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.
Grace Kelly's granddaughter appears on horseback for Chanel
Huge spinning wheels, “floating” wooden blocks and suspended geometric shapes hovered over a surreal mini gold course Tuesday at Chanel’s remarkable couture show. This sublime, avant-garde decor was the work of Xavier Veilhan and marked the first time in its history that Chanel has entrusted a contemporary artist for staging. The beautiful beast and its VIP rider, in a black Chanel tweed sequined jacket of course, began the show to a symphony of gasps and clopping hooves around the Grand Palais Ephemere’s auditorium as celebrity guests snapped pictures.
news.yahoo.comCity seeks festival's return, Pharrell cites 'toxic energy'
Virginia Beach leaders want Pharrell Williams to reconsider bringing the Something in the Water festival back next year, but the musician responded that he wishes the city had taken a more proactive stance after a police officer fatally shot his cousin.
State police to probe deadly Virginia Beach police shooting
Aubrey "Japharii" Jones, left, walks on the sidewalk on Atlantic Ave. Saturday March 27, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Va.. Overnight shootings near the Atlantic oceanfront in Virginia Beach left two people dead and eight wounded in a scene described by authorities on Saturday as very chaotic. Williams, who is also a Virginia Beach native, declined to comment further through a representative. “We need far better accountability and transparency, and the families of those killed by police, in Virginia Beach and across this country, deserve answers,” Jones said Sunday. Lynch's shooting was one of three separate shooting incidents that police said occurred within minutes of each other along Virginia Beach's oceanfront. Also killed in a separate shooting nearby that night was Deshayla E. Harris, 28, of Norfolk.
Ariana Grande joining 'The Voice' for season 21 as a coach
FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2018 file photo, Ariana Grande attends the 13th annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York. NBC said Tuesday that Grande will join the Emmy-winning series "The Voice" for its fall 2021 cycle. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – “The Voice" is switching their positions for Ariana Grande: the pop star is taking her seat in the coach's chair later this year. NBC said Tuesday that Grande will join the Emmy-winning series for its fall 2021 cycle. The 20th season of “The Voice" is currently on air and features those three singers along with Nick Jonas.
Iran cracks down on contentious pop music video with arrests
This photo provided by AZ Films shows California based Iranian pop singer Sasy with American adult film actress Alexis Texas in the music video for "Tehran Tokyo." Iranian authorities have arrested multiple music producers connected to the California-based Iranian pop singer, his management company and Iranian media said Thursday, March 11, in Tehrans latest effort to halt what it deems decadent Western behavior. The arrests come as Iranian social media has been awash with criticism of popular underground Iranian singer, “Sasy,” or Sasan Heidari Yafteh's, new music video. Rafahi said the gambling accusations stemmed from a misunderstanding, given that a poker website helped sponsor the music video. __Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
New this week: Sia, Clarice Starling and Kristen Wiig
Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. One nominee, “Judas and the Black Messiah," arrives on HBO Max (as well as in theaters) on Friday. Ad— Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo's last writing partnership turned out pretty well. Ad— AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC— Sia’s Golden Globe-nominated directorial debut, “Music,” will be accompanied with a 14-track album. Ad— “Silence of the Lambs” is three decades in the rearview mirror, but only a year has passed as CBS’ “Clarice” picks up the story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling.
A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
FILE - Pharrell Williams attends the world premiere of "The Black Godfather," in Los Angeles on June 3, 2019. Dozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. He was especially angered that the event was hours after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)
A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
Dozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)From classic American rockers to British artists to the estates of late legends, here's a look at some of the musicians who have objected to Donald Trump using their songs at campaign events. JOHN FOGERTY, PHIL COLLINS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEENSome classic rockers say not only do they oppose Trump using their music, the choice of songs is ironic or downright wrong. Eddy Grant sued Trump in September over the use of his 1980s hit “Electric Avenue” in a Trump campaign animated video that mocked his opponent Joe Biden.
Virginia lawmakers vote to make Juneteenth a state holiday
Juneteenth has officially become a state holiday after lawmakers unanimously approved legislation during the Virginia General Assembly special session. Juneteenth marks the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, which was the last state to abolish slavery. Ralph Northam signed the legislation on Oct. 13. Northam proposed making Juneteenth a state holiday in June during a press conference that included musician and Virginia native Pharrell Williams. Northam signed an executive order that gave executive branch employees and state colleges the day off.
