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In his signature role, Yul Brynner played the King of Siam, now Thailand, in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I.”
Brynner was not Siamese or Thai. He was Russian, born in Vladivostok. If he took the role now, there would be PC protests from here to Singapore.
So the new Paramount Studios version of the movie will have to find a Thai actor play the King. Otherwise, we will never hear the end of it. Cries of cultural appropriation will sound day and night.
Brynner was acting the role. He won a Tony Award for it, and then was one of 9 Oscar nominees when the original film was made.
But acting isn’t important anymore.
In the most recent Broadway edition Japanese star Ken Watanabe played the King. It was reportedly hard to understand him. But he had the look.
My favorite production starred Donna Murphy as Anna, the English teacher who melts the King’s heart, and Lou Diamond Phillips. Murphy was sensational.
There’s been one non musical version of the story of Anna and the King of Siam. Jodie Foster was Anna. Chow Yun-Fat was the King. Andy Tennant was the uninspired choice of director.
So we’ll wait and see how this all turns out. Choice of director and choreographer will be important since the producers– a company called Temple Hill — are known for TV productions like “Orange is the New Black.” Concord Music is helping but the Temple Hill gang would be smart to hire someone from Broadway ASAP as consultant. There are plenty of people available, unfortunately.
Everyone is sorry. To twist Bernie Taupin’s original lyrics, “Sorry seems to be the easiest word.”
Everyone’s got an apology this week. Morgan Wallen apologizes for drunkenly using the “N” word. “Bachelor Host” Chris Harrison is sorry he said stupid things in a discussion of racism on his show.
Now Justin Timberlake is sorry for throwing Janet Jackson under the bus at the Super Bowl years ago, and for writing a song about his nasty break up with Britney Spears.
The Apology Tour continues. At the 2004 Super Bowl half time show, Justin ripped Janet’s blouse, exposing her, and causing the first ever global “wardrobe malfunction.” She got blamed, he stayed mum, and she paid the price for years. He also let his ex girlfriend, Spears, suffer from taunting after they broke up. He got a hit record out of it, “Cry Me a River.”
Now a contrite Justin writes:
“I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns and I want to respond. I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism. I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed. I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I wholeheartedly want to be part of and grow from. The industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed this way. As a man in a privileged position I have to be vocal about this. Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognize it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again. I have not been perfect in navigating all of this throughout my career. I know this apology is a first step and doesn’t absolve the past. I want to take accountability for my own missteps in all of this as well as be part of a world that uplifts and supports. I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people I love and have loved. I can do better and I will do better.”
UPDATE: the men of the latest season have spoken out now too:
The TV kabal known as “Bachelor Nation” is imploding, and it’s over race, of all things. After one white season after another, Rachel Lindsay — a lawyer who was about 10 times smarter and better educated than previous contestants — became the first Black Bachelorette. Instead of returning to her old life when the show was over, Lindsay– articulate, smart, and attractive — saw she could have a broadcasting career. She took a job with “Extra.” I met her a few weeks ago on a Zoom call with other press for a Q&A about a movie, and was so impressed.
But everything’s come around for Lindsay. When a white “Bachelor” contestant this season named Raechel Kirkconnell was revealed to have a racist past, it was Lindsay who had to interview the show’s host, Chris Harrison, for “Extra.” At issue was a photo of Kirkconnell from a sorority party at a former Southern plantation, dressed as an Antebellum Belle of the Ball.
Lindsay wasn’t having it. At one point she says to Harrison, “If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?” It was the question of a prosecutor.
Harrison’s answer, as you can see in the video, was shockingly stupid. Since this party took place in 2018, he indicated that it would have been alright then– two years ago!
Harrison, a deer in the headlights, replied: “You’re 100 percent right in 2021. That was not the case in 2018. And again, I’m not defending Rachael. I just know that, I don’t know, 50 million people did that in 2018. That was a type of party that a lot of people went to. And again, I’m not defending it. I didn’t go to it.”
Harrison has quickly backtracked. He’s “apologized” on Instagram for saying something so stupid. “To my Bachelor Nation family—I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology,” Harrison wrote on Instagram. “I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed.”
The women of “The Bachelor” aren’t accepting it.
“We are the women of Bachelor Season 25,” the contestants wrote back on Instagram. “Twenty-five women who identify as BIPOC were cast on this historic season that was meant to represent change. We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism. Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals. These experiences are not to be exploited or tokenized. Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with ‘grace’ for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise,” the statement concludes. “Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn’t mean she is alone. We stand with her, we hear her, and we advocate for change alongside her.”
