Today (Jan. 8), Elvis Presley would have turned 76. In celebration of the anniversary of his birthday, Elvis historian and author Joseph Tunzi has compiled a list of what he considers to be the King’s top ten television vocal performances.
Peace out, AT&T! Verizon is finally getting the iPhone. Though it’s unclear when Verizon will have the device in stores, the wireless carrier is expected to make a formal announcement on Tuesday Jan. 11. Start lining up now!
Ever since Gwyneth made her singing debut on the CMAs, we’ve been counting down the days to the release of “Country Strong.” The Oscar-winning actress portrays a country singer aiming to get her career back on track with the help of her hunky husband-manager, Tim McGraw.
Duran Duran, Linkin Park and British singer/songwriter Rumor are among the first performers confirmed for iTunes festival. This year’s event, which will feature over 60 artists, takes place the entire month of July at the Roundhouse in London.
Watch out, Dr. Dre! 50 Cent was on hand at CES to present his new line of headphones in partnership with Sleek Audio—Sleek by 50 Cent. The headphones will be the first incorporating “wireless hybrid” technology and come with a $350 price tag.
It’s been 13 years since the world lost Christopher Wallace, better known as the Notorious B.I.G. Biggie was shot dead in Los Angeles in 1997, but the case has remained unsolved. Now, local and federal law officials tell CNN the investigation has been “reinvigorated” due to new leads.
Snoop Dogg premiered the music video for his new song “Wet,” which serves as a tribute to Prince William’s royal engagement. The rap star was tapped by Prince Harry to perform at his brother’s bachelor party. Check out the video, which is sure to keep the club smokin’.
A treasure trove of Android tablets were on display at CES. In addition to tablet computers from Samsung, Motorola and Toshiba, other potential Apple iPad rivals included the Fuss, the Cydle M7 Multipad, OpenPeak Tablet Running Android 2.2, Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid Device and the Dell Streak 7. But how do they stack up?
Our favorite pop princess is back with new music. Britney Spears took to Twitter to announce the release of her much-anticipated single, “Hold It Against Me,” out next Tuesday Jan. 11.
Waka Flocka Flame’s “No Hands” jumps 7 spots to land in the Top 10 at No. 9. Meanwhile, Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” continues its reign at No. 1 on the Ultimate Chart.
After undergoing treatment for a cancerous tumor, Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch’s health is much improved. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Michael Diamond (Mike D) said the band was “really happy about it” and confirmed the Beasties’ new album, “Hot Sauce Committee Part 2,” will be out in spring.
Superstar Eminem has landed a role in 20th Century Fox thriller, “Random Acts of Violence.” The film, which will likely be directed by David Von Ancken (“Californication”), follows the story of an ex-con—played by Em—who struggles to remain law-abiding and becomes an informant for the FBI.
It’s what we always wanted! Camera sunglasses! Lady Gaga, who is Polaroid’s creative director, unveiled the “Grey Label by Haus of Gaga” gadgets including the sunglasses with embedded camera and display, a mobile photo printer and a Polaroid camera. Check out the video:
ASCAP revealed the lineup for its annual Sundance ASCAP Music Café, taking place Jan. 21 - 28 in Park City, Utah. Among the many performers are Julia Fordham & Paul Reiser (yep that actor from “Mad About You”), K’NAAN, Guster, St. Vincent, Madi Diaz, and the Low Anthem.
Amid reports that she is battling pancreatic cancer and even rumors that she died, Aretha Franklin insists her health problem “has been resolved.” The Queen of Soul, whose condition is still undisclosed, maintains that she’s feeling “great.” God bless.
It hasn’t taken long for country newcomer Frankie Ballard to make a splash in Nashville. The Comet blogger is about to make his Grand Ole Opry debut tomorrow (Jan. 7) at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Good Charlotte just released their fifth studio album in November but the pop-rockers already plan to drop a “Greatest Hits” compilation. The 16-track set, due Jan. 31, features all of the band’s singles, including “Girls and Boys,” “I Just Wanna Live,” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”
Don’t get it Twisted! Rocker Dee Snider, who made his Broadway debut in the “Rock of Ages” musical last October, is reportedly plotting a record that bridges the gap “between Broadway and rock ‘n’ roll.”