Glamorous Miami club caught in power struggle over the virus
LIV owner David Grutman poses for a photograph at the nightclub, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. LIV, one of Miami's most glamorous, star-studded nightclubs sits empty and quiet these days, a casualty of both the coronavirus outbreak and a power struggle between state and local government over how to contain the scourge. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Glamorous Miami club caught in power struggle over the virus
The parties at the club are so legendary they have inspired lyrics from Drake, Kanye West and Rick Ross. Today, LIV sits quiet and empty — a casualty not just of the coronavirus outbreak but of a power struggle between state and local government over how to contain the scourge. “I cried real tears,” the 46-year-old Grutman said of his last visit to the shuttered club and nightlife's seemingly bygone era. Grutman has fielded countless calls from DJs begging to be the first when the club reopens. Others have asked to host Zoom parties from LIV, but Grutman just isn't into it.
Jay-Z, Pharrell to release new song about Black ambition
NEW YORK – Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams have teamed up to release a new song about Black ambition titled “Entrepreneur." “Black Twitter, what’s that? When Jack gets paid, do you?” raps Jay-Z, referring to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. “For every one Gucci, support two FUBU’s.”On the track, Williams sings: “In this position with no choice/The system imprison young Black boys/Distract with white noise." Williams told TIME the song is “about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with."
Pharrell, Beastie Boys, RZA, halftime show score Emmy nods
Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show Starring Jennifer Lopez And Shakira picked up four nominations, including outstanding variety special (live). It was not clear if Lopez and Shakira were specifically nominated, though past halftime singers, including Beyonc, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, have earned Emmy nominations as performers. For their work on Watchmen, they scored a second Emmy nomination for outstanding music composition for a limited series, movie or special. They earned nominations as producers for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special and as writers for outstanding writing for a nonfiction program. Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who composed music for the Michelle Obama documentary Becoming, picked up a nomination for outstanding music composition for a documentary series of special.
Jay-Z, other celebs ask feds to probe student's 2010 killing
Hess shot Henry as Henry drove through a parking lot, away from a disturbance that spilled out of a bar in October 2010 in Mount Pleasant, a New York City suburb. Hess has said Henry was trying to run him down and that he fired through the windshield to stop the driver. The Henrys have said Hess jumped front of the car, got onto the hood and shot their son for no good reason. Henry's father said new information that has come out since the criminal case was closed warrants a reexamination of his son's death. As human beings we should all want a standard of justice that is fair and right, Danroy Henry Sr. told The Boston Globe.
Pharrell Williams releases a new song dedicated to frontline workers
Pharrell Williams and record producer Chad Hugo have released a new song honoring the frontline workers in their home state of Virginia. The recording artist released the song “Virginia: A Salute to Frontline Workers” on his music festival’s “Something in the Water” Twitter page. "VIRGINIA", written by @pharrell and @chadhugoMade to acknowledge the resilient Virginian frontline workers and to show the possibilities of what happens when we come together. The video shows scenes from Virginia coastline as well as coronavirus testing sites and other frontline workers doing their jobs. Our citizens are resilient and we are forever inspired by the incredible people of Virginia,” Williams concluded.
WATCH: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam gives June 16 coronavirus update, joined by Pharrell Williams
Ralph Northam gave an update on the state’s response to the coronavirus on Tuesday afternoon. Also on Tuesday, the governor, joined by Grammy-winning musician and Virginia native, Pharrell Williams, announced his plan to make Juneteenth a state holiday in Virginia. As of Tuesday, there are 55,331 coronavirus cases in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health. [Where are Virginia’s coronavirus cases? The health department’s interactive map]The governor is now only be giving coronavirus updates on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Barack Obama will headline televised prime-time commencement
NEW YORK – Former President Barack Obama will deliver a televised prime-time commencement address for the high school Class of 2020 during an hour-long event that will also feature LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai and Ben Platt, among others. Several high school students from Chicago public schools and the Obama Youth Jobs Corps will join, as will the Jonas Brothers, Yara Shahidi, Bad Bunny, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe and H.E.R. The event is titled “Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.” It's hosted by the education advocacy group XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation and The Entertainment Industry Foundation. Obama will reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption of school life, especially for seniors who have missed out on their milestone rites of passage. “We are grateful to President Obama for giving this gift to our nation’s three million high school seniors as they #GraduateTogether,” she added.