Lindsay has now emerged as the voice of reason for “Bachelor Nation” and “Extra.” She’s kept mum in response only to post this wide adage to her own Instagram: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.”
Meantime, the first Black Bachelor, Matt James, rolls toward the conclusion of his series. Did he find love? Was he just repelled by all of these people? For the first time, the answer may matter. I’d like to see him just wash his hands of the whole thing and walk away.
Taylor Swift has turned Shamrock Capital’s $300 million investment into her masters into junk bonds.
Taylor released her first re-record, of her 2008 single “Love Story,” last night. And it shot straight to number 1 on iTunes. And everywhere. The new single compares favorably to the original, too. It’s actually better.
The album, “Fearless,” from 2008, comes next, with six unreleased tracks. “Fearless” will be the first of six albums Swift will re-release re-recorded.
And that will obliterate the original six, paid for by Shamrock Capital for $300 million. Swift’s social media base and fan clubs will simply take up the new records and say good bye to the old ones.
What did Shamrock pay $300 million for? Future sales of the original albums. They didn’t buy the song publishing. Swift herself can stop them from licensing the records to commercials. So as the new records replace the old ones, the Shamrock purchase is going to turn into a write off, writ large.
The winner in the game is Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber’s manager, who bought Scott Borchett’s Big Machine Records and acquired the Swift back catalog. Swift threatened to re-record and people laughed. In the past, others had tried it including Prince.
But Prince was no Taylor Swift. He was a mess, unfocused. Also, he didn’t have the that huge organized following. Fans were sympathetic but not en masse. This was before there was an internet of any consequence. And he wasn’t involved his fans, he was aloof.
Swift is the opposite. She pays fans’ grocery bills. They feel an individual connection to her. And they respond in kind.
Shamrock can only have buyer’s remorse at this point. They defended their purchase last fall when it was announced. But they’d been outplayed by Taylor Swift.
I have a deep affection for the 5th Dimension’s Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo. They are highly underrated, and the whole group — which introduced many of Laura Nyro and Jimmy Webb’s classic songs — should be in the Rock Hall and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Questlove of the Roots just featured them in his documentary, “Summer of Soul,” and rightly so. They were pioneers of pop R&B with amazing voices.
Marilyn and Billy have just recorded an album of songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, a great idea called “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons.” Their first single, for Valentine’s Day, is “Silly Love Songs.” Billy really gets to show off his still amazing tenor. The rest of the album is coming this spring with some leads of course by Marilyn, one of the great pop singers of all time.
You know, the 5th Dimension was like the flipside to the Mamas and vice versa. Only the 5th D actually was more successful.
Stay tuned for rest of this album, it’s going to be a great one.
And what a Valentine this is! Marilyn and Billy have been happily married for 51 — yes FIFTY ONE — years!!!!
Chick Corea, the jazz great, has died at age 79 from what his family says is a rare form of cancer. Chick was heavily into Scientology so we always hope he was getting the proper treatment.
There are dozens of Chick Corea albums and projects but my favorite were with Return to Forever. I was lucky to see them a few years ago at the Blue Note. Altogether he won 23 Grammy Awards, and was a favorite at the Grammy show every year. They were all deserved. Check out the video below. An immense talent.
His family’s Facebook post is here:
“It is with great sadness we announce that on February 9th, Chick Corea passed away at the age of 79, from a rare form of cancer which was only discovered very recently.
Throughout his life and career, Chick relished in the freedom and the fun to be had in creating something new, and in playing the games that artists do.
He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a great mentor and friend to so many. Through his body of work and the decades he spent touring the world, he touched and inspired the lives of millions.
Though he would be the first to say that his music said more than words ever could, he nevertheless had this message for all those he knew and loved, and for all those who loved him:
“I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright. It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform or otherwise, do so. If not for yourself then for the rest of us. It’s not only that the world needs more artists, it’s also just a lot of fun.
“And to my amazing musician friends who have been like family to me as long as I’ve known you: It has been a blessing and an honor learning from and playing with all of you. My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating anywhere I could, and to have done so with all the artists that I admire so dearly—this has been the richness of my life.”
Chick’s family will of course appreciate their privacy during this difficult time of loss.”
The Impeachment trial is doing great things for MSNBC.
Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell are still still trouncing Fox News’ Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham at night. Handily.
Last night, Maddow had 4.453 million viewers vs. a lowly 2,782,000 for Hannity at 9pm. In the hour following, O’Donnell continued the lead with 3,185,000 vs Laura Ingraham’s 2,321,000.
This is so great but completely the inverse of what it was a year ago. Or even six months ago. With Trump out of the White House, and his real crimes exposed, Fox News is drifting away.
