Dawn Porter’s documentary about R&b icon Luther Vandross, “Luther: Never Too Much,” has been acquired by CNN Films in partnership with the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), IndieWire can reveal exclusively.
The documentary film, which first premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, will debut in 2025 first on television on CNN and OWN before it lands on Max.
The acquisition is encouraging news for CNN Films, which back in 2022 under former boss Chris Licht scaled back on its original documentary films. The brand moved away from acquisitions or commissioning projects and opted instead for newsy, quick turnaround docs produced in-house.
But CNN Films also partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios on this fall’s release of “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” so the two acquisitions, both from this year’s Sundance, is a positive step forward for the documentary brand.
“Luther: Never Too Much” chronicles the story of a vocal virtuoso,...
The documentary film, which first premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, will debut in 2025 first on television on CNN and OWN before it lands on Max.
The acquisition is encouraging news for CNN Films, which back in 2022 under former boss Chris Licht scaled back on its original documentary films. The brand moved away from acquisitions or commissioning projects and opted instead for newsy, quick turnaround docs produced in-house.
But CNN Films also partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios on this fall’s release of “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” so the two acquisitions, both from this year’s Sundance, is a positive step forward for the documentary brand.
“Luther: Never Too Much” chronicles the story of a vocal virtuoso,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Saturday Night Live star Ego Nwodim has been tapped as the female lead opposite Adam Pally and Stephen Curry in the single-camera Peacock comedy series Mr. Throwback. Her casting is not expected to impact her duties on the NBC sketch comedy series, which is in the same corporate family.
The Mr. Throwback mocumentary, from Happy Endings creator David Caspe and writing duo Matthew Libman and Daniel Libman, centers on Danny (Happy Endings alum Pally), a down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer who looks for redemption by reuniting with his sixth-grade teammate, NBA great Steph Curry.
Nwodim will play Kimberly, Steph’s childhood friend, business partner, manager and essentially his overall handler. Kimberly, Steph, and Danny all grew up together, and while Kimberly is happy to see Danny pop back up in their lives, he’s not about to let Steph get taken advantage of by any of Danny’s schemes.
Caspe writes...
The Mr. Throwback mocumentary, from Happy Endings creator David Caspe and writing duo Matthew Libman and Daniel Libman, centers on Danny (Happy Endings alum Pally), a down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer who looks for redemption by reuniting with his sixth-grade teammate, NBA great Steph Curry.
Nwodim will play Kimberly, Steph’s childhood friend, business partner, manager and essentially his overall handler. Kimberly, Steph, and Danny all grew up together, and while Kimberly is happy to see Danny pop back up in their lives, he’s not about to let Steph get taken advantage of by any of Danny’s schemes.
Caspe writes...
- 5/9/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Paramount+ has acquired the Cyndi Lauper documentary Let the Canary Sing and has set the premiere date for June 4 in the U.S. and Canada; the UK, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria can watch a day later.
Deadline has your first look at the trailer above.
Additionally, a companion album of the same name will be released by Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment. Tracks include many of her songs from her days in Blue Angel to her breakout single “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” to “True Colors” and “I Drove All Night,” to name a few.
Directed by Emmy Award-winning documentarian Alison Ellwood, Let the Canary Sing “chronicles Lauper’s meteoric ascent to stardom and her profound impact on generations through her music, ever-evolving punk style, unwavering feminism and tireless advocacy. The documentary takes the audience on an engaging...
Deadline has your first look at the trailer above.
Additionally, a companion album of the same name will be released by Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment. Tracks include many of her songs from her days in Blue Angel to her breakout single “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” to “True Colors” and “I Drove All Night,” to name a few.
Directed by Emmy Award-winning documentarian Alison Ellwood, Let the Canary Sing “chronicles Lauper’s meteoric ascent to stardom and her profound impact on generations through her music, ever-evolving punk style, unwavering feminism and tireless advocacy. The documentary takes the audience on an engaging...
- 5/7/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
DC/Dox has unveiled the lineup for its second annual edition, which takes place in Washington, D.C., from June 13-16. The documentary festival will kick things off with “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” the Warner Bros. Discovery film that premiered at Sundance earlier this year.
The second edition of the fest includes 51 features and 47 shorts from 17 countries. That’s up from last year’s state of 31 features and 21 shorts from eight countries. This year’s lineup is made of 60% of filmmakers identifying as women or non-binary. Films will screen at venues including Smithsonian’s Museum of American History, the Burke Theatre at the U.S. Navy Memorial, and the National Archives.
“The films on the 2024 slate highlight the remarkable breadth and depth of documentary storytelling today,” says DC/Dox co-founder and festival director Sky Sitney. “From filmmakers around the world, these works recalibrate the past through archival footage, immerse themselves...
The second edition of the fest includes 51 features and 47 shorts from 17 countries. That’s up from last year’s state of 31 features and 21 shorts from eight countries. This year’s lineup is made of 60% of filmmakers identifying as women or non-binary. Films will screen at venues including Smithsonian’s Museum of American History, the Burke Theatre at the U.S. Navy Memorial, and the National Archives.
“The films on the 2024 slate highlight the remarkable breadth and depth of documentary storytelling today,” says DC/Dox co-founder and festival director Sky Sitney. “From filmmakers around the world, these works recalibrate the past through archival footage, immerse themselves...
- 5/1/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Can you tell who has a “good” voice and who has a “bad” voice just by looking someone in the face who is lip-syncing to a song? This is the question posed to participants weekly on the Fox game show I Can See Your Voice, hosted and created by Ken Jeong.
“The whole show is predicated on, is this a ‘good’ singer or a ‘bad’ singer without ever hearing them actually hearing them sing,” Jeong tells Deadline during a panel at its Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted awards-season event. “We use visual clues, lip-sync clues, and like detective kind of clues. At the end of the day, the contestant has an opportunity to win life-changing money by determining if the final secret voice is good or bad. And if it is good, then they can win up to $100,000. It’s really just feel-good television at its best.”
Casting and coaching are...
“The whole show is predicated on, is this a ‘good’ singer or a ‘bad’ singer without ever hearing them actually hearing them sing,” Jeong tells Deadline during a panel at its Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted awards-season event. “We use visual clues, lip-sync clues, and like detective kind of clues. At the end of the day, the contestant has an opportunity to win life-changing money by determining if the final secret voice is good or bad. And if it is good, then they can win up to $100,000. It’s really just feel-good television at its best.”
Casting and coaching are...
- 4/27/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Robin Roberts is celebrating yet another impressive achievement in her television career.
Roberts has received various awards throughout her career for her impressive journalistic abilities and courage in tough personal battles.
She’s been a co-anchor on Good Morning America for many years and has also conducted exclusive interviews for ABC and associated platforms.
Among those interviews are her conversations with WNBA star Brittney Griner, actress Christina Applegate, and model and entrepreneur Gisele Bundchen.
In addition, Roberts hosts a Disney+ series featuring a roundtable discussion with various female celebrities.
The 2024 Daytime Emmy nominations arrived just recently. Roberts and her show received several nominations, allowing fans to celebrate the GMA star’s exciting news.
Robin Roberts reacts to Emmy nominations
This week, Robin Roberts returned from her week-long absence from Good Morning America after vacationing in Key West with her spouse, Amber Laign.
