Michael Lerner, ‘Barton Fink’ Oscar nominee, dies at 81
Michael Lerner, the Brooklyn-born character actor who played a myriad of imposing figures in his 60 years in the business, including crime bosses, CEOs, politicians, protective fathers and the monologuing movie mogul Jack Lipnick in “Barton Fink,” has died.
Mariah Carey, Neptunes, Lennox in Songwriters Hall of Fame
After a glittering career stuffed with No. 1 hits — not to mention a two-year pandemic delay — Mariah Carey was finally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday, but not before challenging her new fellow members to do better by women.
New this week: Harry Styles, 'Angelyne' and 'The Valet'
This week’s new entertainment releases include Harry Styles' third solo album, a reboot of “Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers” that has attracted some top “Saturday Night Live” alums, and Emmy Rossum stars in a series about media personality Angelyne.
Treasure trove of rock memorabilia includes Kurt Cobain hair
Guitars from Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton and Aerosmith as well as autographed memorabilia from The Beatles and even strands of hair from Kurt Cobain are some of the highlights of an online rock ‘n’ roll auction that ends over the weekend.
Ringo calling! If he wants you to sing, who could say no?
FILE - Ringo Starr attends Ringo's 11th Annual Peace and Love birthday celebration on July 7, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, FILE)LOS ANGELES – If Ringo Starr calls to ask if you'll sing on a song for him, who could possibly say no? “Here's to the nights we won't remember, with the friends we won't forget,” they all sing. Ringo won't reveal who, but they must have been REALLY busy. “It was a super-incredible connection of peace and love,” Starr said.
New this week: 'Justice League,' 'Country Comfort' & scandal
This combination of photos shows promotional art for the Netflix series Country Comfort, debuting on Friday, left, "Zack Snyders Justice League," premiering March 18, center, and Operation Varsity Blues, a documentary about the college admissions scandal, premiering March 17 on Netflix. (Netflix/HBO Max/Netflix via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIES— Four years after “Justice League” underwhelmed both critics and audiences, filmmaker Zack Snyder has come back to finish what he started. — Loretta Lynn’s new album is a celebration of women in country music and it features collaborations with Tanya Tucker, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Margo Price. — Katherine McPhee, of TV’s “American Idol” and “Smash,” plays an aspiring country singer, Bailey, who’s suffered career and personal setbacks in the Netflix series “Country Comfort,” debuting Friday.
Ladies night: Beyoncé, Swift make history as others win big
Four women won the top four prizes Sunday, including Swift, who became the first female performer to win album of the year three times. Beyoncé — with her 28th win — became the most decorated woman in Grammy history. And 9-year-old Blue Ivy Carter — who won best music video alongside her mother — became the second youngest act to win a Grammy in the show’s 63-year history. Megan Thee Stallion, who won three honors, also made history and became the first female rapper to win best rap song. She's also the fifth rap-based act to win best new artist.
Dear Sir or Madam: Paul McCartney memoir due out in November
Paul McCartney appears during his One on One Tour in Tinley Park, Ill., on July 26, 2017, left, and poet Paul Muldoon appears at the 2019 PEN America Literary Gala in New York on May 21, 2019. McCartney's memoir, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present," will be released Nov. 2. (Photos by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP, left, and Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)NEW YORK – Paul McCartney is finally ready to write his memoirs, and will use music — and a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet — to help guide him. Irish poet Paul Muldoon is editing and will contribute an introduction. The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards has been equally open about himself, but his 2010 memoir “Life” still sold millions of copies.
Virus scuttles Glastonbury Festival for second straight year
FILE - In this Friday, June 24, 2011 file photo, the crowd at Glastonbury Music Festival clap their hands above their heads as they watch Chipmunk on stage, Glastonbury, England. Britains Glastonbury music festival has fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic for the second year in a row, organizers Michael Eavis and Emily Eavis said Thursday Jan. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File)LONDON – Britain’s Glastonbury music festival has fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic for the second year in a row. They said everyone who had put down a deposit on tickets for the 2020 festival, which also was canceled, would be able to attend in 2022. The festival has been held almost annually since 1970, drawing up to 150,000 people to the Eavis’ Worthy Farm in southwest England.
A record 39 holiday songs dominate Billboard Hot 100 chart
(Apple TV+ via AP)NEW YORK – Tis the season to be jolly: A record 39 holiday songs have dominated this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart, including nine holiday tunes in the Top 10. Other holiday songs in the Top 10 include Dean Martin's “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” at No. Some acts have multiple holiday songs on the chart, including Bing Crosby, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Perry Como and Carrie Underwood. Here's a full list of the 39 holiday songs on this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart:— No. 8, Dean Martin, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow”— No.
The Latest: S Koreans line up for virus tests as cases surge
The Pentagon has authorized nearly 50 top civilian and military leaders to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks to prove to the shots are safe and effective. Indoor restaurant dining will continue to be barred under the new state health department order that takes effect Monday. Laura Kelly is expressing little concern over a smaller-than-expected second shipment of a coronavirus vaccine for the state. The state also reported total 2,341 COVID-19 deaths, adding 88 to the tally since Wednesday. ___BERN — The Swiss government is ordering the closure of restaurants, bars, cultural venues and sports facilities next week because of increasing coronavirus cases.
