9/5/08

Hendrix First Ever Scorched Guitar Sells Under Hammer For Half A Million

         
The first guitar Jimi Hendrix ever set on fire has sold under the hammer for over half a million dollars.  The BBC reports the famed Fender Stratocaster burned at the end of Hendrix's 1967 Finsbury Park concert, headed to an east London auction house as part of The Fame Bureau's It's More Than Rock and Roll memorabilia auction.  The guitar, still bearing scorch marks from the performance, wasn't the only piece of rock history to go for a mammoth price.  The Beatles' first management contract signed in 1962 by them and manager Brian Epstein raked in just under half a million dollars.  The document contains Ringo Starr's signature of his real name, Richard Starkey.  Other items in the auction included an audio archive from music producer Joe Meek and the only remaining fingerprints of Elvis Presley on a concealed gun permit.

Jimmy Page Would Be "Honored" To Play London Olympic Games

Having just performed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China, rock legend Jimmy Page is already looking four years down the road.  According to realrocknews.com, the former Led Zeppelin guitarist said he would be, quote, "honored" if he were asked to play at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.  Despite receiving some criticism for his Beijing performance with up and coming pop star Leona Lewis, Page says it was a great honor to perform and he feels they did a "great job."  Some critics called the performance the worst part of the closing festivities to which Page responds, quote, "People just need to be less cynical.  You know we went out there, we only had ten minutes, what did people expect?" 

Ron Wood Leaves Rehab, Offered Place To Stay With Pete Townshend
         
Rolling Stone Ron Wood is out of rehab and he could find a place to rest his head in the home of Pete Townshend.  According to realrocknews.com, British newspapers are reporting Townshend, of the classic rock band The Who, offered Wood a place to crash as he himself recently underwent a stint in rehab for alcohol abuse.  Townshend made the offer amid reports of Wood's struggling relationship with his wife Jo.  Jo recently attended the GQ Awards with Mick Jagger's ex Jerry Hall and it has been rumored that she plans to leave the U.K. and move to the U.S.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Joins Fashion Rocks Lineup
         
Lynyrd Skynyrd's a new addition to tonight's "Fashion Rocks" concert in New York City.  The annual event ties in with New York's Fashion Week, a showcase of the new spring collections from designers from around the world.  The all-star concert celebrates the influence rock and pop music has had on fashion and culture.  The Southern rock band joins rockers Chris Cornell and OneRepublic, pop stars Pussycat Dolls and Solange Knowles, and singer-rapper Timbaland as newcomers to the show's lineup.  Other artists taking part in the event this year include Kid Rock, country singer Keith Urban, pop stars Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, and Fergie; hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas, R&B singers Chris Brown, Rihanna, and Duffy, and rapper Lil Wayne.  The "Fashion Rocks" concert will serve as a fundraiser for Stand Up To Cancer.  The show will be staged at Radio City Music Hall tonight, and air as a two-hour special on CBS on September 9th.

Kiss Frontman Gene Simmons Sued For Slander, Fraud

Kiss frontman Gene Simmons is on the receiving end of a fraud and slander lawsuit.  E! Online says Los Angeles businessman Allan Brown has filed suit, accusing the rocker-turned-reality TV star of cutting him out of a deal Simmons signed with the Indy Racing League.  Brown says he was instrumental in brokering the deal between Simmons and two IRL business partners, but was left out of the deal when he took a personal holiday in the midst of negotiations.  Brown claims the trio also characterized him to racing officials in a negative light, calling him "lazy" and "rich."  Simmons, who stars in the A&E reality series "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels," went on to appear in a series of ads for IndyCar racing in 2006 and even co-wrote the song "I Am Indy" as part of the venture.  Brown is seeking unspecified damages from Simmons.  The rocker has yet to respond to the allegations.

In other Simmons news, Billboard.com reports he will be the Keynote Q&A for the 5th Annual Billboard Touring Conference to take place November 19th and 20th in New York.  Ray Waddell, an official for the event, says they are thrilled to have Simmons on board.  He added, quote, "We know his insight and the 'Gene Simmons world view' will be a compelling must-see for our attendees.  Buckle up."  The conference's purpose is to bring together touring professionals for current industry discussions and networking opportunities.