Kanye West hasn’t just been warring with words, according to the claims of one paparazzo. Photographer Michael Vazquez alleges he was “assaulted, battered, beat and threatened” by Kanye and security guards when he tried to snap a picture of the rap star at a 2008 bash at Guastavino’s in New York.
Step aside Weezy, comedians Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are releasing a “Step Brothers,” rap album. The film’s director Adam McKay (“Step Brothers,” “Talladega Nights,” “Anchorman”) confirmed the news via Twitter yesterday. And for those laugh, Farrell and Reilly’s “Boats ’N Hoes” music video currently has over 8.6 million views.
The Recording Academy and Jive records have teamed up to release the “2011 Grammy Nominees” album. This year’s edition includes tunes from Eminem, Lady Gaga, Cee Lo Green, Lady Antebellum, Sade and Miranda Lambert, among others.
It’s getting juicy! Paramore front woman Hayley Williams has opened up about her relationship with departed band member Josh Farro. In an interview with MTV, Williams revealed many of the songs from Paramore’s last record, “Brand New Eyes,” were about their romance and break-up.
In the never-ending circus that is the Michael Jackson trial, Jackson’s bodyguard Alberto Alvarez testified yesterday (Jan. 5) that Dr. Conrad Murray asked him to stash evidence. The preliminary hearing will determine if there’s enough evidence for Murray to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter.
Country duo Sugarland are staying on the road and taking their successful 2010 “The Incredible Machine Tour” right into 2011 this spring. Joining the band in guest slots are Sara Bareilles, Little Big Town and Matt Nathanson.
The Comet favorite “old school” R&B innovator Raphael Saadiq will release third solo album ‘Stone Rollin’” on March 22. The first single “Radio” will hit iTunes January 11.
“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” “Glee,” “House M.D.” and Eminem each picked up four awards tonight (Jan. 5) at the People’s Choice Awards. Queen Latifah hosted the ceremony held at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater.
Johnny Cash is the latest legend to join the Rock Band 3 lineup. An eight-pack of songs from the Man in Black, including “I Walk the Line,” “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town,” and “Cry, Cry, Cry,” is currently available for download in the Rock Band music store.
The Allman Brothers Band have added five additional nights to their annual New York residency at the Beacon Theater. Tickets for the newly added shows taking place March 21-22 and March 24-26 go on sale Jan. 8.
It looks like everyone has caught boy band fever! Due to popular demand, the New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys have added a significant amount of dates to their oh so hot 2011 tour. Get those backstage passes now.
Looks like Gwen Stefani could be leaving her solo days behind, as No Doubt readies its first studio album in ten years. Guitarist Tom Dumon broke the news yesterday on Twitter, stating the ska-pop stars already have ten songs written and are back in the studio recording.
The Comet artist to watch JaneDear girls, who had a Top 20 hit with “Wildflower,” will release their self-titled debut album on Feb. 1. The record drops just after the country duo hits the road with Jason Aldean.
As the leader of Public Enemy, Chuck D created politically and socially conscious rap music in the 80s and 90s. Now, the rapper and author is offering his two cents on the current state of hip-hop, addressing the downfalls of its mission, music and media outlets.
Carlos Santana married his girlfriend, drummer Cindy Blackman in Hawaii Dec. 19. Among the 180 guests were comedian George Lopez and musicians, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, who performed at the nuptials.
Toni Braxton is looking for ways to bring in that money, honey! The Grammy-winning R&B singer revealed via Twitter that she is considering “Playboy’s” offer to pose for the cover. Sounds like a great way to kick off “Braxton Family Values.”
