Tag Archives: Musicians

Perhaps Finally, a Biopic on Janis Joplin

It seems to me like I have heard for years that a film was going to be made on the life of one of my favorite singers from the 60s, Janis Joplin. For the longest, we heard Melissa Etheridge (who I think would have been an excellent choice) was going to star as Janis. Then I remember reading somewhere that she had done a screen test and frankly, just was not a good enough actor to play the role. I found it sad that Melissa could not act because she had both the look and the voice. Then singer Pink … Continue reading →

So Much for Professionalism: Justin Timberlake Disses Taylor Hicks

I just read that Justin Timberlake told Fashion Rocks magazine that this season’s American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, can’t carry a tune in a bucket. Actually, it went a little further than that, with Justin being quoted as saying “People think he looks so normal and he’s so sweet and he’s so earnest, but he can’t carry a tune in a bucket. If he has any skeletons whatsoever – if, God forbid, he’s gay – and all these people in Mississippi who voted for him are like ‘Oh, my God, I voted for a queer!’ It’s just too much pressure.” … Continue reading →

Singer Meat Loaf Reaches an Agreement Over Album Phrase

I do not know about you, but I think Meat Loaf’s 1977 album, “Bat Out of Hell“, is one of the best ever made. Maybe it is because I was a teen when it was released, but songs like You Took the Words Right out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night), Two out of Three Ain’t Bad, and Paradise by the Dashboard Light just spoke to me. And even today, I still hold this album in a special place in my heart. As apparently do both Meat Loaf (whose real name is Marvin Lee Aday) himself and Jim Steinman, the … Continue reading →

Paul McCartney Files for Divorce

I opened CNN today to see that Paul McCartney had officially filed for divorce from his second wife, Heather Mills McCarthy. The reason was “unreasonable behavior.” I had no idea you could file under that – maybe it is just in British courts. Heather’s spokesperson has said she intends to counter file in both England and the United States. Paul’s first wife, long time love and band mate, photographer Linda Eastman McCartney, died of breast cancer in 1998. The very devoted couple had been married for almost 30 years. In 1999, Paul met former model and activist Heather Mills at … Continue reading →

Prince to Divorce Second Wife

He has begun the second coming of his Purple Reign with his hit CD 3121, but Prince will have to do it without his Princess. Prince’s second wife, Manuela Testolini Nelson, has filed for divorce. The couple has been married for five years and has no children. Prince’s lawyer has stated that this divorce was something Manuela wanted, not Prince. The petition was filed in Hennepin County District Court (in Minnesota, Prince’s home state) on May 24th. There is some speculation among fans that Prince and Manuela were even married to begin with, but I supposed the divorce petition is … Continue reading →

Avril Lavigne Gets Married

I know now that I am getting old. Seems like the last time I saw Avril Lavigne on television, she was this teenager with dirty blonde hair and dressed like a surfer boy. She had the heavy dark eye shadow, wore dark clothes, and had black nails. Imagine my surprise when I opened People magazine this week to see Avril, now a beautiful 21 year old woman with soft, blonde flowing hair and no dark makeup, getting married. On July 15th, she married 26 year old Deryck Whibley, lead singer for the band Sum 41. Both Canadians, the couple began … Continue reading →

70s Music – Top Ten Albums of the Decade

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When I first thought of this blog, I thought “Oh man, this will be easy.” Turned out it was actually difficult. There was a lot of good music in the 70s from all genres. There are albums I overlooked, but this list is my own personal list. 10. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On (1971) This album showed a new side of Marvin, already a popular artist when he released What’s Going On. He incorporated in it all the social issues of the time including poverty, drug abuse, and war. 9. Van Halen – Van Halen (1978) This album shows … Continue reading →

Billy Preston – Keyboard Genius

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I was saddened to hear that keyboardist Billy Preston died on June 6, 2006 from kidney failure. I knew he had been in poor health for years, but I have always loved his music and it is a staple of my iPod. You may remember Billy Preston for his funky hits of the 70s such as “Nothing from Nothing, “Will It Go ‘Round in Circles” and “Outta Space.” But, he made many behind the scenes contributions to the music industry including working with the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Preston became close with Beatle George Harrison after playing on the “Let … Continue reading →