The King of Horror’s works have become one of the greatest sources of the filmmakers’ inspiration, as numerous movies and TV titles, based on Stephen King’s novels, brought billions of dollars to the industry. Some of them have even gained worldwide popularity and the golden status and are being discussed and rewatched by fans annually.
These include the 1986 movie with a seemingly straightforward premise. It focuses on four young boys, Gordie, Vern, Chris and Teddy, hoping to become famous in their hometown by finding a dead body of a stranger accidentally killed in the Oregon woods.
Their journey towards the body, however, offers a bunch of unexpected turns, including the unpleasant encounters and the hostility of the wilderness. As they go further in the forest, they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives.
Thus, this film presents a metaphor of coming of age,...
These include the 1986 movie with a seemingly straightforward premise. It focuses on four young boys, Gordie, Vern, Chris and Teddy, hoping to become famous in their hometown by finding a dead body of a stranger accidentally killed in the Oregon woods.
Their journey towards the body, however, offers a bunch of unexpected turns, including the unpleasant encounters and the hostility of the wilderness. As they go further in the forest, they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives.
Thus, this film presents a metaphor of coming of age,...
- 5/7/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
Stagecoach is known for its surprises and, on Friday night, Eric Church delivered one of the most unexpected sets in the California country music festival’s history. The question facing fans is, was it a good surprise or a bad one?
Church hadn’t headlined Stagecoach since 2016 and is currently in the midst of a 19-show residency at his Nashville bar Chief’s that finds him getting up-close and candid with fans and testing out new songs. When he appeared on the Mane Stage at 9:45 p.m. to the...
Church hadn’t headlined Stagecoach since 2016 and is currently in the midst of a 19-show residency at his Nashville bar Chief’s that finds him getting up-close and candid with fans and testing out new songs. When he appeared on the Mane Stage at 9:45 p.m. to the...
- 4/27/2024
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Comedian and writer Julian Clary (Julian Clary: Live – Lord of the Mince) will play the title role in this festive season’s London Palladium pantomime Robin Hood, with singer and travel show presenter Jane McDonald (Cruising with Jane McDonald) topping the bill as Maid Marion.
The annual Palladium show, now in its ninth consecutive season, has become an eagerly awaited staple in the West End’s calendar. It runs from December 7 through January 12, 2025. Priority booking opens 10 Am (GMT) April 25.
Last year’s production, Peter Pan, with comedy legend Jennifer Saunders making her pantomime debut as Captain Hook, and with Clary playing Seaman Smee, was a sold-out success, playing 56 performances -often two a day – to an audience of more than 123,000 at the 2,200 capacity variety house.
When tickets went on sale, there was a moment when 90,000 people were in the queue, waiting their turn to book seats.
The annual Palladium show, now in its ninth consecutive season, has become an eagerly awaited staple in the West End’s calendar. It runs from December 7 through January 12, 2025. Priority booking opens 10 Am (GMT) April 25.
Last year’s production, Peter Pan, with comedy legend Jennifer Saunders making her pantomime debut as Captain Hook, and with Clary playing Seaman Smee, was a sold-out success, playing 56 performances -often two a day – to an audience of more than 123,000 at the 2,200 capacity variety house.
When tickets went on sale, there was a moment when 90,000 people were in the queue, waiting their turn to book seats.
- 4/21/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
While we all yearn for the 80s watching Stranger Things, in the 80s Stephen King cherished the memory of the 50s and his own childhood in dirty jeans and torn sneakers.
The holidays are coming to an end, but there is still time for one last adventure: somewhere over the bridge lies the body of a neighbor's boy. If you are the first to discover the body, you can become the hero of the whole neighborhood. And four boys are already on their way.
Stand By Me is one of King's most intimate and personal stories. It was not originally advertised as a film adaptation – the creators feared that the author's reputation in the horror genre would give people the wrong impression.
Fortunately, time has corrected this association, and now Rob Reiner's film is recognized as one of the best King adaptations.
The synopsis of the movie sounds like...
The holidays are coming to an end, but there is still time for one last adventure: somewhere over the bridge lies the body of a neighbor's boy. If you are the first to discover the body, you can become the hero of the whole neighborhood. And four boys are already on their way.
Stand By Me is one of King's most intimate and personal stories. It was not originally advertised as a film adaptation – the creators feared that the author's reputation in the horror genre would give people the wrong impression.
Fortunately, time has corrected this association, and now Rob Reiner's film is recognized as one of the best King adaptations.
The synopsis of the movie sounds like...
- 4/21/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
Six months after Bruce Springsteen suspended his world tour so he could recover from a painful peptic ulcer, he was back onstage with the E Street Band Tuesday night in Phoenix, for the first gig of the year. And while the setlist was largely the same as the one he delivered nightly in 2023, he did make some minor alterations, and create space for further additions as the year progresses.
The majority of last year’s concerts kicked off with “No Surrender,” but it loosened up during the stadium portion at...
The majority of last year’s concerts kicked off with “No Surrender,” but it loosened up during the stadium portion at...
- 3/20/2024
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kicked off their 2024 tour with a blazing 29-song performance at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday night. It marked the band’s first performance since Springsteen was forced to postpone the remainder of the band’s 2023 tour due to a bout with peptic ulcer disease.
Thankfully, The Boss now appears to be fully recovered. The 29-song set stuck closely to the epic shows Springsteen played towards the end of his 2023 run, including performances of “Night,” “Darlington County,” “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Spirit in the Night,” “Mary’s Place,” and “Backstreets.” Once again, the encore proved particularly stellar, featuring “Born To Run,” “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” “Glory Days,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.”
Get Bruce Springsteen 2024 Tickets Here
Springsteen and the E Street Band will spend most of the year on the road. They’re next due in Las Vegas on Friday,...
Thankfully, The Boss now appears to be fully recovered. The 29-song set stuck closely to the epic shows Springsteen played towards the end of his 2023 run, including performances of “Night,” “Darlington County,” “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Spirit in the Night,” “Mary’s Place,” and “Backstreets.” Once again, the encore proved particularly stellar, featuring “Born To Run,” “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” “Glory Days,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.”
Get Bruce Springsteen 2024 Tickets Here
Springsteen and the E Street Band will spend most of the year on the road. They’re next due in Las Vegas on Friday,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
Elvis Presley‘s “Trouble” was a little bit of a joke except when Elvis sang it during the ’68 Comeback Special. One of the writers who wrote the song was shocked by how much power he brought to the track. Elvis incorporated the tune into a medley and knocked it out of the park.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Trouble’ has a connection to Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were one of the most important songwriting duos from the 1950s and early 1960s. They penned Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9,” and The Coasters’ “Yakety Yak.” Some of the hits they wrote for Elvis included “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” and “Bossa Nova Baby.” During a 2006 interview with Elvis Information Network, Leiber was a big fan of how Elvis performed “Trouble” during a famous television appearance.
