Have You Heard the News... Here are current stories about Oldies Artists in the News: War has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming their 1974 song, "Why Can't We Be Friends" was used without permission in a television commercial for Pepsi Max. The group is seeking $10 million in damages. Montclarion State University in Montclair, New Jersey officially opened its newest dormitory Tuesday (August 31)-- Francis Albert Sinatra Hall. The name was chosen by student vote two years ago. A 15-minute documentary about an altercation between Burton Cummings and a "fan" in a Winnipeg 7-Eleven in 1985-- where Burton was assaulted with a beer bottle-- will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival September 15. "Negativipeg" is the last in a trilogy of films revolving around the former Guess Who singer The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced their 2010 class of inductees Tuesday (August 31). Steve Cropper, member of Booker T & the MGs and co-writer of such Stax Records hits as "Green Onions," "Dock Of The Bay," "Knock On Wood" and "In The Midnight Hour", will be joined (posthumously) by Paul Davis, who wrote his own biggest hits, "Sweet Life," "I Got Crazy" and "'65 Love Affair." Another inductee goes back a bit before the oldies era-- 19th century composer Stephen Foster. Jackson Browne postponed his Buffalo, New York concert Monday (August 30) because of an unspecified illness. "Efforts are being made to reschedule," said his Web site, "and at this time his tour will resume on September 1, 2010." Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and the Yardbirds is set to publish a photo-biography of his career. The 500-page autographed book will have 650 photographs and be limited to 2,500 copies-- mainly because of its $690 price tag. Wayne Newton has found a solution for the rapidly-escalating storage fees for his private jet at a Michigan airport. He disassembled the plane and moved it to his Las Vegas home, where it was re-assembled in his back yard! Marvin Hamlisch was named principal conductor Friday (August 27) of the Pasadena (California) Pops Orchestra. He will conduct four concerts at the Rose Bowl next summer and assist in fundraising. George David Weiss, who co-wrote the Elvis Presley standard, "Can't Help Falling In Love," Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World," Kay Starr's "Wheel Of Fortune" and adapted "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" from the South African tune "Wimoweh," died Monday at his home in Oldwick, New Jersey. He was 89. George also was responsible for Broadway productions like "Mr. Wonderful" with Sammy Davis, Jr. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984. Kenny Edwards-- founding member of the Stone Poneys who played behind artists like Linda Rondstadt, Don Henley and Warren Zevon-- died Wednesday (August 18) at a Santa Barbara, California hospital from prostate cancer and a blood disorder. Kenny was 64. He had been airlifted from a Denver hospital August 13 after collapsing there while in concert with Karla Bonoff. A benefit concert in Ventura, California Sunday (August 22) will now be a memorial, instead. Plans were announced Wednesday (August18) to bring "Lawdy Miss Clawdy- The Musical" to Broadway around Thanksgiving, 2011. The stage musical is written by and surrounds the life and career of Lloyd Price and includes the music of Hall of Famer Dave Bartholomew. Casting will begin next February or March. It's been learned that Richard "Scar" Lopez, founding member of the East Los Angeles group, Cannibal and the Headhunters, died of lung cancer July 30 at the age of 65 in a hospital in Garden Grove, California. Formed along with Frankie "Cannibal" Garcia, Robert "Rabbit" Jaramillo and his brother Joe "Yo Yo" Jaramillo, Cannibal and the Headhunters were discovered and signed by Rampart Records, who released their version of Chris Kenner's "Land Of 1000 Dances" in 1965. While it only rose to #30 on the charts, it allowed the group to appear on "American Bandstand" and "Hullabaloo" as well as open for the Beatles at their legendary Shea Stadium concert n New York. Scar (named for the result of an accident he suffered at a Los Angeles Boy's Club at age 13) reportedly left the group when he was reprimanded for gambling on the Beatles' tour and the remaining three members broke up two years later. A re-release of "Land Of 1000 Dances" bubbled under (#106) for the group in 1966, as did "Nau Ninny Nau" (#133) that year. But the lasting contribution of Scar and the others would be as the role models they served to a generation of hispanic musicians. They were inducted into the Chicano Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Ted Kowalski, tenor singer with Toronto's Diamonds on hits like "Little Darlin'" (#2-1957)," and "The Stroll" (#4-1958), died August 8 of heart disease at his home in Whitby, Ontario. He was 79. Ted formed the group with Stan Fisher, Phil Leavitt and Bill Reed in 1954 while students at the University of Toronto. With the addition of David Somerville (a sound engineer at the TV station they were performing at), they travelled to New York and recorded briefly for Coral Records there. Finding no initial success, they sought out Cleveland DJ Bill Randle, who hooked them up with Mercury Records. Besides their original hits, they were known for covers of tunes such as "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" (#12-1956), "Church Bells May Ring" (#14-1956), "Words Of Love" (#13-1957) and "Silhouettes" (#10-1957). Ted left the Diamonds in 1958 to obtain an engineering degree at the university and made that his life's work. The Diamonds received the Canadian Juno Lifetime Achievement Award in 1984. They were also inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame in 2006. The State of Tennessee will officially dedicate a section of I-40 outside Memphis as the "Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway" on Friday (August 20). Speakers will include Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton and Isaac's songwriting partner at Stax Records, David Porter. Ringo Starr's birthplace-- where he lived in for the first three months of his life-- will be demolished soon as part of an urban renewal project in Liverpool. The current owner says it has no attraction to tourists. The home Ringo moved to and lived in for the next twenty years will escape the wrecking ball. However, former BBC Radio 1 DJ Emperor Rosko announced Wednesday (August 18) that he is attempting to put together a group to buy the home and make it a tourist attraction despite those claims. Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, has filed for divorce from his father, Joe after 60 years of marriage. They are already separated. It's a good thing "American Idol" judges sit down. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler-- who sources say has signed to join the Fox-TV show-- was bumped into by guitarist Joe Perry while performing in concert in Toronto Tuesday (August 17) and fell from a catwalk into the crowd below. Unlike a fall last year where he broke his leg, Steven reportedly was unhurt. Ted Nugent pled no contest Friday (August 12) in a Yuba County, California courtroom to misdemeanor charges of baiting a deer and not having a properly signed hunting tag in connection with his taped appearance on the Outdoor Channel television program, "Spirit of the Wild." Ted was ordered to pay a $1,750 fine. Their home town of Berwyn, Illinois will dedicate "Ides of March Way" on September 12, according to group leader Jim Peterik's Facebook page. Carl ("Blue Suede Shoes") Perkins was posthumously honored Thursday (August 12) with a brass music note on Memphis' Beale Street Walk of Fame. The ceremony followed by one week the induction of R&B singer William Bell ("Tryin' To Love Two"). Meanwhile, Buck Owens was honored posthumously with a star on the Bakersfield, California Walk of Stars Wednesday (August 11), one day shy of what would have been his 81st birthday. Richard Hayward, drummer and founding member of Los Angeles band, Little Feat, died Thursday (August 12) from complications of liver cancer. He was 64. Richard and Lowell George had played together in the Factory before creating Little Feat with Bill Payne and Roy Estrada in 1969. The group broke up in 1979 shortly before Lowell died from an accidental overdose. Richard re-formed the band in 1987 and kept playing in it until health problems forced his retirement last year. The group never had a single appear on the American charts but six of their albums made the top 40. And Robert Wilson, bass player for the Gap Band on hits like "Early In The Morning" and "You Dropped A Bomb On Me," died Sunday (August 15) at his suburban Los Angeles home from a heart attack at the age of 53. Robert, along with his brothers Ronnie and Charlie, started the group in their home town of Tulsa, Oklahoma in the mid-'70s. They charted ten times on the pop charts between 1979 and 1985 but had 33 R&B chart hits. Patti Labelle will join the cast of the Broadway musical, "Fela," beginning September 14 and running through its scheduled close January 2. The musical centers around the life of Nigerian political activist and performer Fela Kuti. Myrna Smith, a member of the Sweet Inspirations ("Sweet Inspiration") who backed up Elvis Presley in concert, is on kidney dialysis and recovering from a stroke in Los Angeles. She was hospitalized in London for three weeks beginning March 10 while part of a European "Elvis On Tour" concert earlier this year. Part of the proceeds from a performance by some of Elvis' former backup musicians in Memphis Thursday night (August 12) was donated to aid with her medical bills. The 1972 documentary film, "Ladies and Gentlemen... the Rolling Stones" will be shown one-time only in 531 American thaetres September 16. The screening is by the same company that presented the Elvis Presley documentary, "Elvis On Tour" last month. The parole hearing for Mark David Chapman, convicted murderer of John Lennon, has been postponed until early September while the parole board awaits "more [unspecified] information so that it has a complete record." John's widow, Yoko Ono, announced through her lawyer July 27 that she has written a letter to the New York State Division of Parole opposing Chapman's release. The board had noted then that it had received four letters opposing parole and two letters in favor, but declined to say who they were from. The 55 year-old Chapman has been incarcerated for nearly 30 years and has been denied parole five times. Said Yoko in her letter, "I am afraid it will bring back the nightmare, the chaos and confusion once again. Myself and John's two sons would not feel safe for the rest of our lives." Over 50 Gibson guitars (mostly acoustic) autographed by Les Paul and meant as gifts for artists like Madonna, Sting, Prince-- even Lindsay Lohan-- but never claimed, will be auctioned off in London in October. Les gave away over 100 such guitars to celebrities and musicians since the '90s, but refused to ship them or to give them to the PR agents of the intended recipients-- hence the large number of unclaimed gifts. Phelps "Catfish" Collins, guitarist with Parliament/Funkadelic as well as James Brown and brother of Bootsy Collins, died Friday (August 6) of cancer in Cincinnati at the age of 66. His death follows that of Funkadelic guitarist Gary Shider, who died June 16. Olivia Newton-John was made a Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia by the Governor-General in Canbera Tuesday (August 10). Oliviqa was actually given the honor in 2006 but just now was able to collect it. Congratulations to Rod Stewart and his wife, Penny. They're expecting their second child together in March. It will be 65 year-old Rod's eighth child overall. Reese Witherspoon will produce and likely portray Peggy Lee is an upcoming film bio of the singer's life, it was announced Tuesday (August 10). Nora Ephron is set to write and direct the movie. No production date or title has been announced. Pat Boone will co-host the 23rd Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Golf Invitational February 24-26 in Palm Springs, California. The announcement was made Tuesday (August 10) by Frank's widow, Barbara. The tournament is a benefit for the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center in Rancho Mirage, California that provides counseling for victims of physical, sexual and emotional child abuse. Charlie Pride is a part of Nolan Ryan's 18-person group that is set to purchase Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers. Charlie once pitched in the New York Yankee's farm system. Wanda Jackson and John Mellencamp will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Americana Music Association at the group's annual awards show September 9 in Nashville. Ike Turner was honored three years after his death by his home town of Clarksdale, Mississippi Friday (August 6) as their annual Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival was dedicated to his 1951 recording of "Rocket 88" (released under the name of its singer, Jackie Brenston)-- which some consider the first rock 'n' roll song. A plaque was unveiled Friday at the site of the former Alcazar Hotel on 3rd Street where Ike worked as an 8 year-old elevator operator then Ike was be inducted into the city's Walk of Fame. The Beach Boys' label,Rondor Records, has asked Katy Perry's label, Capitol Records, to give writing credit to Brian Wilson and Mike Love on her hit, California Gurls." At issue is the end of the song, where Snoop Dogg says, " I wish you all could be California gurls," a take-off on the Beach Boys' immortal, "I wish they all could be California girls." A Spokesperson for Brian said, "Rondor owns the track and called Brian and Mike, saying they were going to complain. Brian likes Katy's record and doesn't know where the situation stands." Mike also expressed admiration for the song in an interview last week, but noted similarities between the two songs. No lawsuit has been filed and the parties are working their differences out. Millie Jackson came away unhurt when strong winds tipped a truck trailer onto her SUV on a Memhis highway Tuesday (August 3). Millie refered to the storm as "Hurricane Elvis" and commented, "When I saw this I said 'Jesus is my friend.' " Don Henley received an apology Thursday (August 5) and an undisclosed settlement from a California politician who used parodies of two of Don's Eagles songs during his campaign for the Senate there around the same time a judge ruled the parodies violated copyright laws. Bobby Hebb, who propelled "Sunny" to #2 Pop, #3 R&B and a gold record in 1966, died of lung cancer Tuesday (August 3) in a Nashville hospital. He was 72. Born in Nashville in 1938 to musician parents who were both blind, Bobby joined with two of his seven brothers in a vaudeville act that got them on a local TV show. This was the beginning of a remarkable career that included playing trumpet in the U.S. Navy Jazz Band (performing for Madame Chiang Kai-shek in Hong Kong), singing backup for Bo Diddley at Chess Records in Chicago, a spot on country singer Roy Acuff's show (only the third African-American to perform on the Grand Ol' Opry) and singing with Sylvia Vanderpool in a later incarnation of Micky & Sylvia. The death of Bobby's brother Harold (who had a #12 R&B hit of his own with "Rollin' Stone" as part of the Marigolds in 1955) in an attempted robbery just a day after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy led Bobby to write the poignantly optimistic "Sunny." It was two years before Bobby's demo of the song would earn him a recording contract and a tour with the Beatles. Bobby followed up the song with "A Satisfied Mind" (#39 Pop, #40 R&B) and "Love Me" (#84 Pop). He also wrote the Lou Rawls hit, "A Natural Man"-originally intended for a Broadway musical. He later reprised his first hit as "Sunny '76," which only reached #94 on the R&B charts tha year. Producer, conductor and TV host Mitch Miller died after a short illness Saturday (July 31) in a New York hospital at the age of 99. His "Sing Along With Mitch" television program on NBC cemented him as a household