Eddie Fisher Dies
On September 22, 1950's icon Eddie Fisher died of complications from recent hip surgery. He was 82. Between 1950 and 1956, Fisher recorded dozens of pop hits. Four reached Number One, including his biggest hit, "Oh! My Pa-Pa." In 1955, Fisher married his first wife, actress Debbie Reynolds. He left her in 1959 for actress Elizabeth Taylor. Following their divorce in 1964, Fisher married actress and singer Connie Stevens in 1967. That union ended in 1968. He was also married to Terry Richard from 1975-1976 and to Betty Lin from 1993 until her death in 2001. Fisher is survived by four children - Carrie, Todd, Joely and Trisha Leigh Fisher.
Tyler Confirmed as 3rd Idol Judge
It's been confirmed that Aerosmith's Steven Tyler will fill the third judge seat on the upcoming 10th season of American Idol. He'll join original judge Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez. Contestant auditions began on July 17 in Nashville. Other cities hosting auditions this year include San Francisco, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; New Orleans, Louisiana; East Rutherford, New Jersey; and Los Angeles, California.
Doobie Brothers to Release New CD
On September 28, the Doobie Brothers will release its first album in 10 years. The band will host a preview concert for World Gone Crazy at House of Rock in San Jose, California.
New DVD to Feature Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concerts
Time Life will release The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts 3-DVD set on September 28. The five-hour collection features Sting, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Metallica and many others who performed at last year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame silver anniversary shows in New York.
Shania Twain Signs Book Deal
Country singer Shania Twain has signed a deal with Simon & Schuster's Atria Books imprint to publish her autobiography. In the book, she shares stories about her childhood in Ontario, the tragic death of her mother and stepfather, her rise to fame in Country music and her recent divorce from producer Robert "Mutt" Lange.
Grand Ole Opry House Reopens Sept. 28
On September 28, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House will reopen. The famous landmark has been closed since the May floods in Tennessee. Artists set to perform at the opening include Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and the Charlie Daniels Band, among others.
New Album Releases September 28:
"Hemingway's Whiskey" by Kenny Chesney
"King Uncaged" by T.I.
"Telephantasm" by Soundgarden
"Going Back" by Phil Collins
"Clapton" by Eric Clapton
"Le Noise" by Neil Young
"TM 103" by Young Jeezy,
"6: Commitment" by Seal
"I Am The West" by Ice Cube
"The Dissent Of Man" by Bad Religion
"No Chocolate Cake" by Gin Blossoms
"Wonder" by Michael W. Smith
"Lonely Avenue" by Ben Folds & Nick Hornby
"Everything" by Nikki & Rich
"Station To Station" (9-CD box set) by David Bowie
"All Of Me" by Estelle
"For Always: The Best of CeCe Winans" by CeCe Winans.
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits:
The 25th anniversary Farm Aid benefit will take place on October 2 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews will be joined by Kenny Chesney, Jason Mraz and Norah Jones, among others. Farm Aid is the longest running benefit concert series in America. Since 1985, the shows have raised more than $37 million for family farmers.
Country singer Luke Bryan will perform his four-city "Farm Tour" September 28-October 1. Proceeds from the shows will go to charities in the farming communities of Valdosta, Statesboro, Carrollton and Macon, Georgia. "I come from an area just like those we have chosen to perform in," Luke says. "I grew up working on my father's peanut farm and know how hard these farmers work. We hope to give them a chance to take a break and enjoy themselves with a night of music."
Look Who's Going On Tour!
On September 29, Country star Miranda Lambert will begin her "Revolution 2010" tour in New York City. Former pop singer Josh Kelley will open the shows to support his upcoming debut Country album. Also on the bill is Eric Church, who's promoting his latest album, Carolina. The twenty-six "CMT on Tour: Revolution 2010" concerts wrap up in Las Vegas on December 10.
The Top 10 America's Got Talent finalists will kick off a 25-city tour on October 1 in Oakland, California. Performers include 12-year-old dancing partners Anna and Patryk, singing sisters Christina and Ali, 10-year-old classical singer and this year's runner-up Jackie Evancho, stunt bicyclist Jeremy VanSchoonhoven, magician Michael Grasso, opera singer Prince Poppycock, dance troupe Studio One Young Beast Society, 18-year-old singer Taylor Matthews, black-light illusion troupe Fighting Gravity, and this year's winner, singer-songwriter Michael Grimm. The tour will end on November 7 in Orlando, Florida.
