Madonna can sing. Who knew? After all the years of processed recordings and pre-recorded concerts, Madonna can carry a tune. At least a little bit of one. In the Facebook interview, Madonna is prodded by Jimmy Fallon. At around 11:00 in the interview–which you can in our video player at the bottom of this home page– she sings a few notes from “Borderline,” her 1985 hit. It’s quite amazing. The Facebook interview is short — just 24 minutes and 13 seconds– even thought Madonna keeps asking to make it longer. I thought she was charming and honest. Fallon brought out the best in her, that’s for sure. She said her new show would be “violent.” She also said her favorite new song from her “MDNA” album was “Gang Bang.” Fashionwise, she explained that she’d cut the feet off Adidas socks to make arm warmers. She looked great, and seemed relaxed. She wasn’t nasty, didn’t curse, said nothing bad about Guy Ritchie, didn’t discuss her debacle in Africa or Kabbalah. What more could you want? Madonna said if she had three wishes, they’d be: to give all the money spent of defense for education; to make sure gay marriage was legal; and that none of her videos would be banned. Jimmy Fallon continues to hit home runs. One day soon he’ll have the “Tonight Show.” It’s as if he’s channeling Jack Paar, Steve Allen and a little Johnny Carson. Bravo!
Happy 70th Birthday Aretha Franklin– RESPECT!
The Queen of Soul, Miss Aretha Franklin, turns 70 years young tomorrow, Sunday, March 25th. Tonight she’s celebrating with an all star party in New York, followed by taking a few friends to a Broadway musical. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow after the festivities are over. But 70 years–what an amazing life the gifted singer, performer, and writer has had. From her early days at Columbia Records to her halcyon recordings with the Atlantic crew–Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, Arif Mardin and Ahmet Ertegun. Her four CD box set, “Queen of Soul,'” tells that story. Then she went on to another successful chapter with Clive Davis Arista Records, with hits like “Freeway of Love” and “Jump to It.” Aretha marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, has sung for all the presidents, topping off with her performance at Barack Obama’s inauguration. In her hometown of Detroit she’s known for her generosity, giving annual gospel shows at her father’s church. This past year she released a new record, “A Woman Falling Out of Love,” and recorded a duet with Tony Bennett. She’s also giving the best shows she’s done in years. A great mother, friend, and icon. Happy Birthday, Aretha. The best is yet to come!
Laura Nyro’s Son Not Invited to Rock Hall Induction
Exclusive: Laura Nyro was one of our great singer songwriters–a legend. “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Eli’s Coming,” and “And When I Die” were just three of her many hits. She’s finally been voted into the Rock and Roll Fame. But the foundation, which operates in New York, has refused to invite her only son (actually, only child) period to the Cleveland induction ceremony. Gil Bianchini lives in New York, and is a singer-rapper-musician. He is Nyro’s sole heir. But Nyro’s estate fell into the hands of a non relative,a woman named Patti DiLauria, years ago. Even though DiLauria had a tenuous connection to Nyro, she is the executor. So the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is flying her out and putting her up. She will receive Nyro’s award. Bianchini, after many protests from his lawyers, was allowed this morning to purchase two tickets for $100 apiece to the Cleveland ceremony. They’re in the nosebleed section, with the public, far from the other stars and inductees.
“They’re not even on the floor,” Bianchini tells me. He has no idea how he’ll get to Cleveland yet or where he’ll stay, Or how he’ll be treated. He says he hasn’t seen DiLauria for years.
According to his lawyers and to Bianchini, DiLauria refuses to turn over Nyro’s personal effects to him. Instead, she’s offered to donate some of them to the Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland. Nyro died in 1997 at age 49, leaving a then teenage Gil in the care of her lover, Maria Desiderio. But Desiderio died the next year, also of cancer, and left the estate in control of her friend, Patti DiLauria. DiLauria, according to Gil and his lawyers, has mostly ignored his existence. “She’s tried to disinherit me,” Gil says. He’d like to get back some of his mother’s notebooks and other personal things to give to his children. He has three– a little boy, and newish twin daughters, one of whom he named Laura.
The RRHOF has an uncanny ability to do the wrong whenever possible.
Laura Nyro, c. 1968
Laura Nyro, c. 1968 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In the past, they’ve charged inductees for tickets to their ceremonies. They’ve rarely honored the wishes of family members. Joel Peresman, who runs the foundation and earns almost a half million dollars a year, told me it was “a complicated” situation with Laura Nyro and that he’d discuss it with his committee.