“I especially liked ‘Trouble...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Trouble’ has a connection to Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were one of the most important songwriting duos from the 1950s and early 1960s. They penned Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9,” and The Coasters’ “Yakety Yak.” Some of the hits they wrote for Elvis included “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” and “Bossa Nova Baby.” During a 2006 interview with Elvis Information Network, Leiber was a big fan of how Elvis performed “Trouble” during a famous television appearance.
“I especially liked ‘Trouble...
- 3/1/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s “She’s Not You” was written by three of the best songwriters of the early 1960s. It’s no surprise that artists decided to take inspiration from one of the greatest country songs ever. Considering the pedigree of “She’s Not You,” the song itself is pretty disappointing.
Elvis Presley’s ‘She’s Not You’ was inspired by ‘I Really Don’t Want to Know’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were the songwriting duo behind Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” one of the most popular songs ever written. They also teamed up for several Elvis songs, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “Bossa Nova Baby,” and “She’s Not You.”
During a 2006 interview with Elvis Information Network, Leiber revealed what he thought of Elvis’ “She’s Not You.”
“Elvis did a really good job on it,” he opined. “He never did a bad job on any song.
Elvis Presley’s ‘She’s Not You’ was inspired by ‘I Really Don’t Want to Know’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were the songwriting duo behind Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” one of the most popular songs ever written. They also teamed up for several Elvis songs, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “Bossa Nova Baby,” and “She’s Not You.”
During a 2006 interview with Elvis Information Network, Leiber revealed what he thought of Elvis’ “She’s Not You.”
“Elvis did a really good job on it,” he opined. “He never did a bad job on any song.
- 2/22/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
U2 singer Bono paid tribute Saturday night to recently deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny during his concert at The Sphere in Las Vegas. The frontman got the crowd to chant Navalny’s name as a memorial to the dissident’s struggle against the Russian establishment.
In a long preamble to a cover rendition of Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over, Bono spoke of the struggle for freedom and the importance of standing up for it. His remarks on Navalny start at the 2:35 mark in the video above.
“Next week it’ll be two years since Putin invaded and tried to destroy the hard-won freedoms” of the Ukrainian people, Bono said. “Next, it’ll be Poland, next it’ll be Lithuania, East Germany; who knows where this man will or won’t go. To these people, freedom is not just a word in a song. For...
In a long preamble to a cover rendition of Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over, Bono spoke of the struggle for freedom and the importance of standing up for it. His remarks on Navalny start at the 2:35 mark in the video above.
“Next week it’ll be two years since Putin invaded and tried to destroy the hard-won freedoms” of the Ukrainian people, Bono said. “Next, it’ll be Poland, next it’ll be Lithuania, East Germany; who knows where this man will or won’t go. To these people, freedom is not just a word in a song. For...
- 2/18/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Kiefer Sutherland plays a small but key character in 1986’s Stand By Me as bully Ace, who tries to foil the core group’s journey to discovering the corpse of Ray Brower…and entering a premature manhood. But behind the scenes, his role may have been far more important, as Sutherland says he was the one who inspired the movie’s title.
Based on Stephen King’s short story “The Body”, the original title was questioned because it apparently sounded more like a porno or a straight-up horror movie more akin to something that, well, Stephen King might write. Fortunately for the studio — and probably the film’s legacy overall — Kiefer Sutherland was adept at the guitar and tinkered around a bit while filming. As he told Jimmy Fallon on his late night show, “We were making Stand by Me, which was a Stephen King short story called ‘The Body...
Based on Stephen King’s short story “The Body”, the original title was questioned because it apparently sounded more like a porno or a straight-up horror movie more akin to something that, well, Stephen King might write. Fortunately for the studio — and probably the film’s legacy overall — Kiefer Sutherland was adept at the guitar and tinkered around a bit while filming. As he told Jimmy Fallon on his late night show, “We were making Stand by Me, which was a Stephen King short story called ‘The Body...
- 12/30/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Kiefer Sutherland is recalling a sweet anecdote from the set of Stand by Me and remembering his late co-star River Phoenix.
The 24 actor is looking back at his time while filming the Rob Reiner coming-of-age drama movie and shared a heartwarming story about Phoenix that also came to possibly influence the title of the film.
“We were making Stand by Me, which was a Stephen King short story called The Body, and River Phoenix was learning guitar and playing guitar and he was actually very, very good. And he was getting really good at a very, very fast rate,” Sutherland said during an interview on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. “And I was playing Stand by Me and singing that song, and he said, ‘Oh, I love the melody of that song,’ and he hadn’t heard it before.”
Sutherland continued, “So I was teaching it to him and...
The 24 actor is looking back at his time while filming the Rob Reiner coming-of-age drama movie and shared a heartwarming story about Phoenix that also came to possibly influence the title of the film.
“We were making Stand by Me, which was a Stephen King short story called The Body, and River Phoenix was learning guitar and playing guitar and he was actually very, very good. And he was getting really good at a very, very fast rate,” Sutherland said during an interview on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. “And I was playing Stand by Me and singing that song, and he said, ‘Oh, I love the melody of that song,’ and he hadn’t heard it before.”
Sutherland continued, “So I was teaching it to him and...
- 12/24/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: More than a hit song, “Stand by Me,” by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller and Ben E. King, has transcended the notion of a “standard” — it’s been recorded more than 1,000 times and has made more appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 chart than any other song.
Music and media producer Spencer Proffer and his music-anchored production company Meteor 17 have been selected to produce the authorized feature-length documentary about the iconic song and its significant global impact for over six decades. Emmy and Grammy nominated director J. Kevin Swain — who has directed music videos and other projects for and with Mary J. Blige, Wynton Marsalis, Queen Latifah — has been selected by Proffer to bring the story of the song to the screen.
As part of the film, Emmy- and Grammy-winning producer, composer, musical director and musician Steve Jordan will produce a new version of “Stand by Me.” Jordan has worked with artists including Keith Richards,...
Music and media producer Spencer Proffer and his music-anchored production company Meteor 17 have been selected to produce the authorized feature-length documentary about the iconic song and its significant global impact for over six decades. Emmy and Grammy nominated director J. Kevin Swain — who has directed music videos and other projects for and with Mary J. Blige, Wynton Marsalis, Queen Latifah — has been selected by Proffer to bring the story of the song to the screen.
As part of the film, Emmy- and Grammy-winning producer, composer, musical director and musician Steve Jordan will produce a new version of “Stand by Me.” Jordan has worked with artists including Keith Richards,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
John Lennon said he wanted to be like The Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector or The Chiffons when he recorded one of his albums. He worked on the record with a musical genius who was arguably the most famous producer of all time. The record gave us one of John’s most famous and lovely covers.
John Lennon wanted to be like The Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector when he made ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’
During a 1975 interview with Spin, John said he started transitioning from a political activist to a regular musician with the release of his album Mind Games. He decided he wanted to have some fun with his next release by singing a collection of rock ‘n’ roll songs.
