Tony Bennett’s “Duets II” comes in at number 1 this week. It sold over 166,000 copies according to hitsdailydouble.com, beating Adele, Demi Lovato, Lady Antebellum and all the kids in the top 10. Bennett is 85 years young, so this some achievement. The only older act out there right now is Doris Day, who’s having a hit in the UK and soon here with her “My Heart” album. Bennett almost got himself in trouble last week with odd comments about 9-11 he made on the Howard Stern radio show. But the combination of the album’s strengths, Bennett’s good will, and the pr effect of his 85th birthday celebration at the Metropolitan Opera really helped. He’s also getting a pr boost from Amy Winehouse’s final recording. Congrats, Tony! “Duets II” is on its way to the Grammy awards, and probably Album of the Year.
“Gotti” Casts for 80 Roles, Including Sammy the Bull and “Veal Chop”
“Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father,” has sent out a casting call for 80 roles. The Barry Levinson-directed film, produced by Marco Fiore aka Marc Fiore (see this column: http://tinyurl.com/5u5mxx9), has also added writer James Toback and a man named Salvatore Carpanzano as executive producers. Toback is highly regarded and well established. Salvatore J. Carpanzano, touted as an “international business man who’s helping with the financing of the film,” has no movie credits but a very colorful resume within the judicial system nonetheless. The only references to a Salvatore Carpanzano anywhere on the internet all involve lawsuits and arrests.
As for the 8o roles: several are for children, but there are plenty of spots for adults. They’re casting the whole Gotti family (the Von Trapps of 2012) including Grandma (her nickname is “Fresh Mouth”), plus faves like Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, Anthony “Gas Pipe” Casso, Vinnie “Veal Chop” Lombardo, and Tony “Roach” Rampino (description: “he enjoys breaking heads”). There will also be real life types like Gotti attorney Bruce Cutler, nasty hotel owner Leona Helmsley (she apparently held a screening for the Gottis in her hotel kept the FBI out), and Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes” portrayed in “Gotti.”
Sounds like fun!
Rock Hall 2012: No Sting or Bon Jovi, But The Cure Makes the Cut
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has issued its list of nominees for 2012, and it’s a doozy. No Sting or Bon Jovi, but plenty of stale weirdness. Among the oddest choices: new wave pop group The Cure, rappers The Beastie Boys, and Eric B. and Rakim, and disco queen Donna Summer. On the holdover list from ballots past: Donovan (who’d have gotten in 25 years ago if anyone would vote for him), the deceased Laura Nyro (who makes almost every ballot just for kicks), Freddie King. The Spinners--well, they’ve waited so long there almost are no Spinners; Rufus with Chaka Khan–a strange choice; War– a good choice, and then a clutch of middling rockers: Heart, Guns ‘N Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and one stand out–Joan Jett.
There’s also the oddest one: The Small Faces/The Faces, which was probably chosen so that Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood could be exhumed for the ceremony. There’s no Sting, no Bon Jovi (and I’m told they are not pleased at all at this point). Steve Cropper‘s bid to get the 5 Royales in by making an entire all star album of their music– called “Dedicated”– fell on the deaf ears of the Jann Wenner run nominating committee.
The Cure? Eric B. and Rakim? It’s a joke. Look. I love one Cure single–“Just Like Heaven.” Two percent of the population even knows who they are, maybe apart from “Friday I’m In Love.” Why not Billy Idol? And still, not in the Hall, and never to be I guess at this point, are Chicago, Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, The Moody Blues, Billy Preston, Ringo Starr, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, the 5 Royales, Mary Wells, Hall & Oates, Todd Rundgren, and so on. (Fill in the blanks.)