Upon Robert’s return, she had much to celebrate,...
Roberts has received various awards throughout her career for her impressive journalistic abilities and courage in tough personal battles.
She’s been a co-anchor on Good Morning America for many years and has also conducted exclusive interviews for ABC and associated platforms.
Among those interviews are her conversations with WNBA star Brittney Griner, actress Christina Applegate, and model and entrepreneur Gisele Bundchen.
In addition, Roberts hosts a Disney+ series featuring a roundtable discussion with various female celebrities.
The 2024 Daytime Emmy nominations arrived just recently. Roberts and her show received several nominations, allowing fans to celebrate the GMA star’s exciting news.
Robin Roberts reacts to Emmy nominations
This week, Robin Roberts returned from her week-long absence from Good Morning America after vacationing in Key West with her spouse, Amber Laign.
Upon Robert’s return, she had much to celebrate,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
In 2011, Dawn Porter arrived at Hot Docs Pitch Forum in the hopes of securing funding for her first documentary feature, “Gideon’s Army.” Thirteen years later, Porter is back in Toronto with her 10th feature doc “Luther: Never Too Much,” which opened the 31st edition of Hot Docs.
The 101-minute film about the life and career of the late R&b singer Luther Vandross made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January and has since become an audience favorite on the festival circuit. In addition to serving as Hot Docs’ opening night film, the movie will also launch the Hot Doc’s Pop/ Life sidebar of films about music and musicians.
In the film, Porter chronicles Vandross’ rise from background singer to singing sensation via archival interviews with Vandross and new ones with his collaborators, including legendary recording artists Mariah Carey and Dionne Warwick. Rarely seen archives,...
The 101-minute film about the life and career of the late R&b singer Luther Vandross made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January and has since become an audience favorite on the festival circuit. In addition to serving as Hot Docs’ opening night film, the movie will also launch the Hot Doc’s Pop/ Life sidebar of films about music and musicians.
In the film, Porter chronicles Vandross’ rise from background singer to singing sensation via archival interviews with Vandross and new ones with his collaborators, including legendary recording artists Mariah Carey and Dionne Warwick. Rarely seen archives,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Since the lockdown four years ago, Dionne Warwick has been known almost as much for her pithy tweets as for her velvety singing voice and the gorgeous Burt Bacharach-Hal David hits she transformed into pop standards. “I don’t get up in the morning and say, ‘I’ve got to tweet today,’” she tells Rolling Stone. “I do it when I feel there’s something I want to say.”
That moment arrived again this past Monday, when Warwick tweeted: “In every game it’s usually 3 strikes and you’re out.
That moment arrived again this past Monday, when Warwick tweeted: “In every game it’s usually 3 strikes and you’re out.
- 4/24/2024
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Kool & the Gang bandleader Robert “Kool” Bell learned the group was entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Sunday night when Ryan Seacrest and Lionel Richie delivered the announcement live on American Idol. “We had a party,” says Bell. “I was here with friends at my house. When they said “Kool and the Gang,” we all sang ‘Celebration.’ It was like, ‘Celebrate good times, come on!'”
The afternoon after the celebration, Bell hopped on Zoom with Rolling Stone to talk about the overdue honor, the bittersweet feeling of...
The afternoon after the celebration, Bell hopped on Zoom with Rolling Stone to talk about the overdue honor, the bittersweet feeling of...
- 4/22/2024
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed the names of 16 artistes who will be inducted in 2024. According to ‘Variety’, the diverse list includes R&b/rock pioneer Big Mama Thornton, pop superstars Cher and Dionne Warwick, as well as 1970s-rooted rockers like Peter Frampton, Foreigner, and Ozzy Osbourne, alongside 1990s icons such as the Dave Matthews Band and Mary J. Blige.
Jimmy Buffett’s inclusion among the inductees comes as a surprise. His entry is unexpected not only because the late singer/songwriter was not on the ballot this year but also because he had never been nominated before.
‘Variety’ reports that the Rock Hall’s committee, seemingly in a sentimental mood after Buffett’s passing seven months ago, chose to honour him via a separate, non-voted category for “musical excellence”.
This honourary category also serves as the entry point for two other performers, who had previously been...
Jimmy Buffett’s inclusion among the inductees comes as a surprise. His entry is unexpected not only because the late singer/songwriter was not on the ballot this year but also because he had never been nominated before.
‘Variety’ reports that the Rock Hall’s committee, seemingly in a sentimental mood after Buffett’s passing seven months ago, chose to honour him via a separate, non-voted category for “musical excellence”.
This honourary category also serves as the entry point for two other performers, who had previously been...
- 4/22/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its class of 2024: Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, Cher, A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, and Kool & The Gang will all be inducted during a ceremony held in Cleveland on October 19th.
In addition, Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category.
Other inductees include Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton, all of who will be honored with the Musical Influence Award. Entertainment producer Suzanne de Passe will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The inductees were determined by an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians, and members of the music industry. In order to be eligible, a nominee’s first recording must have been released at least 25 years ago.
Osbourne was previously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall...
In addition, Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category.
Other inductees include Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton, all of who will be honored with the Musical Influence Award. Entertainment producer Suzanne de Passe will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The inductees were determined by an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians, and members of the music industry. In order to be eligible, a nominee’s first recording must have been released at least 25 years ago.
Osbourne was previously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall...
- 4/22/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced live on ABC this evening by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 inductee Lionel Richie during the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night” episode of “American Idol,” where the Top 14 finalists took on songs from legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees as America voted live for the Top 12. See the full class of 2024 inductees below.
See Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Mariah Carey, Cher should be inducted in 2024 [Poll Results]
Performer Category:
Mary J. Blige Cher Dave Matthews Band Foreigner Peter Frampton Kool & The Gang Ozzy Osbourne A Tribe Called Quest
Musical Influencer Award:
Alexis Korner Big Mama Thornton John Mayall
Musical Excellence Award:
Dionne Warwick Jimmy Buffett MC5 Norman Whitfield
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
Suzanne de Passe
Music’s highest honor, the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be live on Saturday, October 19, at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
See Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Mariah Carey, Cher should be inducted in 2024 [Poll Results]
Performer Category:
Mary J. Blige Cher Dave Matthews Band Foreigner Peter Frampton Kool & The Gang Ozzy Osbourne A Tribe Called Quest
Musical Influencer Award:
Alexis Korner Big Mama Thornton John Mayall
Musical Excellence Award:
Dionne Warwick Jimmy Buffett MC5 Norman Whitfield
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
Suzanne de Passe
Music’s highest honor, the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be live on Saturday, October 19, at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
- 4/22/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially announced this year’s inductees: Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest will join the class of 2024 in the Performer category.
Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield will be presented with the Musical Excellence Award; Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton will receive the Musical Influence Award; and Suzanne de Passe is getting the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The induction ceremony will be held on October...
Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield will be presented with the Musical Excellence Award; Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton will receive the Musical Influence Award; and Suzanne de Passe is getting the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The induction ceremony will be held on October...
- 4/22/2024
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
The incoming 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class includes superstar acts such as Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton and Kool & the Gang.
Fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest announced the inductees Sunday during American Idol. The icons will officially be anointed as rock ‘n’ roll royalty on Oct. 19, when the 39th annual induction ceremony takes place at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. It will stream live on Disney+.