“I don’t even wanna be the producer,” he said. “I’ll do it with Phil Spector. ‘Cause I’ve worked with him before. It took me three weeks to talk him into...
John Lennon wanted to be like The Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector when he made ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’
During a 1975 interview with Spin, John said he started transitioning from a political activist to a regular musician with the release of his album Mind Games. He decided he wanted to have some fun with his next release by singing a collection of rock ‘n’ roll songs.
“I don’t even wanna be the producer,” he said. “I’ll do it with Phil Spector. ‘Cause I’ve worked with him before. It took me three weeks to talk him into...
- 11/9/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sometimes, The Beatles paid tribute to people in odd ways. One of John Lennon’s solo albums was jinxed, according to the “Imagine” singer himself. He also decided to dedicate the album to Yoko Ono. Love or hate that record, it gave us one of John’s most beloved ballads.
1 of John Lennon’s solo albums was composed of 1950s and 1960s cover songs
In 1975, John released an album of 1950s and 1960s covers called Rock ‘n’ Roll. During a 1975 interview with Rolling Stone, John discussed the record. “It started in ’73 with [producer] Phil [Spector] and fell apart,” he said.
“I ended up as part of mad drunk scenes in Los Angeles and I finally finished it off on me own” he added. “And there was still problems with it up to the minute it came out. I can’t begin to say, it’s just barmy, there’s a jinx on that album.
1 of John Lennon’s solo albums was composed of 1950s and 1960s cover songs
In 1975, John released an album of 1950s and 1960s covers called Rock ‘n’ Roll. During a 1975 interview with Rolling Stone, John discussed the record. “It started in ’73 with [producer] Phil [Spector] and fell apart,” he said.
“I ended up as part of mad drunk scenes in Los Angeles and I finally finished it off on me own” he added. “And there was still problems with it up to the minute it came out. I can’t begin to say, it’s just barmy, there’s a jinx on that album.
- 11/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon said people perceived him as a “drunken idiot” when he made one of his post-Beatles albums. The album only produced one hit — and it was a love song. In fact, it was a cover of one of the most famous love songs of all time.
John Lennon revealed what it was like to cover 1950s and 1960s songs for 1 of his albums
In 1975, John released a covers album loaded with 1950s and 1960s rock and pop standards called Rock ‘n’ Roll. It was his only record completely composed of covers. During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, he discussed what it was like to cover songs by Buddy Holly and other artists from that era. “I remember those,” he said.
“I don’t remember the chords or the lyrics or anything of The Beatles stuff,...
John Lennon revealed what it was like to cover 1950s and 1960s songs for 1 of his albums
In 1975, John released a covers album loaded with 1950s and 1960s rock and pop standards called Rock ‘n’ Roll. It was his only record completely composed of covers. During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, he discussed what it was like to cover songs by Buddy Holly and other artists from that era. “I remember those,” he said.
“I don’t remember the chords or the lyrics or anything of The Beatles stuff,...
- 10/31/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One John Lennon album is most famous for producing a cover of a sweet love song. Ironically, John said he acted like horror movie characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde while recording the album. Here’s a look at the impact of the song John covered.
John Lennon acted like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde while creating an album of standards
In 1975, John released a record called Rock ‘n’ Roll. It was a collection of standards from the 1950s and 1960s, the most famous being Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed how Rock ‘n’ Roll came together.
“It was such a mess that I can hardly remember what happened,” he explained. “I was away from Yoko and I wanted to come back. I did, once I got...
John Lennon acted like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde while creating an album of standards
In 1975, John released a record called Rock ‘n’ Roll. It was a collection of standards from the 1950s and 1960s, the most famous being Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” During a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed how Rock ‘n’ Roll came together.
“It was such a mess that I can hardly remember what happened,” he explained. “I was away from Yoko and I wanted to come back. I did, once I got...
- 10/27/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
One of Elvis Presley’s hits was written on-demand over the course of a weekend. The song’s co-writer thinks the song is great. At this point, its lyrics seem more problematic.
One writer co-wrote several of Elvis Presley‘s hits. Afterward, he named one of the Elvis ballads he thought deserved more attention, and it’s not a song that’s aged very well. While the song was a massive hit in the 1950s, it’s been overshadowed by some of the singer’s other hits today.
The writer of several Elvis Presley hits didn’t like his version of ‘Hound Dog’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for writing 1950s and 1960s hits such as The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” They also co-wrote Elvis’ “Hound Dog,” “Bossa Nova Baby,...
One of Elvis Presley’s hits was written on-demand over the course of a weekend. The song’s co-writer thinks the song is great. At this point, its lyrics seem more problematic.
One writer co-wrote several of Elvis Presley‘s hits. Afterward, he named one of the Elvis ballads he thought deserved more attention, and it’s not a song that’s aged very well. While the song was a massive hit in the 1950s, it’s been overshadowed by some of the singer’s other hits today.
The writer of several Elvis Presley hits didn’t like his version of ‘Hound Dog’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for writing 1950s and 1960s hits such as The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” They also co-wrote Elvis’ “Hound Dog,” “Bossa Nova Baby,...
- 9/16/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Adding to his already poor reputation, Colonel Tom Parker once got upset because one Elvis Presley song took all of 15 minutes to write. Elvis was a big fan of the track. It’s a lot dirtier than tunes of the same genre.
Elvis Presley released a Christmas song that was a lot dirtier than most
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller co-wrote a number of Elvis hits such as “She’s Not You,” “Bossa Nova Baby,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” During a 2022 interview with Variety, Stoller noted he and Leiber wrote Elvis’ Christmas classic “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” on the spur of the moment.
“Yeah, we did that in a hurry,” he said. “He was doing a Christmas album, and we wrote it in another room during the recording session. I remember we went out — it probably took about 15 minutes — and we came back in and performed it for them.
Elvis Presley released a Christmas song that was a lot dirtier than most
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller co-wrote a number of Elvis hits such as “She’s Not You,” “Bossa Nova Baby,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” During a 2022 interview with Variety, Stoller noted he and Leiber wrote Elvis’ Christmas classic “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” on the spur of the moment.
“Yeah, we did that in a hurry,” he said. “He was doing a Christmas album, and we wrote it in another room during the recording session. I remember we went out — it probably took about 15 minutes — and we came back in and performed it for them.
- 9/16/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s easy to forget now, but some of the classic rock hits from the 1950s and 1960s were considered obscene at the time. The controversial original version of Elvis Presley’s “Such a Night” was originally by a different group. That didn’t stop the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s cover from becoming a hit.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Such a Night’ appears to be about a 1-night stand
“Suspicious Minds,” “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and numerous other Elvis songs were first recorded by other artists. “Such a Night” is no exception. The original 1953 tune came from the R&b group The Drifters. Today, The Drifters are most known for their hits “Save the Last Dance for Me” and “Under the Boardwalk.” “Stand by Me” singer Ben E. King was once a member of The Drifters.
