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Streisand Draws Stevie Wonder, Prince, Glee Cast to Grammy Dinner

Roger Friedman
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7

Stop the presses: None other than Prince, dressed like Little Lord Fauntleroy, introduced Barbra Streisand  last night at her MusiCares Person of the Year dinner at the LA Convention Center. He’d been sitting quietly to the side most of the evening, although at one point he did mildly greet Elvis Costello and his wife Diana Krall, in a sea of 2500 music industry types and stars. This means Prince and Costello sat through a three hour plus evening of performances you might noe associate with their ilk- from the sublime (Leona Lewis) to the sensational (Stevie Wonder).

But then again, so did real legends like Sidney Poitier, Quincy Jones, Sam Moore, and Judy Collins, and a legend who stole the entire show–Tony Bennett, 83, and the master.

At Streisand’s table, her inner circle– husband James Brolin, son Jason Gould, songwriter lyricists Marilyn and Alan Bergman. David Foster was nearby, as were Cornell West, LA Reid, Joel Katz, Marty Bandier, Nikki Haskell, Rosanna Arquette and James Newton Howard, Cheryl Tiegs, Mo Ostin, and Barbara Orbison. Rob Stringer led a delegation from Sony Music, which Streisand has recorded for since 1962. And Jay Landers, her long time musical director, shared thoughts with famed producer Tommy LiPuma.  

The eclectic evening of performers was uneven–it always is–but was saved by Phil Ramone’s production. In particular he came to Streisand’s rescue when the diva of divas finally took the stage and offered up a half hour or more of a solo show that ranged from a medley of hits (The Way We Were,” “Happy Days Are Here Again”) to a few standout renditions of things like “Make Someone Happy” and “I’ll Never Say Goodbye.”

Before that there were highlights like Tony Bennett’s supple and textured version of “Smile” and Leona Lewis’s rendition of “Somewhere” to Stevie Wonder’s jazzy take on “People” and an odd trio that worked, comprising Jeff Beck, Bebe Winans, and Lee Anne Rimes. Faith Hill took on “Send in the Clowns”–courageously, since Judy Collins was in he audience. Barry Manilow proved more is more with “Memory” from “Cats.” Several members of the “Glee” cast–Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, etc–gave it the old Vegas effort.

But in the end, the giants were Streisand herself–making Marilyn and Alan Bergman’s “I”ll Never Say Goodbye” sound absolutely new again — she’s recorded with with Ramone for an album of the Bergmans’ songs. And Tony Bennett. who’s 83 years old and delivered Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” with subtlety and aplomb. Bennett took a song we’ve heard a million times and very simply breathed life into it with simplicity. If only these other singers would listen to him.

They say the music biz is dying–but the Streisand night, says MusiCares, was their biggest ever. You could feel it. The enormous ballroom, which is like an airplane hanger–was filled almost beyond capacity. Not a free chair in the room!

Martin Short: “I’m Canadian. We’re the Aliens You Dont Deport”

Roger Friedman
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5

Actor and comedian Martin Short got a lot of laughs last night at the “Umforgettable Evening” EIF dinner at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel–as he accepted the Courage award for his late wife Nancy. She died in August at age 58 after a three year battle with breast cancer. The couple had been together 36 years, Short said; Nancy was incredibly vibrant and popular. “I wish Nan were here to accept this herself,” Marty told me before the program began. After a heartfelt introduction from Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, and Rita Wilson, Short gave a lovely speech about his wife. He explained that he hadn’t spoken in public before about such a personal episode. “Maybe it’s because I’m Canadian,” he said, and then added: “We’re the aliens you don’t deport.”

Short spoke eloquently about  the need for universal health care. He blamed “purchased politicians” for attempting to undo Obama care. He said, “The courage of uninsured Americans is the most astounding thing of all.”

Short also cracked a funny, old joke about good marriages in Hollywood: “Always be sensitive to your wife’s needs, and make sure your personal assistant fulfills them.”

Music Biz Musical Chairs: Morris to Sony July 1, LA Reid Waits for Simon

Roger Friedman
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2

Here in Los Angeles, as Grammy weekend  revs up, the music biz is about to play musical chairs. I can tell you exclusively that Doug Morris is set to take over Sony Music on July 1st. Morris was the highly successful chief of Universal Music Group, but retired to make away for Lucien Grainge. At the same time, UMG’s LA Antonio Reid may or not continue running Island DefJam Records depending on the forward motion of his TV career. If he goes to “American Idol” as a judge, Reid, sources say, will stick at UMG. But if he goes to Simon Cowell’s “X Factor,” Reid will exit UMG and head to Sony where he could run the RCA/J/Arista group. “It’s all about waiting for Simon,” says my source. Whoever gets Reid will be lucky, frankly. Anyway, the reason the job at RCA is open is because Barry Weiss left to run Universal’s New York operation. Ironically, RCA/J’s popular A&R man Larry Jackson left a few months earlier and wound up at Universal’s Los Angeles campus. And this is complicated now because it is well known that Weiss forced Jackson out (more to come on this), and then left himself. Whew!