One irony: The Cure and the Spinners are each led by men named Robert Smith. The Spinners’ Bobbie Smith–who I’m sure has never heard of The Cure– is one of two original members of that group who are still active. He’s 75 and sang lead on most of their hits. Most of the past Spinners are in heaven including Phillippe Wynne, who sang the lead on a lot of those hits. But it would be nice to show some respect and vote them in already. Other than that, my guesses for finalists would be Donovan, Guns ‘N Roses (just for the drama of Axl Rose and Slash at each others’ throats), Laura Nyro (enough already), War, and Joan Jett.
All in all: blech.
PS Joel Peresman, the exec in charge of this catastrophe, earned $500,000 last year according to the group’s latest tax filing. Nice work if you can get it.
Whitney Houston to Sing Gospel Songs in “Sparkle”
Exclusive: The remake of “Sparkle” is on the road to starting next month. Whitney Houston, already announced, will play Jordin Sparks‘s mother. In this version, Whitney’s character will not be a maid but a former R&B star who’s gone back to the church. I am told that Whitney will sing two gospel songs in the film.
The rest of the soundtrack is divided between the original Curtis Mayfield songs and four new songs from R. Kelly. Added to the cast: pop star Cee Lo Green, and actor Derek Luke. Debra Martin Chase and Howard Rosenman are producing, Salim Akil is directing from a script by his wife, Mara Brock Akil. “Sparkle” will be released by TriStar/Sony in 2012 or 2013 at the latest, not 2014 as stated in the imdb.
And what about Whitney? My source say she’s in great shape, and never looked better.
Exclusive: Alana Stewart Responds to Critics of Farrah Fawcett Foundation
Alana Stewart just sent us this message:
I would like to make a few statements regarding the inquiry by The California Attorney General’s Office into the Farrah Fawcett Foundation.
First, the Farrah Fawcett Foundation welcomes any and all inquiries into the operations and management of our works and endeavors towards keeping the memory and legacy of my dear friend, Farrah Fawcett, alive. I have insisted upon transparency within the Foundation since its inception and we will remain transparent.
Secondly, I have taken on this initiative impeccably and honorably with the single goal of ensuring that Farrah’s wishes of funding alternative methods of cancer research, clinical trials, prevention and awareness were met, as well as helping people who are suffering from cancer presently. To date, the Foundation has made great strides towards meeting this objective and assisted a great many needy individuals lacking the means or wherewithal to afford proper and adequate medical attention. We will continue to do so.
Third, there has been a plethora of misinformation in the media spread by a few disgruntled ex- employees of Ms. Fawcett’s, looking to bring down the Foundation for their own self-serving and misguided needs.
Let me be clear, The California Attorney General’s Office is not looking into nor has there been any mention by them of “fraud,” “mismanagement of funds,” or “diversion of assets” by the Farrah Fawcett Foundation as has been widely and erroneously reported in the media. The story was started by Jim Vojtech for ABC News who named Gregg Lott, a convicted felon who has done prison time in Texas, as one of his sources. Mr. Vojtech used the above wording, “fraud, etc.” which is absolutely untrue. The California Attorney General’s office is conducting a “correspondence audit”, which I understand is a relatively routine process that is typically resolved simply by providing the information requested and once that is done, the matter is closed.
Let me state emphatically, everything has been followed to the letter of the law by myself and the employees of The Farrah Fawcett Foundation. The foundation was formed by Ms. Fawcett herself with Jane Peebles, one of the most knowledgeable and respected foundation attorneys in the state. Ms Peebles still oversees the Foundation and advises us on every transaction and the running of the Foundation. It has always been my goal to follow the wishes of Farrah and to run the Foundation professionally and to the letter of the law.
I am convinced that the correspondence audit will prove once and for all the absence of any impropriety whatsoever, and the complete and utter integrity of the Farrah Fawcett Foundation. It is my hope that people will continue to support the work of the Foundation and that they will not pay attention to false, unsubstantiated statements spread by malicious individuals.