Mellencamp Covers "Times They Are A-Changin'"

John Mellencamp has taken another Bob Dylan tune under his wing.  Rollingstone.com reports that, in the midst of a heated presidential race, the vintage rocker has released a cover and music video of Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'" onto his website.  While he has covered Dylan songs in the past, Mellencamp says none have had the political weight that "Times" carries with it.  He says his version of the song carries, quote, "relevant ideals of the past."  Mellencamp has previously covered "Farewell Angelina," "All Along the Watchtower" and "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box" from Dylan among others.  To hear his rendition of "Times," check out www.mellencamp.com.

Cliff Richard New Autobiography Addresses Sexuality And "Companion"
        
Sir Cliff Richard is unleashing details about the former Roman Catholic priest who shares his home in his new autobiography.  The 67-year-old singer addresses the constant speculation about his sexuality in his book, "My Life, My Way."  He stresses his belief that the Church should allow same sex marriage and describes Father John McElynn, with whom he lives, as a "companion."  According to Oldies.com, Richard discusses his sexuality, saying, quote, "What business is it of anyone else's what any of us are as individuals?  I don't think my fans would care either way."  "My Life, My Way" hit stores on September 1st and is also available for purchase online at amazon.com.

Quick Bits

Queen and Paul Rodgers have tacked another concert date onto their tour.  Classicrockrewind.com reports the rock collaboration will now play at Festival City in Dubai on November 14th. 

9/4/08

Springsteen As Possible Super Bowl Halftime Performer Gets Indirect Confirmation
         
There's new indication that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are at least being courted for this season's Super Bowl halftime show.  During a press conference Wednesday, R&B star Usher said he'd like to be the entertainer at the midway point of the big game, and noted that he'd even been approached for the event.  Last month the "New York Post's" "Page Six" cited unnamed sources who said Bruce and the Band were confirmed for Super Bowl 43, which will take place in Tampa, Florida on February 1st, but so far there hasn't been any official word from either the NFL or Springsteen's camp on the matter.  Usher will be joining country star Keith Urban and pop singer Natasha Bedingfield for the 2008 NFL kickoff concert in New York on Thursday.

Van Halen, Hagar Differ Over McCain's Use Of Group's Song
         
The rift between Van Halen and former frontman Sammy Hagar has moved to the political arena.  Arizona Senator John McCain's recent use of the song "Right Now" has sparked two responses -- one from the band and one from the singer.  Van Halen's management tells TMZ.com the group wasn't pleased with the Republican presidential hopeful playing the tune at a rally in Ohio over the weekend, and notes, quote, "Permission was not sought or granted nor would it have been given."  But Hagar's singing a different tune.  He says in a statement that he doesn't care if McCain or Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama use the song, provided it's the message they want to send. 

The rocker, who wrote the lyrics to "Right Now," explains his goal was to, quote, "inspire people to not sit around and wait for something they believed in but to go out and get it -- to make a change however they needed to."  He adds that the song still stands up today, adding, quote, "we all need to do something to make a difference, every action counts."  Hagar has also shown some direct support for the McCain campaign.  The Red Rocker performed at a launch concert Sunday in Minneapolis, on the eve of the official start of the Republican National Convention.  The four-day political gathering is now taking place in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is expected to wrap up Thursday with McCain formally accepting his party's nomination for president in the November election.

The Jacksons To Receive Icon Award

The Jacksons are being recognized for their musical contributions to American society and culture.  Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, and Randy have been tapped to receive the 2007 BMI Icon Award at the performing rights organization's annual Urban Awards dinner, which recognize the most performed R&B, rap, and hip-hop songs of the previous year.  The event also pays tribute to noteworthy songwriters and artists with the Icon Award and a musical salute during the ceremony.  Icon honorees are composer-performers who have made, quote, "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers."  Previous recipients include James Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Isaac Hayes, and Carlos Santana, while the Bee Gees were last year's Icon winner.  The 8th annual BMI Urban Awards dinner will take place at the Wilshire Theater in Beverly Hills, California on Thursday.