Music publishing has a new sheriff in town, BMG Rights Management has appointed top executive and award-winning artist/producer/songwriter Billy Mann as president of creative for BMG North America.
It’s been five years since the Strokes have gotten their garage rock on. In an interview with BBC Radio 1’s Zane Lowe, bassist Nikolai Fraiture revealed the New York band’s fourth studio album is in the “mixing stage” and will be released in March.
Mary J. Blige premiered “Someone to Love Me (MJB Naked Mix)” on New York radio station Hot 97 this week. The track finds the R&B singer re-teaming with Diddy, who produced Blige’s 1992 debut “What’s the 411?,” and everyone’s favorite freed rapper, Lil Wayne.
Pioneering Courtney Love could become the first celebrity to face a court trial for defamation over posts on Twitter and other social media platforms. Designer Dawn Simorangkir claims the Hole singer posted several vicious and untrue messages, including that Simorangkir was a “drug-pushing prostitute.”
Taylor Swift’s retail reign continues into 2011. The country-pop darling’s “Speak Now” maintains the top spot on the albums chart, with 74k in sales based on retailer data reported on HitsDailyDouble.com.
Country singer and “American Idol” alum Kelly Pickler has wed her longtime beau, songwriter Kyle Jacobs. People magazine reports the couple tied the knot New Year’s Day on a private island in the Caribbean.
Gerry Rafferty, best known for 70s hits “Baker Street” and “Stuck in the Middle With You,” died today (Jan. 4) from liver failure. The Scottish singer/songwriter, who had been battling alcoholism for years, was 63.
The Paltrow-Cee Lo collaboration continues, as the Oscar-winning actress is set to host “Saturday Night Live” on Jan. 15 with Cee Lo Green as the musical guest. The obvious is that the pair will cover Green’s “F**k You” hit, so how cool will it be if they do a song from “Country Strong!”
Universal Republic Records president and CEO Monte Lipman and co-present and COO Avery Lipman have signed new, long-term contracts with Universal Music Group.
EpicBattleAxe founder Daniel Kayser reflects back on 100 episodes of EpicBattleCry, the official video podcast of his gaming-industry website. With the goal of “empowering and informing” the global gaming masses, Kayser still keeps it “fun” and finds that turning 100 isn’t so bad after all.
Kanye West’s tweets certainly caught the public’s attention in 2010 and the rap star even found a loyal follower in Josh Groban! During an appearance yesterday on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” the classical crossover singer performed snippets from his fictional album, “Josh Groban’s The Best Tweets of Kanye West.” West’s words never sounded so angelic.
Grammy-nominated songwriting/production team Da Internz (Justin Bieber, John Legend) took time to teach a group of Braddock Drive Elementary students about the true gift and craft of songwriting. Here, Da Internz recall the ASCAP Songwriter Residency @ SCORES in their new home of Los Angeles.
It’s not often a drummer puts out a solo record, but Blink-182’s Travis Barker is stepping away from his bandmates for a new project produced by the Neptunes and DJ Khali. “Give the Drummer Some” will include collaborations with B.O.B., Lil Wayne, Slash, and Snoop Dogg, of course!
Warner Music Group has named music publishing entrepreneur Cameron Strang to the post of CEO of Warner/Chappell Music. In addition, Warner/ Chappel has acquired Southside, the indie music publishing company founded by Strang.
Digital music entrepreneur and partner at Venrock David Packman says, “I am fascinated by Xtranormal. This company is pioneering one of the most remarkable trends in peer production: social entertainment.” We could not agree more. Check out his blog post.
Gucci Mane has been admitted to a mental institution in Atlanta. While in court yesterday (Jan. 3), the rapper reportedly filed for a “Special Plea of Mental Incompetency,” claiming he was in no state to “intelligently participate in the probation revocation hearing.”
It what may be the best New Year’s news for EMI ever, legendary band Pink Floyd inked a new five-year deal with the label group, finally ending the legal problems between the band and the company.