Cher, Osbourne, Foreigner, Frampton and Kool & the Gang are receiving the honor after appearing on the ballot for the first time. Osbourne is being inducted to the Rock Hall for a second time; he was inducted as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006.
The prestigious event will also honor Jimmy Buffett, Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield and MC5 with the Musical Excellence Award; Big Mama Thornton,...
Fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest announced the inductees Sunday during American Idol. The icons will officially be anointed as rock ‘n’ roll royalty on Oct. 19, when the 39th annual induction ceremony takes place at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. It will stream live on Disney+.
Cher, Osbourne, Foreigner, Frampton and Kool & the Gang are receiving the honor after appearing on the ballot for the first time. Osbourne is being inducted to the Rock Hall for a second time; he was inducted as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006.
The prestigious event will also honor Jimmy Buffett, Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield and MC5 with the Musical Excellence Award; Big Mama Thornton,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced tonight on American Idol by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 inductee Lionel Richie.
A Tribe Called Quest, Cher, Foreigner, Dave Matthews Band, Kool & the Gang, Mary J. Blige, Peter Frampton, and Ozzy Osbourne were announced as the performers being inducted.
Jimmy Buffett is set to be recognized for his musical excellence. Other inductees include Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, MC5, Suzanne de Passe, and Big Mama Thornton.
Related: ‘American Idol’ Sets Mandisa Tribute Following Death Of Season 5 Contestant
Nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2024 included Cher, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinead O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne, Sade and A Tribe Called Quest.
The 2023 inductees included Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliot, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners.
Richie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 alongside Pat Benatar (and Neil Giraldo), Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics (Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart), Carly Simon and Dolly Parton.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, established in 1983, is located in Cleveland, Ohio. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. A committee nominates an artist, and “rock experts” evaluate the nominees and vote on the candidates who are inducted.
A Tribe Called Quest, Cher, Foreigner, Dave Matthews Band, Kool & the Gang, Mary J. Blige, Peter Frampton, and Ozzy Osbourne were announced as the performers being inducted.
Jimmy Buffett is set to be recognized for his musical excellence. Other inductees include Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, MC5, Suzanne de Passe, and Big Mama Thornton.
Related: ‘American Idol’ Sets Mandisa Tribute Following Death Of Season 5 Contestant
Nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2024 included Cher, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinead O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne, Sade and A Tribe Called Quest.
The 2023 inductees included Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliot, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners.
Richie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 alongside Pat Benatar (and Neil Giraldo), Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics (Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart), Carly Simon and Dolly Parton.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, established in 1983, is located in Cleveland, Ohio. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. A committee nominates an artist, and “rock experts” evaluate the nominees and vote on the candidates who are inducted.
- 4/22/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Many viewers have noticed that Good Morning America regular Robin Roberts has been missing from the program for over a week.
The GMA lineup has featured her colleagues, Michael Strahan and George Stephanopoulos, at the desk.
ABC’s Rebecca Jarvis has replaced Robin during her string of absences.
The past week has featured longtime GMA and GMA3 contributor Dr. Jen Ashton announcing she is leaving ABC this year after working with the network for 13 years.
Meanwhile, Robin has been away from her home region of the Northeast, vacationing with her spouse, Amber Laign.
The couple has been enjoying beautiful Key West, Florida, but a recent excursion had Robin’s fans worried for her safety.
Robin continues her vacation away from GMA
Earlier this week, Robin shared another Instagram post from her excursion to Key West. In her video, she’s wearing a pink cap, dark shades, a white T-shirt, and...
The GMA lineup has featured her colleagues, Michael Strahan and George Stephanopoulos, at the desk.
ABC’s Rebecca Jarvis has replaced Robin during her string of absences.
The past week has featured longtime GMA and GMA3 contributor Dr. Jen Ashton announcing she is leaving ABC this year after working with the network for 13 years.
Meanwhile, Robin has been away from her home region of the Northeast, vacationing with her spouse, Amber Laign.
The couple has been enjoying beautiful Key West, Florida, but a recent excursion had Robin’s fans worried for her safety.
Robin continues her vacation away from GMA
Earlier this week, Robin shared another Instagram post from her excursion to Key West. In her video, she’s wearing a pink cap, dark shades, a white T-shirt, and...
- 4/20/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Massive Attack, Kraftwerk, Pj Harvey, Duran Duran, Sting, and Janelle Monáe are among the acts set to play the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2024.
Now in its 58th year, the legendary event returns from July 5th-20th in Montreux, Switzerland.
The 2024 lineup also promises The National, Smashing Pumpkins, André 3000, Raye, Tyla, Justice, Air, Noname, Jon Batiste, Brittany Howard, Lenny Kravitz, Alice Cooper, Paolo Nutini, Deep Purple, Jessie Ware, Jungle, Michael Kiwanuka, Editors, Dionne Warwick, Laufey, Trombone Shorty, Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, Paloma Faith, and more.
A ticket pre-sale for Montreux Jazz Festival 2024 begins Thursday, April 18th via the festival’s website.
If you’re planning to attend Montreux Jazz Festival, you can save up to 15% on travel and accommodations with Booking.com.
Editor’s Note: Sign up for our weekly live music email digest for the latest tour and festival announcements, pre-sale ticket codes, and more.
Montreux Jazz Festival...
Now in its 58th year, the legendary event returns from July 5th-20th in Montreux, Switzerland.
The 2024 lineup also promises The National, Smashing Pumpkins, André 3000, Raye, Tyla, Justice, Air, Noname, Jon Batiste, Brittany Howard, Lenny Kravitz, Alice Cooper, Paolo Nutini, Deep Purple, Jessie Ware, Jungle, Michael Kiwanuka, Editors, Dionne Warwick, Laufey, Trombone Shorty, Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, Paloma Faith, and more.
A ticket pre-sale for Montreux Jazz Festival 2024 begins Thursday, April 18th via the festival’s website.
If you’re planning to attend Montreux Jazz Festival, you can save up to 15% on travel and accommodations with Booking.com.
Editor’s Note: Sign up for our weekly live music email digest for the latest tour and festival announcements, pre-sale ticket codes, and more.
Montreux Jazz Festival...
- 4/18/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
Coachella 2024 was the year of the A-list guests. Across all three days, top stars made appearances either onstage or in the crowd to support their musician besties. Olivia Rodrigo joined No Doubt, Will Smith pulled up for J Balvin, Justin Bieber sang with Tems, Billie Eilish threw a last-minute party at the DoLab stage, and Shakira even announced a world tour during Bizarrap’s set.
The talk among some festivalgoers ahead of Coachella suggested that this year’s lineup might underwhelm, but the number of stars joining their friends onstage surely helped with that.
The talk among some festivalgoers ahead of Coachella suggested that this year’s lineup might underwhelm, but the number of stars joining their friends onstage surely helped with that.
- 4/15/2024
- by Tomás Mier and Suzy Exposito
- Rollingstone.com
Day Three headliner Doja Cat gave a thrilling end to the weekend’s festivities, bringing an extension of her Scarlet tour to her Sunday night set at Coachella. The Grammy-winning hitmaker last played the festival in 2022; she is the second Black woman to headline the event, after Beyoncé in 2018.
