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Marvin Gaye Non-Motown Movie Picked up by Focus Features

Roger Friedman
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Marvin Gaye Non-Motown Movie Picked up by Focus Features

The Marvin Gaye movie without any Motown songs now has a home. Focus Features has bought the rights to “Sexual Healing,” starring Jesse L. Martin as the late great singer. Here’s the deal: this is a movie that will have zero, zilch, none– no Motown songs. There won’t be any Tammi Terrell duets or “What’s Going On” or “Stubborn Kind of Fellow.” No “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You).”

This movie will have Gaye’s 1982 hit, “Sexual Healing” and could include several unremembered songs from that album and the one that followed on Columbia Records. The filmmakers have no rights to Gaye’s huge Motown catalog. The could show Gaye as a young man singing standards. But really what they’re interested in his drug addiction in the early 80s and his death at his father’s hand on April 1, 1984.

Gaye’s family and Motown object to the film. I’m not sure what audience there is for it anyway. My guess this will end much like “Soul Men” did for Malcolm Lee–badly.  Focus is bringing “Sexual Healing” to the market in Cannes for foreign sales. But I wonder how popular it will be when the buyers realize that the film has none of those magical Motown hits…

Oscar Winner Anne Hathaway’s Next Movie Is a “Go”: Indie Rocker Co-Produced by Husband

Roger Friedman
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Oscar Winner Anne Hathaway’s Next Movie Is a “Go”: Indie Rocker Co-Produced by Husband

UPDATE I told you exclusively waaaaay back on February 22nd that Anne Hathaway‘s next movie would be called “SongOne.”   And, now it’s set: “SongOne” will shoot this spring. http://www.showbiz411.com/2013/02/22/exclusive-anne-hathaways-next-film-a-rock-music-indie-but-she-wont-sing

Hathaway doesn’t sing in this film. She’s the girlfriend of a rock star. Jonathan Demme and Anne’s husband Adam Shulman are co-producers. Kate Barker-Froyland wrote the screenplay and is directing. She’s the talented daughter of Sony Pictures Classics’ co-chief Michael Barker. The music is from Jenny Lewis, of Rilo Kiley fame, and Irish musician Johnny Flynn. Flynn co-stars in the film as the rocker, who’s Hathaway’s boyfriend. Got that?

“SongOne” could be another “Once,” when all is sung and done. We’ll see. I’ve heard great things about the script. For Hathaway, it’s a natural. Her first Oscar nomination was for Demme’s “Rachel Getting Married.”

Richie Havens’ Ashes Will Be Scattered Over Original Woodstock Farm

Roger Friedman
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Richie Havens’ Ashes Will Be Scattered Over Original Woodstock Farm

The ashes of the great singer-performer Richie Havens will be scattered over Max Yasgur’s farm in upstate New York later this summer. That’s the word from his estate. Yasgur’s farm is known as Woodstock, but it’s not actually in Woodstock. The farm is in nearby Bethel, where  1969 Music and Arts Festival really took place. Havens was the first act up at the most famous outdoor music festival of all time. But before his ashes are scattered there, Havens will have a kind of wake or viewing on Monday, April 29th at the City Winery in New York on Varick St. It’s free to the public, but you have to make a reservation with them anyway so it’s not a free-for-all.

Woodstock ’69 | Richie Havens Opening by moluu
Here’s the message from his family:

Dear friends,

Heartfelt thanks for the worldwide showing of love and respect for Richie. This is a very difficult time for everyone and knowing you’re all right here with us is tremendously moving. As per his very specific wishes, Richie was cremated on Tuesday and his ashes were placed in a beautiful stone pyramid urn. Later in the summer they will be scattered across the field where the Woodstock festival took place in 1969 ~Max Yasgur’s farm, now Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

Knowing Richie wanted a party rather than a somber memorial, we have decided to schedule a few public events because, as you all know, Richie considered the world his family, and each and every one of you his friends. We think he’d be just fine with one last tour.

This coming Monday, April 29th, there will be a viewing in New York City at City Winery, located at 155 Varick Street (ph 212 608-0555). This is an informal and unticketed event, however we do ask that you rsvp through City Winery at reservations@citywinery.com if you plan to attend. Any and all are welcome to come say goodbye to Richie. Doors will open at 8pm.