Jane’s Addiction is back in the studio working on a new album and has added TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek to play bass and co-write. Band founder Perry Farrell says they are immersed in making “modern music.”
This is going to be a very big year for Stone Gossard. Not only is it Pearl Jam’s 20th Anniversary, Stone is also supporting the latest release of his other band Brad titled “Best Friends?” The album was released through Pearl Jam’s Monkeywrench Records and features vocalist/pianist Shawn Smith, drummer Regan Hagar, bassist Mike Berg and, of course, Stone. He answers five questions with The Comet.
Grammy-winning R&B singer Toni Braxton, who filed for bankruptcy in October with millions of dollars of debt, has landed her own reality show on WE.
Rockers Vanaprasta are known for being loud and rowdy. Flying mic stand anyone? But the band had to unplug and tone it down for a semi-acoustic live performance for Los Angeles radio station 98.7FM. Guitarist/sleigh bell player Cameron Dmytryk recounts the experience and tries not to say anything bad about Ed Hardy.
Only weeks after Paramore members Josh and Zac Farro bitterly left the group, lead singer Hayley Williams has already secured touring replacements and is working on new music.
Looks like the original social network is getting ready for a do or die year. CNet is reporting at up to 50% of the 1,000 plus staff could be shown the door and that parent company News Corp. is looking for a buyer. MySpace truly gets an A for effort in trying to revamp itself into an entertainment hub, only problem is, once users leave, it’s almost impossible to get them back.
Ringo Starr’s childhood home at 9 Madryn Street in Liverpool is to be torn down as part of a city rehabilitation project that has long been in the planning.
Because she really has nothing better to do, seems the most famous Kardashian wants to be a music star too.
...Because that seems like a perfectly normal thing to do according to the rock band’s frontman Matt Bellamy. Why not? Virgin chief Richard Branson is planning Galactic flights after all.
Seems like Kanye and Jay-Z can’t wait to drop their joint new album “Watch the Throne.” Kanye West told the crowd while celebrating New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas with Jay that the album was coming on “one week.”
Here are The Comet’s Top 20 music stories of 2010, plus the 5 worst. We labored over this list. Read, enjoy, share and comment.
In leaked music news, Katy Perry’s “Part of Me” has made its way online. The Dr. Luke-produced dance track is about the end of a relationship. Out with the old, everyone!
Shania Twain and her former best friend’s husband Frédéric Thiébaud were wed in Puerto Rico on New Year’s Day.
True to her word, Lady Gaga gave fans what they wanted at the stroke of midnight on the first day of 2011! The official release date of her new album “Born This Way.”
Cee-Lo, whose hit “F**k You” is nominated for a Grammy, was so enthralled with Gwyneth Paltrow’s PG cover of the song on “Glee” that he’s taken her into the studio to record come tracks.
Here are The Comet’s Top 10 songs for the big night. Some new, some old, but all a whole lotta fun. Happy 2011!
After his crazy homophobic twitter rant with Raz-B and subsequent death threats, Chris Brown vows to “shut up.”
Seems JT has taken some time out from being a movie star to record some music. A new track, “Take You Down,” is making its rounds online.
Thankfully, Discovery Network International has come to their senses and canceled the controversial medical documentary, “Michael Jackson’s Autopsy: What Really Killed Michael Jackson.”
Indie rockers and The Comet bloggers Love & Logic ring in the New Year with the super cool, no clothes, medley “Naked A Cappella - Love and Logic Sings 2010s Greatest Hits” and a recap of their adventures.
Americana rocker John Mellencamp and his wife, Elaine Irwin Mellencamp, have ended their 18-year marriage, just in time for New Year’s Eve.
Ms. Jackson’s 2011 world tour “Janet Jackson Number Ones: Up Close and Personal” will now start Feb 7 in Singapore.
Bruno Mars continues to hold two songs in the Top 10 including the No. 1 with “Grenade. Meanwhile, Taio Cruz is this weeks greatest gainer with “Higher” jumping 111 spots.
