Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Aerosmith's Tyler Wants Time Off
Steven Tyler, Aerosmith lead singer According to Aerosmith's guitarist Joe Perry, the band's lead vocalist, Steven Tyler, wants to take time off from the band "to do whatever he wants to do." Earlier in the week, Perry stated the band would stay together but was looking for a new lead singer. Despite that announcement, Tyler joined the band onstage during the encore at a concert November 10 in New York City. Tyler, through his publicist, has declined to respond to Perry's comments.
Janet Jackson Releases Anthology
Janet Jackson's 'Number Ones' CDOn November 17, A&M Records released Janet Jackson's anthology, Number Ones. The collection includes 33 of Janet's hits, plus the new track, "Make Me." Her first hits compilation, Design of a Decade 1986-1996, was issued in 1995 and sold 2.4 million copies in the United States. Janet is currently working on a new studio album and her first autobiography, which will be out in 2010. On November 18, Janet will appear in a television interview with ABC's Robin Roberts. The one-hour prime time special marks the first time she has allowed television cameras into her California home.
John Mayer Releases New Album
John Mayer's 'Battle Studies' CDJohn Mayer's first album in three years was released on November 10. Battle Studies includes his current hit "Who Says," which debuted at Number 17 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. The album also features a duet with teen Country star Taylor Swift, titled "Half of My Heart." The night of the album's release, Mayer performed a concert at New York's Beacon Theatre. "John Mayer Live from the Beacon Theatre" will air on the cable music channel Fuse.
Ragtime Returns to Broadway
The Tony-winning musical Ragtime has returned to Broadway. Its official opening was on November 15 at the Neil Simon Theatre. The original production of Ragtime opened on Broadway in 1998 and won four Tony Awards. It closed in January 2000 after 834 performances.
Leona Lewis Confident About Sophomore Album
Leona Lewis' 'Echo' CDLast year, British pop singer Leona Lewis debuted at Number One on the U.K. and U.S. charts with her first album Spirit. The album sold more than six million copies worldwide. On November 17, Leona's sophomore album, Echo, was released. She says, "I'm actually more confident with this album than the last. I've taken more control this time and I feel more at ease with everything. To me, it's all about great songs. I hope they move people as much as they move me."
New Album Releases November 17
"The Fall" by Norah Jones, Kris Allen's self-titled debut album, "Waking Up" by One Republic, "Until the Whole World Hears" by Casting Crowns, "Love" by Boyz II Men, "The Seventh Seal" by Rakim, "MTV Unplugged" by Katy Perry, "Good Evening New York City" (2-CD plus DVD) by Paul McCartney and "Movie Box" (5-CD box set) by Genesis.
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits
Elton John On November 16, Elton John's 8th annual "An Enduring Vision" AIDS Foundation benefit concert was held at New York's Cipriani Wall Street. This year's special musical guest will be Donna Summer. Honorees include former President Bill Clinton, philanthropists Lily Safra and Evelyn and Leonard Lauder and actress Sharon Stone. They'll be recognized for supporting innovative HIV prevention programs and their mission to eliminate discrimination and offer care to those living with HIV/AIDS. CNN's Anderson Cooper will host the gala dinner.
Awards Presentations/Winners
Country artist Taylor Swift poses in press room with her Video of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year awards, 11 Nov 2009Nineteen-year-old sensation Taylor Swift was the big winner at 43rd annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards November 11 in Nashville, Tennessee. Taylor was honored with four trophies: Female Vocalist of the Year; Album of the Year for "Fearless"; Video of the Year for "Love Story"; and Entertainer of the Year. Brad Paisley claimed the Male Vocalist of the Year for the third straight year. The trio, Lady Antebellum, earned two awards, including Vocal Group of the Year, ending Rascal Flatts six-year reign in the category. Lady Antebellum also won Single of the Year for "I Run To You." The Song of the Year award went to "In Color", performed by Jamey Johnson who wrote the song with Lee Thomas Miller and James Otto. Former Hootie & The Blowfish lead singer Darius Rucker was presented with the Best New Artist award.
Look Who's Going on Tour!
On November 21, Country stars Martina McBride and Trace Adkins will kick off their "Shine All Night" tour in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The pair will perform in more than 30 U.S. cities through April 10, 2010. Blake Shelton and The Lost Trailers will join the tour in select cities. Martina says, "I want fans to leave here knowing they got more than their money's worth. My goal is to have this on their list of memorable nights for years to come." Trace adds, "I think this tour is going to give people a lot more bang for their buck. And that's important, especially in today's economy."
