner

Roger Friedman
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Kanye and Kim Will Rock Clive Davis’s All Star Pre-Grammy Dinner

I can tell you exclusively that the Beverly Hilton is going to be agog on Saturday night: Kanye West and his wife, Kim Kardashian, are going to Clive Davis’s all star annual pre Grammy dinner. The couple– he’s a famous musician, she’s famous– will head up a list of stars that should have the paparazzi in shouting matches all night!

Who else is coming? Everyone from rockers to movie stars to politicians and society types (hello Barbara Davis). Sony ATV Music Publisher Marty Bandier is honored with the NARAS Legacy Award. Trustees Award winners Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and famed producer Richard Perry will be on hand, as well as Perry’s lady friend Jane Fonda and his music pal Joni Mitchell.

Politicians include former VP Al Gore, and minority leader Nancy Pelosi.

I can tell you exclusively that Jennifer Hudson and Iggy Azalea are singing together. So are Pharrell Williams and Carole King. The immortal legend Johnny Mathis will croon for the audience. (If he doesn’t sing “Chances Are,” there’s going to be trouble.) Today, Hudson and Azalea rehearsed at the Hilton. Rita Orr was a no show, but she still has tomorrow to check in.

What makes the Clive Davis party so special? It’s the total crossroads of all celebrity in Hollywood on Grammy weekend. It’s bookended by the MusiCares Person of the Year dinner on Friday (this year honoring Bob Dylan) and the actual Grammys. Clive’s party is to the Grammys what the Vanity Fair party is to the Oscars. It’s the most coveted ticket. People clamor for it, offer body parts. And it’s presided over by this 82 years young legend, and king of cool.

Some more guests expected: Irving Azoff, Tyra Banks, Jackie Collins, Joan Collins, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple and iTunes’ Eddie Cue, Brian Grazer, Magic Johnson, Napster and Facebook’s Sean Parker, Melissa Rivers, Jon Voight, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Puffy Combs, Chick Corea, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Earth, Wind & Fire, Missy Elliott, Herbie Hancock, Beck, Gladys Knight, John Legend, Barry Manilow, Ricky Martin, Matthew Morrison, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Russell Simmons, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, TI, Will.i.am, and Neil Young.

Grammy Week: Nile Rodgers Gets a Night Off, Jams with Flea (Who’s Asked to Keep it Down)

Leah Sydney
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Grammy Week: Nile Rodgers Gets a Night Off, Jams with Flea (Who’s Asked to Keep it Down)

Tuesday night, Village Studios, West L.A.: incomparable 3 time Grammy winner Nile Rodgers was honored by the Producers and Engineers Wing of NARAS. It’s a big deal. Nile created the group Chic, had a bunch of classic hits that reverberate to this day. His career stretches from the 70s to right now with Daft Punk.

I asked Nile right before he received the award how he felt being the object of such sincere adoration. He quipped, “Weird because I’m always nervous about awards, they make me uncomfortable. But at least I get a night off, I’m not in the studio for a change.” We asked him what was coming up for him. “The Chic album, the first in 25 years, is coming out soon, and the very first single, ‘I’ll Be There,’ which has everyone that sang on the first album should be coming out in March.”

Who does he like now?

“I work with Sam Smith, who is amazing, look at Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson are killing it now. Its not just cause I’m working with them, they are extraordinary. What’s great for me is that talent is staying in the game. It’s not people who don’t deserve it. It’s people that are good and getting better. Hopefully that will change to make the audience understand that we make art and not throwaway pop.”

While we were walking together, the crowd was coming up to him with such reverence. How does that feel?

“I don’t think about being so loved, I love the biz, I love making music, that’s why I do it. “

The crowd included esteemed producer Jimmy Jam Harris, Slash, The Cars’ Rick Ocasek, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Academy Award nominated songwriter Diane Warren– all of whom were among the elite hanging out in the greenroom. Funniest moment was Flea, still in greenroom, playing his guitar as the show started, and was asked to lower the volume. He laughed and happily did, but he still kept on playing. Ocasek was bopping along.

The one big no show of the night? Rick Rubin, of course. The Mountain Man of rock music rarely leaves his bed, and last night was no exception.