DiLauria tells me that it wasn’t up to her to invite Bianchini, and that the estate has been closed for some time. She said: “I didn’t know he [Gil] wanted his mother’s possessions.” She told she’s been considering giving the stuff to the RRHOF. Is the foundation flying her out and buying her tickets? “They’re a gift from a friend,” is all she would say.
The RRHOF is mostly run by Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner, who staffs the nominating committee with friends and former employees. Last year he tried to change the eligibility period from 25 to 20 years to speed up the induction of more c0ntemporary groups. A few years ago he tossed out a ballot on which the Dave Clark Five had been voted in by the membership, replacing them with Grandmaster Flash. I wrote about it, and subsequently the DF5 was inducted the next year. But by then the group’s leader, Mike Smith, was dead.
At the Cleveland ceremony, Bette Midler will perform a medley of Nyro’s songs that could also include “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoney End,” “Sweet Blindness,” “Blowin’ Away,” and “Up on the Roof.” The latter song was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, but it was Nyro’s biggest hit and possibly the all time best version of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVYqR0bnoqQ
Spike Lee Producing Movie by Hedge Fund Manager Ray Dalio’s Son
Remember Ray Dalio? The man who runs the $80 billion Bridgewater Hedge Fund was recently profiled in Forbes. And I told you that Dalio is also a fan of Jennifer Lopez–he funds her charity–and a heavy contributor to director David Lynch’s Transcendental Meditation charity. (And you thought his mantra was just ‘money, money money’.)
Now Dalio’s son, Paul, a TV producer at the David Lynch Foundation, is now getting ready to make his debut as a feature director with a film called “Mania Days.” And the producer of the film is, of all people, Spike Lee. ‘Producer’ is not executive producer–Spike isn’t coming up with the money. But according to a production sheet that went out on Friday, Spike is going to be overseeing Dalio’s film on a hands-on basis, which he rarely does for films other than his own. Dalio, like Lee, is a graduate of the NYU Film School.
Dalio wrote and directed the film about a manic depressive rapper who gets involved with a manic depressive poet in a passionate affair that results in a pregnancy. There’s no word on who’s financing “Mania Days,” but all things considered, it shouldn’t be hard to find the money. His mom is loaded, too–she’s a direct descendant of the Vanderbilt-Whitney families, making Paul a cousin, by the way, of Anderson Cooper, son of Gloria Vanderbilt.
Paul Dalio’s previous credits include a short film called “The Order” about “Sam, a major driver behind economic policy, devises a plan to get the country out of a depression by harnessing the power behind people’s desires for conflict.” He also co-wrote a feature called “Faith, Love and Whiskey,” that was shot in Bulgaria and shown in January at the alternative Slamdance Film Festival. In February, Dalio married the director-star of the film, Kristina Nikolova.
Cannes ’12: Maybe Marion Cotillard, David Cronenberg, Robert Pattinson, Jack Kerouac, Malick?
We’re getting closer to the announcement of what’s going to happen in the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. We already know two things: Wes Anderson is opening the festival with “Moonrise Kingdom” and Woody Allen is not going with the newly named “To Rome with Love.” But here are some thoughts from various sources. They do say “Rust & Bone” with Marion Cotillard is in. So, too, is David Cronenberg’s “Cosmopolis” with Robert Pattinson of “Twilight” fame. High on everyone’s list is Walter Salles’s film of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.” Another name mentioned is popular Cannes filmmaker Michael Haneke, with “Amour” starring Isabelle Huppert. Then there’s the matter of Terrence Malick. He has two movies in post-production, one with Ben Affleck and Jessica Chastain (among others) which was thought to have been finished before “Tree of Life” was released. Any more ideas? Let me know at roger@showbiz411.com
Philip Seymour Hoffman Rocks Broadway’s New “Death of a Salesman”
The greatest American play? Quite possibly Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” set in 1949 and revived last night on Broadway in a production that is outstanding. Mike Nichols directed and reinvented Miller’s classic, with Philip Seymour Hoffman as Willy Loman, Andrew Garfield (the new movie Spider Man) as Biff, Linda Emonds as Willy’s wife Linda, and Finn Wittrock as Happy. This is a historic production, quite possibly the best ever (and there have been many great ones starring Dustin Hoffman, Brian Dennehy, Lee J. Cobb, George C. Scott). Thursday night’s star studded opening was the second time I’ve seen this production, and it’s only gotten more devastating, deep, emotional, and overwhelming. Philip Seymour Hoffman is our generation’s Jason Robards. He is perfection as Willy Loman in all aspects–from Willy’s wrestling with his past (the father and brother who left him) to his denial about more current events, and his increasing mental in capacities. PSH has an Oscar for “Capote” but this is his Tony Award. He cannot be missed.