Plans for a memorial concert are also underway, and we will make a few more announcements in the coming days. This will be the only viewing in NYC. We hope you’ll join us.

George Jones’ Passing: Reactions from Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers, More

Roger Friedman
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Here are some reactions to the passing of George Jones today. I’d like to say I did this myself, but very capable country press agent Kirt Webster compiled all this, and I thought Jones’s fans would like to see it. I think the Jones family would be touched about how much George’s death made an impact today. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

“My heart is absolutely broken.  George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world.  My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends.”
— Dolly Parton

“The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen.”
— MERLE HAGGARD

“Today is a sad day in Country music.  We have lost another piece of history.  George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend.  He will be missed by many.”
— Hank Williams Jr.

“I am very thankful I got to know George, he’s one of the greatest singers that ever lived.  I actually loved the man and really enjoyed the time I got to spend with he and Nancy.”
— Randy Travis

“George Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived.  He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the listener – I think more than anyone else.  He will be dearly missed, but always remembered.”
— Kenny Rogers

“Country music and the world will miss George Jones.  He was someone who set a high standard in our industry for great music and lyrics that tapped into the emotions of the human heart at a very deep level.  His music has touched the lives of country music lovers for over five decades. My prayers are with his family and I pray for the repose of his soul.  May you rest in peace, brother.”
— Collin Raye

“There’s a huge emptiness in the music world today from the passing of our good friend George Jones. But, the void is filled with the many memories that will be with us forever. We love you, George.”
— The Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen

“I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say ‘George Jones’. He was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend.”
— Barbara Mandrell

“SAD DAY FOLKS. TODAY, WITH THE PASSING OF MY GOOD FRIEND, GEORGE JONES, THE DOOR TO AN ERA IN TIME IS SLOWLY CLOSING. WITH ONLY A HANDFUL OF US LEFT STANDING, THE COUNTRY MUSIC I KNEW AND LOVED HAS ALSO PASSED AWAY. IT IS MY GREAT HOPE THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF SINGERS WILL REMEMBER ALL OF US FROM THAT TIME AND CARRY ON. THANKS ALL.”
— RAY PRICE

“There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.”
— Vince Gill

“I am just devastated by the news that George Jones has passed away! The music world has lost one of the most original and innovative talents that the world has ever known. I feel such a personal loss of not only one of the greatest vocal influences of my life, but also I’ve lost a dear friend. Visits with George have always been full of joy and laughter. Every time I would see him, George would always greet me with a funny story or a joke! His legacy will put his name at the top of the most influential artists in history, right along with Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. His voice will be influencing singers 100 years from now and beyond! I’m reminded of the lyrics that Waylon wrote in the tune ‘It’s Alright.’ ‘If we all sang like we wanted to, we’d all sound like George Jones!'”
— Travis Tritt

‘We are deeply saddened by the news this morning of the passing of our friend, George Jones. Our company was privileged to have represented George Jones in the 1980’s, most notably during the critically acclaimed ‘Reunion’ tour of George Jones and Tammy Wynette.  We will miss this ICONIC songwriter and his unmistakable voice, but he will live on in our hearts.’
— Jim Halsey, Impresario

“I’m shocked and saddened at the passing of my friend and hero George Jones. I was honored to have toured and recorded with him. Our hearts go out to Nancy and the entire family. ‘Now I Wonder Who’s Gonna Fill his Shoes?’”
— TG Sheppard

“I was saddened to learn of George’s passing.  Along with being one of the greatest singers of our time, he was a sweet man who was always kind to me.  Please know that I am praying for you during this special time of loss.  If there is anything at all that you need from me please let me know.  Our prayers will continue for you throughout the days ahead.”
— Guy Penrod

“Today is a dark for country music and music in general.  George had become a friend and mentor to us. We will always remember touring with him and how both he and Nancy were so welcoming to us.  Rest in peace George… No one will ever fill your shoes!”
— The Roys

“Country music has lost one of the great ones today with the passing of George Jones. Rest in peace ‘Possum’, heaven has a new angel.”
— Lisa Matassa