Grammy President Neil Portnow introduced Nile to the adoring crowd with one of his famouslyeloquent speeches. Rodgers then went on to hold a ‘salon’ of sorts, playing his guitar and recounting his storied career with warts and all. Flea came up and jammed to classic Chic hits. Kathy Sledge then joined for “We Are Family.” Nile will present at the Grammys and then he’s back to perform at Elton John’s annual Oscar bash for his AIDS Foundation on February 22nd. LA can’t ever get enough of this musical genius.

Jimmy Fallon’s Big Night: Brings Back Doc Severinsen, Duets with Neil Young

Roger Friedman
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Jimmy Fallon’s Big Night: Brings Back Doc Severinsen, Duets with Neil Young

What a great night on the Tonight show last night from Los Angeles. Jimmy, torch bearer of the show’s history, welcomed trumpeter Doc Severinsen who led the Tonight show band from 1962 to 1992. And Doc, who’s 87 years young, played like it was yesterday. He was also resplendentin one of his famous floral sportcoats. Doc’s on tour! Good for him. He led the Roots through the real Tonight show theme song, written by Paul Anka. What a swell surprise.

Then watch Jimmy with Neil Young as Neil Young singing “Old Man.” Genius! Fallon’s 1st anniversary is upon us and there’s reason to celebrate. He and Seth Meyers have really catalyzed late night. I’m looking forward to James Corden’s arrival on CBS soon, too.

Doc Severinsen at the 8 minute mark

Taylor Swift: Likely Not Performing on Grammys Because She Did American Music Awards

Roger Friedman
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Taylor Swift: Likely Not Performing on Grammys Because She Did American Music Awards

Taylor Swift is nominated for three Grammy awards. But she won’t be performing on Sunday’s show. She sent out a message to her fans that she was too consumed with the planning of her upcoming 1989 tour. That may be true, but the more likely reason is that back in November, Swift performed “Blank Space” on the American Music Awards. And performers who choose the AMAs are generally not allowed on the following Grammys.

Pierre Cossette introduced that edict years ago to make the Grammys special. Producer Ken Ehrlich has stuck to the rule, and it’s served him well. Performers have to decide in the early fall if they need the publicity hit then from being on the AMAs rather than wait until February. At the time last November, Taylor was launching her “1989” album and the “Blank Space” single. Her presentation on the AMAs was pretty extensive, not just a stand up with a guitar. It was a full on Taylor Swift production.

The idea that she couldn’t out together one of her diorama type settings for “Shake it Off” for the Grammys doesn’t really fly. Swift’s company could put on a Broadway show if they wanted to. Instead, she’ll present Best New Artist and have a dance party in the Staples Center audience.

Two performers who were on the AMAs will perform on the Grammys– Sam Smith, and Ariana Grande. But on the AMAs they performed with others, not by themselves. And Ehrlich may have plans to include them in other numbers to diminish their roles. Smith is a separate problem. On the AMAs he performed “I’m Not the Only One.” He’s nominated for “Stay with Me” for the Grammys. But now there’s been an issue with Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne claiming songwriting royalties for the song. Knowing Ehrlich, he’ll get the two rockers to do a medley of their song “I Won’t Back Down” with “Stay with Me.”

Meantime, there’s a rumor of Beyonce joining Common and John Legend to sing “Glory” from the movie “Selma.” Paul McCartney is performing with Rihanna and Kanye West, there’s Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, and a ton of other unique moments. I’m looking forward to watching the Grammys on TV for a change this year. It’s going to be a great show!

Lawyer: Bobbi Kristina Was Never Married– Whitney Houston Estate Battle Looms

Roger Friedman
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Lawyer: Bobbi Kristina Was Never Married– Whitney Houston Estate Battle Looms

Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, was never legally married to Nick Gordon. That statement, which the lawyer for Bobby Brown, Bobbi Kristina’s father, delivered this afternoon, is a bombshell. “Access Hollywood” got the statement. If true, it means Gordon has no access to Whitney Houston’s estate if Bobbi Kristina doesn’t wake up from her induced coma. But it also suggests a war is on the horizon.

