Have You Heard the News... Here are current stories about Oldies Artists in the News: Dr. Conrad Murray,Michael Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday (February 8) to involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death. Michael's family was present for the plea and outside the cortroom, father Joe Jackson stated, "My son was murdered. We need justice." Bail was set at $75,000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 5. An 8-foot tall statue of the late Nina Simone will be erected in Nina Simone Square in downtown Tyron, North Carolina-- her home town-- February 21. That would have been her 77th birthday. According to her daughter who donated them, a part of Nina's remains are embedded in the artwork. Leif Garrett was arrested by Los Angeles police Monday morning (February 1) and formally charged with heroin possession on Friday. He was spotted by officers "sweating and shaking profusely" as he was about to board a subway train. Leif was arrested previously in 2006 for a similar incident, in 1999 for allegedly attempting to buy drugs from undercover cops, in 1997 for possession and in 1979 for leaving the scene of a crash with injuries while impaired. He was released on bond Wednesday morning and is scheduled to appear in court February 24. José Feliciano filed a complaint Tuesday (February 2) with the Lee County, Florida police over harassing phone calls he has been receiving to the unlisted number at his Lehigh Acres home. The caller usually tells him to "get out." The blind José doesn't have Caller ID and the local phone company refused to identify the caller to police. A six-foot, one-inch hispanic man in his fifties was arrested at a New York bank Wednesday (February 3) after impesonating Paul Simon and trying to withdraw $4,300 from the five-foot, three-inch 68 year-old Paul's bank account. The man was armed with Paul's bank account and social security numbers as well as a forged drivers license and social security card in the singer's name. Paul indicated to police he does not know the perpetrator. Wayne Newton addressed the Virginia State House rules committee Tuesday (February 2) asking that they grant recognition to the Patawomeck (Potomac) indian tribe, from which he is descended. The committee voted unanimously to grant his request, which allows the group to be known as a tribe but does not grant sovereignty. Meanwhile, officials at a suburban Detroit airport are upset that Wayne left his $2 million private jet there three years ago for repairs and stopped paying storage fees, which now total over $60,000. The plane is not working and gathering mold (would-be buyers in 2008 reportedly "got sick" from it) and moving the plane would cost at least $30,000. Wayne has responded that he spent over $700,000 to have the plane fixed there and it still wouldn't fly. The Tennesse House approved a resolution Wednesday (February 3) honoring the late Michael Jackson-- but barely. The vote was 51-22 for the measure with 24 abstaining. At least 50 votes are needed for a measure to pass. While some legislators still remember charges against Michael of child molestation, one lawmaker noted, ""He was Elvis' son-in-law, and that ought to count for something." Ringo Starr will get his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Monday (Febrary 8). The location is in front of the Capitol Records building, not far from those of bandmates John Lennon and George Harrison. The ceremony will come fifty years to the day from when ground was broken on the tourist attraction. Incidentally, Paul McCartney was approived years ago but never set a date with the Chamber of Commerce, who require honerees attend the ceremony. Burton Cumings aced his U.S. citizen test Monday (Fenruary 1) and will be sworn in as an American citizen next month. Burton said on his MySpace page, "It wasn't difficult. Just the nervousness, but not the actual test. [The examiner] asked me the first seven questions of the ten, and I got them all right, so he said, 'You don't have to go any further." Another Canadian-turned-American, isn't doing as well. Paul Anka filed suit against his estranged wife, Anna for defamation Tuesday (February 2), claiming she only married him to get on a Swedish television program and damaging his reputation. Paul says Anna told reporters initially that she had no pre-nuptial agreement, then said he forged her signature on it, adding," 'You won't believe how much I'll get when this is over." The suit seeks "justice for a pattern of emotional violence and abuse by Anna, including a battery she committed against Paul on November 28, 2008." Johnny Depp is set to direct a documentary on Rolling Stone Keith Richard. He is set to begin work on the film next week. Johnny's last directing effort was "The Brave," thirteen years ago. Reviews were so bad that he refused to allow it to be seen in the U.S. HBO has announced plans to turn Pamela Des Barres' book, "I'm With the Band: Confessions of a Groupie" into a half-hour program. Zooey Deschanel is set to star in the pilot episode. HBO is also developing a biographical movie centered on Anita Bryant. Chad Hodge of the CW's "Runaway" series is writing the film with "Sex In The City" creator Darren Star to direct. There is no word yet on who will play the former Miss America and singer. It's official. The Guiness Book of World Records got around on Thursday (February 4) to certifying the 40,148 who sang "YMCA" with the Village People at halftime of the December 31, 2008 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas as a record. Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler's lawyer sent a letter Wednesday (January 27) to the group's management requesting they "immediately cease and desist from engaging in acts and conduct to the harm and detriment of your own client, Aerosmith, and our client who is one of its members." In othr words, that the group stop looking for a singer to replace Steven on tour. He has called a "shareholders" meeting of the group for February 9 to discuss their future plans-- including a new album and a tour of Europe and South America. The letter threatens that "we reserve all of our legal rights and remedies in this matter, including, without limitation, pursuing legal action for damages and other appropriate relief." Congratulations to the oldies artists who won Grammy Awards Sunday night (January 31) in Los Angeles: Bruce Springsteen (Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance), Booker T. Jones (Best Pop Instrumental Album), Jeff Beck (Best Rock Instrumental Performance), Levon Helm (Best Ameicana Album), Neil Young (Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package), Little Walter (Historical Album), Steve Martin (Best Bluegrass Album)-- even the Beatles (Best Long Form Music Video). In addition, "The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions" won a Grammy for its liner notes. The son of Etta James says his mother has been hospitalized in California for the past month and is battling a "urinary tract infection that led to sepsis." She originally entered a dependency program to combat painkillers and over-the-counter medicines, but her condition worsened and she was hospitalized. He also fears she is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Etta is expected to be released soon to a nursing facility for at least three weeks of physical rehabilitation. Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood checked himself into a rehabilitation in London Friday (January 29) for the eighth time, to combat dependency on alcohol. His last stint in rehab was in July of 2008. He was reportedly urged by fellow Stone Mick Jagger as well as his own family to clean himself up. Connie Francis returned to Ft. Lauderdale Beach Friday (January 29) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movie "Where The Boys Are," which she filmed there and helped usher in the "spring break" phenomenon. Connie and the mayor announced that "Where the Boys Are: Connie Francis' Great American Beach Party" would be held there on Memoial Day weekend. Sly Stone filed a $50 million lawsuit against his former manager Thursday (January 28) alleging the manager stole royalties from him over a span of 20 years. Sly also claimed the man registered "Sly & the Family Stone" in his own name, then used it to obtain millions of dollars in loans. Olivia Newton-John is in Toronto, set to appear in the movie, "Score: A Hockey Musical," which begins filming February 1. Olivia has co-written and will perform one song in the film, which is set to open October 22. Austin Roberts ("Rocky," "Something's Wrong With Me") suffered the beginnings of a heart attack two weeks ago and underwent a triple bypass surgery. He is resting in Baptist Hosptal in Nashville. Cards can be sent to: Baptist Hospital 2000 Church St. Nashville, TN 37236 Attn: George Robertson Susan Jacks announced on her Facebook page Tuesday (January 26) that she will undergo a kidney transplant on February 17. The organ will come from her younger brother, Billy (whose name was immortalized in her 1970 Poppy Family hit, "Which Way You Goin' Billy?". The 61 year-old is currently on dialysis while battling liver kidney failure. The 2009 inductees into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame were announced Wednesday (January 27). They are: America, the Ames Brothers, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Louis Armstrong, Frankie Avalon, Brook Benton, the Buckinghams, Glen Campbell, the Chordettes, Petula Clark, Sam Cooke, the Dave Clark Five, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Buddy Holly & the Crickets, Sammy Davis, Jr., the Doors, the Drifters, Tommy Edwards, 5th Dimension, Eddie Fisher, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Horton, "Tennessee" Ernie Ford, the Four Aces, the Four Lads, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Lesley Gore, Michael Jackson & the Jackson Five, Joni James, Sonny James, Billy Joel, George Jones, Kitty Kallen, KC & the Sunshine Band, Andy Kim, Carole King, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Little Richard, Barry Manilow, Al Martino, Mamas & The Papas, the McGuire Sisters, Les Paul & Mary