“George Jones was just as impressive as a person as he was as an entertainer. He was ‘the ordinary, down to earth guy that happens to live down the road’ and a super star entertainer of which there will never be an equal.” His passing is a sad day and a great loss for us all.”
— Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys

“His voice will live on forever in my heart. There will never be another!”
—Kathie Baillie of Baillie & The Boys

“George was the greatest country singer of all time and was featured in my NANCY comic strip many times. I’ll find the words….along with the pictures…to pay tribute to George in the comic strip soon, but today, I join all of Nashville and the Country Music world in sending prayers of comfort and love to Nancy and the Jones family.”
— Guy Gilchrist

“George Jones was one of the most endearing, warm and friendly people I have ever had the privilege to meet. I have been lucky enough to work with George and Nancy and I am so blessed to have been a small part of their lives for a short time. While I am deeply saddened, I know his legend will live on.”
— Janie Fricke

“I have no words to express my admiration and love for George Jones. To say he was my ‘hero’ does not do justice to the lifetime impression he made on me, both personally and professionally.  George Jones is the foundation of country music and he’s the reason I wanted to perform.  He’s the reason I’m still here in this business… out there on the road.  He was my mentor and my teacher; George was my friend.  He paved the way for so many and I was one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed the opportunity to not only sing beside him, but just ‘sit and visit’ with him.  When I was just starting out, we toured together; he was the headliner. After a few shows, he told me that I was going to close the shows (because he wanted to watch “Andy Griffith”).  For a newcomer, it was intimidating to open for him; there was even more pressure to close for him. George gave me strength and encouragement; he kept telling me ‘you can do it, son.’  George Jones is the Father of Country.  We will all miss his voice, and I will miss his voice to call me ‘son.'”
— Mark Chesnutt

“I’ll never forget the incredible experience of singing with George and I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and down to earth soul. Before I wrote the liner note for his Ladies Choice album, I said a prayer for the right words to a worthy quote that would come close to reflecting the way I feel about George. Here is that quote and it will always be true.
“We are all God’s own individual works of art. In country music, George Jones is his masterpiece…”
— Deborah Allen

“Country music lost an icon today and I have lost a dear and beloved friend. With tear-filled eyes, I’m reminiscing this morning about all that I learned from and loved about George Jones.  He was part of my ‘country music education;’ he made country music history and, in my opinion, George Jones is a song’s best friend.  No one will leave an imprint on my life like George did.”
— Lorrie Morgan

“The first 8-tracks that I owned were recordings by Conway Twitty and George Jones.  Long before my career got started, I was at a concert (Travis Tritt’s homecoming show) and George Jones performed.  I sat there and sang along to every word that George sang. A lady, who sat in front of me, turned around and said, ‘do you know George Jones’ music?’  When my reply was, ‘heck yeah,’ she introduced herself; it was his wife, Nancy.  Nancy brought me backstage that night to introduce me to George.  That was three years before I signed my record deal and we’ve remained friends and stayed in touch since then.  Right or wrong, in good times and in bad, people loved George Jones–he made an impression.  His music is his legacy and he will not only be remembered as the best country singer this world will ever know, but a great man that we all will truly miss.”
— Mark Wills

Keith Urban ‏@KeithUrban
If I’m blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!! –KU

Grand Ole Opry ‏@opry
The music will never stop playing. Thank you, George and we will miss you. @gjpossum http://ow.ly/ksnbI  #RememberingJones

Lee Brice ‏@leebrice
Country music lost a great one today! @gjpossum will be missed… pic.twitter.com/OGqRhFUoGs

Mark Chesnutt ‏@MarkChesnutt
My heart goes out to Nancy and the family. I’m gonna miss him.

Toby Keith ‏@TobyKeithMusic
George Jones has passed. Damn. Thought he’d live forever. Let’s break out his catalogue and play it all day Godspeed possum and family. – T

Clint Black ‏@Clint_Black
@gjpossum Very sad farewell to George Jones. Deepest sympathies to Nancy and the family.

Lee Greenwood ‏@TheLeeGreenwood
Blessed 2 have worked with heroes like Conway, Cash & @gjpossum. Their star burns so bright. When it goes out, there’s a void in our hearts.