But the event might not turn into a Jackson 5 reunion.  Stories have surfaced of a rift between Michael and brothers Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie, saying the King of Pop hasn't spoken with his four siblings since 2005, and that he owes them nearly 850-thousand dollars in back royalties.  It's also unclear as to whether all the Jackson brothers plan to attend the ceremony.

Elton John Tangles With Co-Presenter At Awards Event
         
Elton John might have nearly two decades of sobriety to his credit, but he still seems to think he can party with the best of them.  At the "GQ" Men of the Year Awards Tuesday night in London, the veteran pop star got into a verbal exchange with newcomer Lily Allen while they shared the podium to introduce a segment.  Allen, who appeared to be intoxicated, said they'd reached "a very special point in the evening," to which John quipped, "What, you are going to have another drink?"  This sparked a profanity-laced response from the 23-year-old Allen, who made a jab at Elton's age, saying, quote, "I'm 40 years younger than you.  I have my whole life ahead of me."  But a confident John smirked as he replied, quote, "I could still snort you under the table."  Allen seemed to be at a loss for a comeback.

Diana Ross Lands On UK Worst Fake Smile List
         
Diana Ross is getting some recognition for her smile, but not necessarily in a good way.  She's landing on a list of the Top Worst Fake Smiles in a recent UK poll.  Spice Girl Victoria Beckham tops the list, which also includes President George Bush, pop singer Britney Spears, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.  Ross has the number five spot.  On the flipside, actress Julia Roberts has the title of the Best Smile of All Time.  She leads a list that also includes "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, "Ugly Betty" star America Ferrera, the "Mona Lisa," and actor George Clooney.

The Best Smile of All Time

1. Julia Roberts
2. Simon Cowell
3. America Ferrera
4. "Mona Lisa"
5. George Clooney

Top Worst Fake Smiles

1. Victoria Beckham
2. President George Bush
3. Britney Spears
4. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
5. Diana Ross

David Bowie Compiling His Favorites For New Collection
         
Another David Bowie collections is out on the way, but this one is a little different.  The veteran rocker himself chose the tracks for the upcoming "iSelect: Bowie."  The project features his favorite tracks from throughout his lengthy career.  Bowie's picks for the disc include "Life On Mars?," "Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing," "The Bewlay Brothers," "Lady Grinning Soul," "Win," "Teenage Wildlife," "Repetition," "Fantastic Voyage," and "Loving The Alien."  He's also offering the exclusive cut "Some Are," a newly remixed "Time Will Crawl" which he did himself, and a live version of "Hang On To Yourself."  "iSelect: Bowie" will be released both digitally and on CD on October 14th.

9/3/08

Original Drawing Of Rolling Stones Logo Sells At Auction
         
The Rolling Stones' logo is now in a museum.  The UK's "Guardian" reports that London's Victoria and Albert Museum purchased the original, handpainted drawing of the iconic lips and tongue at an auction last Saturday, paying 92-thousand-500-dollars for the artwork.  Designer John Pasche created the logo back in 1970, while still a student.  He was handpicked by the Stones' Mick Jagger, after the singer rejected the artwork the band's record label was offering.  Pasche admits the image is based on Jagger's mouth.  He recalls that he wanted to create something "anti-authority," but explains that he came up with the idea for the mouth following his first meeting with Jagger, noting, quote, "face to face with him, the first thing you were aware of was the size of his lips and his mouth."  The Stones began using the famous logo in 1971.

Pasche says he's amazed that the band has continued to use his design for nearly 40 years, and that it's become such a popular image.  He says he plans to use the money from the sale for his son's education.

Brian Wilson Promoting His "Sun"
         
Brian Wilson is promoting his latest studio effort.  The legendary rocker is slated to appear on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Wednesday, performing a song from "That Lucky Old Sun."  He'll also be featured on The Sundance Channel's "Live From Abbey Road" on Thursday.  "That Lucky Old Sun," which was commissioned by the UK's Southbank Centre, is based on the Louis Armstrong rendition of the song.  Wilson has described the composition as, quote, "interwoven series of 'rounds' with interspersed spoken word," and it's said to be a semi-autobiographical piece about life in Los Angeles.  The former Beach Boy is also using his CD promotion to help protect the world's oceans and beaches.  He's donated a custom "That Luck Old Sun" surfboard that he helped design to an eBay auction supporting the Surfrider Foundation.  Bidding on the surfboard closes on September 12th.