Annette Bening Not Totally Ready for Her “Third Act”

Roger Friedman
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0

Annette Bening was honored in Hollywood last night by the Entertainment Industry Foundation in front of an A list crowd at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Bening accepted the Nat King Cole award for her work supporting breast cancer research, with husband Warren Beatty, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Rita Wilson (Tom Hanks was AWOL, shooting a movie), plus Tobey Maguire, his wife Jennifer and father in law Ron Meyer (head of Universal Pictures) and Martin Short, whose late wife Nancy was honored with a Courage Award. Annette told me that despite Rob Reiner’s announcement in this column–we were first to report this–of her co-starring with  Morgan Freeman in “The Third Act.”

“Apparently some one made an announcement fron Berlin,” Bening told me. “But it was a bit premature.”

On a more serious subject, the elegant Oscar nominee gave a beautiful speech when the time came, pointing out that Nat King Cole was only 45 when he passed away from cancer–and how important it is to keeping raising money for research. She is class all the way. Bening almost teared up during her speech. She may have been thinking about her father, who she told me was just diagnosed with prostate cancer.

It was not a somber evening, however. Emcee Conan O’Brien–filling in for Hanks, who usually hosts what is called “An Unforgettable Evening,”  had to fend off good natured heckling from Tom Arnold. O’Brien said he asked Ricky Gervais for advice about hosting the event. “Insult the audience,” O’Brien faked Gervais’s answer. “We won’t be doing that,” he promised.

PS Cee Lo Green was a last minute substitute as the evening’s entertainment. He replaced Rihanna, who wasn’t feeling well and canceled at the last minute.

Lady Ga Ga Rips Off Madonna’s “Vogue” for New Single (See Video)

Roger Friedman
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16

At first I thought every one was being “punked.”

But it does seem like Lady GaGa–aka Stephanie Germanotta–has ripped off Madonna’s hit song, “Vogue,” for her own new single, “Born this Way.” The melody, the spoken word part, the whole thing comes from the Material Girl’s 20 year old dance hit.

How very bizarre. But Lady GaGa’s prior hits and her act in general have always harkened back to Madonna’s halcyon era. Her current cover of Vogue magazine, I guess, is supposed to be some signal of all this but what does it mean? Is this a tribute to Madonna or a send up of her?

And why do it at all? Germanotta has had one hit album that she’s milked for some time. I probably sound very old school when I say this not how long term careers are made. If she is trying to follow Madonna’s career path, Germanotta should know that Madonna’s trajectory brought originality, not just shock, to with all her original moves.

Madonna’s “Vogue”– I want to take this too seriously–also was genius in a way because it distilled a moment in pop culture, bringing the “Vogue” dance crazy from clubs to the mainstream. “Born this Way” does nothing. There are no new ideas here.

Pop music doesn’t have to be refried and packaged. Just go on line and listen to Jennifer Hudson’s gorgeous new R&B single, called”Where You At,” written by R Kelly. In three minutes it not introduces a great catch phrase, but also delivers Hudson’s amazing, unfettered vocal in original setting. It’s A plus, while this is a D, with notations about possible plagiarism.

PS I was surprised about “Born this Way” that I had to compare it from ITunes to make sure it was real.

Billy Joel’s Just Fine, Getting His Book Ready

Roger Friedman
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0

Billy Joel is a little surprised that Elton John keeps saying he’s in trouble. While Sir Elton no doubt has good intentions, I can tell you that Billy is happily recovering from double hip surgery at his Miami home. He’s doing physical therapy almost every day, and he is, my sources say, certainly not drinking or doing anything else self destructive. In fact, Billy is readying his memoir, called “The Book of Joel.” The tome hits stores and Kindles on April 19th, and I for one cannot wait to read it. Billy wrote the book with rock journalist Fred Schruers, and it addresses just about everything we’d be interesting in knowing about the great pop singer songwriter.

Meanwhile, Billy’s famous, ex, Christie Brinkley, hits Broadway next month. She’s going to play Roxie Hart, in “Chicago,” the musical that has set records for stunt casting. Brinkley as Roxie? What a great idea. When audiences see those legs, they won’t want her to leave! And I guarantee you, Billy and daughter Alexa Ray will be front and center on opening night!

Elaine’s Birthday; Gawker Stumbles; Scientology Responds;

Roger Friedman
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6

Tonight in New York: I can’t be there, but I think everyone will be. This would have been Elaine Kaufman’s 82nd birthday, so many dozens of her friends will gather at the legendary bistro to raise a glass to our late, very great pal. Kaufman, who died on December 3rd, will never ever be forgotten. It’s already a tribute to Elaine that the restaurant’s business is booming. Happy Birthday, Elaine… 

…What happened to Gawker? Unless I read it on my Blackberry or Ipad, it’s impossible to figure out what the heck is going on. Nick Denton has redesigned all his sites, including my favorite, Gizmodo, but the results are very weird. Nick, switch back or give us a way to choose “classic” Gawker. This has all the earmarks of the Tropicana or Coca Cola logo switch…

…Scientology is panicking in light of The New Yorker article that just reams them. The sect is running long commercials on local Los Angeles television proclaiming their love of all people, and their loathing of war, etc. Jeez.