The 28-year-old Mc’s performance was a hard-nosed and hot-blooded spectacle, conceived of pure, unadulterated id. Offering little in the way of stage banter, Doja opened with a sample from Madonna’s biting 1994 anthem, “Human Nature” — then blazed through several tracks off her 2023 album,...
The 28-year-old Mc’s performance was a hard-nosed and hot-blooded spectacle, conceived of pure, unadulterated id. Offering little in the way of stage banter, Doja opened with a sample from Madonna’s biting 1994 anthem, “Human Nature” — then blazed through several tracks off her 2023 album,...
- 4/15/2024
- by Suzy Exposito and Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
The five artists chosen for the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors are likely being informed now in the month of April about their selections. That’s according to recent honoree Billy Crystal, who said he was told last April and had to keep quiet until mid-summer when the 2023 Kch choices were officially announced.
Crystal was honored a few months ago in Washington, D.C. for the annual CBS event, along with Renee Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick. Who do we think will be among the honorees announced this summer? Tour our photo gallery above to see who are our choices for the top 50 entertainers who need to be selected soon. You can also visit our forums thread where we have a much lengthier list of hundreds of eligible artists.
SEEKennedy Center Honors: 20 Greatest Performances of All Time
Our gallery features deserving artists from the fields of acting (both film and TV), popular music,...
Crystal was honored a few months ago in Washington, D.C. for the annual CBS event, along with Renee Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick. Who do we think will be among the honorees announced this summer? Tour our photo gallery above to see who are our choices for the top 50 entertainers who need to be selected soon. You can also visit our forums thread where we have a much lengthier list of hundreds of eligible artists.
SEEKennedy Center Honors: 20 Greatest Performances of All Time
Our gallery features deserving artists from the fields of acting (both film and TV), popular music,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Hollywood is paying tribute to Louis Gossett Jr.
On Friday, Gossett’s family announced that the Officer and a Gentlemen star passed away at the age of 87. The cause of death is unknown, but Gossett announced in 2010 that he had prostate cancer.
In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, his family said, “It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Gossett’s most notable role was in Taylor Hackford’s Officer and a Gentleman (1982) as Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley which he won an Academy Award for in the best supporting actor category. He was the second Black man to win an acting Oscar, following Sidney Poitier in 1964.
After news of his passing, many in Hollywood took to social media to...
On Friday, Gossett’s family announced that the Officer and a Gentlemen star passed away at the age of 87. The cause of death is unknown, but Gossett announced in 2010 that he had prostate cancer.
In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, his family said, “It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Gossett’s most notable role was in Taylor Hackford’s Officer and a Gentleman (1982) as Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley which he won an Academy Award for in the best supporting actor category. He was the second Black man to win an acting Oscar, following Sidney Poitier in 1964.
After news of his passing, many in Hollywood took to social media to...
- 3/29/2024
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the passing yesterday of actor Louis Gossett Jr., An Officer and A Gentleman director Taylor Hackford and Roots co-star LeVar Burton remembered their late colleague and friend.
“One of the best to ever do it!,” Burton posted on X/Twitter. “Thank you, Lou… for everything!”
In a statement to Deadline, Hackford said:
“The role of Master Sargent Foley in An Officer and A Gentlemen was written as a white man. When I visited the Navy Officers Flight Training Center in Pensacola, Fla, I discovered that many of the Drill Instructors there were men of color. I found it interesting that Black & Brown enlisted men had ‘make-or-break’ control over whether white college graduates would become officers and fighter pilots.
“At that moment I changed the casting profile for Sergeant Foley and started meeting actors of color. Lou Gossett came to see me – I knew and admired his stage work.
“One of the best to ever do it!,” Burton posted on X/Twitter. “Thank you, Lou… for everything!”
In a statement to Deadline, Hackford said:
“The role of Master Sargent Foley in An Officer and A Gentlemen was written as a white man. When I visited the Navy Officers Flight Training Center in Pensacola, Fla, I discovered that many of the Drill Instructors there were men of color. I found it interesting that Black & Brown enlisted men had ‘make-or-break’ control over whether white college graduates would become officers and fighter pilots.
“At that moment I changed the casting profile for Sergeant Foley and started meeting actors of color. Lou Gossett came to see me – I knew and admired his stage work.
- 3/29/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
If Sir Elton John‘s career had only spanned the 1970s, he would still be a music legend, an icon of glam and progressive rock. Fortunately, he forged on, segueing into each new era of rock and branching into film and Broadway with comparable success and his signature aplomb and style. As John celebrates his 76th birthday, we’ve undertaken a nearly impossible task — narrowing a huge catalogue of memorable compositions down to the 25 best.
John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, and showed an affinity for playing the piano at a young age. In 1967, he answered an ad for songwriters and met Bernie Taupin, which led to a long and successful collaboration, with Taupin writing lyrics to which John composed music. It took a few years of struggling, but in 1970 they had their first top ten hit with “Your Song.” In 1972, “Honky Chateau” became his first of seven...
John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, and showed an affinity for playing the piano at a young age. In 1967, he answered an ad for songwriters and met Bernie Taupin, which led to a long and successful collaboration, with Taupin writing lyrics to which John composed music. It took a few years of struggling, but in 1970 they had their first top ten hit with “Your Song.” In 1972, “Honky Chateau” became his first of seven...
- 3/22/2024
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Steve Lawrence, a king among easy-listening crooners who rocketed to fame in the ’50s and ’60s as half of the duo Steve and Eydie, died Thursday at age 88. Lawrence died at home in Los Angeles, and the cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s disease, according to a spokesperson for the family, Susan DuBow.
Lawrence’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis had finally put an end to his touring career in 2019, after a run in the public eye that spanned six and a half decades.
Lawrence was preceded in death in 2013 by his wife, Eydie Gormé, with whom he enjoyed nearly unparalleled success as a performing couple during their heyday as touring artists and TV stars in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The couple had continued to tour together through 2009.
His colleagues began to weigh in Thursday. “Steve was one of my favorite guests on my variety show,” Carol Burnett said,...
Lawrence’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis had finally put an end to his touring career in 2019, after a run in the public eye that spanned six and a half decades.
Lawrence was preceded in death in 2013 by his wife, Eydie Gormé, with whom he enjoyed nearly unparalleled success as a performing couple during their heyday as touring artists and TV stars in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The couple had continued to tour together through 2009.
His colleagues began to weigh in Thursday. “Steve was one of my favorite guests on my variety show,” Carol Burnett said,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Wendy Williams has been known for stirring up controversy on her platforms. And although some would’ve labeled her a shock jock for her content, Williams couldn’t have disagreed more.
What Wendy Williams thought of the term shock jock Wendy Williams | Santiago Felipe
Williams was one of the most candid radio and television hosts during her time on air. Her directness has caused her to feud with several celebrities, from Ellen DeGeneres to Dionne Warwick. But despite Williams’ reputation, she asserted that she wasn’t the shock jock others might’ve made her out to be.
Shock jocks were usually the type of radio hosts that would deliberately cause controversy with provocative commentary. Williams confided that her only intention when on her platform was to speak her truth.
” I don’t particularly care for the term ‘shock jock.’ It brings up distasteful man humor and I don’t find...
