NEW YORK (AP) — Barbra Streisand has talked about writing her autobiography for years. Now she’s got a deadline. Streisand has a deal with Viking to publish her autobiography in 2017. It does not yet have a title. Streisand has said she wanted to write her memoir to clear up myths that have come up in unauthorized books about her.
Archives for May 2015
“What A Wonderful World” Honored By Songwriters Hall of Fame
NEW YORK (AP) — The Songwriters Hall of Fame will honor not just songwriters this year, but a song. “What A Wonderful World” wins the Towering Song Honors for influencing American culture. The song was written by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele and recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1967. It did not even crack the top 40 when it came out, but it hit number 32 in 1988 after it was used in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam.” The Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct Bobby Braddock, Willie Dixon, Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia, Toby Keith, Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry on June 18 in New York.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Concert Will Be Released on DVD July 24
NASHVILLE (AP) — Last November’s all-star concert that paid tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd will be released on home video. “Lynyrd Skynyrd – One More For The Fans” was taped in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre, the same place the band recorded their 1976 live album, “One More From The Road.” Besides Lynyrd Skynyrd, the November concert featured Trace Adkins, Alabama, Gregg Allman, Blackberry Smoke, Cheap Trick, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis and O.A.R. The two-CD and DVD set will come out July 24.
Sam Smith Has Vocal Cord Procedure
BOSTON (AP) — Sam Smith‘s surgery for his vocal cords is a success. Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston says in a statement Smith is expected to make a full recovery from surgery to stop recurrent vocal cord bleeding. Smith had unstable blood vessels in the vocal cord that could have ruptured and destroyed his voice. The surgeon who performed the procedure has also done it for Steven Tyler, Lionel Richie and Adele. Smith is hoping to be well enough to resume his tour July 18 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Coldplay Among Acts Participating in Red Nose Day
NEW YORK (AP) — Imagine Coldplay doing a musical version of “Game of Thrones.” You can see it for yourself tomorrow on the Red Nose Day telethon that will run on NBC. Coldplay will perform original songs written by Chris Martin featuring the cast of “Game of Thrones.” Other musicians who will appear on the telethon include Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, John Legend, Keith Urban, John Mellencamp, One Direction, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams and Adam Levine. Red Nose Day is an annual comedy event in the U.K. that raises money for children’s charities. This is the first time it will be run in the U.S.
Les Paul’s Birthday Celebrations Planned
NEW YORK (AP) — The 100th anniversary of the birth of Les Paul is getting nationwide recognition. June 9 will be “Les Paul Day” in the cities of New York, Nashville and Waukesha (WAH’-keh-shah), Wisconsin, where Paul was born. The state of Wisconsin will declare “Les Paul Day” as well. The free mobile touring exhibit known as Les Paul’s Big Sound Experience will make its first stop in New York that day. Steve Miller, Joe Satriani, Neal Schon of Journey, Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule, Steve Vai (VY) and the Les Paul Trio are among those who will perform at a Paul tribute concert in New York that night. A greatest-hits CD and reissues of four of Paul’s albums will hit stores on June 9 as well. Paul die in August of 2009.
Bryan, Clarkson, Fogerty, Trainor, Sheeran Set For “The Voice”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, John Fogerty, Meghan Trainor and Ed Sheeran have been tapped to perform on tonight’s finale of “The Voice.” Coach Adam Levine will bring his band, Maroon 5, to perform as well.
Public Viewing Set for B.B. King
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Fans can pay their respects to B.B. King in Las Vegas before he is laid to rest in Mississippi. King’s website says a public viewing will take place in Las Vegas on Friday. The mortuary’s manager says King will be in an open casket and there will be no memorial service. A private funeral is set for Saturday in downtown Las Vegas. King’s business manager, LaVerne Toney, says she’s still arranging the burial next week in King’s hometown of Indianola, Mississippi.