“Such a Night” includes lyrics like “Oh, that night ooh what a night / It was,...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Such a Night’ appears to be about a 1-night stand
“Suspicious Minds,” “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and numerous other Elvis songs were first recorded by other artists. “Such a Night” is no exception. The original 1953 tune came from the R&b group The Drifters. Today, The Drifters are most known for their hits “Save the Last Dance for Me” and “Under the Boardwalk.” “Stand by Me” singer Ben E. King was once a member of The Drifters.
“Such a Night” includes lyrics like “Oh, that night ooh what a night / It was,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The sinking of the SS Andrea Doria remains one of the most infamous shipwrecks of the 20th century and, somehow, it collided with the career of Elvis Presley. One of the survivors of the disaster co-wrote Elvis’ “Hound Dog” and other hit songs. During an interview, the songwriter said he received major news about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll after surviving the shipwreck and making it back to land.
The writer of Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog’ went on an infamous boat after getting paid
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were one of the most influential songwriting duos from the 1950s. They are probably most known for writing Elvis songs such as “Bossa Nova Baby,” “Love Me,” and “Hound Dog.” They also wrote tunes for The Coasters, The Drifters, and Ben E. King.
During a 2020 interview with Elvis Australia, Stoller discussed why he was on the SS Andrea Doria.
The writer of Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog’ went on an infamous boat after getting paid
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were one of the most influential songwriting duos from the 1950s. They are probably most known for writing Elvis songs such as “Bossa Nova Baby,” “Love Me,” and “Hound Dog.” They also wrote tunes for The Coasters, The Drifters, and Ben E. King.
During a 2020 interview with Elvis Australia, Stoller discussed why he was on the SS Andrea Doria.
- 9/13/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
A songwriter explained how a movie script inspired Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” “Jailhouse Rock” was a double A-side single. The two tunes were huge in the United States.
Elvis Presley‘s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the most notable songwriters of the era. One of them revealed Elvis recorded the song numerous times to get it just right. In addition, he discussed what he thought of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer.
The writers of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were behind some of the best hits of the era
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for hits such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9.” They are perhaps most known for writing for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, penning tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!,...
A songwriter explained how a movie script inspired Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” “Jailhouse Rock” was a double A-side single. The two tunes were huge in the United States.
Elvis Presley‘s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the most notable songwriters of the era. One of them revealed Elvis recorded the song numerous times to get it just right. In addition, he discussed what he thought of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer.
The writers of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were behind some of the best hits of the era
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for hits such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9.” They are perhaps most known for writing for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, penning tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
A songwriter explained how a movie script inspired Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” “Jailhouse Rock” was a double A-side single. The two tunes were huge in the United States.
Elvis Presley‘s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the most notable songwriters of the era. Subsequently, one of them revealed Elvis recorded the song numerous times to get it just right. In addition, he discussed what he thought of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer.
The writes of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were behind some of the best hits of the era
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for hits such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9.” They are perhaps most known for writing for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, penning tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!,...
A songwriter explained how a movie script inspired Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” “Jailhouse Rock” was a double A-side single. The two tunes were huge in the United States.
Elvis Presley‘s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the most notable songwriters of the era. Subsequently, one of them revealed Elvis recorded the song numerous times to get it just right. In addition, he discussed what he thought of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer.
The writes of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were behind some of the best hits of the era
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for hits such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9.” They are perhaps most known for writing for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, penning tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s “Hound Dog” wasn’t originally by Elvis. The tune was written in 10 or 15 minutes. Subsequently, one of the writers of the song said it had to be performed in a specific way.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog’ was by the same writers behind Ben E. King’s ‘Stand by Me’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were two of the most important pop songwriters ever, having penned classics like Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” and The Drifters’ “On Broadway.” They also co-wrote “Hound Dog,” which was originally by Big Mama Thornton. During a 2022 interview with Variety, Stoller discussed how the original version of “Hound Dog” came together.
“[Producer] Johnny [Otis] said, ‘Are you familiar with Willie Mae Thornton?'” he recalled. “I said, no. He said, ‘Well, I gotta do a session with her, so you better get Jerry and come over to my place and listen to it,...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog’ was by the same writers behind Ben E. King’s ‘Stand by Me’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were two of the most important pop songwriters ever, having penned classics like Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” and The Drifters’ “On Broadway.” They also co-wrote “Hound Dog,” which was originally by Big Mama Thornton. During a 2022 interview with Variety, Stoller discussed how the original version of “Hound Dog” came together.
“[Producer] Johnny [Otis] said, ‘Are you familiar with Willie Mae Thornton?'” he recalled. “I said, no. He said, ‘Well, I gotta do a session with her, so you better get Jerry and come over to my place and listen to it,...
- 8/27/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Angus Cloud is being remembered. The late “Euphoria” star was honoured with a candlelight vigil in Oakland, California, on Wednesday night, social media posts show.
TMZ, who was first to report the vigil, notes that the memorial took place in front of a 9-foot mural of Cloud, which was painted by Darin Balaban after he collaborated with a group of the late star’s friends.
Instagram
Per the outlet, around 50 people showed up to the vigil, bringing flowers, pictures of Cloud, liquor and Guinness beer. While there, they swapped stories and sang songs including Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me”, the outlet reports.
Instagram Instagram
Cloud died on July 31, with his family confirming the tragic news in a statement to Et.
“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus...
TMZ, who was first to report the vigil, notes that the memorial took place in front of a 9-foot mural of Cloud, which was painted by Darin Balaban after he collaborated with a group of the late star’s friends.
Per the outlet, around 50 people showed up to the vigil, bringing flowers, pictures of Cloud, liquor and Guinness beer. While there, they swapped stories and sang songs including Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me”, the outlet reports.
Instagram Instagram
Cloud died on July 31, with his family confirming the tragic news in a statement to Et.
“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus...
- 8/4/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Tl;Dr:
Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the biggest songwriters of the era. Eminem sampled the song for a tune called “The King and I.” Eminem is not a big fan of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Eminem sampled Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” for a song from Baz Luhrmann’s movie Elvis. One of the writers of “Jailhouse Rock” revealed what he thought of Eminem’s track. In addition, he hoped the public would react to the new song in a certain way.
The co-writer of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ is not a big fan of rap music
Mike Stoller worked with Jerry Leiber on some of the most famous songs of the 1950s and 1960s, including Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” and The Drifters’ “On Broadway.” In addition, they co-wrote some classic Elvis hits, including “Hound Dog,” “Don’t,” and “Jailhouse Rock.
Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” was written by two of the biggest songwriters of the era. Eminem sampled the song for a tune called “The King and I.” Eminem is not a big fan of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Eminem sampled Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” for a song from Baz Luhrmann’s movie Elvis. One of the writers of “Jailhouse Rock” revealed what he thought of Eminem’s track. In addition, he hoped the public would react to the new song in a certain way.