Charlie Daniels Band Set For RNC-Related Concert
         
The Charlie Daniels Band is still on tap to perform during the Republican National Convention.  The "MinnPost" says the veteran Southern rockers will be taking the stage at The Depot Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota Wednesday night at a gala for the Creative Coalition, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that promotes issues of concern in the arts and entertainment industry.  Other classic rockers who've taken part in RNC events this week include Sammy Hagar, who played a launch party concert Sunday, on the eve of the convention's start, and Styx, who appeared at a show promoting Minnesota agriculture.  The Beach Boys were slated for the official convention kick-off concert Monday night, but were bumped by Hurricane Gustav.  With the storm slamming into the Gulf Coast Monday morning, the Republicans scaled back activities for their convention's first day.  The four-day Republican National Convention is taking place in St. Paul, Minnesota, and runs through Thursday.

Dan Fogelberg To Receive Hometown Honor
         
Dan Fogelberg will soon be honored by his hometown.  Peoria, Illinois' "Journal Star" says the city's Abington Street is going to be renamed Fogelberg Parkway, in what Peoria City Councilman Bob Manning calls the recognition of "a family story."  The street was picked specifically because it runs past the high school where the late singer-songwriter graduated, and where Fogelberg's dad -- saluted in the hit "Leader of the Band" -- served for many years as the band director.  A nearby convenience store where Fogelberg actually had a chance encounter with an old flame on Christmas Eve, became the basis of Fogelberg's hit "Same Old Lang Syne."  Manning notes that he sought permission from Fogelberg's mother before pursuing the project, and says she was "very appreciative" that the city wants to honor her son.

The street renaming ceremony will take place on September 10th, in conjunction with the annual Fall Music Festival.  This year's event is also serving as a tribute to Fogelberg, who died last December at the age of 56 following a three-year battle with prostate cancer.

Tony Orlando Honored In New York City
         
Tony Orlando is receiving an unconventional tribute from the Friar's Club in New York.  In a ceremony Tuesday the club gave the Dawn frontman his own chair, and tied a giant yellow ribbon around the building in his honor.  Orlando is probably best known for the chart-topping 1973 hit "Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round The Ole Oak Tree."  He also spent his Labor Day weekend helping Jerry Lewis with his annual telethon in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  For an eleventh consecutive year Orlando served as the host of the event's New York segments.  This year's fundraiser brought in a record 65-million dollars for the organization, beating last year's total by one-point-two million.

Jerry Reed Passes
         
Jerry Reed has died.  Born Jerry Reed Hubbard, the singer-songwriter is best remembered for his humorous story-songs, such as "When You're Hot, You're Hot" and "Amos Moses."  He had been battling emphysema for the past several years, and according to the "Tennessean" newspaper was under hospice care when he passed away Monday.  He was 71.  Reed came to Nashville from Atlanta, Georgia and became an influential and in-demand session player.  Throughout his career he also established himself as a guitar style inventor, songwriter, country and pop recording artist, television performer and movie star.  His most memorable screen work is his co-starring run alongside Burt Reynolds in the "Smokey and the Bandit" movies.  A private funeral for Reed took place in Nashville Tuesday.

In tribute to Jerry, here's a portion of an interview he gave in 1999, revealing what accomplishments in his career he was most proud of:

Click For Audio

9/2/08

Veteran Stars' RNC Participation Affected By Hurricane
         
Irma Thomas and Cyril Neville are among those already raising money to help with hurricane recovery along the Gulf Coast.  TheHill.com says they were among the Louisiana-based stars scheduled to perform at the New Orleans JAM-Bayala party on the first night of the Republican National Convention, which began Monday.  The event was planned to be a festive gathering serving as a reminder that the region still needs help rebuilding from 2005's Hurricane Katrina.  But with Hurricane Gustav striking the area Monday morning, it took on a more serious tone and turned into a benefit for Friends of New Orleans.  Meanwhile, a Beach Boys concert, which was slated as part of the RNC activities Monday night, was cancelled.  TheNational.com reports that presumptive Republican presidential candidate John McCain scrapped the band's appearance -- along with other more celebratory, non-essential convention activities because of the storm.

