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.
“American Idol” Announces Performers for Finale
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “American Idol” is lining up all sorts of entertainment for this week’s finale. Former judge Steven Tyler returns to perform, along with Vance Joy, Nile Rodgers, Janelle Monae, Echosmith, Fall Out Boy, New Kids On The Block, Pitbull, Michael McDonald, Prince Royce, Ricky Martin, The Jacksons, Jamie Foxx and Chris Brown. They will perform on Wednesday’s finale. “Idol” finalists Jax, Clark Beckham and Nick Fradiani will sing on Tuesday.
Jimmy Buffett Dispenses Advice to Graduates
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — It’s not every graduation that has a commencement speaker who shows up in flip-flops and talks about Santa Claus. The Miami Herald reports Jimmy Buffett told graduates at the University of Miami on Friday to see the world, do everything in moderation and “be Santa Claus when you can.” Buffett was given an honorary doctorate in music. He didn’t stick around after the ceremony. He said he had some fish to catch.
Judge Says B.B. King Shows No Evidence of Neglect
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The children of B.B. King are promising to keep fighting for the best care for him. A judge in Las Vegas threw out the family’s case claiming that his longtime manager, Laverne Toney, was neglecting his care and has stolen as much as a million dollars from him. The family also claimed Toney was keeping friends like Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy and Carlos Santana from visiting. A judge found no evidence that King is being abused or neglected. Toney says visits can be scheduled as they have always been. King’s physician and his attorney say they see no signs of neglect or abuse. King is 89 and in home hospice care.
Sam Smith Will Undergo Vocal Cord Surgery
UNDATED (AP) — Sam Smith will have surgery next week to fix his vocal cords. Smith writes on Instagram he’s really nervous about it but he hopes in eight weeks to be able to sing like never before. He says he will not be able to speak for three weeks after the operation. Smith said last week he has a hemorrhage on one of his vocal cords.