New this week: 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' and Paul McCartney
MOVIES— “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was always going to be an event picture, even on Netflix, where it will be available Friday. Wilson’s 1982 play is set around a recording session in 1920s Chicago as a blues band awaits the arrival of Ma Rainey (Davis). — AP Film Writer Lindsey BahrMUSIC— Paul McCartney will release the final album in a trilogy of classics on Friday. “McCartney III” comes 40 years after 1980’s “McCartney II” and 50 years after “McCartney,” his solo debut released in 1970. — Director George C. Wolfe said that when he signed on to direct “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” he instantly knew he wanted to work with Branford Marsalis.
Fans, Ono, bandmates mark 40 years since John Lennon's death
Photos, flowers, and candles have been left at Strawberry Fields in New York's Central Park to remember John Lennon, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. The rock star and former Beatle was shot to death outside his New York City apartment building by a fan on Dec. 8, 1980. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)NEW YORK – Fans remembered John Lennon with flowers, candles and songs Tuesday, the 40th anniversary of the former Beatle's death after being shot outside his New York City apartment building. It was Dec. 8, 1980, when the world-famous musician was with his wife, Yoko Ono, and was shot by Mark David Chapman outside the Dakota apartments on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. After 40 years, Sean, Julian and I still miss him," Ono said, referring to Lennon's two sons.
12 Grammy facts: BTS and Dr. Luke in, The Weeknd out
And it earned him his first Grammy nomination in six years. 3 spot on the pop charts — is up for best rap song and best rap performance. And Anderson .Paak's “Lockdown," about police brutality and racial injustice, is up for best melodic rap performance and best music video. JAY-Z, THE SONGWRITERS, SHINESHappy wife, happy life: Jay-Z has lent his songwriting hand to his wife Beyoncé and he's earned Grammy nominations for it. PAUL McCARTNEY, THE ART DIRECTORPaul McCartney scored his 79th Grammy nominations this year — as an art director.
McCartney slams animal experiments in new PETA music video
Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images(CNN) - Paul McCartney has made a new music video for animal rights group PETA in a campaign to end animal testing. Billboard debuted the animated video from the Beatles legend, which is set to his 1993 protest song, "Looking for Changes." McCartney, an outspoken animal rights activist, donated the song to PETA's campaign to end experiments on animals. "I'm looking for changes that will continue the momentum of getting animals out of laboratories," McCartney said. "Experiments on animals are unethical -- they're a colossal failure and a waste of time and money.
McCartney, Jagger pay tribute to Cream drummer Ginger Baker
(CNN) - Rock legends Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger were just a few of the artists to pay tribute on social media to Cream drummer Ginger Baker, who died Sunday. "Sad news hearing that Ginger Baker has died, I remember playing with him very early on in Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated. "Ginger Baker, great drummer, wild and lovely guy. "Sad to hear of the passing of a great drummer, Ginger Baker," guitarist Steve Hackett tweeted. "Very sad day in the Drum world as we say goodbye to one of rock's greatest pioneers: Ginger Baker.
11 of the best Beatles songs of all time
That got us thinking about legendary Beatles songs. But as longtime Beatles fans, we decided to choose 11 to mention here as among the best of the best. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"It's hard to describe this "White Album" song. "A Hard Days Night"Of course, this list comes down to personal preference, and we lean toward the Beatles' later work. Is it even possible to listen to this song without thinking, "Beatlemania has arrived in the United States"?
McCartney adapting 'It's a Wonderful Life' in his 1st stage musical
Gustavo Caballero/Getty ImagesPaul McCartney is working on a stage adaptation of the 1946 film "It's A Wonderful Life," which will be the first musical of his long and storied career. Kenwright acquired the rights to "It's A Wonderful Life" three years ago, and contacted McCartney about working together on the project, which is set to launch in late 2020. For his part, Hall revealed that "It's A Wonderful Life" is his favorite film. "To give it a life on the stage is an immense privilege in itself but to do with Paul McCartney is off the scale," the Tony Award winner said. Earlier in July McCartney played a gig in Los Angeles during which he invited former bandmate Ringo Starr onto the stage.
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunited to perform Beatles classics
Paul McCartney invited a special guest to join him during the last stop of his Freshen Up tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles Saturday night: old bandmate Ringo Starr. "We've got a surprise for us, a surprise for you, a surprise for everyone," McCartney said. "Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Ringo Starr." McCartney and Starr, the last surviving Beatles, hugged onstage. Joe Walsh, of Eagles fame, also joined McCartney to end the concert with "The End," from The Beatles' "Abbey Road."
Taylor Swift isn't alone in label battle
CNN image(CNN) - Taylor Swift may feel that she's been burned, but she's far from the only one. From 2006's self-titled debut to 2017's "Reputation," Swift was with country-pop record company Big Machine Label Group. And every time you stream or download a track, it's the holder of the master rights -- often the label -- that gets paid first. Swift could reclaim her music rights, but it would take decadesAnd though it might feel like Swift and her old music are never, ever getting back together, she has longer-term options. The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.
Paul McCartney asks Texas university to stop testing on dogs
(CNN) - Noted animal rights activist Paul McCartney implored a Texas university to end its purported use of dogs as laboratory test subjects. In a letter published by PETA, McCartney asked Texas A&M University President Michael Young to halt muscular dystrophy research with golden retrievers and release them for adoption. The dogs, PETA said, were bred with the canine muscular dystrophy gene and held in metal cells. Texas A&M University did not immediately respond to a request for comment. There's currently not a cure for muscular dystrophy, the Mayo Clinic said.