Other classic rockers are still scheduled to take part in RNC-related activities.  "USA Today" says Styx is expected to perform Tuesday night at an event highlighting Minnesota's role in the agriculture industry, and the Charlie Daniels Band is slated to participate in show Wednesday promoting arts education.  In addition, Sammy Hagar performed at an RNC launch party in Minneapolis on the eve of the convention Sunday night.  The Republican National Convention, taking place in St. Paul, Minnesota, will run through Thursday.

Streisand Rips McCain's VP Pick
         
Barbra Streisand isn't holding back in her views on Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain's vice presidential pick.  In a recent blog entry, titled "McCain Doesn't Get It: Women Are Not That Stupid," the singer calls it "a transparent and irresponsible decision," a desperate "Hail Mary" move, and a "calculated, cynical ploy" to win over some of Hillary Clinton's female supporters.  The veteran entertainer and outspoken Democrat says it shows McCain thinks women, quote, "will vote another woman into office regardless of the candidate's values, experience, and political positions."  She adds that she feels McCain "truly believes" women will be persuaded to vote for him just because, quote, "his vice president has two x chromosomes."

Streisand also points out that it damages McCain's criticism that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama lacks experience, since he's willing to place someone who, quote, "has no foreign policy experience, no national experience, and limited state government experience" just "a heartbeat away from the presidency."  The McCain-Palin is expected to be endorsed this week at the Republican National Convention, taking place in St. Paul, Minnesota this week.

Ginger Baker Battling Assistant In Court Over Alleged Bank Fraud
 
Ginger Baker is taking a personal assistant to court.  According to the "South African Sunday Times," the former Cream drummer is accusing Lindiwe Noko of stealing more than 53-thousand-dollars from his bank accounts.  He told the court that hired Noko, who also worked at a bank, to help him sort out his finances, paying her roughly 13-dollars a day.  He also admitted to giving her gifts of a diamond ring worth more than five-thousand-dollars and a digital camera, and said he bought her groceries and covered a surgical procedure for her because he liked her and wanted to help her out.  But Noko, who had Baker's bank passwords, reportedly began ripping off the rocker.  She apparently started small, initially withdrawing about 23-dollars from his account.  Baker called police after she allegedly spent more than 38-thousand-dollars on a car.  Authorities say Noko moved his funds into her bank account over an eight-month period, and she disabled a service that would have brought the unauthorized transfers to Baker's attention.

Noko, who's facing 27 counts of fraud, is denying the allegations.  Her lawyer says she's pled not guilty to the charges, and that she's "upset" over the accusations against her.

A Personal Look At James Brown
         
A new book about the late Godfather of Soul is now in stores.  Don Rhodes' "Say It Loud! My Memories of James Brown, Soul Brother No. 1" presents the life James Brown from an insider's perspective.  Rhodes friendship with the soul icon dates back to the 1960s, and his reflections are described as a, quote, "sensitive but candid look" at the singer.  The book explores both Brown's personal and professional sides, including his marriages and other relationships, his legal troubles, his activism, his musical evolution, and his international celebrity.  It also contains a number of previously unpublished photos.  "Say It Loud!" arrives in stores Tuesday.

Progress On New John Lennon Biopic
         
Casting is currently under way on the new John Lennon biopic, "Nowhere Boy."  The recently announced project, based on the book "Imagine This: Growing Up With My Brother John Lennon" by the former Beatle's half-sister Julia Baird, focuses on the legendary rocker's childhood.  "The Hollywood Reporter" says the script explores Lennon's relationships with his mother, who left the family when he was a child and was killed when he was a teenager, and his aunt who raised him.  Director Sam Taylor-Wood calls these relationships, "central to this film," explaining, quote, "The women in John's early life truly shaped who he became."  Those taking care of the selling "Nowhere Boy" will be at the Toronto International Film Festival, which begins Thursday, in an effort to drum up interest in the movie.