name from 1961-1964. But the former oboe player with the CBS Symphony had established his reputation years earlier, as an "artist and repertoire" man for Mercury-- and later Columbia-- Records, where he guided the careers of Frankie Laine, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Patti Page. His own recording (with an orchestra and chorus) of "Tzena Tzena Tzena" in 1950 reached #3-- the first of seven top 40 hits, including "The Yellow Rose Of Texas" (#1-1955), "Song For A Summer Night" (#8-1956), "March From The River Kwai and Colonel Bogey" (#20-1958) and "The Children's marching Song (Nick Nack Paddy Wack)" (#16-1959). As an A&R man, his fondness for novelty tunes earned him scorn from Sinatra and a compromise with Bennett (who claims he got to record a song he liked for every tune Mitch liked). Mitch's dislike for rock 'n' roll (he once said, "Rock 'n' roll is musical baby food. It is the worship of mediocrity, brought about by a passion for conformity,") caused Columbia to fall behind many other labels when the rock era began and the bearded conductor left the label in 1965. He went on to limited success as a broadway producer but occasionally re-appeared in the spotlight as a guest conductor with various orchestras. Mitch was given a Lifetime Achievement Grammy award in 2000. Robert "Tommy Dark" Tharp, one-half of the duo of Tom and Jerrio with Jerry "Jerrio" Murray, died of colon cancer July 20 at the age of 72. Tommy had been the baritone singer with Chicago's Ideals from 1952-1965. The group was best known for the local Chicago hit, "The Gorilla," which bubbled-under at #127 nationally but topped out at #19 on the WLS Chicago chart in 1964. The following year, Robert hooked up with Windy City producer and promoter Jerrio Murray in a Detroit-based duo, recording "Boo-Ga-Loo" for ABC-Paramount Records. He named himself "Tommy Dark" on the advice of American Bandstand's Dick Clark. "Boo-Ga-Loo" reached #47 on the Pop charts and #11 R&B that spring and spawned the similar sounding "Great Goo-Ga-Moo-Ga" (#123 Pop) later that summer. Though they helped create the Boogaloo dance craze they were sued by Motown's Barry Gordy over authorship of that first song and saw other tunes surpass theirs on the charts, most notably "Boogaloo Down Broadway." Jerrio went on to record solo as Jerry-O, while Tom retired from performing, becoming Gene Chandler's valet, chauffeur and later road manager before working in a pet products business. Sun Records founder and radio owner Sam Phillips was named to the Radio Hall of Fame Wednesday (August 4). The announcement was made by Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications. Induction will take place during a live nationwide radio broadcast from Chicago November 6. A Los Angeles judge ruled Tuesday (August 3) that Sly Stone's former manager can move ahead with a defamation claim against Sly for remarks he made at the Cochella Music and Arts Festival on April 18. Sly allegedly told the crowd, "What he did was he stole so much money. At the same time, I made so much money that I didn't know I was being stolen from.'' The defamation claim is part of a larger countersuit by the manager against Sly, who had filed suit himself on January 28. Aretha Franklin took a tumble at her Detroit home Sunday (August 1) and broke two ribs. She has been forced to cancel two concerts in Brooklyn on Monday and Thursday. The Holmby Hills, California mansion where Michael Jackson died in June of 2009 has been placed on the market for $29 million. It includes 1.26 acres of land. Michael was renting the house for $100,000-a-month. The home had been on the market two years ago for $38 million. Jim Morrison's handwritten lyrics for the Doors' "L.A. Woman" song sold at Reading, England auction for over $20,000 Tuesday (August 3). Barbra Streisand has been named MusiCares Person of the Year by the charitable arm of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy) organization. The award is given to artists for their charitable work. Barbra will be saluted February 11 in Los Angeles, two days before the Grammy Awards. Olivia Newton-John's life story will be the subject of a comic book to be published by Bluewater Comics in October. Proceeds from the book will benefit breast cancer research. President Obama signed the bill Tuesday (August 3) naming the post office near Chicago's Wrigley Field after songwriter Steve Goodman. The singer/songwriter is best known for penning "City Of New Orleans" but also wrote the Cubs' theme song, "Go, Cubs, Go." Lead singer Rob Grill was hospitalized recovering from a collapsed lung and pneumonia and did not appear with the Grass Roots at Friday night's (July 30) Hippiefest in Daytona, Florida. No announcement of his replacement was apparently made, however. Dick and Dee Dee are being inducted into the Mid America Music Hall of Fame in Minneapolis September 17. Dee Dee Sperling Phelps and her new singing partner, Michael "Dick" Young, will be performing as well. Mick Jagger is said to be working with director Martin Scorsese in developing a TV series tentatively called "History Of Rock," following two friends through forty years in the music business. Mick wouldn't star but might make an appearance in the series, which may end up on HBO. Al (Albert Willie) Goodman, who sang bass in the Moments and later as part of its successor-- Ray, Goodman & Brown-- died of a heart attack Monday (July 26) in a Hackensack, New Jersey hospital where he had gone for undisclosed tests. Its reported the 63 year-old Jackson, Mississippi native had also been battling liver disease. Al, Harry Ray and Billy Brown were brought in by Sylvia Robinson's Stang Records to replace the original Moments group in 1969 (though early records featured a variety of old and new members). That group had already charted with "Not On The Outside." The new group's re-recording of "Love On A Two-Way Street" establish them as the definitive Moments, reaching #3 Pop and #1 R&B in 1970. It was followed by such R&B hits as "If I Didn't Care" (#44 Pop, #7 R&B-1970) and "All I Have" (#56 Pop, #9 R&B-1971) and "Sexy Mama," which topped at #17 Pop and #3 R&B in 1974. All in all, the different incarnations of the Moments scored 15 charted Pop and 28 R&B songs from 1969 to 1981. Creative differences with Sylvia however, led to their own departure in 1979, when they were forced to rename themselves Ray, Goodman & Brown. Signing with Polydor Records, they struck gold with their first recording-- "Special Lady" (#5 Pop, #1-R&B-1980), following it up with two more Pop chart records and nine more R&B hits, including "Take It To The Limit" (#8, R&B-1987). Harry left the group briefly for a solo career in the '80s and died in 1992, but Al and Billy continued performing, even backing Alicia Keyes on her songs in the last decade. The John Lennon biographical film, "Nowhere Boy," will finally be released in the U.S. on October 8-- just in time for what would have been John's 70th birthday. The film was released in Britain last fall. The Kinks' Ray Davies has put his Konk Recording Studio in London up for sale. The asking price is $3.1 million. The sale is not expected to go through until September. It's not often you see Bing Crosby memorabilia for sale. But Bing's 1966 Aston Martin DB6 automobile will be auctioned August 14 in Monterey, California. A copy of the title with Bing Crosby's name will go with the car. Dave Mason will co-host a celebrity golf tournament with Michael Bolton September 26 in Ojai, California. Proceeds go to Michael Bolton Charities, which supports a variety of organizations. The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame announced this year's inductees Tuesday (July 27) and they include Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan, who sang "Tennessee Bird Walk" (#23) in 1970, as well as Ray Evans, the composer of "Mona Lisa," "Que Sera Sera" and "Silver Bells." They'll be honored in ceremonies there October 7. Their home town of Plainview, Texas will honor the String-A-Longs with a plaque on the city's Walk of Fame. The mayor will unveil the plaque at a reception