The numbers were similar for Monday and Tuesday, and all of last week as well.
Figures for daytime show MSNBC leading the Impeachment coverage ahead of CNN and all other networks. Fox doesn’t cover the trial very well, and often cuts away to talk about butterflies and dog food and whether Jon Scott is a real person.
Meantime, Suzanne Scott re-signed as head of news, scotching the rumors that David Rhodes would take over. The signal is that Fox News will double down on fantasy and keep losing viewers until Rupert Murdoch can be neutralized by his sons.
UPDATE: “Love Story” will be available beginning at midnight tonight followed by the full “Fearless” album with six new songs from the vault. This should pose a massive problem for Shamrock Capital, the investment fund that spent $300 million on the original masters, buying them from Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta.
Earlier:
Get ready, Swifties.
Taylor Swift is making a special announcement on “Good Morning America” Thursday between 7 and 9am.
Her fans expect that she is dropping the first of her re-records, possibly “Love Story” from 2008’s “Fearless” album. It’s possible the whole album is done.
Swift is retaliating against her old record label, Big Machine, which kept her master recordings and sold them to hedge fund rather than sell them to her. So she’s embarked on a mission to re-record all her records up through 2019’s “Lover” album. The fans will buy them all up, the streaming services will offer them side by the side with the originals, and the people who bought the masters from Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun will turn around and sue them for not understanding that their $300 million has burst into flames.
Anyway, that’s the plan. So stand by and set your alarms. This is called Swift Justice.
PS Yes, this is the same Taylor Swift who had the two biggest selling albums of 2020 with “Folklore,” “Evermore,” and their spin-offs.
Michael Jackson fans know all too well the saga of how Michael bought what was called ATV Music from Sir Lew Grade in the 1980s. ATV’s biggest asset was Northern Songs, aka the Beatles catalog that consisted of 250 or more Lennon and McCartney songs.
In 1995, needing money after spending lavishly for years and making settlements over accusations of child molestation, Michael’s lawyers cut a deal to merge with what was known as Sony Music. Michael turned that deal into a piggy bank from which he borrowed and leveraged over and over until he lost control of everything.
Sadly, Michael died in 2009. In 2016, Sony acquired the Michael Jackson estate’s 50% share of Sony/ATV, making it a wholly owned Sony company.
And now, Sony is dropping the ATV part of the name. They own the Beatles catalog, mission accomplished. They got the goose that lays the golden egg. Sir Lew Grade is but a memory, as is Dick James, who owned Northern Songs with the Beatles until it was sold to Grade in 1969. Did Sir Lew and Dick know that the Beatles would become the combined Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart of pop music? That six decades later, music publishers would desire their catalog as if it were the Ring in Lord of the Rings?
UPDATEThe Asbury Park Press reports that Bruce’s blood alcohol level was extremely low– 0.02– a quarter of the limit. The legal threshold indicating intoxication for driving purposes in New Jersey is .08, which calls into question why Springsteen was even charged with driving while intoxicated, their source wondered.
EARLIER
Jeep has pulled their two and a half minute Bruce Springsteen commercial. It’s the fallout from the news that Springsteen was arrested for a DWI in November 2020.
There were three charges involving driving drunk in an enclosed area, Gateway National Park in New Jersey. The park was closed, there was presumably no one around. But Springsteen has to answer the charges in court before the end of this month.
I wrote earlier that the whole incident was much ado about nothing, and I believe that as far as Bruce is concerned. Luckily, no actual harm was done.
It pains me to say this but there will be questions raised now about the commercial. Did Springsteen’s management tell Jeep when they signed the contract that Bruce had been arrested? Would Jeep have gone through with the deal knowing their spokesman had a DWI to plead?
And how much did Jeep pay for Bruce’s sponsorship? I wondered a few days ago if the number could be $20 million? Whatever it is, will it be rescinded?
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the details of a matter we have only read about and we cannot substantiate,” a spokesman for Jeep said in a statement. “But it’s also right that we pause our Big Game commercial until the actual facts can be established,” she said. “Its message of community and unity is as relevant as ever. As is the message that drinking and driving can never be condoned.”
The fact that Jeep seems to know nothing about all of this is very alarming. It’s hard to believe that Bruce et al didn’t tell them about the arrest, but that seems to be the case, at least for now.
Bruce Springsteen has always been a model public citizen. I’ve seen him do so many heroic and menschy things over the years, I can only extend him the benefit of the doubt. I hope everyone else will do that, too. But he may not receive free maintenance on his Jeeps anytime soon.