Ricky Skaggs ‏@RickySkaggs
“THE Country Music singer of all time. The words ‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes’ has never been more true than today.”-Ricky Skaggs @gjpossum

ALABAMA ‏@TheAlabamaBand
We’re very saddened to hear of the death of our amazing friend George Jones.

Shooter Jennings ‏@ShooterJennings
Nothing to say except George Jones will be missed. He was an incredible soul, inspiration, friend. Greatest singer of all time.

Little Big Town ‏@LBTmusic
There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace. #GeorgeJones

Gloriana ‏@glorianatheband
Sad day for country music. Rest in peace, George Jones.

Michelle Branch ‏@michellebranch
George Jones :*( R.I.P.

Tracy Lawrence ‏@tracy_lawrence
I am so saddened by the news of George Jones’ passing.I will always treasure our times together. http://ow.ly/i/1YIe1  RIP @gjpossum

Easton Corbin ‏@eastoncorbin
What a sad day for country music. George Jones was one of my heroes.

Merle Haggard ‏@merlehaggard
The world may have lost the greatest country singer that ever lived. pic.twitter.com/tdID9Sm57r

Joe Bonsall ‏@joebonsall
Goodbye Possum https://socialcam.com/s/xb9Dbdpw

Kenny Rogers ‏@_KennyRogers
Sad morning losing the great George Jones. He will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYQViYm92hg …

EliYoungBand ‏@EliYoungBand
RIP George “Possum” Jone

Rodney Atkins ‏@RodneyAtkins
Sending prayers & love to Nancy & the whole Jones family & all of @gjpossum’s fans & friends. George Jones was a true country music legend

ali landry ‏@alilandry
RIP George Jones. His music was the soundtrack of my childhood. My whole family were huge fans. What a legend:(

Johnny Knoxville ‏@realjknoxville
George Jones R.I.P. You will be missed. xoxo pic.twitter.com/YoXssII47B

Dolly Parton ‏@Dolly_Parton
My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer… http://bit.ly/11q34Ev

Rob Thomas ‏@ThisIsRobThomas
R.I.P. to a true country/american legend, George Jones. thanx for the music.

Billy Ray Cyrus ‏@billyraycyrus
I’m stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend George Jones.The very definition of a legend. Thoughts and prayers

Sara Evans ‏@saraevansmusic
So saddened to hear of George Jones’ passing. He was an idol of mine and a true legend! One of the best voices of a… http://say.ly/dET5Gsc

Luke Bryan ‏@LukeBryanOnline
George. You will be deeply missed. Thanks for the beautiful memories.

Neal McCoy ‏@NealMcCoy
We lost a great man today,, but his Music and his Spirit will live forever Go get some Rest now George Jones,,, you deserve it

The Band Perry ‏@thebandperry
Country music and the world lost a true legend today… Mr. Jones, you will be greatly missed.

Hillary Scott ‏@HillaryScottLA
Saddened by the passing of George Jones. Sending prayers up for his wife and family. Country Music will never be the same.

Troy Aikman ‏@TroyAikman
Country music legend George Jones has passed away at 81. “The Possum” was one of my favorites…had the pleasure of meeting him years ago.

Alan Jackson ‏@OfficialJackson
Heaven better get ready for George Jones. He will always be the greatest singer of real country music – there’ll never be another.

The Oak Ridge Boys ‏@oakridgeboys
We are devastated this morning … We have lost The Possum… Legend and Friend… RIP George Jones

LeAnn Rimes Cibrian ‏@leannrimes
So sad we lost “the possum” today. R.I.P George Jones and know we didn’t stop loving you today. You will live on forever in our hearts.

Dierks Bentley ‏@DierksBentley
man….heartbroken

Charlie Daniels ‏@CharlieDaniels
Rest in peace George Jones There will never be another one like you and we’ll miss you a bunch Buddy.

Blake Shelton ‏@blakeshelton
Really REALLY bad news. We’ve lost a country music legend. And I’ve lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones…

Darrell Waltrip ‏@AllWaltrip
this is one of the saddest days in the history of country music, George Jones is a national treasure, he was a friend, God Bless the possum

Martina McBride ‏@martinamcbride
So sad to hear about George Jones . His voice and music will be with us forever. Thoughts go out to all his family, friends and fans.