Farrah Fawcett’s Foundation Is Ok Despite Report
No good deed goes unpunished. Plant a story on the inter-web and watch it grow! By Sunday night, the world probably thought the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, started by the late star and run by her best friend, was in hot water with the California State Attorney General. But it’s not true. The Farrah Fawcett Foundation received a typical letter from the California AG office for an audit. They complied. The beginning of the letter is attached to this story, obtained exclusively here.
Alana Stewart, Fawcett’s best friend and co-producer of the hit documentary that aired on NBC before she died, takes umbrage. She tells me the churning of the waters has to do with a couple of disgruntled exes–an employee and a past boyfriend of Farrah’s–and of a former business partner who didn’t get his way. Indeed, I’ve checked the three published Form 990s for the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, and they are fine. There is no malfeasance.
For the next filing, Stewart says we’ll see a couple of changes. She is now taking the meager sum of $60,000 a year as a salary. Plus, the foundation finally moved into regular offices, so a rent increase is shown. Saya Alana: “In 2009, we had no offices. They took two old office rooms in the building and made them into a great office, construction, decorating etc. was an expense, but a reasonable one. Is that what you mean? They started construction the latter part of 2009, I believe.”
Otherwise, the FF Foundation — spurred by Fawcett’s bequest of over $3 million in 2009– is on its way.
Indeed, the FF Foundation has already given away $85,000 in 2009, and closer to $250,000 in 2010. Their recipients include a research doctor in whom Fawcett placed her trust; The Angeles Clinic in Los Angeles; and Texas’s MD Anderson Center. Says Alana, who became a grandmother five weeks ago: “Everything we’ve done has been done to the letter of the law and overseen by the foundation attorney who Farrah originally formed the foundation with (in 2006, 2 mos. after she was diagnosed with cancer). We have all backup for everything. The foundation doesn’t do any of the book keeping or check writing. It’s all done by the treasurer, one of her business managers.”
Ironically, Alana did not receive any money from Farrah in the “Charlie’s Angels” star’s will. Bequests were made to the foundation, to Fawcett’s son and nephew, and to one other person– Greg Lott, a long ago boyfriend, for $100,000. It’s Lott who insisted in wire reports that the Foundation was being investigated. Lott and few others, Stewart says, have banded together on Facebook to try and malign her and the work the Foundation is doing. Stewart says she’s contacted powerhouse attorneys Howard Weitzman and Marty Singer, particularly about a nasty Facebook posting which smears her own biography.
Roberta Flack Kills The Beatles Softly With their Songs
Roberta Flack’s Beatles album is ready. I think I first reported this project in the 1870s. But it turns out, it was worth waiting for. The first “single,” an ingenious cover of “We Can Work It Out,” is ready tomorrow. You can hear it at this website address for now: http://www.429records.com/sites/429records/pressclips/newreleases/robertaflack/newreleases.html.
The Flack-Beatles project came about as an idea with Sony/ATV Music to help revive Beatles songs in new formats. At first there was talk of it coming out on Sony, or on a Sony/ATV label. But now Flack is signed to 429 Records, the same indie company that released Robbie Robertson’s excellent new album, “How to Become Clairvoyant.” Their other artists include many faves like Marshall Crenshaw, Joan Armatrading, Dr. John and Steve Cropper’s current rave up of Five Satins’ songs, produced by Jon Tiven.
One of the principals of 429 is Strauss Zelnick, who was head of BMG Group ten years ago and got snarled up in the whole Clive Davis-J Records saga. Zelnick left and became a star in the video game world. The Beatles album–which will be released by Sony in Japan–hits stores next February. In the meantime, there are three terrific tracks.
By the way, among Roberta Flack’s greatest accomplishments is her Arif Mardin produced album with Donny Hathaway on Atlantic Records. If you don’t know it, get it now from amazon or ITunes or wherever. Their version of “You’ve Got a Friend” is the best of all.