Bobby Farrell, frontman of the 1970s group Boney M, passed away while he was on tour in Russia. He was 61.
Legendary jazz musician and educator Billy Taylor passed away due to heart failure. He was 89.
Chris Brown and Raz-B got into it on Twitter and Brown starting tweet homophobic slurs. Then Raz-B’s brother Ricky Romance got into the fray and threatened to kill Brown. Merry Christmas.
According to RadarOnline.com, J. Lo’s husband Marc owes about 3.5 million in unpaid taxes. This is this just his latest tax problem.
Legendary guitarist Slash may not be a pop guy, but he counts one as his favorite songs. But he also loves his rock.
...but that are not necessarily from 2010. The Comet blogger, singer/songwriter and co-foudner of indie supergroup My Jerusalem, Jeff Klein says he’s sometimes slow on the uptake because time flashes at the speed of light. He proves that when it comes to all things cool, late is better than never.
Katy Perry wants to engage all the senses. She’s creating a special “aroma” for her 2011 European tour.
Alicia Keys has penned a new song titled “Speechless,” inspired by her son Egypt Daoud Dean, who was born in October.
...At least that is what the defense for the King of Pop’s doctor will claim during his involuntary manslaughter trial, according to reports.
EpicBattleAxe founder Daniel Kayser has made his list and checked it twice. Here are his picks for best video game audio of the year from “Mass Effect 2” to “Rock Band 3.”
Well, the meat-wearing diva certainly hopes so. Lady Gaga plans of sharing news about her new album “Born this Way” at the stroke of midnight on the first day of 2011.
Iconic rapper DMX has been transferred to a mental health unit at the prison where he is currently serving a year-long sentence for probation violation.
Tis the season. Singer Lily Allen and her longtime boyfriend, decorator Sam Cooper, are the latest celebrity pair to get engaged. Cooper popped the question while the duo vacationed in Bali.
Bernie Wilson, baritone vocalist in the classic lineup of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, has passed away Dec 26 due to undisclosed medical complications. He was 64 years old.
Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish have become fathers to a baby son, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John, which they conceived via surrogate.
Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Charlotte Martin in back with her first studio release since 2007 titled “Dancing on Needles.” The new album, which chronicles her lengthy and emotional health struggles, will hit digital stores Feb. 1. Charlotte, a trained opera singer, channels Kate Bush and Tori Amos to create a moving and wonderfully crafted piece of work.
Country rocker Shooter Jennings has a holiday gift for his fans who sign up for his website – a full album download titled “Missed the Boat: A Collection of Demos and Rarities.” This photo says it all.
Avril Lavigne will debut her new single “What the Hell” on “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” special on ABC. Then on New Year’s Day, the song will be available for free download via the pop singer’s Facebook page.
After two years making tabloid headlines about affairs and divorces, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian are officially engaged to be married.
The Bieber can’t even shop in peace. The teen star and Canadian native just wanted to browse at the Fairview Park Mall in Toronto, but instead he caused teen girls to go into a frenzy and shop-keepers to panic.
Fuzzedout is a new music discovery site we like. Each week the site features new songs for fans to vote on and offers free downloads. Founder Brian Sapp answers three questions with the Comet.
Daryl Hall is getting his own New Year’s Eve special! Highlights from his Webby Award-winning series “Live at Daryl’s House” will be broadcast on Chicago TV station WNG America on Dec 31 and feature performances by Rob Thomas, Neon Trees, Train, Todd Rundgren and Smokey Robinson.
Alanis Morissette is a new mom! The Grammy-winning artist and her husband Mario “Soueye” Treadway welcomed a baby boy, Ever Imre Morissette-Treadway.
Authentik Artists CEO Scott Austin opines on 2010. Spotify and Google? A whole lot of talk. Major label groups? Just more musical chairs. Not much really got done in 2010.