What Wendy Williams thought of the term shock jock Wendy Williams | Santiago Felipe
Williams was one of the most candid radio and television hosts during her time on air. Her directness has caused her to feud with several celebrities, from Ellen DeGeneres to Dionne Warwick. But despite Williams’ reputation, she asserted that she wasn’t the shock jock others might’ve made her out to be.
Shock jocks were usually the type of radio hosts that would deliberately cause controversy with provocative commentary. Williams confided that her only intention when on her platform was to speak her truth.
” I don’t particularly care for the term ‘shock jock.’ It brings up distasteful man humor and I don’t find...
- 3/5/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The 2024 Urban One Honors recognizes the Best in Black. This sixth annual ceremony will highlight the major accomplishments in arts, media, music, and the community over the past year. Among the incredible lineup of honorees are Mary J. Blige, Dionne Warwick, and Chloé Bailey. The Urban One Honors were previously recorded on Jan. 20, but now, viewers have the opportunity to tune in from home. You can watch the 2024 Urban One Honors on Sunday, Feb. 25 beginning at 8 p.m. Et on TV One and Cleo TV. You can watch TV One and Cleo TV with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo. You can also watch with Directv Stream.
How to Watch 2024 Urban One Honors When: Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 8:00 Pm Est TV: TV One, Cleo TV Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo. 7-Day Free Trial$25+ / month philo.com About 2024 Urban One Honors
The 2024 Urban One Honors features appearances...
How to Watch 2024 Urban One Honors When: Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 8:00 Pm Est TV: TV One, Cleo TV Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo. 7-Day Free Trial$25+ / month philo.com About 2024 Urban One Honors
The 2024 Urban One Honors features appearances...
- 2/25/2024
- by Aubrey Chorpenning
- The Streamable
Fool in Love Festival Books Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Al Green, and Chaka Khan for Inaugural Lineup
A who’s who of funk, soul, pop, and R&b legends will play the inaugural Fool in Love festival in Inglewood, CA on Saturday, August 31st, 2024.
Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Al Green, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and Kool & the Gang are among the acts highlighting Fool in Love’s 2024 lineup.
Other notable acts include Santana, Dionne Warwick, Charlie Wilson, The Spinners, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Morris Day & The Time, The O’Jays, Durand Jones, Mayer Hawthorne, The Delfonics, War, and more.
The one-day festival will take at Hollywood Park on the grounds adjacent to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Tickets to Fool in Love 2024, including Ga, Ga+, and VIP passes, will go on sale beginning Friday, February 16th. Registration for an advanced pre-sale is now ongoing.
Once tickets are on sale, fans can look for deals or get...
Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Al Green, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and Kool & the Gang are among the acts highlighting Fool in Love’s 2024 lineup.
Other notable acts include Santana, Dionne Warwick, Charlie Wilson, The Spinners, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Morris Day & The Time, The O’Jays, Durand Jones, Mayer Hawthorne, The Delfonics, War, and more.
The one-day festival will take at Hollywood Park on the grounds adjacent to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Tickets to Fool in Love 2024, including Ga, Ga+, and VIP passes, will go on sale beginning Friday, February 16th. Registration for an advanced pre-sale is now ongoing.
Once tickets are on sale, fans can look for deals or get...
- 2/14/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the great, hit-making R&b vocal group The Spinners, died yesterday at his home in northern Virginia. He was 85.
His death was announced on the group’s Instagram page. No cause was given, but the announcement notes that Fambrough died peacefully.
Fambrough, whose rich baritone could be easily discerned in the group’s signature vocal mix on hits such as “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love?” and “One of a Kind (Love Affair),” formed the Domingoes, the group that would become the Spinners, in 1954 with his suburban Detroit friends Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, C.P. Spencer and James Edwards.
Various personnel changes would take place over the next 20 years before the group settled into into what would be its classic and most successful five-man line-up with Fambrough, Henderson, Jackson, Bobbie Smith, and Philippé Wynne.
Henry Fambrough...
His death was announced on the group’s Instagram page. No cause was given, but the announcement notes that Fambrough died peacefully.
Fambrough, whose rich baritone could be easily discerned in the group’s signature vocal mix on hits such as “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love?” and “One of a Kind (Love Affair),” formed the Domingoes, the group that would become the Spinners, in 1954 with his suburban Detroit friends Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, C.P. Spencer and James Edwards.
Various personnel changes would take place over the next 20 years before the group settled into into what would be its classic and most successful five-man line-up with Fambrough, Henderson, Jackson, Bobbie Smith, and Philippé Wynne.
Henry Fambrough...
- 2/8/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the R&b group the Spinners and an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, died at age 85.
Fambrough died peacefully of natural causes Wednesday at his Virginia home following a month in hospice care, the Spinners’ spokeswoman Tanisha Jackson told the Detroit Free-Press. His death comes just over two months after Fambrough was on hand for the Spinners’ Rock Hall induction ceremony in November.
“He got to experience those accolades. He was able to bask in the accomplishment, and...
Fambrough died peacefully of natural causes Wednesday at his Virginia home following a month in hospice care, the Spinners’ spokeswoman Tanisha Jackson told the Detroit Free-Press. His death comes just over two months after Fambrough was on hand for the Spinners’ Rock Hall induction ceremony in November.
“He got to experience those accolades. He was able to bask in the accomplishment, and...
- 2/8/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Seconds after Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson entered the holding room where presenters and performers at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy gala were to take this picture, someone became starstruck — but who that was might surprise you.
“It’s Jelly Roll!” Wilson shouted excitedly as she saw the Grammy-nominated singer-rapper. But the feeling was mutual, as Jelly Roll later murmured, if only to himself, about the surrealness of the moment. He was standing in proximity to Hanks and Wilson as Dionne Warwick sat nearby and members of Green Day were hanging out while everyone waited for one of music’s greatest architects — Davis himself — to arrive.
The interaction was just one of several “pinch-me” moments as the likes of The Isley Brothers, Maluma, Josh Groban, Lainey Wilson and many more came together to take a snapshot with Davis and commemorate the night of amazing music that was to come at the legendary party,...
“It’s Jelly Roll!” Wilson shouted excitedly as she saw the Grammy-nominated singer-rapper. But the feeling was mutual, as Jelly Roll later murmured, if only to himself, about the surrealness of the moment. He was standing in proximity to Hanks and Wilson as Dionne Warwick sat nearby and members of Green Day were hanging out while everyone waited for one of music’s greatest architects — Davis himself — to arrive.
The interaction was just one of several “pinch-me” moments as the likes of The Isley Brothers, Maluma, Josh Groban, Lainey Wilson and many more came together to take a snapshot with Davis and commemorate the night of amazing music that was to come at the legendary party,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Nekesa Mumbi Moody
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Get ready for another compelling and enlightening episode of “Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis Gates, Jr.” as it returns with Season 10, Episode 7, titled “The Brick Wall Falls.” This thought-provoking genealogy series, airing on PBS at 8:00 Pm on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, continues to delve into the fascinating family histories of prominent individuals.
In this episode, actress Danielle Brooks and singer Dionne Warwick take center stage as they embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of their distant ancestors. Viewers can expect an emotional and eye-opening exploration of their family trees, with surprising revelations and poignant moments.
