Run-DMC Among New Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2009 inductees. Pioneering rap trio Run-DMC will enter the Hall during the April 4 ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio. The Class of '09 also includes hard rock group Metallica, doo-wop group Little Anthony and the Imperials, R&B singer Bobby Womack and guitarist Jeff Beck, who was first inducted in 1992 as a member of the Yardbirds. Entering in the early influence category is rockabilly singer Wanda Jackson. Spooner Oldham, D.J. Fontana and Bill Black will be inducted in the sidemen category.
Reprise Records to Release New Frank Sinatra Compilation
On January 20, Reprise Records will release the Frank Sinatra compilation Seduction: Sinatra Sings of Love. Two version will be available, a 22-song standard edition and a double CD deluxe edition with 10 bonus tracks. Included is an alternate version of the Rogers and Hart standard "My Funny Valentine," plus newly remastered classics such as "I've Got You Under My Skin," "I Get A Kick Out of You" and "That's All."
Shakira's New Album to Feature Collaborations with Algerian, Puerto Rican Musicians
The upcoming album by Colombian singer Shakira will include tracks she recorded with Algerian musician Khaled and Puerto Rican duo Calle 13. Shakira has also collaborated with Pharrell Williams and Haitian musician and producer Wyclef Jean. The album is due out later this year and will be her final release by Sony Music. She recently signed a new deal with Live Nation.
Top Stars Help Kick Off Obama Inaugural Festivities
On January 18, a free concert took place at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The event kicked off President-elect Barack Obama's official inaugural festivities. Performers included Bruce Springsteen, Shakira, Beyonce, Garth Brooks, Bono, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Herbie Hancock and John Legend, among many others. President-elect Obama attended the concert, which was broadcast on the Home Box Office cable channel, HBO.
Marc Anthony Co-Headlines Latino Inaugural Gala
Several other concerts were held in Washington, D.C. to celebrate President-elect Obama's inauguration. The Latino Inaugural Gala on January 18 at Union Station featured WAR and Marc Anthony. Sheryl Crow and the Beastie Boys co-headlined the "Hey, America Feels Kinda Cool Again" show on January 19 at the 9:30 Club. Jay-Z performed at the Warner Theater on January 19 and Bela Fleck and Wynton Marsalis will appeared at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of CNN's Inaugural event.
John Mayer Could Host New CBS TV Show
Singer John Mayer might soon be adding 'television host' to his resume. Billboard.com reports that Mayer is close to finalizing a deal with CBS for a music and variety series. A few months ago, he hinted about the project in a blog. Mayer wrote, "I'm basing out of Los Angeles because I'm working on a side project that is extremely cool (I'll tell you about it soon)."
Taylor Dayne, Former Miss USA to Compete in Season 3 of CMT Reality Series
On January 24, cable music channel CMT (Country Music Television) will launch the third season of its reality series "Gone Country." This year's contestants include Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, former Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz, funk singer George Clinton, pop singer Taylor Dayne, drummer Sheila E, 2002 "American Idol" runner-up Justin Guarini and actor Richard Grieco. They all head to Nashville to learn about the Country music industry, then each are paired with two Nashville songwriters who will help them write a Country song. The winner will be chosen by host John Rich, half of the Country duo Big & Rich. Julio Iglesias, Jr. won the first season of "Gone Country." Last year, Skid Row lead singer Sebastian Bach was named the second season winner. His single, "Battle With The Bottle," was released last September.
New Album Releases January 20
"The Ballads" - Mariah Carey
"The Lovers, The Dreamers and Me" - Jane Monheit
"Merriweather Post Pavilion" - Animal Collective
"The Empyrean" - John Frusciante
"Romantika" - Anders Holst
Look Who's Going On Tour!
On January 22, singer-songwriter Jewel will begin an acoustic tour in Dubuque, Iowa. She'll be supporting her debut Country album Perfectly Clear, which debuted at Number One on Billboard's Country chart. "I really enjoy performing acoustically and have been looking forward to doing these shows," Jewel says. "It gives me the chance to tell the stories behind my songs and connect with the fans in an intimate setting." Eighteen shows are scheduled through March 11.
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