The co-writer of Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ is not a big fan of rap music
Mike Stoller worked with Jerry Leiber on some of the most famous songs of the 1950s and 1960s, including Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” and The Drifters’ “On Broadway.” In addition, they co-wrote some classic Elvis hits, including “Hound Dog,” “Don’t,” and “Jailhouse Rock.
- 7/7/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lil Durk released his new album Almost Healed Friday, and with it, a new collaboration with country superstar Morgan Wallen titled “Stand By Me.”
The trap-country track, produced by Dr. Luke, opens with Wallen’s stadium-sized hook on the chorus before Lil Durk takes over. “If tomorrow I lost it all/And everything that I have was gone/When there’s nobody else to call/Would you stand by me?” Wallen asks, putting his spin on Ben E. King’s eternal request.
The Chicago rapper and Tennessee singer previously teamed...
The trap-country track, produced by Dr. Luke, opens with Wallen’s stadium-sized hook on the chorus before Lil Durk takes over. “If tomorrow I lost it all/And everything that I have was gone/When there’s nobody else to call/Would you stand by me?” Wallen asks, putting his spin on Ben E. King’s eternal request.
The Chicago rapper and Tennessee singer previously teamed...
- 5/26/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
While Buddy Holly’s music career was tragically short, he still significantly impacted the most successful musical act ever, The Beatles. The Beatles considered him a rock hero and paid tribute to the singer by covering many of his songs. John Lennon was a fan of Buddy Holly and once said he remembered one of his songs better than his own.
John Lennon recorded an album of classic rock songs that he knew better than his own work John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images
In 1975, John Lennon released Rock ‘n’ Roll, his sixth solo album and the final album he recorded during his “Lost Weekend”. The album consisted of covers of some of Lennon’s favorite rock songs, including “You Can’t Catch Me” by Chuck Berry, “Slippin’ and Slidin’” by Little Richard, and “Stand By Me” by Ben. E. King.
Speaking with David Sheff during his 1980 Playboy interview, Lennon...
John Lennon recorded an album of classic rock songs that he knew better than his own work John Lennon | Michael Putland/Getty Images
In 1975, John Lennon released Rock ‘n’ Roll, his sixth solo album and the final album he recorded during his “Lost Weekend”. The album consisted of covers of some of Lennon’s favorite rock songs, including “You Can’t Catch Me” by Chuck Berry, “Slippin’ and Slidin’” by Little Richard, and “Stand By Me” by Ben. E. King.
Speaking with David Sheff during his 1980 Playboy interview, Lennon...
- 5/1/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Led Zeppelin songs ran the gamut. They had heavy pieces and delicate tunes. Songs they loved and songs they hated. Epics that stretched the clock. Led Zeppelin’s shortest songs included two of their most recognizable pieces, one of which continues raking in money for the band.
Note: We included finished songs from the studio albums and deluxe reissues only, so the concert sound experiment “LA Drone” won’t make our list.
(l-r) John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Bonham | Dick Barnatt/Redferns 8. ‘Royal Orleans’ Run time: 2:59
The Presence song was an outlier — every other track on the album was at least four minutes long, and two tracks stretched more than nine minutes. Guitarist Jimmy Page and drummer John Bonham settled into a tight groove immediately, and Page played a main riff that resembled the rock-jazz fusion of Steely Dan more than Led Zeppelin.
Robert Plant...
Note: We included finished songs from the studio albums and deluxe reissues only, so the concert sound experiment “LA Drone” won’t make our list.
(l-r) John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Bonham | Dick Barnatt/Redferns 8. ‘Royal Orleans’ Run time: 2:59
The Presence song was an outlier — every other track on the album was at least four minutes long, and two tracks stretched more than nine minutes. Guitarist Jimmy Page and drummer John Bonham settled into a tight groove immediately, and Page played a main riff that resembled the rock-jazz fusion of Steely Dan more than Led Zeppelin.
Robert Plant...
- 4/23/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Like their unlikely namesake, the Zombies have had several lives since being formed by keyboardist Rod Argent and vocalist Colin Blunstone in St. Albans in Hertfordshire U.K. in the early 1960s. The first British Invasion act after the Beatles to score a chart-topping U.S. hit, with “She’s Not There,” the guys disbanded shortly before their 1968 soon-to-be-cult album, “Odessey and Oracle,” was released. That collection produced another stateside smash in “Time of the Season,” which Al Kooper belatedly convinced Columbia’s Clive Davis to put out.
Since Argent and Blunstone reunited as the Zombies in 2004, the group has released four albums, the latest being the Covid-delayed “Different Game,” on the indie Cooking Vinyl, which serves as the follow-up to 2015’s aptly titled “Still Got That Hunger.”
The duo is fresh back from an acclaimed trip to Austin for South by Southwest, where they were honored with the Grulke Prize for Career Act,...
Since Argent and Blunstone reunited as the Zombies in 2004, the group has released four albums, the latest being the Covid-delayed “Different Game,” on the indie Cooking Vinyl, which serves as the follow-up to 2015’s aptly titled “Still Got That Hunger.”
The duo is fresh back from an acclaimed trip to Austin for South by Southwest, where they were honored with the Grulke Prize for Career Act,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Roy Trakin
- Variety Film + TV
Elvis Presley‘s songs were often covers. Sometimes, the original versions of Elvis’ songs were by famous singers. For example, one of his most famous movie songs was first performed by Bing Crosby.
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer 5. ‘Hound Dog’
Big Mama Thornton wrote “Hound Dog” alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo behind numerous other hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Johnny Cash’s “Jackson.” Thornton performed the original version of the song, which was commercially overshadowed by Elvis’.
Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis features Thornton as a minor character. Hopefully, the film will bring more attention to her and her talent.
4. ‘Blue Hawaii’
Thanks to the film of the same name, “Blue Hawaii” will forever be associated with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Despite this, he was not the first superstar to sing the song. “Blue Hawaii” wasn...
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer 5. ‘Hound Dog’
Big Mama Thornton wrote “Hound Dog” alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo behind numerous other hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Johnny Cash’s “Jackson.” Thornton performed the original version of the song, which was commercially overshadowed by Elvis’.
Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis features Thornton as a minor character. Hopefully, the film will bring more attention to her and her talent.
4. ‘Blue Hawaii’
Thanks to the film of the same name, “Blue Hawaii” will forever be associated with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Despite this, he was not the first superstar to sing the song. “Blue Hawaii” wasn...
- 3/19/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It stands to reason some classic rock songs would take inspiration from the Bible, the most popular book of all time. For example, Queen released multiple songs based on the Bible. In addition, Leonard Cohen combined two Bible stories in one song.