No one knows yet if Bobbi Kristina signed her own last will and testament. She is the sole beneficiary of Whitney’s estate. That means $20 million now, with the possibility over time of royalties that lead up to $100 million. Because Whitney wasn’t a songwriter, she doesn’t have much in the way of songwriting royalties. But some of her records will always sell, whether it’s physical product or digital. And her likeness will have a huge value over time.

The question would be: who is Bobbi Kristina’s next of kin? Is it her father, Bobby Brown? Remember, it’s Bobby’s attorney who jumped right in with the information that Bobbi Kristina and Nick were not married.

Or could Bobbi Kristina’s grandmother, Cissy Houston, raise the issue? She and the Houstons won’t want Bobby Brown whom Whitney divorced, to suddenly reap the benefits of her career. If Bobby Brown decides to fight for Whitney’s estate, will Whitney’s brothers fight him? After all, Pat Houston, wife of brother Gary, is the executor of Whitney’s estate and the singer’s former manager. And Pat has proven to be no pushover. When Whitney died, Cissy was the named executor. But within days, Cissy relinquished that role to Pat.

So hold on, because this could nasty.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” Sequel to Be Published — 2nd Ever Book by Harper Lee

Roger Friedman
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“To Kill a Mockingbird” Sequel to Be Published — 2nd Ever Book by Harper Lee

Harper Lee,88, and a recluse, has agreed to publish the sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird.” HarperCollins (no relation to the author) will bring out “Go Set a Watchman” on July 14th in what will be the publishing event of the century. “To Kill a Mockingbird” was published in July 1960 and went on to become an American classic. Lee says in a statement that she actually finished “Watchman” in the 1950s.

“In the mid-1950s, I completed a novel called ‘Go Set a Watchman,'” the 88-year-old Lee said in a statement issued by Harper. “It features the character known as Scout as an adult woman, and I thought it a pretty decent effort. My editor, who was taken by the flashbacks to Scout’s childhood, persuaded me to write a novel (what became ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’) from the point of view of the young Scout.

“I was a first-time writer, so I did as I was told. I hadn’t realized it (the original book) had survived, so was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it. After much thought and hesitation, I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication. I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years.”

Harper Collins will print 2 million copies, not to mention, I’m sure, another huge printing of “Mockingbird.”

“To Kill A Mockingbird” became a famous movie with Gregory Peck, as we all know,with  a young Robert Duvall, Alice Ghostley, Rosemary Murphy, and Brock Peters (pictured). The clamor for these parts, as well as director and writer, will be overwhelming. People we don’t want to see in these roles: DiCaprio (Peck), and either Tate Taylor or Robert Harling directing or writing.

Paul McCartney to Play Grammy Awards with Rihanna, Kanye West

Roger Friedman
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Paul McCartney to Play Grammy Awards with Rihanna, Kanye West

Talk about a band on the run. Paul McCartney will appear on the Grammy Awards this Sunday with Rihanna and Kanye West. They’ll play their  single, “Fourfive Seconds,” which is really Rihanna’s single– she’s the main singer. McCartney plays guitar and presumably wrote the song since it’s the rare single these days with a complete melody and structure.

A few weeks ago, another single called “Only One” was released with Kanye “singing” via Auto Tune  but also featuring a melody and composition that wasn’t sampled from something else. A Twitter joke started immediately thereafter asking who was this Paul McCartney?

But McCartney, who’s 72 and the greatest songwriter of the modern era, has always reached to new and younger musicians in order stay current. He’s had excellent collaborations with Elvis Costello and Dave Grohl. He’s also released experimental albums as the Fireman.

 

The Grammy Awards will be full of off combinations of eclectic acts, and this is the first time I can remember when they’ve promoted it so strenuously. Pierre Cossette, the late great producer of the Grammys for over 30 years invented this idea of unusual pairings. His successor, Ken Ehrlich, picked up the baton and has carried on the tradition.

Larry David Makes His Broadway Debut to a Packed House of Faithful Fans

Roger Friedman
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Larry David Makes His Broadway Debut to a Packed House of Faithful Fans

There were no celebrities per se in the audience on Monday night, but there were a lot on the stage. Larry David made his Broadway debut with the first preview of his play, “Fish in the Dark.” David stars as Norman, an extension of “Larry David,” his character from “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Rita Wilson plays Brenda (aka the put upon “Cheryl” wife) and there is a big cast including Broadway faithful Ben Shenkman, Jane Houdyshell, and, very very briefly, Jerry Adler.