Brad Pitt Beaten By Simba and Friends, and Almost by A Dolphin
Brad Pitt’s efforts to get an Oscar nomination were nearly eaten by Simba the lion and his friends over the weekend. “Moneyball,” a great new movie, came in second to “The Lion King 3D.” The latter movie, a teched up redo of the 17 year old original, took in $22 million. That brings its take in this version to $60 million domestically. “The Lion King” altogether has now $402 million on its record worlwide total. Maybe this success will revive 3D and encourage studios to re-release old films in this format. (How about “The Beaver” in 3D?) Anywho, “Moneyball” did $20 million, which isn’t great but isn’t bad, either. Brad has never been one to “open” films. He’s the rare sex symbol character actor. In “Moneyball” he finally gets to be a leading man after 22 years. “Dolphin Tale” came in third, just a bottle nose behind “Moneyball.” Meanwhile, Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” – which should end its theatrical run soon– has taken in $107 million worldwide. What a nice story for a lovely movie and a gifted director who only had to wait until age 75 for a big hit!
A little more on “The Lion King:” the musical is still the top ticket on Broadway. It opens next in Madrid on October 20th.
Brad Pitt is this Year’s Sandy Bullock as “Moneyball” Hits Number 1
“Moneyball” is a gorgeous grand slam of a movie that should hit all the right notes with Academy voters. Its opening weekend looks like a winner, but a small one, with maybe a $20 million gross by the end of Sunday. Sony has to stay the course with “Moneyball” for a lot of reasons: vindication after losing “The Social Network” last year, and the fact that what we call Big Sony–not Sony Pictures Classics–has been out of the Oscar business for eons otherwise. Last year when “Social Network” failed to win Best Ensemble at the SAG Awards, Sony pretty much folded its tent and ceded the Oscar to “The King’s Speech.” But the trick is staying in the game and going the distance.
Brad Pitt is this year’s Sandra Bullock. He’s the Hollywood star who’s finally going to make it. Of course, it helps that “Moneyball” is 100 times better than “The Blind Side” or whatever that movie was called. “Moneyball” has potential for Best Picture for real, best screenplay with two great screenwriters (Zaillian and Sorkin), best director (Bennett Miller). Jonah Hill is very good, and could get pulled along by Pitt in some races as Best Supporting Actor. For Big Sony, “Moneyball” should be a repeat of their “Jerry Maguire” from 15 years ago–only this time, the star can win. (Tom Cruise had heavy competition in 1996 from winner Geoffrey Rush, Ralph Fiennes, Woody Harrelson, and Billy Bob Thornton.)
Right now, the chief obstacle to “Moneyball”‘s box office is getting women into the theater. The film has no love story. If there are women in it– Robin Wright– they are barely seen. If I were Sony, I’d do something pr wise with Kerris Dorsey, who plays Pitt’s young daughter like she’s the next Fanning. (She comes from the TV drama “Brothers and Sisters.”) Otherwise, the box office is going to be tough: we’ve got a great–I mean a great– movie starring the World’s Sexiest Man, and there’s no sex of any kind. Just lots of balls.
Broadway Spider Man: Casting Call for New Female Leads
Broadway’s $70 million “Spider Man: Turn off the Dark” actually started performances in mid November 2010, if you recall. Coming up on the year anniversary, two leads from the show are being re-cast. Presumably, Jennifer Damiano and TV Carpio, respectively Mary Jane and Arachne, are leaving since a casting call has gone out for their replacements. Additionally, a casting call went out for a new Peter Parker to understudy the role while Reeve Carney goes off to shoot a biopic about late singer songwriter Jeff Buckley. Sources say the new Mary Jane and Arachne should have their first performances in mid November. That’s around the same time Carney will exit for 8 weeks. “Spider Man,” like most of Broadway, is having a tough fall at the box office. After its wild winter and spring, the troubled musical finally opened on June 14th. Between kids being out of school and mordbid curiosity, the musical played to fairly full houses through Labor Day. But now it’s doing about 79% business, and offering all kinds of discounts. On the bright side, there don’t seem to be reports of injuries anymore among the flying actors.