The Bible | Bromberger Hoover Photography / Contributor 5. The Byrds’ ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’
Pete Seeger wrote “Turn! Turn! Turn!” based on a passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes. While the book can be nihilistic at points, the song is very pretty and smooth. It became smoother when The Byrds covered it. According to The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is the No. 1 single with the oldest lyrics.
Decades later, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” remains one of the most famous classic rock songs based on the Bible. Despite this, Seeger told Beliefnet in 2006 he did not think the Bible was completely true. In addition, he believed everything was God and God was everything.
The Bible | Bromberger Hoover Photography / Contributor 5. The Byrds’ ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’
Pete Seeger wrote “Turn! Turn! Turn!” based on a passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes. While the book can be nihilistic at points, the song is very pretty and smooth. It became smoother when The Byrds covered it. According to The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is the No. 1 single with the oldest lyrics.
Decades later, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” remains one of the most famous classic rock songs based on the Bible. Despite this, Seeger told Beliefnet in 2006 he did not think the Bible was completely true. In addition, he believed everything was God and God was everything.
- 2/24/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Charlie Thomas, who was known for R&b hits like “There Goes My Baby” and “Under the Boardwalk” with the Drifters, died on Jan. 31 at the age of 85.
His friend, singer Peter Lemongello Jr., said the cause was liver cancer, the New York Times confirmed Monday.
Thomas was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and dedicated more than 60 years to keeping the group’s music alive for future generations. He stayed with the group, from the version of the Drifters that ushered in their first hits in...
His friend, singer Peter Lemongello Jr., said the cause was liver cancer, the New York Times confirmed Monday.
Thomas was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and dedicated more than 60 years to keeping the group’s music alive for future generations. He stayed with the group, from the version of the Drifters that ushered in their first hits in...
- 2/7/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
It’s been a decade of reminiscence and reflection for Bruce Springsteen. He’s revisited classic albums on tour, retold his life story on the page and Broadway stage, and written songs about late childhood friends. Even when he released 2020’s Letter to You, his first proper E Street Band record in years, he used some of his earliest Seventies songs as source material.
Only the Strong Survive, his new album of reverent soul and R&b covers, arrives in this same spirit of nostalgic recollection for the 73-year-old. The...
Only the Strong Survive, his new album of reverent soul and R&b covers, arrives in this same spirit of nostalgic recollection for the 73-year-old. The...
- 11/4/2022
- by Jonathan Bernstein
- Rollingstone.com
Bruce Springsteen’s soul covers record Only The Strong Survive lands November 11, and he’s just shared a video for “Don’t Play That Song,” which you can check out right here.
The 1962 song was written by Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun and Betty Nelson, the wife of Ben E. King. The original rendition was released by King on his 1962 LP Don’t Play That Song!, but the most memorable rendition arrived in 1970 when Aretha Franklin covered it on her album Spirit in the Dark. It’s also been recorded by Mariah Carey,...
The 1962 song was written by Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun and Betty Nelson, the wife of Ben E. King. The original rendition was released by King on his 1962 LP Don’t Play That Song!, but the most memorable rendition arrived in 1970 when Aretha Franklin covered it on her album Spirit in the Dark. It’s also been recorded by Mariah Carey,...
- 10/28/2022
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
“American Idol” crowned a new winner last night (May 22). Twenty-year old Louisa, Kentucky native Noah Thompson sealed the deal with a sultry performance of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” and his original song, “One Day Tonight.” He beat out fellow country artist, HunterGirl.
After Thompson’s rendition of “I’m on Fire” — from Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” album — judge Katy Perry foreshadowed his victory. “So many people have fallen in love during that song, used it as their first-dance song,” she said. “I think you just swooped in and grabbed every heart in America by singing that song.”
Thompson also performed Rihanna’s “Stay,” his out-of-the-box pick from early in the season, and delivered a perfect duet with powerhouse Melissa Etheridge for her hit, “I’m The Only One.”
“Oh my God … my heart is beating out of my chest, this is crazy,” a stunned Thompson...
After Thompson’s rendition of “I’m on Fire” — from Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” album — judge Katy Perry foreshadowed his victory. “So many people have fallen in love during that song, used it as their first-dance song,” she said. “I think you just swooped in and grabbed every heart in America by singing that song.”
Thompson also performed Rihanna’s “Stay,” his out-of-the-box pick from early in the season, and delivered a perfect duet with powerhouse Melissa Etheridge for her hit, “I’m The Only One.”
“Oh my God … my heart is beating out of my chest, this is crazy,” a stunned Thompson...
- 5/23/2022
- by Michele Amabile Angermiller
- Variety Film + TV
After the double eliminations of Fritz Hager and Nicolina on May 15, only the Top 3 singers remain in the running to win “American Idol” Season 20. They are: Leah Marlene, Noah Thompson and HunterGirl. Now for the age-old question: Who will win “American Idol”? Based on Gold Derby users’ predictions, Noah has skyrocketed ahead of HunterGirl and Leah in our racetrack odds and now has the best chance of joining the winners list on finale night, May 22. But it’s truly still anyone’s game in this unpredictable 20th anniversary season.
Here’s a closer look at the current “American Idol” winner predictions 2022, as well as each contestant’s song history on the ABC reality TV show:
1. Noah Thompson — 9/10 odds to win
Hometown: Louisa, Ky
Occupation: Construction Worker
Age: 19
Hollywood Showstopper: “Stay” by Rihanna
Top 24: “Blue Side of the Mountain” by The SteelDrivers
Top 20: “Falling” by Harry Styles
Top 20 Results...
Here’s a closer look at the current “American Idol” winner predictions 2022, as well as each contestant’s song history on the ABC reality TV show:
1. Noah Thompson — 9/10 odds to win
Hometown: Louisa, Ky
Occupation: Construction Worker
Age: 19
Hollywood Showstopper: “Stay” by Rihanna
Top 24: “Blue Side of the Mountain” by The SteelDrivers
Top 20: “Falling” by Harry Styles
Top 20 Results...
- 5/22/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Looking back on the life of Mickey Gilley, who died May 7 in Branson, Mo., at the age of 86, one must consider the musician and the country music era that he helped to define.
The singer-pianist was a versatile stylist, an outstanding instrumentalist and one of country music’s most prolific hitmakers. He notched his first No. 1 country single, a version of George Morgan’s “Room Full of Roses,” in 1974 on Playboy Records. Another six Gilley chart-toppers followed on the label, and 10 more singles reached the pinnacle of the country chart during hia long stay at Epic Records. He placed among the top 25 country singles acts of the 1980s, according to chart authority Joel Whitburn.
But Gilley’s reach extended beyond vinyl and airwaves through his famous namesake club, Gilley’s, based in Pasadena, Texas, outside Houston. The establishment, touted as one of the world’s largest honky tonks, would introduce...