Craig Morgan ‏@cmorganmusic
We will miss our friend Mr George Jones RIP

John Rich ‏@johnrich
Every serious country artist in the past 30 years has some #georgejones dna in their blood and music. My God. We’ve lost our Elvis.

Tim McGraw ‏@TheTimMcGraw
Gone …… George Jones …..man he was country music

Faith Hill ‏@FaithHill
We lost one of the best voices God created this morning. Our hearts are saddened to hear that George Jones has passed away…
…. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and all of the family.

Bo Bice ‏@OfficialBoBice
@gjpossum gonna take the day off from tweeting in memory of George, breaking out my Vinyl GJ & jam till midnight.

Bo Bice ‏@OfficialBoBice
George Jones passed away this morning. We will miss ya Possum. There will never be another!! Make them angels weep up there GJ.

Brad Paisley ‏@BradPaisley
My friend,the greatest singer of all time,has passed.To those who knew him,our lives were full. To those of you who don’t: discover him now.

Jason_Aldean ‏@Jason_Aldean
So sad to hear abt the passing of George Jones. Country music has lost one of our pioneers & legendary icons. You will never be forgotten.

Kix Brooks ‏@KixBrooks
Possum, angels got a serious lead singer today – God bless Nancy his loving wife – what a guy- what a voice – that was one hell of a show!

Dierks Bentley ‏@DierksBentley
nancy and @gjpossum had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. love you nancy. long live the possum. gonna miss my buddy. real sad.

Bob Kingsley ‏@bobkingsleyct40
RIP @gjpossum All of us at CT40 express our deep sorrow to his wife Nancy & to his family, his friends, & his fans. https://www.facebook.com/countrytop40/posts/653322274683719 …

Sheryl Crow ‏@SherylCrow
Such a sad day… May you Rest in Peace George Jones. @gjpossum

bretmichaels ‏@bretmichaels
#RIPGeorgeJones http://www.bretmichaels.com/site-news/news2/r-i-p-george-jones/ … – My heartfelt prayers go out the family, friends and fans of George Jones. @gjpossum

Mariah vs. Idol: Carey Books “GMA” to Launch New Single, Not “American Idol”

Roger Friedman
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Mariah vs. Idol: Carey Books “GMA” to Launch New Single, Not “American Idol”

Do I know what’s going on at “American Idol”? I know what you know. But I also know what was said today. Mariah Carey, “American Idol” judge, is launching her new single not on the “Idol” finale but on “Good Morning America.” She’s booked for May 24th, eight days after the “Idol” finale. Carey is not scheduled to sing on “Idol” and she hasn’t all season.

Both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez used “Idol” to launch singles a year ago. And Keith Urban has performed this season. But Carey has remained behind the judges’ desk, even though she has a single– “Almost Home”– from “Oz the Great and Powerful,” a major box office hit. Suffice to say, something is rotten in Hollywood. “Oz” was a huge hit. Singing the single on “Idol” would have been the proper synergy. Instead, “Home” disappeared and no mention of it was made on “Idol.”

Carey’s new single is going to be hot, too–it’s a duet with new star Miguel. But there’s a lot going on in the background. “GMA” is #1, and “Idol” ratings are the lowest they’ve ever been. It’s unclear whether “Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe even wants Carey to perform. Or whether Carey, unhappy with the way the show has gone for her, would ever deign to get up on their stage.

Now “American Idol” still has four weeks to go, that’s eight shows. And on May 8th it goes up against “The Voice” on NBC– the ratings report the next morning is going to be wild. So stay tuned. And never bet against Mariah. She will be around long after “American Idol” has named its final winner.

Tony Awards Announce Eligibility: They’re Giving the Matilda’s A Special Award

Roger Friedman
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Tony Awards Announce Eligibility: They’re Giving the Matilda’s A Special Award

The Tony Awards committee has met. White smoke has come up out of their tower. And now we know a few things we didn’t before. Namely: the four young actresses who alternate as the main character in “Matilda” are going to bypass the nominations process and receive a special award. No fuss, no muss. That certainly sounds like “Matilda” is already on the Tony committee’s mind for lots of awards. Well, the girls are very good. So why not?

