Music News

Rap-reggae pioneer King Stitt has died in Jamaica at age 72. Jamaican musicologist Bunny Goodison says his close friend died Tuesday after being treated at a Kingston hospital for prostate cancer and diabetes. The entertainer known offstage as Winston Sparks started his career in the late 1950s on Kingston's sound system circuit.
After surgery, Adele to perform at the Grammys

Adele is nominated for six Grammys, and she'll be on deck to collect anything she wins: The 23-year-old singer is set to perform at the awards show. Adele had surgery on her vocal cords last year, and the Grammys will be the first time she has performed live in five months, The Recording Academy announced Tuesday.
The top 10 songs and albums on the iTunes Store

iTunes' Official Music Charts for the week ending Jan. 30, 2012: Top Songs: 1. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," Kelly Clarkson 2. "Set Fire to the Rain," ADELE 3. "Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)," Nicki Minaj, David Guetta 4. "Rack City," Tyga 5. "Young, Wild & Free (feat.
Legend, Kennedy Center program honors Marvin Gaye

Singer John Legend is joining the Kennedy Center in Washington to start a program in honor of the late Marvin Gaye encouraging young artists to engage in social issues. The project announced Tuesday echoes Gaye's lyrics and asks young people to consider "What's Going On .
Composer sues to stop Gingrich use of song

The composer of the "Rocky III" anthem "Eye of the Tiger" is suing Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich to stop him from using the song at campaign events. The federal lawsuit, filed Monday in Chicago by Rude Music Inc., contends Gingrich has used the song since 2009 to herald his arrival at rallies and public events.
Angela Meade given Sills award by Met Opera

Soprano Angela Meade has won the Beverly Sills Artist Award for young singers. The annual award, which carries a $50,000 prize, was announced Monday. It is given to singers from 25-40. Meade sings Elvira on Thursday in the opening of the Met's revival of Verdi's "Ernani," the role she sang for her company debut in 2008.
Camilla Williams, black opera pioneer, dies at 92

Camilla Williams, believed to be the first African-American woman to appear with a major U.S. opera company, has died. She was 92. Williams died Sunday at her home in Bloomington, her attorney, Eric Slotegraaf, said Monday. She died of complications from cancer, said Alain Barker, a spokesman for the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where Williams was a professor emeritus of voice.
Jack White to release 1st solo album on April 24

Jack White is releasing his first solo album "Blunderbuss" on April 24. White released a single, "Love Interruption," from the record Monday and expected to make it available for sale Monday night on iTunes. The album is the former White Stripes frontman's first record since he announced the breakup of that pioneering rock 'n' roll duo last year.
Ryman Auditorium getting new stage after 61 years

It's time for a new stage at Ryman Auditorium, a significant moment in the history of a building known for its significant moments. Scuffed by the heels of "The King," ''The Queen of Soul" and thousands of singers in cowboy boots, scarred by an uncountable stream of road cases and worn by six decades of music history, the Ryman's oak floorboards have reached the end of a very long, very successful run.
Willie Nelson campaigns for Ohio congressman

Country music icon Willie Nelson has come to Ohio to sing out in support of an old friend, U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (koo-SIH'-nich). Nelson performed a sold-out benefit for the congressman on Sunday in Lorain, about 25 miles west of Cleveland.
Lambert postpones Fla. show after friend's death

Miranda Lambert has rescheduled her Friday concert in Tallahassee, Fla., to attend the funeral of a close friend. A news release Sunday says Lambert's childhood friend Mark "Tex" Adams was killed in a traffic accident in Florida this week.
British radio's 'Desert Island Discs' turns 70

Margaret Thatcher chose Beethoven, Michael Caine picked Frank Sinatra and boxer George Foreman selected The Beatles' "All You Need is Love." They are among almost 3,000 guests who have appeared on the radio program "Desert Island Discs," a British broadcasting institution that turned 70 on Sunday.
Etta James remembered as triumphant trailblazer