The singer-pianist was a versatile stylist, an outstanding instrumentalist and one of country music’s most prolific hitmakers. He notched his first No. 1 country single, a version of George Morgan’s “Room Full of Roses,” in 1974 on Playboy Records. Another six Gilley chart-toppers followed on the label, and 10 more singles reached the pinnacle of the country chart during hia long stay at Epic Records. He placed among the top 25 country singles acts of the 1980s, according to chart authority Joel Whitburn.
But Gilley’s reach extended beyond vinyl and airwaves through his famous namesake club, Gilley’s, based in Pasadena, Texas, outside Houston. The establishment, touted as one of the world’s largest honky tonks, would introduce...
- 5/8/2022
- by Chris Morris
- Variety Film + TV
U2 singer Bono and guitarist, Dave “The Edge” Evans performed Sunday at the Khreschatyk subway station in Kyiv to bolster spirits in the war-torn Ukraine.
The band said in a tweet on Sunday that President Zelensky “invited us to perform in Kyiv as a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and so that’s what we’ve come to do.”
The subway stations have frequently been used as bomb shelters in the city.
“The people in Ukraine are not just fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom,” Bono told the audience, which included soldiers. “We pray that you will enjoy some of that peace soon.”
The Irish Times reported performances of U2 hits “With or Without You,” “Desire,” “Angel of Harlem,” “Vertigo” and a rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” that replaced the titular “Me” with “Ukraine.”
The...
The band said in a tweet on Sunday that President Zelensky “invited us to perform in Kyiv as a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and so that’s what we’ve come to do.”
The subway stations have frequently been used as bomb shelters in the city.
“The people in Ukraine are not just fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom,” Bono told the audience, which included soldiers. “We pray that you will enjoy some of that peace soon.”
The Irish Times reported performances of U2 hits “With or Without You,” “Desire,” “Angel of Harlem,” “Vertigo” and a rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” that replaced the titular “Me” with “Ukraine.”
The...
- 5/8/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Following a personal invitation from Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, U2’s Bono and the Edge visited Kyiv Sunday to perform an acoustic concert in one of the city’s subway stations-turned-bomb shelters.
“The people in Ukraine are not just fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom,” Bono told the audience, which included soldiers. “We pray that you will enjoy some of that peace soon.”
According to the Irish Times, the set included performances of U2 hits like “With or Without You,” “Desire,...
“The people in Ukraine are not just fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom,” Bono told the audience, which included soldiers. “We pray that you will enjoy some of that peace soon.”
According to the Irish Times, the set included performances of U2 hits like “With or Without You,” “Desire,...
- 5/8/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Mickey Gilley, the smooth-voiced, piano-playing country crooner who helped popularize the “Urban Cowboy” movement of the Eighties, died Saturday in Branson, Missouri. He was 86. Gilley’s publicist confirmed the singer’s death.
While Gilley had a run of success in the Seventies singing barroom-piano country ballads and rave-ups like “Room Full of Roses” and “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time,” it was his second act in the Eighties — tied to 1980’s box-office hit Urban Cowboy — that turned the Mississippi native into a crossover star.
Born March 9, 1936, in Natchez,...
While Gilley had a run of success in the Seventies singing barroom-piano country ballads and rave-ups like “Room Full of Roses” and “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time,” it was his second act in the Eighties — tied to 1980’s box-office hit Urban Cowboy — that turned the Mississippi native into a crossover star.
Born March 9, 1936, in Natchez,...
- 5/7/2022
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
“American Idol” continued with the 14th episode of Season 20 on Sunday, April 24. This installment of the ABC reality TV competition saw the Top 11 revealed after singing for America and judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Allegra Miles, Ava Maybee and Dan Marshall were sent home.
Along with exciting results, each artist sang once again. So who was the best from Sunday night? And have they continued to improve each week? Below I rank each hopeful from the least impressive (but with room to grow) to a possible Season 20 frontrunner.
See Meet the Top 24 “American Idol” finalists for Season 20
Sunday’s episode of the Og reality TV juggernaut featured not only the incredibly talented contestants, but the return of Gabby Barrett to mentor them. Also, whoever is dressing Ryan Seacrest chose quite the statement outfit that looks like it came out of “Charlie’s Angels.” Bosley is that you? Last but certainly not least,...
Along with exciting results, each artist sang once again. So who was the best from Sunday night? And have they continued to improve each week? Below I rank each hopeful from the least impressive (but with room to grow) to a possible Season 20 frontrunner.
See Meet the Top 24 “American Idol” finalists for Season 20
Sunday’s episode of the Og reality TV juggernaut featured not only the incredibly talented contestants, but the return of Gabby Barrett to mentor them. Also, whoever is dressing Ryan Seacrest chose quite the statement outfit that looks like it came out of “Charlie’s Angels.” Bosley is that you? Last but certainly not least,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
The 16th season of “America’s Got Talent” kicked off June 1 with all four judges returning to the panel: Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel. Throughout the summer, dozens of talented singers, dancers, magicians, etc. will grace the “AGT” stage in the hopes of impressing the judges … and America. But only one act can go the distance and win the title and the $1 million prize that goes along with it. Who will it be? Below, take a look at our picks for the best acts of “America’s Got Talent” Season 16 (so far).
See ‘America’s Got Talent’ Winners List (All Seasons)
Nightbirde (Singer)
The angel-voiced crooner’s June 8 audition of her original song “It’s Okay” ended with a golden confetti shower. At the age of 30, Nightbirde (also known as Jane) wrote the tune about her battle with cancer in her lungs, spine and liver. She later explained the...
See ‘America’s Got Talent’ Winners List (All Seasons)
Nightbirde (Singer)
The angel-voiced crooner’s June 8 audition of her original song “It’s Okay” ended with a golden confetti shower. At the age of 30, Nightbirde (also known as Jane) wrote the tune about her battle with cancer in her lungs, spine and liver. She later explained the...
- 6/20/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
America's Got Talent's 16th season got started with bang. Judge Howie Mandel used the year's first Golden Buzzer during the season premiere on Tuesday, June 1, awarding the honor to New York's Northwell Health Nurse Choir. The collection of frontline workers performed an emotional mash-up of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" and Ben E. King's "Stand by Me." Winnie Mele, a 64-year-old health professional, told viewers in a pre-recorded segment, "What makes this choir so special is, we're all frontline nurses. You know, we're not professional singers. We take care of patients." The 18-nurse ensemble then took the stage, and before they started...
- 6/2/2021
- E! Online
“America’s Got Talent” sent a powerful message during the season 16 premiere when judge Howie Mandel stood up for the Northwell Nurse Choir, giving the singing frontline health workers his one and only Golden Buzzer. In the choir’s pre-performance package we learned that the 18 nurses were all on the frontline in the epicenter of the pandemic in New York City’s largest healthcare system. Though they are not professional singers, the group’s mash-up of “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers and “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King was delivered with tremendous passion and love. The group’s message is one of hope, both for themselves and for the AGT audience that needs a reminder that “there is always that light at the end of the tunnel.”