Ford, Peter, Paul & Mary, Gene Pitney, the Platters, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Helen Reddy, Marty Robbins, the Rolling Stones, Jimmie Rodgers, Bobby Rydell, Del Shannon, Simon & Garfunkel, Jo Stafford, Barbra Streisand, the Temptations, Three Dog Night, Bobby Vee, Bobby Vinton, Dionne Warwick and Andy Williams. Voting will begin soon on the 2010 class. Rolf Harris was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters during winter graduation ceremonies at Hope University in Liverpool Tuesday (January 25). "They said it was in honour of me making art and music so accessible to the general public," said the teary 79 year-old, "and that's exactly what I hope I've done over the years." Marie Osmond was honored as the Woman of the Year by the Nevada Ballet Theatre Saturday (January 23) in Las Vegas. The honor was bestowed for her work on behalf of the Children's Miracle Network. Phoebe Snow underwent emergency brain surgery Tuesday (January 19) after suffering a hemmorhage at her home in New Jersey. Her manager said on Thursday she was in serious condition in intensive care at the undisclosed hospital. In a statement, her manager said, ""Phoebe is a very strong person and she is stable now. It is too early to assess any residual motor damage, and we are taking it day-by-day, but doctors are hopeful for a complete recovery." Larry "L.A." Johnson, who produced the Neil Young documentary film "Rust Never Sleeps," the Joni Mitchell documentary, "Shadows And Light" and other worked on many other contemporary music projects as producer, director or editor, died Thursday (January 21) at his home in Redwood City, California. He was 62. Larry was nominated for an Academy Award for his sound editing work on the "Woodstock" movie. Robert "Squirrel" Lester, second tenor and founding member of the Chi-Lites died of cancer Friday (January 22) at the age of 67. The McComb, Mississippi native started out singing with Clarence Johnson and Eugene Record in his adopted home town of Chicago in a group called the Chanteurs in the late '50s-- even releasing a record on the Renee label. They joined up with Marshall Thompson and Creadel Jones in 1963 as the Hi-Lites. The following year they added the "C" at the beginning to avoid a conflict with another group using that name and to celebrate their Windy City heritage. Recordings for Mercury, Blue Rock, Ja-Wes and Dakar Records showed promise but little chart action until a switch to the Brunswick label (with its producer Carl Davis and songwriter Barbara Acklin-- who later married Eugene) in 1969 changed their fortunes. "Give It Away" reached only #88 on the pop charts, but crashed into the R&B top ten, beginning a string of 23 pop and 43 R&B chart records, including "Oh Girl" (#1 on both charts, 1972), "Have You Seen Her" (#3 pop, #1 R&B, 1971), "Give More Power To The People" (#26 pop, #4 R&B, 1971), Stoned Out Of My Mind" (#30 pop, #2 R&B, 1973) and "A Letter To Myself" (#33 pop, #3 R&B, 1973). Robert continued with the group through its many incarnations, even singing lead on "Oh Girl" in concert in later years. Robert and the Chi-Lites were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005. Said Marshall in a statement, "Today I am mourning the loss of my dear partner and friend, Robert 'Squirrel' Lester. He and I have been performing together for the past 50 years and now I am facing the reality that my friend has left me behind. I pray for peace to his family, friends and to each of you. I also ask that you include me in your prayers as I attempt to accept his passing." The Bay City Rollers will be in a New York courtroom March 1 as their lawsuit against former U.S. label Arista Records begins. The group is demanding more than $100 million in unpaid royalties. The lawsuit says the only royalty check they ever got from the U.S. was for $215,000 in 1997. Cher auctioned off a home she built in the Four Seasons' Hualalai resort in Hawaii Monday (January 18) for $8.7 million. The 8,800-square-foot home, built last year but never lived in, has 6 bedrooms and a pool with spa overlooking the resort's golf course. Rush (and five of their tunes) will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriter's Hall of Fame March 28 in Toronto. Charlie Daniels suffered a mild stroke while snowmobiling near his home in Durango, Colorado Friday (January 15) and was released from a hospital in Denver Sunday. His publicist said the 73 year-old is resting at home and has no plans to delay any concert dates. Carl Smith, the Country Music Hall of Famer who charted 93 times between 1951 and 1978, died Saturday (January 16) at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. He was 82. The Maynardsville, Tennessee native's biggest country hits included "Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way" (#1-1951), "Are You Teasing Me" (31-1952), "Hey Joe!" (#1-1953) and "Loose Talk" (31, 1954); but he also managed three minor pop hits-- "Your Name Is Beautiful" (#80-1958), "Guess I've Been Around Too Long" (#93-1958) and "Ten Thousand Drums" (#43-1959). He was June Carter's first husband before