The committee just discussed 18 productions. They are: Ann; Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; Breakfast at Tiffany’s; Hands on a Hardbody; Lucky Guy; Kinky Boots; Matilda The Musical; Motown The Musical; The Nance; The Big Knife; The Assembled Parties; Jekyll & Hyde; Orphans; Macbeth; The Testament of Mary; The Trip to Bountiful; I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers and Pippin.

Other shows that had opened earliert were already set up.

One of the determinations is surprising. Kristine Nielsen, so good in “Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike” will go into Lead Actress, not supporting. Listen to me: she will win unless the committee chooses Cicely Tyson. That’s hard because Tyson is wonderful and she’s 88 years old. But Nielsen is the most sublime person on stage in the world right now. This also frees up Shalita Grant, who plays Cassandra in the same play, as supporting actress. I don’t know if Sigourney Weaver took her name out of the running, or what happened there.

Emilia Clarke and Cory Michael Smith will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by a Actress/Actor in a Leading Role in a Play categories for their respective performances in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Stark Sands and Billy Porter will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical category for their respective performances in Kinky Boots.

Bertie Carvel will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical category for his performance in Matilda The Musical.

Sophia Gennusa, Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon and Milly Shapiro will receive Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre for their performances as “Matilda” in Matilda The Musical.  They will not be eligible in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical category; however, the Tony Awards Administration Committee wishes to recognize their outstanding performances this season.

Valisia LeKae and Brandon Victor Dixon will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by a Actress/Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical categories for their respective performances in Motown The Musical.

Nathan Lane will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play category for his performance in The Nance.

Bobby Cannavale will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play category for his performance in The Big Knife.

Jessica Hecht will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play category for her performance in The Assembled Parties.

Orphans will be eligible in the category of Best Revival of a Play.

Vanessa Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr. will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by an Actress/Actor in a Featured Role in a Play categories for their respective performances in The Trip to the Bountiful.

Patina Miller and Matthew James Thomas will be considered eligible in the Best Performance by an Actress/Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical categories for their respective performances in Pippin.

American Idol Hits New Low In Its History– Beaten By Many Shows Thursday Night

Roger Friedman
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American Idol Hits New Low In Its History– Beaten By Many Shows Thursday Night

“American Idol” sank to a 2.7 on Thursday night, its lowest rating yet in the key demo. The audience was 11.10 million viewers, also its lowest ever.
“Idol” was beaten by every show on the air just about– from “Big Bang Theory” with 14 million viewers and a 4.7 to CBS’s “Person of Interest.” Also, “Two and a Half Men” beat “Idol” in audience numbers. And this was the night when a big announcement was supposed to be made– and it was only that all the contestants would stay and no one would be eliminated. That 2.7 is a steep fall off from Wednesday’s 3.0, also.

Is “Idol” over? Well, no. It won’t be cancelled based on all this. But changes are coming. It doesn’t take unsourced comments to figure that out. Twelve seasons is an eternity in television. But “Idol” is going to have be re-thunk if it comes back next year. And swapping out Mariah Carey for Jennifer Lopez ain’t the answer. The problem is that, without Simon Cowell, the show has no access to what’s going on in the music business. Simon read it all like Tarot cards. Without him, the show feels clueless. Without him, it’s just a talent show.

Cannes 2013 Adds Jim Jarmusch, Claude Lanzmann Films

Roger Friedman
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According to our pals at the Festival, this completes the films announcements. Last minute additions from Jim Jarmusch and Claude Lanzmann. There will be no sleep at this festival, that’s for sure. So many great possibilities! The Jarmusch film stars Tilda Swinton, Anton Yelchin, and Tom Hiddleston, John Hurt and Mia Wasikowska.

COMPETITION

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE by Jim JARMUSCH


OUT OF COMPETITION

LE DERNIER DES INJUSTES by Claude LANZMANN


UN CERTAIN REGARD

MY SWEET PEPPERLAND by Hiner SALEEM

TORE TANZT by Katrin GEBBE           1st film

WAKOLDA by Lucia PUENZO

Country Singing Legend George Jones Is Dead at 81

Roger Friedman
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Country Singing Legend George Jones Is Dead at 81

George Jones had a tempestuous marriage to another legend, Tammy Wynette, from 1969 to 1975. They had an infamous incident that Wynette wrote about in her autobiography. I quote from Wikipedia: “In her 1979 autobiography, former wife Tammy Wynette recalled waking at 1 AM to find her husband gone: “I got into the car and drove to the nearest bar 10 miles away. When I pulled into the parking lot there sat our rider-mower right by the entrance. He’d driven that mower right down a main highway. He looked up and saw me and said, `Well, fellas, here she is now. My little wife, I told you she’d come after me.'”