Saturday (July 31). A permanent exhibit will then go on display at the Museum of the Llano Estacado there. The group members will be back in town Saturday fr the city's all-school reunion. The Billy Joel documentary film, "Last Play at Shea" will be shown August 21 at Shea Stadium's successor, Citi Field in New York. It's expected to be the largest outdoor movie gathering since 1919. Tina Andrews was named Wednesday (July 28) to direct the forthcoming movie, "Who Is Darlene Love?," based on the singer's autobiography. Tina is an award-winning screenwriter, producer and director. The Frank Sinatra-inspired Broadway musical, "Come Fly With Me" will close September 5 after 187 regular performances and begin a nationwide tour beginning in Chicago next March. Ben Keith, steel guitarist with Nashville's "A-Team" of studio musicians, who played with such artists as Neil Young, Patsy Cline, Faron Young, Ringo Starr, Linda Ronstadt and Todd Rundgren, died earlier this month in California at the age of 73. No details or cause of death was available. Frank Zappa will be honored with a bust at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in his home town of Baltimore September 19. The statue is a duplicate of the one in Vilnius, Lithuania and was donated by fans there-- a country, ironically, where Frank never performed. Frank's son, Dweezil, will perform at the ceremony. Elton John is reportedly working with his "Billy Elliot" songwriting partner on a new stage musical-- this one based on the George Orwell novel, "Animal Farm." The work will take at least two years to finish. Diana Ross' son, Evan Ross, will join the cast of the CW TV network's "90210," beginning in the Fall. A case of food poisoning forced Elton John to postpone his Wednesday (July 21) concert in Tucson, Arizona for a night. The sold-out concert will go on Thursday. The tools used by a Memphis funeral home to embalm Elvis Presley were removed from an August 12 Chicago auction after their authenticity was questioned. The lot included rubber gloves, a comb, eye liner, forceps, needle injectors, aneurysm hooks, arterial tube, lip brushes and even his "John Doe" hospital tag. The items were expected to garner $14,000. A mortuary worker had claimed he kept the items after the funeral but another worker now says they were sterilzed and re-used. Morristown, New Jersey-- home town of Tommy James' first drummer who co-wrote "Crimson And Clover" and died in 1987-- will celebrate "Tommy James Day" on September 18, before the singer's scheduled concert. Nashville session guitarist Fred Carter, Jr., who played with Bob Dylan, Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison, Dale Hawkins, Ronnie Hawkins and on Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer" died there Saturday (July 17) from complications of a stroke at the age of 76. He was the father of country singer Deana Carter and at one time was the staff guitarist on the famed "Louisiana Hayride" program. Four former performers in Broadway's "Jersey Boys who call themselves simply "The Boys," have counter-sued Frankie Valli for $1 million for the right to perform their act. Frankie had filed a lawsuit in April stating their show was too similar to the stage musical. The countersuit says his actions were "motivated by petty vindictiveness and malice... using bully tactics better suited for the schoolyard." Among the allegations is that The Boys' musicians were threatened. The Pelham, New York childhood home of Young Rascal Felix Cavaliere is being auctioned on bidonthecity.com. The 5 bedroom,3 1/2 bath house with dentist's office (that was his father's occupation) was listed previously for over a million dollars. The U.S. Senate joined the House in approving a resolution naming the Post Office near Wrigley Field after the late singer/songwriter Steve GoodmanWednesday (July 14). The measure now goes to President Obama for approval. Steve is best known for writing "City Of New Orleans," but Cubs fans known him for penning the team's theme song, "Go, Cubs, Go" as well as "A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request." Country songwriter Hank Cochran, best known for the Patsy Cline hits "I Fall To Pieces" and "She's Got You," Burl Ives' "Funny Way Of Laughin'" and "Little Bitty Tear" and for the Timi Yuro/Eddy Arnold song, "Make The World Go away," died Thursday (July 15) on pancreatic cancer at his home in suburban Nashville. He was 78. At one time, Hank was married to country star Jeannie Seely, for whom he wrote the country hit, "Don't Touch Me." He also performed for awhile with singer Eddie Cochran (no relation) as the Cochran Brothers. Hank also had a country hit of his own with his tune "Sally Was A Good Old Girl." The Isola, Mississippi native was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. The Hollywood Walk of Fame will be jumpin', jivin' and wailin' on July 25 when Louis Prima is awarded his star posthumously. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the singer's birth. Carly Simon was forced to bow out Thursday (July 15) of her planned three dates on the Lilith Fair tour in Boston, New York and Hartford,after seriously fracturing her foot the week before. Ten other Lilith Fair dates have been cancelled because of poor ticket sales. Joe Perry of Aerosmith was struck by a car while riding his motorcycle in suburban Boston Thursday (July 15). He was taken to a hospital with what were described as "minor injuries"and released. Amy Adams is now said to be starring and Fernando Meirelles directing the film biography of Janis Joplin that's been in the planning stages for years. However, without a studio or funding, this could all change again in the coming months (years?). As if Deborah (don't call me Debbie) Gibson and Tiffany weren't enough star power, Micky Dolenz of the Monkees has been signed to star in the Syfy cable channel's original movie, "Mega Python vs Gatoroid," currently filming in Los Angeles. Micky will portray a celebrity singer hired by Tiffany for her fundraiser to save the Everglades, Syfy said Wednesday (July 14). Jimi Hendrix will be inducted posthumously into the Fender Hall of Fame in ceremonies in Tempre, Arizona August 13. "Score: The Hockey Musical," with Olivia Newton-John will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival September 9. The movie, which has been described as "'Glee' with sticks and skates," will open in October. A man pled guilty Tuesday (July 13) to arson in the February fire at Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International recording studio there (which was once the home of Cameo and Parkway Records, as well). His lawyer said the man's blood alcohol content was four times the legal driving limit at the time of the blaze and he didn't know where he was nor remembers setting the fire. Sentencing is scheduled for September 10. Michael Jackson's mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery has reportedly been vandalized with graffiti by fans scrawling messages like "Miss you sweet angel" and "Keep the dream alive". The singer's fan club offered to clean up the damage but the cemetery is already doing it. They plan to increase security at their Great Mausoleum. Anyone caught performing such vandalism will be "banned for life." Gospel great Walter Hawkins, brother of Edwin Hawkins and one of the singers on Edwin's 1969 hit "Oh Happy Day" (#4), died of pancreatic cancer Sunday (July 11) in Oakland. Bishop Hawkins was 81. Monday (July 12) was declared "Pat Boone Day" by the state of California. Pat was presented with the proclamation at a showing of his film, "State Fair" at a Senior Citizens Center in Hollywood! Congratulations to Carlos Santana, who is engaged to marry his drummer, Cindy Blackman. Carlos formally asked her to marry him in the middle of his concert in suburban Chicago Friday night (July 9). Carlos divorced his first-wife of 34 years in 2007. Monday's (July 12) announcement by the Young Men's Christian Association to change their name from YMCA to "The Y" has the Village People dismayed. "We are deeply dismayed by today's announcement from the YMCA that they feel