Jane Fonda: Cher, Anjelica, Colin Farrell Toast Her LA Play Premiere

Roger Friedman
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1

Two time Oscar winner Jane Fonda brought her Tony nominated role in “33 Variations” to Los Angeles last night. Opening at the Ahmanson Theatre, Fonda got a standing ovation and lots of cheering from a crowd that included Cher, Anjelica Huston, Jane’s brother Peter Fonda and son Troy Garity, Colin Farrell, Benjamin McKenzie, Carla Gugino, Ben Vereen, Christian Slater, Penny Marshall, Steve Bing, Loree Rodkin, the great songwriter Mike Stoller and his equally great wife Corky, and boyfriend famed record producer Richard Perry.

What a night for Fonda, who led a sold out run on Broadway and now has a similar situation on her hands through March 6th at the Ahmanson. In this production it’s mostly the same cast including Samantha Mathis and Zach Grenier. The only change is Greg Keller, who effortlessly takes over from Colin Hanks.

Moises Kaufman’s critically praised play about mortality and obsession seemed even better here in LA as the playwright has made a few small changes to make the show even tighter. The comedy/drama juxtapositions Fonda’s musicologist–who’s fighting ALS–as she researches Beethoven’s last great work as he battles age and illness.

Fonda, 73, and looking like a million bucks, held court after the performance at the nearby Border Grill in the new, bustling downtown LA. There was much talk about what she might do next. Word is that “West Side Story” director Arthur Laurents–who’s yes, 93 years old, just sent her his new play to star in on Broadway. But Fonda–who’s reading scripts for new films or a possible HBO or Showtime series–turned him down.

And also much talk about Richard Perry’s huge success this winter with Rod Stewart’s latest “Songbook.” It was Perry who developed the Songbook idea with Stewart a decade ago. Now their latest collaboration is nominated for a Grammy award this weekend.

Exclusive: Ricky Gervais: “Will Arnett Perfect for The Office”

Roger Friedman
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0

Readers of this column will recall that two and a half weeks ago, at the HBO Golden Globes after party, Ricky Gervais had an exclusive interview here. He told me that he thought Will Arnett would be perfect to take Steve  Carell’s place on “The Office” running Dunder Mifflin. Ricky also told me he’d be on “The Office” on January 27th (which he was) and that that episode would give a big clue about Carell’s successor. If only someone somewhere had checked this out via a Google search. Gervais wrte this on his blog yesterday which caused a webjam as several sites picked this up as if it were news. It was not. but it was back on Monday January 17th when I wrote it.

Arnett would fit right into NBC’s line up since he’s married to “Parks and Recreation” star Amy Poehler. But I do think that Gervais is probably coming to “The Office” at least for a little while.

Grammy Party Cutbacks: Where Will Lady GaGa Go-Go?

Roger Friedman
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3

This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise since record or CD or download sales are literally at a fraction of what they used to be: on Grammy night, the two biggest record companies are not having after parties. As of now, Universal Music–the leader–has nothing scheduled. It’s unclear where their artists-like Lady GaGa, Justin Bieber, and Eminem will go to celebrate. Of course, as one UMG insider pointed out, Bieber is nowhere drinking age and Monday is a school day. Right.

Meanwhile Sony Music–second in the business–is having a small gathering for what they say will be 150 people including execs, nominees, and people like Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. Sounds like fun. Exec wise, Sony is in a muddle over trying to get 72 year old Doug Morris extricated from his UMG contract to come run their company.

R&B artist NeYo has cancelled his annual late night brunch that usually starts at 2am on Sunday after Clive Davis’s Saturday night NARAS backed gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Also not happening: LA Reid’s annual party, even though the DefJam chief is celebrating his producer’s credit on the Justin Bieber 3D movie (which is not called Leave it to Biever).

 The Davis event is still on, honoring David Geffen, with rumors of a Dionne Warwick tribute featuring her cousin, Whitney Houston. The Davis night is one of two big soirees on a weekend that’s incredibly diminished from what it used to be. The other is Friday night’s MusiCares Person of the Year dinner honoring Barbra Streisand, a hot hot ticket at the Convention Center.

At the same time that Sony and UMG have skipped spending big bucks, there’s word that EMI–a company in financial jeopardy and recently seized by Citigroup–his having a “big” party in town. Well, they do have artists to entertain like Katy Perry and Lady Antebellum, so it’s not totally nuts. Past EMI parties have always been fun. And there’s a rumor of a Lyor Cohen after party hosted by the Warner Music exec.

There’s also the NARAS Governor’s Ball right after the show, although it’s not usually a place to see stars. But what a difference in a business that used to live on lavish parties. The heyday is really over.

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