Jones was the pinnacle of country. RIP.

Jones and Wynette, by the way, recorded the greatest duets of country music. And don’t be fooled: Robert Altman’s wonderful movie “Nashville” was inspired to a great deal by them.

Here’s the release:
Nashville, Tenn. (April 26, 2013) – Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.

Born September 12, 1931, Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Tender Years” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the latter of which is often at the top of industry lists of the greatest country music singles of all time.

“A singer who can soar from a deep growl to dizzying heights, he is the undisputed successor of earlier natural geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell,” wrote Bob Allen in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Encyclopedia of Country Music.”

Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas, and he played on the streets of Beaumont for tips as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Texas and recording for the Starday label in Houston, Texas. In 1955, his “Why Baby Why” became his first Top 10 country single, peaking at number four and beginning a remarkable commercial string: Jones would ultimately record more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music.

Jones’ first number one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning,” a Mercury Records single that topped Billboard country charts for five weeks. He moved on to United Artists and then to Musicor, notching hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race Is On,” “A Good Year for the Roses” and “Walk Through This World With Me.”

Jones signed with Epic Records in 1971 and worked with producer Billy Sherrill to craft a sound at once elegant and rooted, scoring with “The Grand Tour,” “Bartenders Blues” and many more. Sherrill also produced duets between Jones and his then-wife Tammy Wynette, and in the 1970s they scored top-charting hits including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You.”

By the time “Golden Ring” and “Near You” hit in 1976, Jones and Wynette were divorced, and Jones was battling personal demons. His solo career cooled until 1980, when he recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a ballad penned by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock that helped Jones win Country Music Association prizes for best male vocal and top single. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” revived a flagging career, and Jones won the CMA’s top male vocalist award in 1980 and 1981. He also earned a Grammy for best male country vocal performance.

In 1983, Jones married the former Nancy Ford Sepulvado. The union, he repeatedly said, began his rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol and prolonged his life. He signed with MCA Records in 1990 and began a successful run, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His guest vocal on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me” won a CMA award for top vocal event in 1998, and it became his final Top 20 country hit.

In 1999, Jones nearly died in a car wreck, but he recovered and resumed touring and recording. He remained a force in music until his death, playing hundreds of shows in the new century and collecting the nation’s highest arts award, the Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement, in 2008. In late 2012, Jones announced his farewell tour, which was to conclude with a sold-out, star-packed show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 22, 2013. Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Sam Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others were set to perform at Jones’ Bridgestone show.

Jones is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Nancy Jones, his sister Helen Scroggins, and by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Paris Jackson Blocked on Twitter by Singer Drake Bell in Bieber-Spat

Roger Friedman
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Paris Jackson Blocked on Twitter by Singer Drake Bell in Bieber-Spat

Did singer Drake Bell block Paris Jackson on Twitter? Seems like it. Paris tweeted last night that she tried to re-tweet a Bell tweet about a YouTube singer named Dwayne Cooke. Seems like both Paris and Drake liked Dwayne’s rendition of Sam Cooke’s classic “A Change is Gonna Come.” But when Paris tried to re-Tweet Drake, she got a surprise. And the 15 year Paris doesn’t suffer fools lightly. She Tweeted the blocking immediately to her million plus followers. Good for her. What’s going on here? Let me translate. Bell is a pop singer. He and Justin Bieber are in some sort of feud. Paris is a Bieber believer, or a Belieber. (If you’re an adult, that’s more like beleaguered.) Bell, who professes to be a Michael Jackson fan, doesn’t have much love for the King of Pop’s precocious daughter. And there you have our visit to teenland for the day. I don’t know who Dwayne Cooke is, or why these two like him. I don’t think he’s related to Sam Cooke, but anything is possible. “A Change is Gonna Come” is the Towering Song at this June’s Songwriters Hall of Fame awards.

 

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