a name change and a rebranding are in order after 166 years," the group announced. "Some things remain iconic and while we admire the organization for the work they do, we still can't help but wonder Y." Fortunately, there'll always be a Navy. Bobby Rydell will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from UNICO (Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity, and Opportunity.) at the organization's national convention July 31 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Dupress will perform at the convention that wednesday, as well. "Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Musical" will not have its broadway debut October 8, as planned, it was announced Friday (July 9). "Logistical reasons" were blamed for the postponement to next Spring, which will also necessitate a switch in theatres. Randy Jones, the Cowboy from the Village People, reveled Wednesday (July 7) that he and his same-sex partner will be filming a reality TV show where they travel to each state as well as foreign countries attempting to set a world record for weddings and commitment ceremonies. Legendary performer and writer Harvey Fuqua died from a heart attack Tuesday (July 6) in a Detroit hospital. He was 80. Born in Louisville, Kentucky (the nephew of Charlie Fuqua of the Ink Spots), he founded what would become the Moonglows after leaving the service for Cleveland in 1952. DJ Alan Freed found out about the group, which included Bobby Lester, Pete Graves and Prentiss Barnes, and recorded them on his own label. He changed their name from the Crazy Sounds to the Moonglows after his own on-air nickname, the "Moondog." With Bobby on lead, "I Just Can't Tell No Lie" became a regional hit in Cleveland, but failed to chart nationally. So the group traveled to Chicago, where they signed with Chance Records. With Alan Freed often listed as co-writer, they continued to find success in Cleveland and now Chicago, with tunes like "Baby Please," "Hey Santa Claus," "Just A Lonely Christmas," "Secret Love" and "I Was Wrong." The group moved across the street to Chess Records in 1954 and "Sincerely" became their first chart hit-- reaching #1 R&B but only #20 pop (thanks to a cover version by the McGuire Sisters). It was followed by "Most Of All" (#5 R&B-1955), "We Go Together (#9 R&B-1955) and "See Saw" (#25 pop, #6 R&B-1956). Harvey was co-lead singer in the group with Bobby, usually on the up-tempo numbers. As Harvey asserted more authority over the group, Bobby left and the group became Harvey and the Moonglows. "The Ten commandments Of Love" got to #22 pop and #9 R&B-1958. But the next year, Harvey fired the rest of the group and instituted the Marquees (including young Marvin Gaye) out of Washington, DC, as his new Moonglows. Despite singing background on hits by other Chess artists, the Moonglows had no more on their own and by 1960 Harvey moved to Detroit. His Tri-Phi label introduced the Spinners and Johnny Bristol to America. He also married Anna Gordy, sister of Motown President Berry Gordy, Junior, and was there for the early years of Motown, eventually folding his label and moving his acts there. Harvey headed artist development at Motown and wrote such hits as "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)" and "Someday We'll Be Together." In later years he produced Marvin Gaye's hit, "Sexual Healing" and is credited with discovering disco acts like the Weather Girls, New Birth and Sylvester. Harvey (along with the Moonglows) appeared in the Alan Freed movie, "Rock Rock Rock" in 1956. They was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 a year after joining the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Lolita (real name Edith "Ditta" Zusa Einzinger), whose 1960 German-language tune, "Sailor (Your Home Is The Sea)" reached #5 in the U.S. in 1960, died Wednesday(June 30) of cancer in Salzburg, Austria. She was 79. She was a kindergarten nurse in Austria when she was discovered on a radio program and began recording in 1957. Considered a one-hit wonder, she did manage a couple of American follow-ups (again in German) to "Sailor"-- "Cowboy Jimmy Joe" (#94-1961) and "Theme From 'A Summer Place'" (#112-1961). It's been learned that Carole Raymont McGoldrick, low voice with the girl group, the Secrets, passed away June 16 after a long illness. She was 66. Along with Karen Gray, Jackie Allen and Pat Miller, the quartet formed as the Sonnettes at Shaw High School in Cleveland, Ohio in 1961. The girls eventually came to the attention of Johnny Madora and David White (of Spokesmen fame) who got them a contract with Philips Records. While their first single, "The Boy Next Door" reached #18 in 1964, three other singles failed to chart before the Secrets disbanded in 1965. Carole and Patty continued as the Memories for a year before ending their show biz careers. Carole became a mother of two and worked in the sales and executive recruiting industry. Congratulations to Barbra Streisand and Merle Haggard-- both among the 14 new inductees named Tuesday (July 6) to the California Hall of Fame. Also included were actress Betty White and "Avatar" director James Cameron. Induction will be December 14 in Sacramento. A concert by Peter Frampton and Yes at the Lucky Star Casino in Cocho, Oklahoma was cancelled Tuesday (July 6) when high winds collapsed the tent it was scheduled in, injuring six people-- two of which were hospitalized. The Kinks' Ray Davies has signed on as executive producer for a musical film based on the group's 1976 "Schoolboys In Disgrace" album. Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait has written the screenplay and will direct, it was announced Tuesday (June 29). The album's songs will be re-recorded for the production, though no cast has yet been announced. Carole King has put her Idaho ranch on the market again. The 128-acre spread can be yours for a mere $16 million. Carole had asked $18 million for it back in 2006, but got no takers. Not to be outdone, Connie Stevens got $7 million for her 54th floor, 3-bedroom, 3 1/2 bath New York City condo. The deed was filed Tuesday (July 6). The remastered 1972 documentary film, "Elvis on Tour: 75th Anniversary Celebration," will be shown July 29 at more than 460 movie theaters around the country. Tickets are available in advance on fandango.com. Here's an honor we overlooked: The Troup County, Georgia Board of Commissioners named June 12 (his 73rd birthday) "Chips Moman Day," a day after voting to name a new highway there for the legendary Memphis, Atlanta and Nashville producer. Chips was born in LaGrange, Georgia and is now retired in West Point Lake there. Harold Cowart, bass player for John Fred and his Playboy Band, died Sunday (June 27) at his home near Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of 66. Harold's bass work can be heard on the #1 hit, "Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)" from 1968, but he later worked as a studio musician in Miami and played on Brook Benton's "Rainy Night In Georgia," Frankie Valli's "Grease" and Andy Gibbs' "Shadow Dancing." He later opened his own recording studio and produced, among other recordings, Al Hirt's last album in 1999. San Francisco folk singer Jake Holmes unexpectedly filed a lawsuit in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday (June 29) against Jimmy Page over authorship of the Led Zeppelin song, "Dazed And Confused." "Unexpectedly," since the song is over 40 years-old and the lineage of Led Zeppelin's version to Jake's is pretty well know. Jake copyrighted his tune in 1967 and played it as the opening act for Jimmy's band, the Yardbirds, that year. Because of the length of time he took to file suit, at best the 70 year-old Jake can only receive royalties for the last three years if he wins. Now she has no excuse not to get "Physical." Olivia Newton-John was announced Tuesday (June 29) as the latest celebrity spokesperson for Total Gym, the home exercise machine. She joins previous celebs like Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley. Deborah Jo (JoJo Billingsley) White, former backup singer with Lynyrd Skynyrd, died