ZZ Top, Sam Moore In Troop Tribute Special
         
ZZ Top and Sam Moore are among those included in an upcoming TV special honoring members of the military.  "America United: In Support of our Troops" was taped at Camp Pendleton, and also includes footage from shows in Iraq and Fort Benning, Georgia.   The two-hour special will highlight performances, human interest stories, and special tributes to U.S. soldiers around the world.  Others featured on the program include Janet Jackson; country stars Toby Keith, Clint Black, and Joe Nichols; pop-turned-country singer Jessica Simpson; one-time "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks; and rapper Snoop Dogg.  "America United: In Support of our Troops" will air on ABC Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

8/30/08

Mitch Ryder Guitarist Suing Rhino Records Over Royalties

Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels guitarist Jim McCarty is taking a stand on behalf of artists on Rhino Records.  The classic rocker has filed a class action lawsuit against the label, claiming the company isn't properly compensating the performers.  In court papers obtained by TMZ.com, McCarty accuses Rhino of intentionally shortchanging his band -- and possibly hundreds of other groups -- last year.  It's a charge Rhino apparently doesn't refute.  According to the suit, Rhino says the 2007 underpayments were, quote, "based on a retroactive recalculation of royalty payments" because the company claims to have, "overpaid royalties to McCary and his band mates for more than two decades." 

Apparently, it was Rhino's way of recouping those previous overpayments.  McCarty contends this is a breach of contract.  He wants a judge to award unspecified damages, as well as impose an injunction on Rhino to keep the company from doing something like this again.

AC/DC Unveil New Single

AC/DC's new single is out.  Billboard.com says "Rock 'n' Roll Train" arrived to radio stations Thursday.  The song is also posted on the band's website.  It's the first single from the Australian classic rockers' upcoming album, "Black Ice," the band's long awaited follow up to 2000's "Stiff Upper Lip."  The song will be getting quite a bit of exposure over the next several weeks.  "Rock 'n' Roll Train" has been tapped for promos for an upcoming episode of CBS' "Criminal Minds."  The ads will begin airing on Monday.  The show, which will also feature the song, is scheduled to air on October 22nd -- two days after "Black Ice" is released.  The CD, being issued under an exclusive deal with Wal-Mart, will be available on October 20th.  AC/DC will be backing the project with an extensive world tour, also expected to begin in October.

Springsteen And Band A Headliner At This Weekend's Harley Party

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are on board as a headliner for Harley-Davidson's upcoming 105th Anniversary Celebration.  The Boss and company are slated to take the stage at the Roadhouse at the Lakefront in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday.  Bruce and the Band will close out the music for the motorcycle company's four-day birthday party, which began Thursday and runs through Sunday.  Other classic rockers on board include Foghat, Peter Frampton, Blue Oyster Cult, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and War.  Foo Fighters are the event's Friday night's headlining act at the Roadhouse, while the other artists will be at the Summerfest Grounds for two eleven-hour days of music on Friday and Saturday.

Rockers Turning Out To Support Their Candidates At Conventions
         
Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald are among those giving active support to Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama.  The two classic rockers were among those who took part in the Democratic National Convention, which took place this week in Denver.  They both performed as part of Thursday's festivities.  Convention activity will continue next week with the Republicans getting their turn, and some veteran rockers are on board for that event as well.  The Beach Boys are slated to perform on the opening day of the event, while Sammy Hagar is also expected to appear.  The country-heavy Republican National Convention entertainment lineup also includes John Rich, Gretchen Wilson, and Cowboy Troy.  The Republicans' four-day gathering will take place in St. Paul, Minnesota starting Monday.

Veteran Stars To Help Jerry Lewis With Labor Day Telethon
         
Tony Orlando, Starship, Gloria Gaynor, and Maureen McGovern will be among those taking part in this weekend's 43nd annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Orlando will be marking his eleventh straight year as the host of the event's New York segments, while Lewis will be at the helm in Las Vegas and Olympic gold medalists Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci will emcee the Chicago broadcast.  Starship, Gaynor, and McGovern will join numerous other artists, including pop singer Celine Dion, rockers 3 Doors Down and Kid Rock, country stars Reba McEntire and Sugarland, rapper Ludacris, and former "American Idol" finalist Bo Bice as performers.