Gloomy summer looms as pandemic cancels US festivals, trips
On a typical summer day, the Ship Bottom Brewing beer house on New Jersey's Long Beach Island is packed. Along Virginia’s coast, a long list of festivals have already been canceled, and the usually bustling Virginia Beach oceanfront sits quiet and empty. “It’s surreal and sobering,” said Mike Standing, 50, a Virginia Beach restaurateur and hotel owner. Cities and towns across the country also are sorting out what the pandemic will mean for municipal pools, beaches and summer camps. Last year, the summer staple drew nearly 1.4 million visitors for its livestock shows, carnival rides, fried food and big-name concerts.
Tye Tribbett sends positive vibes with song amid virus
NEW YORK – Grammy-winning gospel singer Tye Tribbett has fused Kendrick Lamar’s hit song “Alright” into a new tune to send a message to people during the coronavirus pandemic: We are going to be all right. Tribbett released the new song “We Gon’ Be Alright” on Friday. The new track interpolates part of Lamar’s anthemic 2015 song, which was co-produced by Pharrell and won two Grammy Awards. Tribbett, 44, said he’s hoping to offer some light to the world during a time of darkness. Tribbett won the best gospel album and best gospel song Grammys at the 2014 show.
Singer Pharrell is making music on Miami's restaurant scene
Grammy award winning singer Pharrell, from left, poses with his father Pharaoh Williams and nightlife guru David Grumman at the Swan restaurant in Miami's design district, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Kelli Kennedy)MIAMI, Fla. – Grammy award-winning singer Pharrell may have been fired from three different McDonald's as a teen, but that didn't stop him from opening what has become one of the hottest restaurants in Miami. Back home, Pharaoh Williams was always in the kitchen and so were his grandmothers. Grutman and Pharrell partnered with Top Chef Europe champion executive chef Jean Imbert for their restaurant, while Pharrell works on the side with a line of food products for his father. But the “Happy” singer is clear about his role in the restaurant business — he happily stays out of the kitchen.
Dr. Dre earned $950 million in the past decadehere are the other 9 top-earning musicians of the 2010s
The year also marked when Beats Electronics, owned by super-producer and businessman Andre Young (aka Dr. Dre) was acquired by Apple for $3 billion. This major deal helped Dr. Dre secure his top spot as the highest-paid musician of the 2010s, during which time he earned a reported $950 million, according to Forbes' list of the 10 top-earning musicians of the decade. Unlike Taylor Swift and Beyonce, who come in second, earning $825 million, and third, earning $685 million respectively, Dr. Dre didn't spend the past decade going on sold-out world tours to promote multi-platinum albums. Dr. Dre's business prowess has inspired the likes of billionaire mogul Richard Branson. Here are the other artists who join Dr. Dre in earning the most money in the 2010s.
cnbc.comMoneyWatch: Exxon CEO expects oil prices to remain low; "Blurred Lines" trial resumes
MoneyWatch: Exxon CEO expects oil prices to remain low; "Blurred Lines" trial resumes Exxon Moblie CEO, Rex Tillerson says that oil production has outpaced consumption. And, in the trial over the hit song "Blurred Lines," Pharrell Williams testified that he did not copy Marvin Gaye's song. Wendy Gillette reports on the day's top MoneyWatch headlines.
cbsnews.comPharrell Williams on success: "I've been hoisted up" by others
Pharrell Williams on success: "I've been hoisted up" by others The Grammy-winning producer-singer-songwriter of such hits as "Get Lucky," "Blurred Lines" and "Happy" tells correspondent Anthony Mason his success comes not from his music, but from an audience making a choice.
cbsnews.comPharrell Williams on meeting his Neptunes partner Chad Hugo
Pharrell Williams on meeting his Neptunes partner Chad Hugo Grammy Award-winner Pharrell Williams talks about his schoolmate Chad Hugo, with whom he formed a highly successful music production duo, The Neptunes, that was responsible for some of the most successful hip hop, R&B and pop hits of the 1990s and 2000s.
cbsnews.comPharrell Williams: “My story is the average story”
Pharrell Williams: “My story is the average story” In this “Sunday Morning” preview Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Pharrell Williams gives credit to his high school band teachers for helping him get to where he is today, and tells Anthony Mason that while growing up, his life was filled with special people.
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