Etta James was remembered at a service Saturday attended by hundreds of friends, family and fans as a woman who triumphed against all odds to break down cultural and musical barriers in a style that was unfailingly honest. The Rev. Al Sharpton eulogized James in a rousing speech, describing her remarkable rise from poverty and pain to become a woman whose music became an enduring anthem for weddings and commercials.
Senegalese pop star Ndour tussles with police

An Associated Press reporter saw police tussle with international pop star Youssou Ndour, who was pushed back by police when he tried to enter a police station where a leading opposition figure is being detained. Ndour had come on Saturday to the Criminal Investigation Division as part of a large crowd of opposition supporters who wanted to show their solidarity with Alioune Tine, a well-known human rights activist who is being questioned by police.
Grammy-winning composer Clare Fischer dead at 83

Clare Fischer, a Grammy-winning composer who wrote scores for television and movies and worked with legendary musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, has died. He was 83. Fischer died Thursday at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after suffering a heart attack two weeks ago, family spokeswoman Claris Sayadian-Dodge said.
Peter, Paul and Mary bassist Dick Kniss dies at 74

Dick Kniss, a bassist who performed for five decades with the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary and co-wrote the John Denver hit "Sunshine on My Shoulders," has died. He was 74. Kniss died Wednesday of pulmonary disease at a hospital near his home in the Hudson Valley town of Saugerties, his wife, Diane Kniss said.
Doctor convicted in Jackson death seeks release

The doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson's death asked a judge Friday to release him from jail pending his appeal. Dr. Conrad Murray, who is serving a four-year jail sentence, said in a declaration that he should be released either on his own recognizance or on bail with electronic monitoring.
Hawaii musician pleads no contest in molestation

A popular Hawaii entertainer has pleaded no contest to molesting two girls in the 1990s and has been sentenced to a year in jail. A Los Angeles judge also sentenced Cecilio Rodriguez on Friday to 52 weeks of sexual-offender counseling and five years' probation.
APNewsBreak: Jackson enters fray over Grammy cuts

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is entering the fray over The Recording Academy's cuts to its Grammy categories: He's asking to meet with the president of the organization and has raised the possibility of protests with the awards less than two weeks away.
Detroit Symphony offering series of free webcasts

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has launched a webcast player that will allow music lovers to enjoy an upcoming performance of Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 4 and other concerts online for free in the comfort of their homes. People in about 40 countries are expected to view Saturday's high-definition "Live from Orchestra Hall" webcast, and the orchestra expects its webcast series to surpass 30,000 views with this weekend's episode.
Unreleased ABBA track on new album

Mamma Mia, here they go again. ABBA fans will soon again be saying "Thank you for the music" with the release of a new track on a special edition of the disbanded 70's pop group's "The Visitors" album. The record, including new track "From a Twinkling Star to a Passing Angel," is the first official new release by the Swedish group in 18 years.
AP Newsbreak: Jackson enters fray over Grammy cuts

Jesse Jackson is entering the fray over The Recording Academy's cuts to its Grammy categories: He's asking to meet with the president of the organization and has raised the possibility of protests with the awards a little less than two weeks away.
AP Interview: Chris Isaak makes Memphis album

Chris Isaak is returning to the roots of rock 'n' roll and doing it old-school: All in one take. The U.S. soul singer headed back to the original Sun Studios in Memphis to record a collection that includes cover versions of hits by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Detroit Symphony offering series of free webcasts

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is introducing a new webcast player designed to make online concert viewers feel as if they're in Orchestra Hall. More than 30,000 people from over 40 countries are expected to view Saturday's high-definition "Live from Orchestra Hall" webcast.
Kenny Chesney leads ACM Awards nominations with 9

Kenny Chesney's steamy duet, "You and Tequila" with Grace Potter, continues to radiate heat. The song helped Chesney to nine Academy of Country Music Awards nominations Thursday morning, including the top honor of entertainer of the year.