of cancer Thursday (June 24) at her home in Cullman, Florida. She was 66. Jo Jo was with the group from 1974-1977. She reportedly warned the group about a dream she had where their plane crashed, which it did two months after she left, killing three members. She went on to become a Christian singer and minister. Rush was given a star Friday (June 25) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were on hand for the ceremony. Drummer Neal Peart was conspicuously absent. Burton Cummings of the Guess Who graduated from St. John's High in Winnipeg Monday (June 28), nearly 45 years after he dropped out of the Winnipeg school. The school had hoped to award Burton an actual degree based on his experiental (songwriting) learning, but were forced to give him an honorary one. Joe Jackson-- the late Michael Jackon's father-- tried to file a $75,000 wrongful death lawsuit against Michael's doctor Friday (June 25) in Los Angeles fedral court on the first anniversary of his death. However, it's now been reported that there was an error in the filing and the papers were returned. Pete Quaife, original bass player with the Kinks, died Thursday (June 24) at the age of 66. Pete had been undergoing kidney dialysis for the last dozen years. His bass work can be heard on such hits as "You Really Got Me" (#7-1964), "All Day And All Of The Night" (#7-1965), Tired Of Waiting For You" (#6-1965) and "A Well Respected Man" (#13-1966). He can also be heard singing background vocals on "Waterloo Sunset." Pete knew Ray Davies from his music classes at William Grimshaw Secondary Modern School in Muswell Hill, England and helped Ray and his brother Dave form the Kinks in 1961. With the exception of a few months in 1966, he was with the band through 1969. He was inducted with the group into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Gregg Allman-- Allman Brothers founder and ex-husband of Cher-- underwent a liver transplant Wednesday (June 23) at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. The 62 year-old has been battling Hepatitis C since 2007. The Allman Brothers Band was forced to bow out of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Blues Festival in suburban Chicago Saturday. Tony Bennett will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the O2 Silver Clef Awards in London July 2. The event is a fundraiser for Nordoff Robbins, which helps the sick and disabled with music therapy. The Library of Congress added 25 more recordings to the National Recording Registry Wednesday (June 23). Included on the list were "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard, Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightning," "The Band" LP from the Band (featuring "Up On Cripple Creek" and Bill Cosby's comedy album, "I Started Out As a Child." The registry now includes 300 recordings. Handwritten lyrics by John Lennon for the Beatles' "A Day In The Life" garnered $1.2 million at a New York City auction Friday (June 18). The winning bid was placed by phone and the buyer remained anonymous. Congratulations to Lubbock, Texas' Bill Griggs, well-known authority on Buddy Holly, who will be inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame there on July 30. Michael Jackson's estate and his concert promoters agreed Friday (June 18) to reimburse the city of Los Angeles $1.3 million for their costs during the late singer's memorial service last July. James Pugliano, drummer with the Jaggerz, died Tuesday (June 15) at his home in Harmony, Township, Pennsylvania. He was 63. Formed by Dominic Ierace (later to be a hit performer as Donnie Iris), guitarist Benny Faiella, bassists Jimmy Ross and Billy Maybray and keyboardist Thom Davis, the Pittsburgh-based band recorded for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Gamble Records in 1969, then switched to Kama Sutra for their second album, which yielded the #2 smash, "The Rapper," in 1970. James was also on drums for the follow-ups that year: "I Call My Baby Candy" (#75) and "What A Bummer" (#88). The Jaggerz broke up in 1975, though Jimmy played on a "comeback" album in 1988. Buddy Holly, Louis Prima and the Muppets (including Ernie and Kermit, who both had hit records) will receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year. The 2011 list of honorees were announced Thursday (June 17). Among the other stars who will be feted are the Go-Gos, Oprah Winfrey, Simon Cowell, Danny DiVito, Tina Fey, Melissa Etheridge, Sissy Spacek, Donald Sutherland and Gwyneth Paltrow. Gary Shider, guitarist and musical director for Parliament-Funkadelic, died Wednesday (June 16) of cancer in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He was 56. Gary also wrote the classic tunes "Atomic Dog" and "One Nation Under A Groove." He was inducted, along with the group, into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Simon and Garfunkel have indefinitely postponed their upcoming concert tour, which had already been pushed from April to July because of Art's "vocal paresis." The announcement was made Thursday (June 17). The widow of singer Sean Levert (the son of Eddie Levert of the O'Jays) has settled a lawsuit she filed with Cuyahoga County, Ohio and its jail medical services company over the death of her husband there in 2008. She will receive $4 million in the settlement, reached Wednesday (July 17). Richard Carpenter will perform as he and his late sister, Karen, are inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame Friday (June 18). Donna Summer will also be honored and perform at the ceremony/concert and Herb Alpert will direct the orchestra. The body of former Quarrymen guitarist Ken Brown was discovered at his home in Essex, England on Monday (June 14) after a concerned relative called police. It's believed the 70 year-old, who suffered from emphysema, died five days earlier. Brown played bass with ex-Beatles John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison in the Liverpool-based Quarrymen, but left when he hurt his leg. Speaking of John, the BBC has announced that "Lennon Naked" will air Wednesday (June 23) in England. Former Dr. Who star Christopher Eccleston will portray the Beatle. Jacksons member Randy Jackson (brother of Michael) was hospitalized Tuesday (June 15) in Pasadena after experiencing chest pains. Doctors believe Randy had a mild heart attack but are waiting for the results of confirming tests. Founding Bachman-Turner Overdrive member Tim Bachman (brother of the Guess Who and BTO's Randy Bachman) has been charged in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada with "sexual interference of a person under 14 years, touching a young person for sexual purpose and sexual assault" in connection with incidents that occurred there between 2000 and 2004, when the alleged victim was 11 to 14 years old. She reported the actions to the police in March of 2009 and they conducted an 11-month investigation before charging Tim, who turned himself in on May 6. His lawyer appeared in court on Monday (June 14) where Tim was ordered to appear July 5. The guitarist left BTO, which also included his brother Robbie and Fred Turner, in 1974. He currently works in Abbotsford as a realtor. Charges were dismissed Monday (June 14) against a Georgia man who ranted against Elton John online after Elton's "Jesus was gay" quote and even picketted outside the Rocket Man's Atlanta condo with a sign that read "Elton John Must Die." An Atlanta judge ruled the 65 year-old's actions did not warrant the criminal charges of terroristic threats, criminal defamation and using the Internet to disseminate threats. Jimmy Dean, television host, actor, entrepreneur and country singer who was due to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October, died Sunday night (June 13) of natural causes at the age of 81. Born in Olton, Texas in 1928, Jimmy dropped out of high school at the age of 16 and joined the Merchant Marines for two years before enlisting in the Air Force. Stationed at a base in Washington D.C., Jimmy played in an area band, then formed his own after he was discharged. In 1952 he recorded his first single for Four