LOS ANGELES (AP) — Feeling nostalgic for “American Idol”? The Hollywood Christmas Parade will be up your alley. The musical performances include Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Candice Glover, Clay Aiken, Diana Degarmo, Ace Young and Daughtry. Other performers include India.Arie, Mark McGrath, Natasha Bedingfield, Neon Trees singer Tyler Glenn, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra and Sean Kingston. Penn and Teller are the grand marshals. The parade will be in Los Angeles on November 29. It will be shown on the CW Network on December 11, and then in reruns on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel beginning December 19.
Archives for November 2015
Adele, Elvis Top Charts in U.K., Australia
NEW YORK (AP) — It probably comes as no surprise that Adele’s “Hello” is number one on the singles charts in the U.K. and in Australia. It might be a surprise who’s number one on the album charts there: Elvis Presley. “If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” makes its debut at the top of both the U.K. and Australian album charts. In the U.S., it’s number 21 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.
Cornell Gets Velvet Underground Collection
ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — The biggest collection of material about the Velvet Underground now is housed at Cornell University. Author and collector Johan Kugelberg donated 25 boxes of albums, unreleased recordings, handwritten lyrics and rare photos to Cornell’s Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections. One of the items is an oversized poster for “The Velvet Underground and Nico” that’s believed to be the only existing copy. The collection is being cataloged, but then it will be accessible to the public and to researchers for free.
“I Hope You Dance” Special Set for Thanksgiving
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Brian Wilson, Vince Gill and Graham Nash are among those who will discuss the impact of the song “I Hope You Dance.” The Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel is planning a Thanksgiving night special called “I Hope You Dance: The Power and Spirit of Song.” Lee Ann Womack, who recorded it originally, will tell stories about the creation of the song. The special will be released on DVD on Dec. 1, and a companion book comes out that same day.
Arlo Guthrie Brings “Alice’s Restaurant” to PBS
WASHINGTON, Mass. (AP) — A celebration of the “massacree” that became part of Thanksgiving tradition will run on PBS stations on Thanksgiving night. “Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary Concert with Arlo Guthrie” will feature Guthrie and his band performing that song and other Guthrie favorites. Guthrie jokes he didn’t think he’d live long enough to have to learn “Alice’s Restaurant” again, because no one writes an 18-minute monologue expecting fame and fortune. Guthrie is currently in the middle of a tour marking the song’s 50th anniversary.
Deen Castronovo Expresses Remorse Over Domestic Violence Incident
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Former Journey drummer Deen Castronovo says he was a verbally and physically abusive man. Castronovo tells The Statesman Journal of Salem, Oregon, the 24-day methamphetamine binge leading to his June arrest for domestic violence made things worse, but there’s no excuse for what he did. He is undergoing counseling for domestic violence and drug abuse. He says it’s not about clearing his name, and the only way he can get his family’s trust back is “to walk the walk.”
Santana Percussionist Raul Rekow Dies
UNDATED (AP) — Percussionist Raul Rekow, who played with Santana for 34 years, has died. Carlos Santana says on his website Rekow was “the heart beat of the band” and “redefined what it means to be a conga player.” Rekow had also performed with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Herbie Hancock.
Seal Releases “Seal 7”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Seal wanted to call his new album “Seal.” His record company objected, and no wonder. “Seal” was the name of his first album…and his second album…and his fourth one. He’s calling the new one “Seal 7.” Fans are calling it just “7” and that bugs him. He says people think there’s a mystical reason why it’s called “7” but really it’s just his seventh studio album. Number eight could be on the way. Seal says he’s halfway through making a follow-up. “Seal 7” is out tomorrow.
Glenn Frey’s Health Forces Postponement of Eagle’s Kennedy Center Honor
NEW YORK (AP) — The Eagles are dropping out of the Kennedy Center Honors because of Glenn Frey’s health problems. The Kennedy Center in Washington says The Eagles will not participate in the December 6 tribute and will postpone their honor to next year. Frey, who turns 67 tomorrow, is expected to have surgery. He told the Detroit Free Press in 1988 he has had intestinal problems for years that he blames on drug abuse. The other Kennedy Center honorees are Carole King, George Lucas, Rita Moreno, Cicely Tyson and conductor Seiji Ozawa.
Prison Office Who Sold Info on George Michael is Sentenced to Jail
LONDON (AP) — A British prison officer is going to jail for selling stories about George Michael while he was serving time for crashing his car while high. The BBC reports Amanda Watts pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office for selling information about Michael’s time in jail in 2010 to the British tabloid The Sun for about $3,300. The Sun ran five stories about Michael based on the information.