The whole cast is spot on. Considering it’s a play about fathers and sons, I was particularly moved by Andrew Garfield’s father’s reaction to seeing his son as the angry ne’er do well, Biff. At the party following the opening night at Bryant Park Grill, Mr. Garfield and Andrew just kept hugging and crying. The cast is extremely worn out emotionally after each performance. Even last night Mike Nichols, who’s sat through every preview to give “notes,” told me he was overwhelmed. Arthur Miller’s famous actress sister, Joan Copeland, t0ld me it was the best production she’d seen since the original. Martin Short told me that Tom Hanks had seen it a few days ago and declared it “the best thing he’s ever seen, period.” Columbia Pictures’ Amy Pascal came to congratulate her upcoming Spider Man.
Scott Rudin produced this extravaganza, and it made for quite a glittering night. In the audience were Nichols and Diane Sawyer, Paul Simon, Barbara Walters (who came with David Geffen), Julianna Margulies, Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich, Catherine Keener, Amy Ryan, Spike Lee, Anjelica Huston, Meryl Streep and Don Gummer, and Garfield’s actress gf Emma Stone, Julia Roberts, plus “Saturday Night Live” star Bill Hader, who said he almost fainted when Nichols complimented his “SNL” work. It was kind of funny at one point seeing Streep, Gummer, Nichols, Sawyer and Huston all dining together. That’s superstardom. Nichols also welcomed his bff and genius comedy partner Elaine May, who came with husband (or boyfriend–no one is sure) legendary director Stanley Donen and bff Marlo Thomas. Where was Phil Donahue? “Playing golf in Florida.” That seemed ok. More A list guests: Bernadette Peters, Jeffrey Wright, Bobby Cannavale, Carol Kane, Rosie Perez, Anna Deveare Smith. What a way to kick off the new Broadway Tony season!
Don’t be misled by the New York Times review, which I think is completely off the mark. PSH and Garfield are stunning. Emonds and Witttock are exceptional. All the supporting players are top notch. Nichols has given “Death” a new life, illuminating its intricacies and sophisticated architecture. There isn’t a false note played. Rudin will now have the top grossing musical (“Book of Mormon”) and play on Broadway at the same time.
Madonna Keeps It Classy With New Song–Listen Here to “I F—ed Up”
Oh, Madonna. She’s quite the lyricist. Her new song is called “I F—ed Up.” You can listen to it and most of her new album, called “MDNA” on her You Tube channel and on Facebook. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkgEJPSWRZY&feature=player_embedded#!. The album comes out a week from Tuesday, and it’s the usual hodgepodge of throwaway dance songs and a couple of ballads that have been Auto-tuned within an inch of their lives. Madonna is almost 54 and she sings, basically, about nothing. There’s no one to compare her to, really; she is unto herself. You can’t compare her to the great female singer songwriters like Carly, Carole, and Joni. She’s not a great singer like Judy Collins, Phoebe Snow, or Gladys Knight. She’s not an icon like Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, or Aretha Franklin. She’s certainly no Streisand or Diana Ross. She can’t sing like Lady Gaga or Adele or even Linda Ronstadt. But she’s Madonna. She’s a living spectacle. And the PR machine is revving up for a launch at the end of this week. And listen, it’s not about album sales. It’s about tour tickets. The album is just a souvenir. It’s a new, much different world.
Great new music? Try the new Bonnie Raitt or Roberta Flack. Or for more contemporary sounds, Leslie Feist or Julia Fordham’s reissue of her “Baby Love” CD. http://juliafordham.com/
Woody Allen Gets Told by Jay McInerney: “F— Him”
Jay McInerney, one of the greatest literary poseurs in history, doesn’t have much use for Woody Allen. On his self important blog, McInerney has this to say about “Midnight in Paris”: “This past month, in an effort to feel less isolated from the world I watched not only the Super Bowl but also the Oscars, and I was appalled, though not necessarily surprised, that “Midnight in Paris” won best screenplay. Let me just cite one example of it’s cartoonish view of the great American Modernists: Fitzgerald has Jay Gatsby use the expression “old sport” as a way of pointing out that he’s kind of a clueless parvenu. When Woody Allen puts that phrase in Fitzgerald’s mouth he would seem to be suggesting the same about the author of The Great Gatsby. I don’t think that’s what he intends to do but if he does—f+++ him.”