Star Records. "Bummin' Around" reached #5 on the country charts and launched his career. He was offered a local television program, which introduced viewers to artists like Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline. In 1957 he moved to New York to host a morning network program for CBS-TV and signed with Columbia Records. It was then that his spoken-word recordings crossed over to the pop charts. "Big Bad John" in 1961 topped at #1 for five weeks. It was followed by "Dear Ivan" (#24-1962), "The Cajun Queen" (sequel to "Big Bad John" which got to #22 in 1962) and it's flip-side, "To A Sleeping Beauty" (#26-1962) and "P.T. 109" (the World War II story of John F. Kennedy which made #8 in 1962). His last appearance on the pop charts was "I.O.U." (#35) in 1976, though it re-appeared two more times on the country cahrts. All told, he charted 26 times on the country charts and 14 times on the pop charts. Jimmy was the first guest host of Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" on NBC-TV and hosted his own variety program, "The Jimmy Dean Show" on ABC from 1963-1966 (where he gave a big break to puppeteer Jim Henson who was later to create the Muppets). He also appeared on TV's "Daniel Boone" and played the villian in the 1971 James Bond film, "Diamonds Are Forever." In the late '60s, he began the Jimmy Dean Meat Company and became the spokesperson for its pork sausage. The company was sold to Sara Lee but he continued to perform in its commercials for twenty more years. Wendy's withdrew the "Disco Fever" CD offered in kid's meals Saturday (June 12) because they believed the Donna Summer version of "Last Dance" included on the disc was one containing an inappropriate lyric. On her Web site Tuesday, Donna countered by saying there is only one set of lyrics for the song and she's only sung "when I'm bad I'm oh so bad." Three other children's oldies collections will continue to be included in the meals. Queen Elizabeth II of England announced her birthday honors Saturday (June 12). Graham Nash of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, was named an Officer of the order of the British Empire (OBE), as was John Cale, one of the founders of the Velvet Underground. Both are outranked however, by actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who was named a Commander of the order of the Briish Empire (CBE). Simon & Garfunkel were there to sing "Mrs. Robinson" from "The Graduate" for him as the American Film Institute gave its Lifetime Achievement Award to its director, Mike Nichols, Thursday (June 10) in Los Angeles. David Clayton-Thomas, one-time lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, is among seven Canadians who will be celebrated at the Canada Honours October 16 in Toronto. David will be added to the 124 previous members of Canada's Walk of Fame. Among the other honorees are singer Nelly Furtado, the late magician Doug Henning and actor Eric McCormack. Crispian St. Peters, who took "The Pied Piper" to #4 in 1966, died Tuesday (June 8) after a series of debilitating illnesses that left him in a wheelchair. He was 71 and still lived in the Swanley, Kent, England home where he was born Robin Peter Smith in 1939. Crispian played guitar and sang in a number of local bands, while working as a librarian, movie projectionist and potato picker, among other jobs. He made his first recording with Peter and the Wolves in 1964. The following year he went solo and signed with England's Decca Records. While his first two singles did not chart, his third, "You Were On My Mind" (already a U.S. hit for the We Five), reached #2 in the U.K. (it was released on Jamie Records in the U.S., but failed to chart until its re-release in 1967 when it made #36). His next single was the career-defining "Pied Piper," which topped out on the British charts at #5 in the Spring of 1966. The follow-up, "Changes," failed to make the top 40 in either country, however and other than "You Were On My Mind," his only chart appearances in either country were two songs that "bubbled-under" in America-- "Your Ever Changin' Mind" and "Look Into My Teardrops." The blame might be placed on his PR, which portrayed him as arrogant and cocky. He claimed to have written 80 songs that were better than the Beatles', said he was more exciting than Tom Jones and would make Elvis Presley "look like the Statue of Liberty." He kept on recording and performing until his health forced his retirement in 2001 (his last public performance had been two years earlier). He had suffered a stroke in 1995 that left him partially paralyzed in his right arm, caught pneumonia in 2003 and admitted to three nervous breakdowns-- the first in 1970 after being dropped by Decca. He also suffered from emphysema. Tony Peluso, lead guitarist with the Carpenters for twelve years, died Saturday (June 5) of heart diease at the age of 60. The four-time Grammy winner was best known for the guitar solo of the siblings' "Goodbye To Love" in 1972. He also played the stereotypical DJ on their oldies medley from the "Now And Then" album. Tony served as music director for Bobby Sherman, played guitar with Paul Revere & the Raiders and co-produced several Moton artists. It's said that he performed on or produced records that sold in excess of 150 million copies Anita Humes, lead singer of the Essex, died May 30 at the age of 69. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1940, Anita was a Marine, entertaining at the non-commissioned officer's club at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, when she met four other leathernecks (Rodney Taylor, Walter Vickers, Billie Hill and Rudolph Johnson) and joined their group, which eventually was named after Essex County, New Jersey. They asked another Marine to write an original uptempo song for an audition with Roulette Records. William Linton worke in the communications department and he and his co-writer wrote "Easier Said Than Done" to the beat of the camp's teletype machine. It was placed on the b-side of "Are You Going My Way" in 1963. As happened so often back then, DJs turned the record over and sent "Easier Said Than Done" to #1 for two weeks that July. Being Marines made it difficult to support their recordings with concerts. Rudolph was shipped overseas before the sound-alike follow-up, "A Walkin' Miracle," reached #12 later that year. And when "She's Got Everything" topped at #56 that Fall and "Curfew Lover" (credited to "Anita Humes and the Essex) didn't even chart, the handwriting was on the wall. Anita left the Marines and did some solo recordings, but her lack of success caused her to join the Army, where she sang with the Army Showmobile. The group reunited for a PBS special in 2004. Marvin Isley, bass player for his family group, the Isley Brothers, from 1969 to 1984 and from 1991 to 1997 died Monday (June 7) in Chicago at the age of 56. Marvin had suffered from diabetes, which cost him both of his legs and forced him to retire from the group in 1997. From 1984 to 1991, he played with his brother Ernie and their cousin, Chris Jasper, in the trio Isley, Jasper, Isley. Though not an original Isley Brother, Marvin lent his strong bass rhythms to such hits as "It's Your Thing" (#2-1969), "I Turned You On" (#23-1969), "Love The One You're With" (#18-1971), "Pop That Thang" (#24-1972), "That Lady" (#6-1973) and "Fight The Power" (#4-1975). Isley, Jasper, Isley charted with two pop and six R&B songs in the eighties-- the biggest of which was "Caravan Of Love" (#51 pop, #1 R&B). Marvin was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame with his brothers in 1992. Rush will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame June 25. Their documentary film, "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" will play a limited engagement in theatres June 10 before being released on DVD June 28. Elton John sang at the wedding of talk show host Rush Limbaugh Saturday (June 5). Despite the opposite views of the two on gay marriage, Elton performed for a million dollar fee. Bonnie Pointer, one-time member of the Pointer Sisters, has agreed to appear on the VH-1 cable program "Celebrity Rehab." Filming on the show had been halted last week for lack of star power, but Bonnie and the other C-list celebrities reported for treatment on Friday (June 4). It was announced Friday (June 4) that the British Broadcasting Company has hired Lulu to serve as host for ten programs entitled, "Rewind The 60s," which will explore the music, culture and television of each year in the decade. The shows will use archive footage and first-hand accounts. The Michigan legislature passed a resolution May 25 honoring Tommy James for his "contributions in the music and recording world." Tommy was on hand and spoke briefly to both houses, saying, "I owe all this to Michigan." Paul McCartney received the third annual Gershwin prize for popular song from the Library of Congress and was honored at the White House Wednesday night (June 2). The ex-Beatle sang "Michelle" to First Lady Michelle Obama. Former winner Stevie Wonder also performed. Paul was, no doubt, glad to be back in the USA. His tour bus was reportedly threatened by gangs after his Mexico City concert Friday (May 28). Security called police and the thugs scattered when they heard the sirens. Randy Newman received a star Wednesday (June 2) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Elton John was honored with a plaque placed at the Namasate Lounge in Northwood Hills on the northwest side of London Saturday (May 29). The location was the site of his first concert in 1962 as a 15 year-old. Ali "Ollie" Woodson, who sang lead with the Temptations from 1984 to 1986, and from 1988 to 1996, died of cancer Sunday (May 30) in Southern California at the age of 58. He led the group's R&B resuregence in the '80s on songs like "Treat Her Like A Lady," "Sail Away," and "Lady Soul." Ollie recorded a solo album in 2001 and later tour with Dennis Edwards' Temptations Revue, though the two were never in the group at the same time. He also toured with Aretha Franklin and sang at the funeral of the Four Tops' Levi Stubbs. Joe Walsh has filed for a restraining order against his neighbor, who Joe says assaulted his personal assistant and threatened to shoot Joe last month. Fortunately, Joe goes on tour with the rest of the Eagles June 8. Paul Simon was given two honors last week: Paul was awarded an honorary doctorate from Brandeis University in Boston on Sunday (May 23). He spoke at the School of Creative Arts' commencement and even performed "The Boxer" for the graduates (thanks to a Facebook campaign that urged him to sing). The Songwriters Hall of Fame announced Thursday (May 27) that they will be giving this year's Towering Song Award to "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and to its composer, Paul. The award is given annually to a song that uniquely influences our culture. He will accept the award at the Hall of Fame's induction ceremonies June 17 in New York. Prosecutors in Los Angeles Thursday (May 27) declined to file charges against Kiss' Gene Simmons over an incident in a mall there December 19 when he allegedly threatened a couple and confiscated their camera after they began filming him while asking about his views on monogamy. A civil lawsuit is pending. The finale of Fox-TV's "American Idol" not only crowned Lee Dewyze as champion Wednesday (May 26) and said goodbye to judge Simon Cowell, but included performances by Barry and Robin Gibb, Chicago, Joe Cocker, Hall & Oates Alice Cooper and Michael McDonald. Radio and TV host and interviewer Art Linkletter (nee Arthur Gordon Kelly), known for "House Party" and its "Kids Say The Darndest Things" segment plus "People Are Funny," died Wednesday (May 26) at his Bel Air, California home. He was 97. The Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan native recorded a spoken-word single entitled "We Love You, Call Collect" that reached #42 in 1969. Its album earned him a Grammy award the following year. Shortly thereafter his daughter Diane, who had recorded an answer on the B-side of the single, committed suicide after what Art insisted was an LSD trip gone bad. Artreceived a lifetime achievement Emmy award in 2003. Tom Jones will receive Britain's Music Industry Trusts' Award at its prestigious charity event November 1 in London, it was announced Tuesday (June 1). Not to be outdone, Britain's Variet Club will honor Neil Sedaka with its Silver Heart Award October 8 in Manchester for his outstanding services to the music industry and his charitable work. Kenny Rogers was given the American Eagle Award in New York Tuesday (May 25) by the National Music Council of the United States for his charitable and mentoring efforts. Suzanne Vega was also honored. Joan Baez will be honored by the Children's Health Fund on June 2 in New York "for efforts advocating for the health and well-being of children in the United States. Joan and CHF co-founder Paul Simon will perform at the group's fund-raising benefit. Bette Midler was announced Monday (May 24) as part of the cast of "Sweet Baby Jesus," to be filmed in August. The film concerns a hippie couple named Joseph and (pregnant) Mary traveling through Bethlehem, Maryland at Christmas who stir up a lot of speculation there about their baby. Bette will play the innkeeper. British singer Pixie Lott will portray Mary. John Fogerty will perform his song "Centerfield" at the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies July 25 in Cooperstown, New York. The song will be re-released in late June. Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut showed a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the Queen of Soul Monday (May 24), awarding Aretha Franklin an honorary doctorate in music (nine other honorary degrees were handed out, as well). Perhaps even more amazing is that she actually appeared to receive it. Aretha cancelled her second gig in less than a month when she pulled out of a planned May 27 appearance in London, Ontario. AreShe had cancelled her concert on April 30 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival just 24 hours before it was scheduled. In both cases, no reason was given for the cancellation. Ringo Starr will kick off the new season of the PBS series, "Live From The Artists Den" the week of July 5. Dates and times vary on the network, so check your local listings. An album written and produced by Phil Spector for his wife during his two murder trials is set for digital release June 8. The debut album of Rachelle Spector, who married Phil in 2006 three years after he was arrested for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson), is called "Out Of My Chelle." It's the 29 year-old's first album. Bee Gee Robin Gibb reportedly threw a profanity-laced tirade Sunday (May 23) at London's Heathrow Airport when randomly asked to submit to extra security. He turned in his ticket to Los Angeles after refusing to submit to a search. You may recall that Robin missed a 2008 flight to Las Vegas when he refused to let security search his bag. Neil Sedaka was given the "Special International Award" at the Ivor Nevello Awards for songwriting in London on Thursday (May 20). Said Neil, "It's wonderful to be an American musical ambassador travelling around the world... It has been a crazy career of 58 years. This is trendy fickle business, but the song is the bottom line. The song is what really counts." Lyricist Sir Tim Rice was also honored. The City of Los Angeles named Tuesday (May 18) "John Fogerty Day" in honor of the Creedence Clearwater Revival founder. John was in LA to receive the Icons Award from publishing organization Broadcast Music International (BMI) that evening. Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia auctions are fairly common nowadays, but here's an item that doesn't appear often: one of Elvis Presley's pink Cadillacs will go under the gavel May 27 in London. It's currently owned by an American collector who expects to get up to $285,000 for it. Judy Collins has been hit by tax liens from both the state of New York (for $43,000) and the U.S. government (for $116,000)-- the latter filed on April 27. to Oldies Music Home Page © 1997-2010, Ronald P. Smith. All rights reserved.