As always, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. guides the participants through this remarkable journey, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors. It’s a captivating blend of history, genealogy, and personal discovery that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
Don’t miss “The Brick Wall Falls” episode of “Finding Your...
In this episode, actress Danielle Brooks and singer Dionne Warwick take center stage as they embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of their distant ancestors. Viewers can expect an emotional and eye-opening exploration of their family trees, with surprising revelations and poignant moments.
As always, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. guides the participants through this remarkable journey, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors. It’s a captivating blend of history, genealogy, and personal discovery that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
Don’t miss “The Brick Wall Falls” episode of “Finding Your...
- 2/6/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Stevie Wonder closed the multi-hour, all-star Clive Davis pre-Grammy gala with a rousing harmonica performance, a strong vocal delivery and words of positivity.
The icon was joined by Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Andra Day, Keyshia Cole and Frederic Yonnet for performances of “That’s What Friends Are For” and “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” cutting off the latter song to tell the audience — which included Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Cher — that “music is love [and] let us use the gift of love that we’ve been given by the Almighty to make a difference in the world.”
“I’ve been blessed to be alive, but I’ve been blessed to see everyone — not seeing you physically — but seeing you spiritually,” Wonder said at the gala that ended early Sunday morning. “And what breaks my heart is to know that we’re still talking about the same thing that...
The icon was joined by Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Andra Day, Keyshia Cole and Frederic Yonnet for performances of “That’s What Friends Are For” and “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” cutting off the latter song to tell the audience — which included Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Cher — that “music is love [and] let us use the gift of love that we’ve been given by the Almighty to make a difference in the world.”
“I’ve been blessed to be alive, but I’ve been blessed to see everyone — not seeing you physically — but seeing you spiritually,” Wonder said at the gala that ended early Sunday morning. “And what breaks my heart is to know that we’re still talking about the same thing that...
- 2/4/2024
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Clive Davis always throws the most star-studded party during Grammys Weekend every year, and 2024 was no exception!
The legendary music mogul hosted the Pre-grammy Gala & Grammy Salute to Industry Icons on Saturday night (February 3) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Some of the celebs who walked the red carpet included Ice Spice, Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lana Del Rey.
Legendary stars like Meryl Streep, Cher, Tom Hanks, and more were all there. It was a family affair for Meryl, whose son-in-law Mark Ronson is nominated for several awards at the Grammys this year. He was joined by wife Grace Gummer.
Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt was honored at the event.
Head inside to see all of the celebs who attended…
Keep scrolling to see all of the celebs who attended…
Meryl Streep and Cher
Clive Davis
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson...
The legendary music mogul hosted the Pre-grammy Gala & Grammy Salute to Industry Icons on Saturday night (February 3) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Some of the celebs who walked the red carpet included Ice Spice, Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lana Del Rey.
Legendary stars like Meryl Streep, Cher, Tom Hanks, and more were all there. It was a family affair for Meryl, whose son-in-law Mark Ronson is nominated for several awards at the Grammys this year. He was joined by wife Grace Gummer.
Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt was honored at the event.
Head inside to see all of the celebs who attended…
Keep scrolling to see all of the celebs who attended…
Meryl Streep and Cher
Clive Davis
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson...
- 2/4/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
From singing backup at Elvis Presley’s 1968 comeback TV special to writing Michael Jackson’s “She’s Out of My Life” to arranging the vocals on Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man, longtime Quincy Jones collaborator Tom Bahler has had an improbably jam-packed music career. But as he sees it, the peak of it all came in January of 1985, when Jones called upon him to arrange the array of superstar vocals on “We Are the World.”
With a new documentary on the song, The Greatest Night in Pop, out now on Netflix,...
With a new documentary on the song, The Greatest Night in Pop, out now on Netflix,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Brian Hiatt
- Rollingstone.com
Teyana Taylor has officially confirmed she will play Grammy-winning music icon Dionne Warwick in an upcoming biopic. The 2024 Independent Spirit Award nominee for “A Thousand and One” took to Instagram to share the news, stating, “Ms. Dionne Warwick…A woman of great statue, poise and elegance, with a fiery spirit — Realizing I was looking at my future self. My reflection without a mirror.”
Taylor continued, “Being able to learn and study from one of the greats like, @therealdionnew has allowed me to learn a lot about myself and the woman I am today. She has taught us to be proud of who you are…. —Don’t Make Me Over. @therealdionnew Your music and social involvement has enhanced the culture. Your soul and artistry serves as an example of not only resilience and strength, but of faith and purpose. Thank you for trusting me, @coco_gilbert and our production company @theauntiesinc with telling your iconic story!
Taylor continued, “Being able to learn and study from one of the greats like, @therealdionnew has allowed me to learn a lot about myself and the woman I am today. She has taught us to be proud of who you are…. —Don’t Make Me Over. @therealdionnew Your music and social involvement has enhanced the culture. Your soul and artistry serves as an example of not only resilience and strength, but of faith and purpose. Thank you for trusting me, @coco_gilbert and our production company @theauntiesinc with telling your iconic story!
- 1/30/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Luther Vandross’ voice was the soundtrack of many Black millennial childhoods. Personally, I would wake up every Sunday to church music followed by his hit single “Never Too Much,” which still stops most people in their tracks to this day. In the documentary Luther: Never Too Much, director Dawn Porter chronicles a his journey to stardom and how he manifested the career he desired.
His path begins in the culturally rich landscape of Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Vandross was influenced by the likes of Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. His earliest musical forays came as part of the group Listen My Brother, which was formed by childhood friends in Harlem committed to harnessing their vocal talents. The group provided not just his first brush with critical acclaim, but an artistic environment steeped in collective ambition that drove him to sharpen his abilities.
That is until his career took a pivotal...
His path begins in the culturally rich landscape of Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Vandross was influenced by the likes of Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. His earliest musical forays came as part of the group Listen My Brother, which was formed by childhood friends in Harlem committed to harnessing their vocal talents. The group provided not just his first brush with critical acclaim, but an artistic environment steeped in collective ambition that drove him to sharpen his abilities.
That is until his career took a pivotal...
- 1/28/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
When American soul and R&b icon Luther Vandross sang, he didn’t just produce beautiful musical sounds. He caressed and coddled each note with his famously velvety tenor voice, considering where to linger, when to whisper, or to gradually crescendo with an impeccable and ever-influential technique. In other words, he didn’t only sing, but created something ethereal, something that both pushed the form and felt like it gently poured straight out of his soul.
Considering the stamp he put on the American music industry, it feels strange that there hasn’t yet been a definitive documentary about Vandross’ unsung legacy until Dawn Porter’s “Luther: Never Too Much,” which had its world premiere recently at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. But that delay is perhaps fortuitous — after experiencing Porter’s loving portrait of the virtuosic musician, producer, and songwriter, you can’t imagine Vandross’ story being told by anyone else.
Considering the stamp he put on the American music industry, it feels strange that there hasn’t yet been a definitive documentary about Vandross’ unsung legacy until Dawn Porter’s “Luther: Never Too Much,” which had its world premiere recently at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. But that delay is perhaps fortuitous — after experiencing Porter’s loving portrait of the virtuosic musician, producer, and songwriter, you can’t imagine Vandross’ story being told by anyone else.
- 1/26/2024
- by Tomris Laffly
- Indiewire
Lionel Richie has been very emotional lately, but he wants to reassure everyone that he’s okay.