The group’s arrangement threaded the two iconic songs together in a way that made sense and provided an opportunity for solo moments,...
The group’s arrangement threaded the two iconic songs together in a way that made sense and provided an opportunity for solo moments,...
- 6/2/2021
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
“The Masked Singer” producers have kept us tuned in by shaking the format every season. The fifth edition included the introduction of the Cluedle-Doo. This costumed celebrity isn’t competing for the Golden Mask. Rather he is regaling us with clues about the contestants. He appeared in front of the four judges (Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke) for the first time on “The Sing-a-Long: The Maskie Awards,” which aired April 28.
This special episode included a slew of clips of the Super 6 raising their voices in song. And we saw snippets of Cluedle-Doo in previous appearances delivering tantalizing teases about their real identities.
He also delivered a long-awaited first clue about himself: “I’m not just a roaster rooster who likes to cause chaos; I’m an undercover celebrity myself. I have a connection to another mischievous masked singer from the past, the Gremlin.” Keep reading for “The Masked Singer” spoilers,...
This special episode included a slew of clips of the Super 6 raising their voices in song. And we saw snippets of Cluedle-Doo in previous appearances delivering tantalizing teases about their real identities.
He also delivered a long-awaited first clue about himself: “I’m not just a roaster rooster who likes to cause chaos; I’m an undercover celebrity myself. I have a connection to another mischievous masked singer from the past, the Gremlin.” Keep reading for “The Masked Singer” spoilers,...
- 5/12/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
“The Masked Singer” added a twist for season 5: the Cluedle-Doo. This cocky clue giver has dropped hints both real and fake to the judges in taped segments throughout the first seven episodes. But the Cluedle-Doo didn’t appear in front of the panel until the special edition of the show on April 28: “The Sing-a-Long: The Maskie Awards.”
This clue-meister’s long-awaited debut in the studio was worth the wait as he offered up a tantalizing tease as to his real identity: “I’m not just a roaster rooster who likes to cause chaos; I’m an undercover celebrity myself. I have a connection to another mischievous masked singer from the past, the Gremlin.” Keep reading for “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the real name of the Cluedle-Doo.
Fans of “The Masked Singer” certainly remember who the Gremlin was: Mickey Rourke. This Oscar-nominated actor was a short-lived contestant on...
This clue-meister’s long-awaited debut in the studio was worth the wait as he offered up a tantalizing tease as to his real identity: “I’m not just a roaster rooster who likes to cause chaos; I’m an undercover celebrity myself. I have a connection to another mischievous masked singer from the past, the Gremlin.” Keep reading for “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the real name of the Cluedle-Doo.
Fans of “The Masked Singer” certainly remember who the Gremlin was: Mickey Rourke. This Oscar-nominated actor was a short-lived contestant on...
- 5/12/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
UTA has signed cultural landmark the Apollo Theater in all areas.
Located in New York’s Harlem community, the Apollo Theater has been known as the “soul of American culture” for nearly nine decades. The nonprofit theater has collaborated with artists and other cultural organizations to create and present work that centers around Black voices. UTA will help expand the Apollo Theater’s cultural influence, representation, and programming across TV, film, podcasts, publishing and events through its expansive IP.
Most recently, the Apollo’s executive producer, Kamilah Forbes, directed and executive produced a television special based on Ta-Nehisi Coates’ memoir, Between the World and Me, which premiered on HBO and HBO Max. Prior to the TV premiere, Forbes conceived and directed the stage adaptation for the Apollo Theater in 2018 and 2019. Coates was announced as the theater’s inaugural Master Artist-in-Residence in 2019, enabling the Apollo to offer him a home for his work and ideas.
Located in New York’s Harlem community, the Apollo Theater has been known as the “soul of American culture” for nearly nine decades. The nonprofit theater has collaborated with artists and other cultural organizations to create and present work that centers around Black voices. UTA will help expand the Apollo Theater’s cultural influence, representation, and programming across TV, film, podcasts, publishing and events through its expansive IP.
Most recently, the Apollo’s executive producer, Kamilah Forbes, directed and executive produced a television special based on Ta-Nehisi Coates’ memoir, Between the World and Me, which premiered on HBO and HBO Max. Prior to the TV premiere, Forbes conceived and directed the stage adaptation for the Apollo Theater in 2018 and 2019. Coates was announced as the theater’s inaugural Master Artist-in-Residence in 2019, enabling the Apollo to offer him a home for his work and ideas.
- 2/8/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Phil Spector, the monumentally influential music producer whose “Wall of Sound” style revolutionized the way rock music was recorded in the early 1960s, died Saturday at the age of 81. Spector’s life was tumultuous and ultimately tragic; as groundbreaking as his studio accomplishments were, those achievements were all but overshadowed by his 2009 conviction for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson.
Spector’s death was confirmed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “California Health Care Facility inmate Phillip Spector was pronounced deceased of natural causes at 6:35 p.m.
Spector’s death was confirmed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “California Health Care Facility inmate Phillip Spector was pronounced deceased of natural causes at 6:35 p.m.
- 1/17/2021
- by Keith Harris
- Rollingstone.com
Katy Perry recruited Darius Rucker for an intimate performance of “Only Love” at the 2020 American Music Awards on Sunday.
Perry and the Hootie and the Blowfish frontman sat opposite each other in wooden chairs, duetting on the Smile track. The two traded off verses, with Rucker strumming the acoustic guitar. “Let me leave this world with the hate behind me/And take the love instead,” they sang.
Perry dropped her sixth studio album this last summer, a fizzy return to form for the pop singer. To herald its release, Perry...
Perry and the Hootie and the Blowfish frontman sat opposite each other in wooden chairs, duetting on the Smile track. The two traded off verses, with Rucker strumming the acoustic guitar. “Let me leave this world with the hate behind me/And take the love instead,” they sang.
Perry dropped her sixth studio album this last summer, a fizzy return to form for the pop singer. To herald its release, Perry...
- 11/23/2020
- by Brenna Ehrlich and Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
One of the things that always impressed me about Bruce Springsteen is the melodic possibilities he can find in two-chord vamps. He doesn’t do it all the time, that would prove to be monotonous all night, but when he does it is a consistent affirmation of the power of rock and roll. It’s like he took every early inspiration which weaned him and plays their feel as if it were an instrument. Not the melodies, but what the melodies convey. The “stone and the gravel” in Springsteen’s voice may not be a suitable vehicle for the smooth vibratos of Drifters’ hits, but he never misses a note or what that note wants you to feel.
The new record is called Letter to You, and Springsteen’s weathered-through-rain-heat-and-gloom-of-night delivery consistently implies a range of additional tonic possibilities. And he’s got the band to back it up. His...
The new record is called Letter to You, and Springsteen’s weathered-through-rain-heat-and-gloom-of-night delivery consistently implies a range of additional tonic possibilities. And he’s got the band to back it up. His...
- 10/23/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.