LONDON (AP) — A case of musical diplomacy? Or musical delusion? Depends on who you ask when it comes to Elton John and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The singer says he had a phone chat with the Russian leader to chew the fat over that country’s attitude toward gays. In his Instagram post, John thanked Putin for the call and said he looked forward to meeting him in person to discuss Russia’s treatment of gays. So far, so good, right? Only trouble: Russia says it didn’t happen. A rep for Putin says there was no call — though the government spokesman says the Russian president is open to chatting with Elton John — even if it’s to discuss gay rights issues.

NEW YORK (AP) — A number of popular singers are turning up for the pope. Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Gloria Estefan and Andrea Bocelli will be performing at various events during Pope Francis’ visit to New York City and Philadelphia. Hudson and Estefan will perform at a Madison Square Garden concert before an evening mass. And Franklin will perform for the pontiff during an outdoor festival on Sept. 26.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Backstreet Boy Nick Carter says he’s never been much of a dancer. That’s why he decided to do “Dancing With the Stars.” So far, he’s off to a good start on season 21 of the ABC show. He tied for highest score on last night’s season premiere. Carter had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction when the button on his pants popped. Among other musicians on the show, Tamar Braxton was just a point off the leaders’ pace and Andy Grammer scored in the middle of the pack. But Chaka Khan faces possible elimination. She was second-to-last on the judges’ leaderboard with her cha cha. The first eliminations of the season will come on next Monday’s show.

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.”

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.