McInerney, of course, wrote one hit novel, published during the early part of the Reagan Administration, called “Bright Lights, Big City” which essentially chronicled cocaine snorting. Since then, he’s authored about a half dozen terrible novels that didn’t sell and weren’t particularly admired. He’s a wine reviewer. In the same blog, he also writes about the hardships of living in Bridgehampton for January and February, in the mansion he shares with heiress wife Anne Hearst. It’s not to be believed. When he couldn’t take the torture of it anymore, he flew to Chicago to eat at Charlie Trotter’s, before it closed.
“They said it couldn’t be done—well, a few friends and blood relatives expressed skepticism about my intention to spend two monastic months writing in Bridgehampton. But until the last day of February I hadn’t once moved more than a few miles from my desk. Last Wednesday I finished off Chapter 21 before heading in to the city for Nicole and Kim’s anniversary dinner at Indochine*, which was a thorough re-immersion into the Manhattan high life. I then flew to Chicago to eat (twice) at Charlie Trotter’s before this great chef retires. Also eating one night at Ria, chef Danny Grant’s place, which recently got two stars from Michelin. And I even managed to eat at least one Chicago-style dog.”
McInerney may be less in touch with reality than Mitt Romney. I’m sure his next blog will be about the two of them enjoying a vintage Montrachet. In the meantime, one can only hope that Allen will mock McInerney’s criticism of “Midnight in Paris” in an upcoming film. McInerney may best be remembered in later years for the Allen comment and for having known Rielle Hunter, John Edwards’ babymama, in the 1980s.
http://jaymcinerney.com/blog/137/they-said-it-couldn-t-be-done
*Nicole and Kim–I think I figured this out — designer Nicole Miller and er husband Kim Taipale. McInerney is too cool to give last names. Thanks to Patrick McMulla
n’s photo page for that info. These other photos depict the type of brutality McInerney experienced during his solitude.
Jerry Lewis Flashback: “Dean Martin Was the Least Appreciated Performer in Show Business”
I’ve rescued this story from the rubble of my four months with Forbes.com. It appeared this past March 2012.
Jerry Lewis turned 86 yesterday and got quite a nice birthday party from the Friars Club. Richard Belzer interviewed him last night at the 92nd St. Y, Lewis did a lengthy and hilarious Q&A with the audience, and then Paul Shaffer played “Happy Birthday” to him on the piano with an audience singalong. Veteran comic and actor Jerry Stiller came and sat third row center and even asked a question: “Did you and Dean rehearse your act?”– and he seriously wanted an answer. Jerry joked a lot of his answers, and got lots of applause from an audience that included Robert Klein, David Steinberg, and writer-actor Robert Smigel (“Triumph the Comic Insult Dog”). The audience was full of showbiz people including producer Bonnie Timmermann, Rita Cosby, and director-producer Antonio Campos.
Lewis was brilliant, revelatory, and emotional–especially with a former MDA kid, now adult, who lives with Cerebral Palsy. When one audience member asked about Jerry getting fired from the MDA telethon, the comic was philosophical. (I’ll have more on that on Monday.) On the subject of former partner Dean Martin, Lewis said: “Dean Martin was without question the least appreciated performer in show business…For ten years my partner read reviews where his name wasn’t mentioned. And he dealt with it with such dignity and class…I called him Paul, his real name…I said, we have a magical combination. He said, I’m ok, Jerry. He was a great gentle man about it.”
PS Belzer put together a stunning film of birthday greeting clips from everyone connected to “Law and Order” as well as Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Joe Piscopo, who was in the audience and also does a very cool Lewis imitation.
Mad Men: Some More Clues, Jon Hamm Directs Episode 3
“Mad Men” is coming. There are no spoilers, no official clues. For the Los Angeles premiere, people are being sworn on their deceased relatives’ graves not to say a word about what they’re shown. No one knows if there’s a New York premiere or even screening DVDs. I think it’s great. But you know, we are able to divine a few things. First of all, star Jon Hamm directs episode 3 called “Tea Party.” Episode 1 and 2 are a two parter on opening night, March 25th, called “A Little Kiss.” Hmmm…A little kiss between divorced Don and Betty Draper? Could be. You never know. The second week comes “Tea Leaves.” Episode 4, in the third week, is called “Mystery Date.” No director is listed. “Signal 30″ is the title of Episode 5, which I’ve written about on Showbiz411 at http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/01/11/first-mad-men-clue-some-kind-of-accident-in-episode-5 . The production has been very scarce with details, but one: Pete and Trudy Campbell have had their baby since we last saw them, and it’s a girl named Tammy. (So Trudy.) A pair of twins have been hired to the play the baby. How long this season before Trudy discovers Pete already has a child, with Peggy? And: that “little kiss”– I will still bet good money that Don marries Megan and that ex wife Betty is a season long interference. Gotta have friction in the drama, kids.