Johnny Cash (Carl and June's daughter is country singer Carlene Carter). He also was married to the late singer Goldie Hill. Carl hosted a Grand Ole Opry segment on Kate Smith's "Main Street Music Hall" TV show in 1952 and in 1961 he co-hosted the program, "Five Star Jubilee" on ABC. He also hosted a Canadian "Carl Smith's Country Music Hall" program and starred in the 1956 movie, "Buffalo Guns." He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003, 26 years after he "retired." Clarence Clemons, sax player with Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band, underwent successful back surgery Wednesday (January 13) in New York. He told the Associated Press he was "looking forward to a brighter future and playing more music." A low-buget, irreverent film about Tom Jones, which has only been seen in small South Wales theatres until now, will get the full red-carpet treatment January 25 in London. "A Bit Of Tom Jones?"-- a local production-- has been seen by over 10,000 fans at the each of the theatres it's played in for the last six weeks. No one knows if Tom will appear at the premiere. "We sent him a copy but we haven't heard back. I hope he realises it is meant to be a laugh," said producers. Teddy Pendergrass, a drummer who became the lead singer with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes on hits like "If You Don't Know Me By Now" (#3-1972) and "The Love I Lost" (#7-1973), then on his own with eleven solo chart records from 1978 to 1997, died of colon cancer Wednesday (January 13) at a suburban Philadelphia hospital. He was 59. The Philadelphia native had undergone colon cancer surgery eight months ago. An auto accident in 1982 left him paralyzed from the waist down. As a solo artist, he was best known for 1978's "Close The Door" (#25) but continued performing until his retirement in 2006, even appearing in a touring company of the musical "Your Arms Too Short To Box With God" in 1996. Bobby Charles, who wrote Fats Domino's hit, "Walkin' To New Orleans" as well as Bill Haley's "See You Later Alligator" and "I Don't Know Why (But I Do)" from Clarence "Frogman" Henry, died Thursday (January 14) in New Orleans at the age of 71. He had suffered from diabetes and was in remission from kidney cancer. The Abbeville, Louisiana native recorded on his own, as well, and even appeared in the film, "The Last Waltz" with the Band. His latest recording, "Timeless," is scheduled for release February 23. Leon Russell underwent five hours of brain surgery Monday (January 11) in a California hospital to repair a "chronic condition." The 67 year-old's web site says he is in good condition, will be released in a "few days" and hopes to resume touring in March. Doug Fieger, guitarist with the Knack and lead singer on "My Sharona," announced Monday (January 11) that he is battling brain and lung cancer. He had a piece of his lung removed two years ago but has suffered 22 brain tumors since. He has undergone three craniotomies and whole- brain radiation. Incidentally, the "real" Sharona was Doug's girlfriend at the time. But it's his ex-wife Mia who is helping to take care of him now. Phil Sanchez, falsetto voice with the Excellents ("Coney Island Baby") and Excellons ("Sunday Kind Of Love" #51-1963) died on his 67th birthday Sunday, January 10 after a long illness. Roy Orbison's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will be unveiled January 29. Roy's widow and sons are expected to be on hand for the ceremony. The Nashville City Council will be asked Tuesday (January 19) to rename Music East Square on Music Row there as "Patsy Cline Boulevard." The city planning commission has already approved the ordinance but it must be read three times by the council before adoption. Ringo Starr has requested that all his fans honor him on his 70th birthday, July 7, by making the "peace sign" V-gesture at Noon that day, wherever they are. Mick Green, influential guitarist with Johnny Kidd & the Pirates and Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, died Monday (January 11). No cause of death was given. He also recorded with artists such as Paul McCartney and Van Morrison. Mick was 65. Congratulations to Lulu, who became a grandmother December 29 when daughter-in-law Alanna gave birth to little Isabelle Rose. Son Jordan is already calling the singer "Nana Lu." Sam Cooke was spotlighted on PBS-TV's "American Masters" series Monday (January 11). The U.S. Social Security commission enlisted the aid of Chubby Checker Friday (January 8) to promote a new "twist" in the prescription assistance law that makes millions more senior citizens eligible. British producer Tony Clarke, who gave us recordings by Eddy Grant's Equals and Yes' Rick Wakeman, but most notably the classic albums of the Moody Blues, died Monday (January 4) at the age of 68. Willie Mitchell, one-time owner of Hi Records and Royal Studios in Memphis and producer of artists like Al Green and Ann Peebles, died in a hospital there Tuesday (January 5) after suffering cardiac arrest December 19. He was 81. As an artist, the Ashland, Mississippi trumpeter charted with nine