According to Richie, it’s just been a heady experience to look back nearly 40 years and relive all the wondrous and chaotic memories of writing and recording “We Are the World” for the new Netflix documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop.”
“Every segment of this journey, I cry,” Richie said at the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance Film Festival, where the film made its world premiere. “It just brings tears to my eyes because some of us are not here anymore. Also it was our innocence. We actually were making a difference, so to see the naive version of ourselves, when we actually had an aha moment that we might take all this celebrity and change the world … I’m just emotional about it because I get to watch my kid being born again.
According to Richie, it’s just been a heady experience to look back nearly 40 years and relive all the wondrous and chaotic memories of writing and recording “We Are the World” for the new Netflix documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop.”
“Every segment of this journey, I cry,” Richie said at the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance Film Festival, where the film made its world premiere. “It just brings tears to my eyes because some of us are not here anymore. Also it was our innocence. We actually were making a difference, so to see the naive version of ourselves, when we actually had an aha moment that we might take all this celebrity and change the world … I’m just emotional about it because I get to watch my kid being born again.
- 1/23/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In 1969, Dionne Warwick’s career received a boost courtesy of Elvis Presley. Warwick had begun to see success on the charts in the 1960s and Elvis, though on a career decline, was one of the biggest names of the era. He used this fame to help Warwick. She shared how one simple act by him resulted in her selling more albums than she thought possible.
Dionne Warwick said Elvis helped her sell her album
Warwick began her music career in the 1950s and began to see mainstream success by the early 1960s. By the middle of the decade, she was a veritable star with success amongst critics and on the charts. Still, Elvis was able to boost her album sales.
He offered to put a signed photo of himself in the albums Warwick sold in Las Vegas. He had recently signed on for residencies in the city.
Dionne Warwick | Tony Russell/Redferns
“He said,...
Dionne Warwick said Elvis helped her sell her album
Warwick began her music career in the 1950s and began to see mainstream success by the early 1960s. By the middle of the decade, she was a veritable star with success amongst critics and on the charts. Still, Elvis was able to boost her album sales.
He offered to put a signed photo of himself in the albums Warwick sold in Las Vegas. He had recently signed on for residencies in the city.
Dionne Warwick | Tony Russell/Redferns
“He said,...
- 1/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In her latest documentary, Luther: Never Too Much, Dawn Porter crafts a striking profile of a singular musician. That Luther Vandross, who died in 2005, hasn’t gotten the documentary treatment until now is surprising considering his imprint on the music industry. Vandross — a true multi-hyphenate — sang, arranged and produced records for himself and other iconic artists. He worked with David Bowie, Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick, for example. He wasn’t just popular with fans for his velvety voice and romantic numbers; he was beloved by industry stalwarts, some of whom appear in Porter’s documentary. Even for those familiar with the “Never Too Much” crooner, Porter’s project is essential viewing.
Premiering at Sundance, Luther: Never Too Much is a trove of archival material. Porter uses rehearsal footage, concert videos, old interviews with Vandross and newer ones with his friends and family to tell the musician’s story. The...
Premiering at Sundance, Luther: Never Too Much is a trove of archival material. Porter uses rehearsal footage, concert videos, old interviews with Vandross and newer ones with his friends and family to tell the musician’s story. The...
- 1/22/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Masked Singer” will look a little different for Season 11. The wacky reality TV singing competition that showcases secret celebrities performing in elaborate costumes will have a new panelist at the detectives’ table. Fox has announced singer Rita Ora will replace Nicole Scherzinger, who served as a panelist alongside Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg and Ken Jeong for the first 10 seasons. They will all return with host Nick Cannon when Season 11 premieres March 6, 2024 on Fox.
“We’re grateful to have the amazing @ritaora shine her light and join us as a panelist on #TheMaskedSinger Season 11!” the show shared on Instagram. The 32-year old pop star shared on her own Instagram Story, “So happy the secret is finally out. I’m joining the @maskedsingerfox US! Can’t wait to try and guess who’s behind the mask with the other panelists.”
See ‘The Masked Singer’: Top 18 most famous celebrities of all...
“We’re grateful to have the amazing @ritaora shine her light and join us as a panelist on #TheMaskedSinger Season 11!” the show shared on Instagram. The 32-year old pop star shared on her own Instagram Story, “So happy the secret is finally out. I’m joining the @maskedsingerfox US! Can’t wait to try and guess who’s behind the mask with the other panelists.”
See ‘The Masked Singer’: Top 18 most famous celebrities of all...
- 1/22/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Although it isn’t structured any differently from dozens of other cradle-to-grave documentaries about artistic luminaries, “Luther: Never Too Much” sheds light on much more than just the life and career of R&b singer Luther Vandross. Drawn largely from interview and performance footage of Vandross over his almost 40 years in entertainment, and bolstered and contextualized by retrospective talks will collaborators and confidantes, director Dawn Porter’s film exposes some uneasy truths about the music industry and the media we may now know, but whose seeming ubiquitousness at the time he was alive may be difficult to fully comprehend.
White audience members in particular may stand to learn the most about him — a fact Porter pointedly attributes to the genre siloes of radio’s heyday and cultural prejudices against black singers who weren’t thin or light-skinned enough to receive the opportunity to cross over from R&b to pop.
White audience members in particular may stand to learn the most about him — a fact Porter pointedly attributes to the genre siloes of radio’s heyday and cultural prejudices against black singers who weren’t thin or light-skinned enough to receive the opportunity to cross over from R&b to pop.
- 1/21/2024
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
At one point as the supergroup dubbed “USA for Africa” was assembling on January 28, 1985, at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood, Paul Simon reportedly joked, “If a bomb lands on this place, John Denver’s back on top.” Such was the magnitude of mid-‘80s music luminaries on hand, everyone from Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick and Tina Turner through Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and beyond. Unless you’ve spent your whole life under a rock, sometime or other, the resulting charity single, “We Are the World,” has likely gotten stuck in your head. The song achieved instant global saturation, selling out the initial run of a million copies in the first weekend of its release.
Of course, this is pre-downloads, so we’re talking actual vinyl sales, and it’s audiences with fond recollections of those analog days and the music stars who dominated the charts during the...
Of course, this is pre-downloads, so we’re talking actual vinyl sales, and it’s audiences with fond recollections of those analog days and the music stars who dominated the charts during the...
- 1/20/2024
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elton John is officially an Egot winner.
The “I’m Still Standing” singer joined the elite Egot club on Monday night after he was awarded for his Disney+ show Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium at the 2023 Emmy Awards. An Egot is an artist who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony Award in their career.
John was not present to accept the award Monday as he is recovering from a knee injury, but he shared a statement about the honor via his publicist.
“I am incredibly...
The “I’m Still Standing” singer joined the elite Egot club on Monday night after he was awarded for his Disney+ show Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium at the 2023 Emmy Awards. An Egot is an artist who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony Award in their career.
John was not present to accept the award Monday as he is recovering from a knee injury, but he shared a statement about the honor via his publicist.
“I am incredibly...
- 1/16/2024
- by Jodi Guglielmi
- Rollingstone.com
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not attend his 70th birthday party fundraiser gala after celebrity guests who were billed as attendees stated that they never agreed to go.
