music

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Legendary Motown songwriter/producer dies

  Google file image Norman Whitfield was one of the architects of what became known as the “Motown sound.”  Whitfield co-wrote or co-produced “Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Cloud Nine,” “War,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” just to name a few. Whitfield never became as famous as some of […]
Friday, September 12, 2008

Update on the arrest of Kanye West

Google Image Entertainer Kanye West is once again a free man today after being arrested at LAX and then posting a $20,000 bond yesterday. West and his bodyguard/road manager, Don Crowley, were booked for investigation of felony vandalism according to police. It happened after the two got into an altercation with paparazzi just before they were to board a flight to Hawaii. There […]
Thursday, September 11, 2008

Hip Hop artist Kanye West arrested at LAX

Google Image Grammy winning singer/songwriter/producer Kanye West was reportedly arrested today after an altercation with photographers at Los Angeles International Airport. Also arrested, West’s bodyguard/road manager, Don Crowley.   The incident occurred this morning just before West and Crowley were scheduled to board a flight for Hawaii. During the altercation with paparazzi a still camera was allegedly smashed. A videographer working for the celebrity chasing website, TMZ, reportedly recorded […]
Friday, August 15, 2008

More sad news in the music industry

The producer of Bob Dylan’s Grammy-winning album “Slow Train Coming” as well as great R&B hits like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and Percy Sledge’s “When A Man Loves A Woman,” died today – Jerry Wexler was 91. Wexler was considered a giant in the music industry because of his far-reaching influence. He helped shape the music of the 50s, 60s, 70s, […]
Friday, August 15, 2008

Soul Notes

  I got e-mails this week from Dee Dee Brown about some upcoming soulful events in the Southland.  The 4th Annual Summer Soul Jam will be kicking up a groove with a talented line-up on Saturday, August 16, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Par Three Golf Course in Compton. Scheduled to perform are Grammy-winning singer Jody Watley, Anthony Hamilton, […]
Sunday, August 10, 2008

Singer Isaac Hayes pronounced dead at a hospital today

The entertainment industry took another painful hit today.  Legendary singer, songwriter, and arranger Isaac Hayes reportedly was found in his home unconscious by a relative today. Attempts to revive Hayes by paramedics and later at a Memphis hospital failed.  Hayes got his big break as a studio musician at the famous Stax Records in Memphis, where he wrote songs for […]
Friday, August 8, 2008

The Police call it quits in New York City

Madison Square Garden Another great band has taken final bows and left the stage. The Police wrapped its reunion tour and last concert with a New York City fundraiser at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, August 7, 2008.  Bassist/vocalist Sting, drummer Stewart Copeland, and guitarist Andy Summers got back together for the reunion tour after taking a break from performing in1986. The […]
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Community Calendar

“The Sounds of Summer” concert series in Burbank continues on Tuesday, August 12, with America’s Premier Doo-Wop Group, The Alley Cats. Bring a picnic, bring a blanket or a lawn chair for an evening of fun. The concert kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Branch Library, 3323 West Victory Blvd. Call 818-238-5640 for more information. Contributed by Louise Paziak, […]
Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Grammy Foundation offering grants of up to $40,000

I spotted this notice in today’s Arts Funding Watch e-newsletter. The grants are being offered to organizations and individuals researching the impact of music on the human condition. Also, these grants are available for projects dealing with archiving and preserving the music and recorded sound heritage of the Americas. For application guidelines go to www.grammyfoundation.com/grants