tunes, including "20-75" (#31-1964) and "Soul Serenade" (#23-1968). Most recently, he wrote arrangements for Rod Stewart's latest album of soul cover tunes. The street in front of Wille's recording studio was named in his honor in 2004. He also received the Trustees Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences in 2008. The Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson), who died in a 1959 plane crash in Mason City, Iowa along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, will be inducted September 5 into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame. The announcement was made Monday (January 4). Disk Jockey Bob Hale, who emceed the three's last concert at the Surf Ballroom in nearby Clear Lake, will be inducted, as well. Buddy, Ritchie and the Surf Ballroom have all previously been honored. Donny Osmond is branching out into radio, recording a new daily syndicated show on 60 stations across the country beginning January 18. Yoko Ono has announced that she is writing her memoirs, including her years with late-husband John Lennon. She expects to finish in the next five years, however. Composer and performer Burt Bacharach is recovering from back surgery December 31 in Los Angeles. The 81 year-old has rescheduled his concerts through March, as a result. "Come Fly Away," a stage musical featuring songs made popular by Frank Sinatra, will debut on Broadway March 1 with an official opening set for March 25. The legendary Twyla Tharp will choreograph the musical, about four couples who fallin and out of love. It premiered in Atlanta last year. It's been learned that Anthony "T-Bone" Bellamy, guitarist with Redbone, died of liver failure Christmas morning in Las Vegas at the age of 63. Born Anthony Avila, he had played with Dobie Gray and a pre- cursor to the band Moby Grape before forming Redbone with bothers Pat and Lolly Vegas and Peter DePoe in 1969. The name came from a cajun term for a mixed-race person. Their first, self-tiled, album came in 1970 but it was their second, that yielded the #45 single, "Maggie," early the next year. It was followed by two more chart hits-- "The Witch Queen Of New Orleans" (#21-1972) and "Come And Get Your Love" (#5-1974). Tony left the group between 1977 and 1998. The group was inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2008. Eddie Money made a surprise appearance at the Liberty Bowl game between East Carolina and Arkansas Saturday night (January 2) performing his hit, "Two Tickets To Paradise," at halftime. Arkansas won the game, by the way, in overtime. The U.S. Postal Service announced its commemorative stamps for 2010 Wednesday (December 30). Gene Autry and Roy Rogers will be honored as part of an American Cowboy series. Kate Smith will also be on a stamp, as will Mother Teresa, Kathryn Hepburn and cartoonist Bill Mauldin. A series honoring Sunday newspaper cartoons (including "Archie") will be issued, as well. Meanwhile, the British Royal Mail will issue a series of stamps depicting legendary album covers January 7. Among the ten honorees are "Let It Bleed" fro the Rolling Stones, Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells," David Bowie's "Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust" and the album known simply as "Led Zeppeliv IV." Burton Cummings and Neil Young were both announced as recipient of the Officers of the Order of Canada in New Years honors announced Wednesday (December 30). It is the second highest honor bestowed in the country by the Governor General on behalf of the Queen. They both had previously been given Members of the Order of Canada awards. Investure will follow at a later date. Queen Elizabeth announced the British New Years honors Thursday (December 31) and the band Status Quo ("Pictures Of Matchstick Men") are to be given OBE (Order of the British Empire) medals. Former Shadows bassist Jet Harris, who also charted on his own and with former Shadows drummer Tony Meehan, gets an MBE (Member of the British Empire). Also on the list was actor Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard from "Star Trek: The Next Generation"), who will be knighted. Hold off on those congratulations to Van Morrison. On Monday (December 28) it was reported that he had become a father again at the age of 64. The mother was reportedly Van's manager. Now comes work that the announcement was placed on his web site by hackers and Van will have to settle for the three children he already has-- and his happily-married wife, Michelle. He's still facing 11 or more counts of sexual assault in a separate case, but Joseph Brooks, the composer of "You Light Up My Life" and writer and director of the movie of the same name, agreed to an out- of-court settlement with his ex-fiance, who turned out to be already married. Joseph had sued the woman-- 48 years his junior-- for $2 million and the return of expensive gifts and a $60,000 engagement ring last October. Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and Doris Day's "Pillow Talk" were among 25 films inducted Wednesday (December 30) into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Also included were such films as "The Incredible Shrinking Man," "Dog Day Afternoon" and "The Muppet Movie." As you might expect, the city of Memphis and the state of Tennessee will declare January 8-- what would have been Elvis Presley's birthday-- "Elvis Presley Day" there. Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley will be on hand to kick off the year-long celebration of "Elvis75." James Taylor will sing the national anthem before the Boston Bruins-Philadelphia Flyers NHL Winter Classic hockey game January 1 at Fenway Park in Boston. James had previously sung the anthem at Fenway for game two of the World Series in 2007. Police were called both Wednesday and Thursday (December 23 and 24) to Paul Anka's Hollywood Hills home when Paul's estranged wife, Anna refused to let him see his children or attend Christmas Eve dinner (Paul has been staying in a hotel since their separation). In both cases police left without making an arrest. A couple filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Thursday (December 24), claiming Gene Simmons attacked them and confiscated their camera after they began filming him (while asking a question about his view on monogamy) at a mall there last Saturday (December 19). The couple had sought a restraining order against the Kiss star Tuesday but that was denied by the court. They are seeking $25,000 in the incident. José Feliciano received an apology Wednesday (December 23) from two radio producers who created a parody of his tune "Feliz Navidad," criticizing illegal aliens. The song was posted on a magazine web site, which has since removed it. James Gurley, guitarist with Big Brother & the Holing Company, died of a heart attack Sunday (December 20), just two days shy of his 70th birthday. James joined the band in 1965 and for a short while, had an affair with its singer, Janis Joplin. He switched to bass when the band reformed in 1969 and eventually left in 1996. Roling Stone Ronnie Wood was given a formal "caution" Tuesday (December 22) from police in Surrey in regards to his abuse of his then-girlfriend on a street there December 2. Said Ronnie, "I am greatly relieved that this matter is resolved." Steven Tyler of Aerosmith issue a statement Tuesday (December 22) that he had entered a rehabilitation facility to handle his use of painkillers. In the release, Steven said, "I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain and am eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my bandmates." Bill Cosby will be given the Marian Anderson Award in Philladelphia April 6. It goes to "artists who use their art to change society." Billy Burnette, former Fleetwood Mac member and son of Dorsey Burnette, underwent quintuple heart bypass surgery in a Nashville hospital Wednesdayu (December 16). The 56 year-old has most recently been playing with John Fogerty's Blue Ridge Rangers. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has filed a nearly $185,000 tax lien against Marvin Gaye III, the adopted son of the late singer and nephew of Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. The lien was filed November 4. Teddy Vann, co-writer of the 1963 Johnny Thunder hit, "Loop De Loop" as well as 1991's "Power Of Love" by Luther Vandross, died of cancer in Brooklyn December 6 at the age of 76.He also produced songs by the Bobbettes, Jimmy Jones, Dave "Baby" Cortez, the Essex and former Ronette, Estelle Bennett (who was also his sister-in-law). As an artist, he's probably best remembered for the 1973 recording, "Santa Claus Is a Black Man." Sam Moore of Sam & Dave will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement honor by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artistsa (AFTRA)-- the performer's union-- at their 2010 Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards February 22 in New York. Plans for a 2010 UK tour of the stage musical "Come Dancing," with music by Ray Davies of the Kinks have been cancelled. No reason was given though has said an official announcement will be issued in the future. Cher is auctioning off a home she built in the Four Seasons' Hualalai resort in Hawaii. The home, built last year but never lived in, is expected to fetch between 8 and 12 million dollars. The Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2010 class of inductees Tuesday (December 15). The surprise inductees are the Hollies, Genesis, ABBA, the Stooges and Jimmy Cliff. In addition the Hall will open for manager and label owner David Geffen and songwriters Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Jeff Barry & Ellie Greenwich, Otis Blackwell, Mort Schuman and Jesse Stone. Induction will take place March 15 in Manhattan. Donny Osmond was forced to cancel his concert with sister Marie Tuesday night (December 15) in Las Vegas because he lost his voice. He'sw the latest in a long line of singers who've had trouble with the dry desert air in Vegas. Philip Vance, the son of songwriter Paul Vance and the voice of the child Michael on Clint Holmes' 1973 hit, "Playground In My Mind," has passed away. He was only 44. Philip was seven when he was enlisted