Bobby Whitlock, a legendary rock musician and co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, has died at age 77 after a brief battle with cancer. He was known for his work on the iconic album 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs' and collaborations with artists like George Harrison and The Rolling Stones. Whitlock's death was mourned by fellow musicians and fans worldwide, and he is survived by his wife and three children.
Forty years after the historic Live Aid concert, many of its biggest stars like Madonna, Queen, Mick Jagger, Elton John, and others continue to influence music and perform, while some, like Freddie Mercury, Tina Turner, David Bowie, and George Michael, have passed away. The event remains a significant moment in music history, showcasing legendary performances and the enduring legacy of its artists.
Country music legend Keith Urban is set to join The Voice as the mega mentor for season 25, guiding hopefuls on teams John Legend, Chance The Rapper, Reba McEntire, and Dan + Shay as they prepare for the Knockout Rounds. Urban previously appeared as a mentor during season 15, and other music legends who have earned the title of mega mentor include Dua Lipa, Usher, and Celine Dion. The Voice airs on NBC on Mondays and Tuesdays.
A tribute show at Carnegie Hall honored the late Irish songwriters Sinéad O’Connor and Shane MacGowan, featuring a stacked cast of friends and family performing their iconic songs. The event aimed to capture the enduring power and outsized personalities of both artists, with performances ranging from political interpretations to euphoric renditions. Sinéad O’Connor’s daughter, Roisin Waters, delivered an emotional performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U," while the closing suite of songs highlighted the immortal quality of their work, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
The Glastonbury 2024 lineup was announced, featuring headliners Coldplay, Dua Lipa, SZA, and Shania Twain, sparking mixed reactions from fans. ChatGPT revealed its ultimate dream lineup, including The Beatles, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Prince, Nirvana, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Daft Punk, and Radiohead, spanning decades and genres for an unforgettable festival experience.
The 2024 GRAMMYs featured emotional performances from music legends like Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman, while also celebrating new icons like Taylor Swift and Victoria Monét. Latin music excellence was showcased with wins by Karol G and Peso Pluma. The event also paid tribute to the music community members who passed away between 2022-2024.
The 66th GRAMMY Awards featured stunning performances from artists like Joni Mitchell, Annie Lennox, and more, while winners like Jack Antonoff, Laufey, Jacob Collier, Natalia Lafourcade, and Brandy Clark shared insights on their big wins. The event also honored the legacies of country star Toby Keith and musical icons N.W.A, Gladys Knight, Donna Summer, and Tammy Wynette at the Special Merit Awards ceremony, and showcased emerging talent at the Beats & Blooms Emerging Artist Showcase.
Folk icon Joni Mitchell, 80, made her long-awaited debut performance at the Grammy Awards, singing her 1969 hit "Both Sides, Now." Despite her legendary status and previous Grammy wins, this marked her first time performing at the prestigious event. Mitchell, who suffered a brain aneurysm in 2015, has been relearning guitar playing and recently returned to the stage after more than 20 years. Her performance at the 2024 Grammys was a historic moment and a testament to her enduring influence in music.
At the 66th GRAMMY Awards, Fantasia Barrino delivered a show-stopping tribute to Tina Turner with a powerful cover of "Proud Mary," while Stevie Wonder honored Tony Bennett and performed a duet with a video of Bennett. The "In Memoriam" segment also featured Annie Lennox's emotional rendition of Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" and Jon Batiste's gospel-infused tribute to Clarence Avant. The awards show was held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.
Run DMC, the influential hip-hop group, reflects on their rise to fame and the challenges they faced in the music industry. In a new docuseries, they share their story and discuss the evolution of hip-hop, the need for hip-hop veterans to have a seat at the table, and the impact of their groundbreaking achievements. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, responsibility, and the positive influence of hip-hop, while also addressing the changing landscape of the genre and the role of artists in reaching major success.
The 2023 Rock Hall Induction Ceremony took place at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, featuring performances and inductions of artists such as Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and the Spinners. The ceremony faced mixed success, with some performances working well and others falling short. Bernie Taupin condemned former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame co-founder Jann Wenner's controversial comments, while Tom Morello addressed the absence of his Rage Against the Machine bandmates. Willie Nelson, the first country artist to be inducted, celebrated the milestone, and Missy Elliott made history as the first female hip-hop artist to receive an induction. However, the ceremony lacked a super-jam performance, which has become a tradition.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2023 includes legendary performers such as Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners. DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray will be inducted under the "musical influence" category, while Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin will receive the "musical excellence award." The article highlights the musical milestones and chart achievements of each inductee, including their Billboard Hot 100 successes and No. 1 hits. The induction ceremony will take place on November 3rd and can be watched live on Disney+.
Rudolph Isley, co-founder of the iconic R&B group the Isley Brothers, has passed away at the age of 84. Alongside his brothers O'Kelly and Ronald, Rudolph played a central role in the group's success during the first 30 years of their existence. The Isley Brothers produced enduring classics such as "Shout," "Twist and Shout," "This Old Heart of Mine," "It's Your Thing," and "That Lady," which influenced and inspired numerous artists across different genres. Rudolph retired from the group in the late 1980s but reunited with his brothers for a final performance in 2004.
Billboard has compiled a list of the 50 greatest lead singers in rock history, honoring the front-of-stage greats who elevated their bands to stratospheric heights and inspired generations of vocalists. The list includes iconic figures such as Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine, Rubén Albarrán of Café Tacvba, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, Paul Westerberg of The Replacements, and Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex, among others. The selection criteria focused on bands with consistent lineups and predominantly rock genres, excluding lead singers whose bands are named after them.
During an onstage conversation with Conan O’Brien at Tribeca Festival, Paul McCartney blamed Bruce Springsteen for the trend of three-hour-plus concerts, jokingly saying, "He ruined it for everyone!" McCartney reminisced about The Beatles' half-hour gigs and flipping through pictures from his new book "1964: Eyes of the Storm," which compiles his personal photos of the band. The music legend also fondly recalled memories of his bandmates and their love for girl group songs.