Also making his debut is 19 year old Jake Cannavale, son of Bobby Cannavale and Jenny Lumet, grandson of Sidney Lumet, great grandson of Lena Horne. Imagine carrying all that around with you. And he’s going to be fine. (He can’t be reviewed yet, no one can, but trust me, he’s a natural.)

The audience ate up the two hour and twenty minute comedy (including intermission). There was  one minor technical glitch, but no “Spider Man” type incident. Larry looked extremely thin from the mezzanine, but also totally comfortable on stage. Rosie Perez has taken time from “The View” to play a fairly large role, and she also seemed very natural. Everyone involved needs to project more, except for Shenkman and Houdyshell, who know the lay of the land.

I broke the first story about this play sometime ago, so I thought I’d check it out. Also, it’s produced by Scott Rudin (and about 40 other people) who is now famous from the hacked Sony emails. I bought my own ticket. Even though the smallish Cort Theater looked pretty sold out, a few people were still able to buy balcony tickets at the last minute. It’s fine to sit up there. This is not a musical, you’re not missing anything.

Putting Larry David on Broadway is probably like printing money. His fans will come in droves. Of course, he’s irreplaceable, so if he misses a show they’ll have to cancel. But my guess is this fish will glow in the dark for some time.

Oscar Irony: Both Front Runners in Acting Race Open in Huge Flops This Weekend

Roger Friedman
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Oscar Irony: Both Front Runners in Acting Race Open in Huge Flops This Weekend

UPDATE FRIDAY AM: “Jupiter” down to 25, “Son” down to 8. See the Oscar nominees, rent a foreign film.

UPDATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT: “Jupiter” has scratched out a 37 so far on Rotten Tomatoes. “Seventh Son” is a solid zero with only four reviews, all negative, three from major publications.

EARLIER: Hollywood careers are full of ups and downs. And this week will really show the irony of actors who labor for love in independent movies and take occasional pay check studio films so they don’t have to eat cat food.

And so: Oscar front runners Julianne Moore and Eddie Redmayne are opening big flops this Friday. In fact, there are several ironies at work here. Julianne and Eddie once starred together in a very weird, little seen indie film called “Savage Grace,” which had overtones of incest.

Now Moore, tipped to win the Oscar for “Still Alice,” opens in “The Seventh Son” with Jeff Bridges. By all accounts, it’s very bad. A spy who caught is last week told me: “The movie is awful. I can’t believe they did it for anything but the money.”

Redmayne, in the Oscar lead for playing Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything,” opens with Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis in the Wachowskis’ much derided “Jupiter Ascending.” A sneak showing at Sundance last week went down like the Titanic.

In each case, reviews have been withheld until the very last minute so the public, already battered by losers like “The  Loft,” “Blackhat,” and “Mortdecai,” won’t figure out what’s going on. For “Seventh Son,” the marketing is using Moore and Bridges’ past joint appearance in “The Big Lebowski” as a talking point. We’ll see how that works out.

Will these terrible releases hurt the actors’ chances at getting their Academy Awards? I don’t think so. Academy members are smart enough to realize that everyone has to work, through the good and the bad. These two shall pass.

Good Times Are Back! Nile Rodgers and Chic Sign New Deal, Album On the Way

Roger Friedman
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Good Times Are Back! Nile Rodgers and Chic Sign New Deal, Album On the Way

Freak out! Nile Rodgers and Chic are back, officially. I knew some time ago that Rodgers was signing up with Warner Music, and now it’s official. A new Chic album is due shortly. Rodgers signed a deal with Warners, and they will distribute all the new music from his label Land of the Good Groove, which he has with Michael Ostin.

Michael’s dad, Mo Ostin, of course, was the long time leader of the real Warner Bros. Records back in the day. Michael is an accomplished A&R man himself, with loads of great credits. Nile is one of pop music’s amazing talents. His trademark guitar sound is what makes Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” such a smash. He produced signature hits from David Bowie (“Let’s Dance”) and Diana Ross (“Upside Down”). And of course, there’s always “We Are Family” for Sister Sledge.

PS Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” owes a lot to Chic’s original records. Can’t wait for the new music!

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