in early 1972 to sing the song, written by his father and Lee Pockriss. It initially failed to chart but was re-released the following year and this time reached #2. Joining the list of rockers penning their memoirs is Rick Springfield. Rick announced Tuesday (December 15) that his autobiography, "Late, Late At Night," will be published in October. The "extremely candid" book will detail his career, as well as a life-long battle with depression. Kenny Dino, who recorded the 1961 hit "Your Ma Said You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night" (#24), died of a heart attack while driving on a Florida highway early Thursday morning (December 10) near his home in Cocoa, Florida. He was 70. Kenny was born in Queens, New York and grew up in Long Island. After a stint in the Navy he settled on a recording career, performing at one point in San Antonio, Texas with Doug "Sir Douglas" Sahm. Initial recordings on the Arrow and Dot labels were unsuccessful, but when Aaron Schroeder at Musicor picked up his recording of "Your Ma Said You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night"-- a tune Kenny actually disliked-- he had his one-and-only hit. While Kenny was friends with songwriter Doc Pomus (he had recorded the demo for Doc's Elvis Presley hit, "Good Luck Charm") and wanted his own follow-up to be Doc's "Suspicion," Aaron insisted on "Rosie, Why Do You Wear My Ring." It and all subsequent recordings for Musicor and later Smash and Columbia Records, failed to chart. And "Suspicion" became a hit down the road for Terry Stafford. Despite this, Kenny never gave up performing. In fact, he was returning from two concerts in Melbourne, Florida when he died. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the recipents of their Lifetime Achievement Grammys Thursday (December 10). Bobby Darin, Michael Jackson, Loretta Lynn, bluesman David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Leonard Cohen, conductor/pianist André Previn and jazz artist Clark Terry will be honored in a ceremony January 30, the day before the Grammy Awards. In addition, Trustees Awards will go to Scepter Records president Florence Greenberg and Nashville recording studio head Harold Bradley. The Academy will also give a technical award (rather belatedly) to Thomas Alva Edison. Victor Willis, former lead singer of the Village People, settled a lawsuit Wednesday (December 9) that he filed against the organizers of the 2009 Sun Bowl for utilizing the current version of the group and misleading "the public to believe that Willis would be performing at the Sun Bowl halftime show." Terms were not disclosed but the Sun Bowl agreed to use a disclaimer in the unlikely event they ever book the group again. Bad weather grounded Wayne Newton's plane in Las Vegas and forced him to miss an appearance Monday (December 7) on CBS-TV's "Late, Late Show" with Craig Ferguson in Los Angeles. Autopsy results released Tuesday (December 8) reveal that Bruce Springsteen's cousin and assistant road manager, Lenny Sullivan, died last October of an accidental drug overdose-- specifically "acute amphetamine and heroin intoxication." Paul Anka filed for divorce from his wife of 18 months, Anna Thursday (Decemer 3) after police were called to their Thousand Oaks, California home because of a domestic dispute between the two. Paul, who has been staying at a hotel, arrived to pick up their child and take him to school when the couple got into an argument over a maid Anna had recently fired. Anna called police twice saying she was fearful because Paul had pulled a gun on her the night before. Paul invited the officers to view the home's surveillance videos where no such incident was seen, so the police left without action. In a previous dispute in November of 2008, Anna threw ice at Paul so hard that he had to be taken to the hospital for stitches in his head and she was arrested for felony domestic battery. The case was later dropped when Paul refused to press charges. Alexa Ray Joel, Daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley, was rushed to a New York hospital Saturday (December 5) after she called paramedics saying she'd taken an overdose of what she termed "homeopathic" pills. The 23 year-old singer/songwriter left the hospital Sunday morning. A plaque was unveiled Thursday (December 3) outside the Deptfort, South London flat where Mark Knopfler, his brother and a friend lived and got their musical start 32 years ago. Said the former Dire Straits leader, "We ran the power out of the back window over the balcony to the set next to the road and waited for a crowd to gather." Frankie Valli, Count Basie and Les Paul are among the 15 new inductees into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, announced by Governor- elect Chris Chrstie Friday (December 4). Among the others in the third class of inductees are Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Susan Sarandon and Woodrow Wilson. Bruce Springsteen and Dave Brubeck were saluted by President Obama at a White House reception Sunday afternoon December 6) and that evening received the Kennedy Center Honor. They also were given a dinner in their honor by the State Department Saturday night. Others feted were actors Robert DeNiro, and Mel Brooks and opera singer Grace Bumbry. Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Woods was arrested in Claygate, Surrey, England Wednesday night (December 2) on suspicion of assault "in connection with a domestic incident." The 62 year-old Ronnie was released Thursday and pending further inquiries will be in court in January. The incident apparently involved his 20 year-old Russian girlfriend. However, a spokesperson simply said, "I can confirm that there was an incident last night and that Ronnie Wood was arrested. He has since been released on police bail. We have no further statement to make at this time." The couple reportedly split up, however, on Monday. Eric Woolfson, co-founder,singer and keyboardist with the Alan Parson's Project on such hits as "Time"(#15-1981), "Games People Play" (#16-1881), "Don't Answer Me" (#15-1984) and "Eye In The Sky" (##3-1982) died of cancer Tuesday (December 1) in London at the age of 64. The Glasgow, Scotland native had written songs for Marianne Faithfull and Frank Ifield, been a producer for artists like the Tremeloes and the Equals and worked as an engineer on the Beatles' "Abbey Road" album and Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" before collaborating with Alan. Together they released 10 albums and charted with eight top 40 American hits, though in the UK they were limited to two singles that never got any higher than #58. Eric's stage musical based on the life of Edgar Allen Poe debuted in Berlin this year. Aaron Schroeder, who wrote over 2,000 songs-- most notably the Elvis Presley hits "It's Now Or Never," "Good Luck Charm," "Stuck On You," "Big Hunk O' Love" and "I Got Stung", died Wednesday (December 2) of a form of Alzheimers-like dementia in Englewood, New Jersey. He was 83. All-told, he wrote 17 songs that the King recorded, four of which went to #1. Aaron also produced the Gene Pitney hits "Town Without Pity," "(The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence" and "Only Love Can Break A Heart." It's said that his songs were recorded by such diverse artists as the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Dione Warwick, Perry Como, Sammy Davis, Jr., Art Garfunkel, Nat King Cole and Arlo Guthrie-- including Annete's "First Name Initial," Frank Gari's "Utopia," "Rubber Ball" by Bobby Vee and Pat Boone's "Twixt Twelve And Twenty". He later worked with animators Hanna-Barbera, providing songs and recordings for children's shows including the theme for "Scooby Doo, Where Are You?". The New York City annex of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame will close its doors January 3 after just one year in operation. Said a spokesperson, "There is no doubt the economy factored into our leaving, but overall we had a good year." A Kinks biographical movie is in the works. The film is said to revolve around the relations betweens the group's Ray and Dave Davies. Julien Temple, who previously directed a documentary on the Sex Pistols, will helm the movie, tentatively called "You Really Got Me." Ray Davies is reportedly involved in the production. No release date or cast has been announced, but Julien says the actors will be required to play for themselves, "I think you would want to have the music played by the actors... that is believable and real while miming is problematic." And a movie is also in the works about Jimi Hendrix, but this one will be fiction. The story concerns a legendary "lost weekend" in 1969 when Jimi is supposedly kidnapped by two mobsters and taken on a road trip where all three learn a valuable lesson. "Slide" will not feature any of Jimi's music. Shirley Bassey and Tupac Shakur were among the surprise choices as the Vatican chose a dozen songs for a playlist to help launch the MySpace music service. Also included were a Mozart piece, songs by Muse and Fleet Foxes and a work by Pope Benedict himself. A spokesman said, ""The genres are very different from each other, but all these artists share the aim to reach the heart of good minded people." Congratulations to Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Herb Alpert, Booker T., Hall & Oates, Allen Toussaint, Mick Fleetwood, Levon Helms, Michael Murphy, Steve Martin, Mavis Staples, Loudon Wainwright III, the Beatles-- even Johnny Cash and Woody Guthrie. They were all nominated Wednesday (December 2) for Grammy Awards. The winners will be announcved January 31 in Los Angeles. The United Nations designated Stevie Wonder a"Messenger Of Peace" at a news conference Thursday (December 3). "[H]e has consistently used his voice and special relationship with the public to create a better and more inclusive world, to defend civil and human rights and to improve the lives of those less fortunate," said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a staement Tuesday. Previous honrees have included actors George Clooney, Michael Douglas and Charlize Theron. to Oldies Music Home Page © 1997-2010, Ronald P. Smith. All rights reserved.