Martin Sheen, Dionne Warwick, Mike Tyson and Andrea Bocelli were listed as attendees but later said they never agreed to attend the fundraiser.
The fundraiser supporting Kennedy’s presidential campaign was hosted by the super Pac American Values 2024 and took place in Indian Wells, California, on January 4.
On December 28, 2023, the Pac announced on X:
“Superstar tenor @AndreaBocelli will perform at fundraiser for US presidential hopeful @RobertKennedyJr with ‘well wisher’ guests including Martin Sheen, @MikeTyson and @dionnewarwick,” they wrote.
American Values Pac’s major donor is right-wing billionaire Timothy Mellon, who gave $15 million, leading experts to conclude that it is a Trojan Horse for Republican interests.
“I don’t know anything about this event,” Warwick wrote in her response on X. “I did...
Martin Sheen, Dionne Warwick, Mike Tyson and Andrea Bocelli were listed as attendees but later said they never agreed to attend the fundraiser.
The fundraiser supporting Kennedy’s presidential campaign was hosted by the super Pac American Values 2024 and took place in Indian Wells, California, on January 4.
On December 28, 2023, the Pac announced on X:
“Superstar tenor @AndreaBocelli will perform at fundraiser for US presidential hopeful @RobertKennedyJr with ‘well wisher’ guests including Martin Sheen, @MikeTyson and @dionnewarwick,” they wrote.
American Values Pac’s major donor is right-wing billionaire Timothy Mellon, who gave $15 million, leading experts to conclude that it is a Trojan Horse for Republican interests.
“I don’t know anything about this event,” Warwick wrote in her response on X. “I did...
- 1/15/2024
- by Alessio Atria
- Uinterview
When award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter — who directed the upcoming Luther Vandross documentary Luther: Never Too Much — thinks of her favorite song by the legendary singer, she selects “So Amazing,” the timeless track he wrote and produced for Dionne Warwick and later recorded himself.
But then she pauses. “I think it’s hard for me because I’m very attached to some scenes right now,” she says. Then she speaks about “Any Love,” Vandross’ autobiographical song about wanting to find the one and the sadness behind being alone. The track topped the R&b charts in the late ’80s.
“I really wanted him to be able to tell you his story as much as possible, so how do you do that with someone who’s not with us? A lot of that was thinking about the lyrics. [On] ‘Any Love,’ he was just endlessly frustrated with the absence of a romantic partner in his life,...
But then she pauses. “I think it’s hard for me because I’m very attached to some scenes right now,” she says. Then she speaks about “Any Love,” Vandross’ autobiographical song about wanting to find the one and the sadness behind being alone. The track topped the R&b charts in the late ’80s.
“I really wanted him to be able to tell you his story as much as possible, so how do you do that with someone who’s not with us? A lot of that was thinking about the lyrics. [On] ‘Any Love,’ he was just endlessly frustrated with the absence of a romantic partner in his life,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 8:00 Pm on Fox, “I Can See Your Voice” promises a star-studded and musically captivating episode titled “Divas Night: Dionne Warwick, Ron Funches, Todrick Hall, Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton.” Featuring guest panelists Ron Funches and Todrick Hall, the episode brings an extra dose of humor and entertainment to the stage.
The highlight of the evening is a jaw-dropping performance alongside the legendary musical powerhouse, Dionne Warwick. Contestants will take the stage, aiming to impress not only the regular panel but also the illustrious guest, in a bid to decipher who among them has the real vocal talent.
With a mix of diva-style glamour, comedic banter, and incredible musical moments, “Divas Night” on “I Can See Your Voice” promises an engaging and laughter-filled viewing experience for audiences, ensuring another night of unpredictable fun and impressive vocal revelations.
Release Date & Time: 8:00 Pm Wednesday 17 January 2024 on Fox
I Can See Your Voice...
The highlight of the evening is a jaw-dropping performance alongside the legendary musical powerhouse, Dionne Warwick. Contestants will take the stage, aiming to impress not only the regular panel but also the illustrious guest, in a bid to decipher who among them has the real vocal talent.
With a mix of diva-style glamour, comedic banter, and incredible musical moments, “Divas Night” on “I Can See Your Voice” promises an engaging and laughter-filled viewing experience for audiences, ensuring another night of unpredictable fun and impressive vocal revelations.
Release Date & Time: 8:00 Pm Wednesday 17 January 2024 on Fox
I Can See Your Voice...
- 1/10/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Netflix has shared the trailer for an upcoming documentary about the making of the 1985 charity single “We Are the World.”
Directed by Bao Nguyen, The Greatest Night in Pop tells the story of how 46 of music’s biggest stars came together in a single day to record one song that would become a global sensation in the truest sense of the phrase. As Lionel Richie explains in the trailer, he and Michael Jackson co-wrote “We Are the World” after Harry Belafonte called him directly to ask if he could write a song to raise money for hunger relief in Africa.
The Greatest Night in Pop compiles footage of that day in Jim Henson’s studio, where Richie’s newly-assembled supergroup recorded the song live — for better or for worse. The Grammy-winning track featured the voices of just some of the biggest stars of the era, including Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson,...
Directed by Bao Nguyen, The Greatest Night in Pop tells the story of how 46 of music’s biggest stars came together in a single day to record one song that would become a global sensation in the truest sense of the phrase. As Lionel Richie explains in the trailer, he and Michael Jackson co-wrote “We Are the World” after Harry Belafonte called him directly to ask if he could write a song to raise money for hunger relief in Africa.
The Greatest Night in Pop compiles footage of that day in Jim Henson’s studio, where Richie’s newly-assembled supergroup recorded the song live — for better or for worse. The Grammy-winning track featured the voices of just some of the biggest stars of the era, including Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Film News
One of the biggest pop culture moments of the 80s was when a large group of pop artists came together for a special one-time song dedicated to raising awareness and helping to end famine in Africa. That song, “We Are the World,” was amazingly stacked with talent, including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Harry Belafonte, Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick, and Huey Lewis. A documentary from Netflix recounts the story of how the song came together with The Greatest Night in Pop. The film is also scheduled to screen at the Sundance Film Festival this year, with Lionel Richie in tow.
Netflix’s description of the documentary reads,
“On January 25, 1985, dozens of the biggest names in music convened at a studio in Los Angeles, checked their egos at the door and recorded a song to benefit African famine relief that would alter global pop culture history.
Netflix’s description of the documentary reads,
“On January 25, 1985, dozens of the biggest names in music convened at a studio in Los Angeles, checked their egos at the door and recorded a song to benefit African famine relief that would alter global pop culture history.
- 1/9/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
"Let's get this party started." Netflix has revealed the first official trailer for a music history documentary film called The Greatest Night in Pop, directed by doc filmmaker Bao Nguyen (of the Bruce Lee doc Be Water previously). This film was a last minute addition to the exciting Sundance 2024 line-up, playing at the prestigious film festival in a few weeks before it debuts on Netflix at the end of January. In 1985, 46 music icons, including Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder, came together for the most star-studded recording session in history. This is the untold story of the legendary global pop song "We Are the World" (listen here) recorded to help bring more support to African famine relief — which very nearly didn't happen. Many of the artists who were there that legendary evening -- Richie, Springsteen, Lauper, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick, and...
- 1/9/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
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