OAKTON, Va. (AP) — Kenny Loggins has played bigger venues before. But none bigger in the heart of Eric Sanchez — who got the musician to do a gig at his parent’s home in Virginia. Loggins and his band, the Blue Sky Riders, did the performance for Sanchez — after he raised more than $30,000 through Kickstarter for the show. Sanchez describes himself as a “super-fan” of Loggins. And Loggins says performing in the cozy quarters — with an audience of about 50 — “felt great.”
Archives for September 2015
Former REO Speedwagon Guitarist Dies
NEW YORK (AP) — A former guitarist for REO Speedwagon has died. His name was Gary Richrath — and he was also the co-writer for the hit “Take It On The Run.” A publicist for the band confirms the death but provided no details about the cause. Richrath was 65 and was with the band when it released its first album in 1971. He stayed with the group until 1989 and last played with the group in 2013, when REO Speedwagon performed a benefit to raise money for tornado victims.
Ringo Star Auctioning Off Beatles Stuff
NEW YORK (AP) — Want to beat on the same drums Ringo Starr did when he was a member of The Beatles? Someone with a decent amount of disposable income will do just that — as the drum kit is among the more than 800 items that Starr and his wife are auctioning off. Another key piece of the lot: a Rickenbacker guitar that John Lennon owned — and later gave to the Beatles drummer. The auction is being handled by Julien’s Auctions and the sell-off is set for Dec. 4 and 5.
Emilio Estefan Creates Song Celebrating Mexican Heritage
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Emilio Estefan says he’s written a song called “We’re All Mexican” to celebrate the achievements of Hispanic people in the United States. Estefan writes in Spanish on his Facebook page the song has a message of unity. He tells Billboard magazine the song will feature his wife, Gloria Estefan, as well as Carlos Santana and Wyclef Jean. “We’re All Mexican” will come out as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins tomorrow.
Memphis Music Hall of Fame Announces Inductees
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Justin Timberlake, Sam and Dave and Elvis Presley guitarist Scotty Moore will get some hometown love. They will be inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame on October 17. Charlie Rich, blues musicians Alberta Hunter and Memphis Slim and Booker T. and the MGs drummer Al Jackson Junior will be inducted as well.
Yoko Ono Wants to Make a Big Peace Sign
NEW YORK (AP) — Yoko Ono is hoping to set a new world record by creating the world’s largest peace sign to mark John Lennon’s birthday. Rolling Stone reports Ono is hoping to get 6,000 to 10,000 people in New York’s Central Park on October 6 to make a human peace sign. Lennon would have turned 75 on October 9.
Elvis Costello Creates Album to Accompany Memoir
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Elvis Costello has created a soundtrack to his upcoming autobiography. “Unfaithful Music and Soundtrack Album” will contain the companion music to his book, “Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink.” He has chosen hits and rarities that connect with the emotional themes of the book. The album will contain two previously unreleased songs: “I Can’t Turn It Off” from 1975 and “April 5th,” which he wrote and recorded with Rosanne Cash, Kris Kristofferson and John Leventhal. The album comes out October 9, while the book will be out October 13.
Jimmy Buffett Gets a Bridge Named for Him
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) — A bridge in Jimmy Buffett’s hometown of Pascagoula, Mississippi, will be renamed for him. The Beach Boulevard bridge that crosses Baptiste Bayou will become the Jimmy Buffett Bridge on Saturday. Buffett was born in Pascagoula and his family later moved to Mobile, Alabama. Buffett plans to attend the renaming ceremony and perform an acoustic set. Buffett will also be presented with a key to Pascagoula. City and state legislators both have declared May 6 as Jimmy Buffett Day, a date he chose to honor his parents’ wedding anniversary.
R.E.M. Rip Donald Trump For Using Their Song
UNDATED (AP) — R.E.M. are unhappy with Donald Trump using their music at a political event, but they want voters to have their eyes on the big picture. Trump used their song “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” at a rally to oppose the Iran deal on Wednesday in Washington. R.E.M. say they did not authorize the use of the song but there are “things of greater importance at stake here.” They say American voters should not let “grandstanding politicians” distract them from the pressing issues of the day.
Janis Joplin Filmmaker Can’t Get Women to Appear in It
VENICE, Italy (AP) — A new documentary about Janis Joplin discusses how Joplin blazed a trail in rock when it was a male-dominated industry, but one thing the filmmaker admits is lacking from it is female perspective. Director Amy Berg of “Janis: Little Girl Blue” says she wanted to interview female performers from Joplin’s era, but most of them turned her down. Berg says Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane did not think that people want to see how she looks today. Berg does interview Joplin’s former bandmates and other 1960s musicians. Cat Power reads letters Joplin sent to her parents. “Janis: Little Girl Blue” is currently playing at film festivals.