Actor Billy Bob Thornton, magician Lance Burton, and comedian George Wallace are just some of the other celebrities slated to appear, while "Dancing With the Stars'" Tom Bergeron, "Days Of Our Lives" star Alison Sweeney, and former "American Idol" finalist Ace Young are a few of the celebrity co-hosts set for the lengthy fundraiser.  The 2008 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon will begin at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time Sunday night, and command the airwaves on participating stations for the next 21-and-a-half-hours.

Detroit Jazz Festival To Honor Marvin Gaye
         
Marvin Gaye is set to be honored in Detroit.  The legendary singer, who was once known as "the Prince of Motown," will be recognized at this year's 2008 Detroit International Jazz Festival.  Friday's opening night of the event will come to a close with a celebration of Gaye's music.  Christian McBride, this year's artist-in-residence, has handled the arrangements, while the late Donny Hathaway's daughter, Lalah Hathaway, is one of the vocalists for the special presentation.  Other singers include Rahsaan Patterson and Jose James, who will be accompanied by a 19-piece orchestra for the Gaye tribute performance.

Michael Jackson At 50
         
The King of Pop has hit the half-century mark.  Michael Jackson turns 50 today.  The veteran star has lived most of his life in the public eye.  He started his career more than 40 years ago as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, and in the early '70s he was among the teen pop idols of the day along with David Cassidy, Donny Osmond, and Bobby Sherman.  But Jackson was able to successfully break away from the bubblegum scene, and by the end of the decade was on the verge of pop superstardom -- which he reached with his 1982 disc, "Thriller."  The landmark album put him in the record books and at the top of the pop world, and he ruled the '80s.  But the '90s weren't quite as favorable, as rumors, allegations, and controversies started cropping up, and his musical output started dropping off.  An attempted return in 2001 was short lived, and his 2003 child molestation trial -- in which he was acquitted of all charges -- took its toll on him.  In recent years Jackson has been plagued with rumors of monetary problems and health issues, and proposed comeback efforts haven't materialized.          
But Michael's impact on music and pop culture hasn't been forgotten.  He's set to be honored, along with his brothers, with the 2008 BMI Icon Award next week.  MTV is also trying to get him out of seclusion, and has invited him to serve as a presenter at the upcoming Video Music Awards, which will take place in Hollywood on September 7th.

Arlo Guthrie Making Touring A Family Event
         
Arlo Guthrie remains on the road.  The veteran folk singer followed up his "Solo Reunion Tour" with the "Boys Night Out" trek, which features Arlo with his son Abe and grandson Krishna.  The Guthrie trio first teamed up for a tour two years ago, performing in Europe, and they're now together again spending this month playing shows in the U.S.   After performing on his own for the past year, Arlo noted that he was looking forward to taking the stage with the "boys."  Abe, whom Arlo praises as "a great musician," has been part of his dad's shows since the 1980s, providing keyboards and vocals to the mix; while 17-year-old Krishna, who plays drums and guitar, has made occasional concert appearances with grandpa.  The three generations of Guthries are wrapping up their collaborative trek with a performance at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California on Friday.  The show will include a tribute to Arlo's dad, folk legend Woody Guthrie.

Glen Campbell To Be Honored In Nashville          

Glen Campbell will celebrate the release of his album "Meet Glen Campbell" with events in Nashville next month.  He'll host a film screening of "Meet Glen Campbell: A Documentary," which traces his influences and chronicles his rise to fame.  Following the screening, Campbell will join filmmaker George Dougherty and album producer Julian Raymond to answer questions from the crowd.  After the program, Campbell will head to the museum's store, where he'll be on hand to autograph copies of his new CD.  Later in the evening, Campbell will be honored with the tribute concert "Star-Spangled Rodeo: A Salute To Glen Campbell," during which he's also slated to give a special performance.  The film presentation and the tribute show will take place  at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on September 20th.

"Meet Glen Campbell" is in stores now.  Campbell will also be promoting the effort with an appearance on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Friday.