Astrud Gilberto, singer of ‘The Girl from Ipanema,’ dead at 83
June 6, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian singer, songwriter and entertainer whose off-hand, English-language cameo on “The Girl from Ipanema” made her a worldwide voice of bossa nova, has died at age 83.
Too much information? Jason Isbell believes opening your life to fans builds a stronger bond
June 5, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — If Jason Isbell is keeping many more secrets, it's hard to imagine what they might be.
The singer-songwriter and his wife, fellow musician Amanda Shires, open their lives for public consumption in a manner unusual even to artists who mine their own world for material.
NEW YORK (AP) — When Sara Bareilles signed on for a two-week, stripped down production of “Into the Woods” off-Broadway, she had no idea the adventure would lead to Broadway and a Tony Award nomination. She also had no idea it would become a moving tribute to composer Stephen Sondheim.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Singer-songwriter Tyler Hubbard was fully prepared to hang up his boots so to speak when his duo partner in Florida Georgia Line, Brian Kelley, said he wanted to go solo.
The pair had been together more than a decade, and whether you were a fan of their bro country sound or not, their music ("Cruise," “Meant To Be,” “Round Here") set the tone for a generation of country fans.
A public person in a private country: Tina Turner reveled in ‘normal’ life in her Swiss home
May 25, 2023 GMTKUESNACHT, Switzerland (AP) — In her adoptive country, Tina Turner was more than just a swivel-hipped rock, R&B and pop superstar. She unapologetically moved to Switzerland for its discretion and calm, carrying her very public persona into a very private country.
A collection of tributes that poured in Wednesday from musicians, actors and athletes following the death of musical superstar Tina Turner,
Matchbox Twenty returns after long absence to offer an album of exuberance, ‘Where the Light Goes’
May 24, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — More than a decade has passed since the last Matchbox Twenty album, so, fans can be forgiven for thinking it was the end of the line. That's what Matchbox Twenty was thinking, too.
Bill Lee, jazz musician who worked with Bob Dylan and on son Spike Lee’s early movies, dies at 94
May 24, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Bill Lee, a well-regarded jazz musician who accompanied such artists as Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel and Harry Belafonte as well as scoring four of his son Spike’s early films, including the hit “Do the Right Thing” and two songs for "Jungle Fever," has died.
LONDON (AP) — “Brokeback Mountain” was a star-making story onscreen. It may turn out to be the same onstage.
Rising American stars Lucas Hedges and Mike Faist are making their London theater debuts in an adaptation of Annie Proulx’s short story about two star-crossed Wyoming shepherds whose love is stifled by the strictures of their society.
Bass guitarist Andy Rourke of The Smiths, one of Britain’s most influential bands, dies at 59
May 19, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Andy Rourke, bass guitarist of The Smiths, one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s, has died after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer, his former bandmate Johnny Marr said Friday.
BERLIN (AP) — Austrian-born actor Helmut Berger, a European movie star in the 1960s and 1970s who rose to prominence with roles in films by Italian director Luchino Visconti, died Thursday, his agent said.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pierce Brosnan has attempted to write about himself many times, but it’s through painting that the artist truly feels he can fully express himself.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Stephanie Beatriz, who starred as Detective Rosa Diaz on the TV show “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and voiced Madrigal on the Academy Award-winning film “Encanto,” will serve as the grand marshal for the Indianapolis 500 later this month.
‘The Office’ star Rainn Wilson crisscrosses the globe in search of inner bliss for TV series
May 17, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Rainn Wilson wanted to find inner happiness. So he got on a plane. Many planes.
The actor, who memorably played scheming, egotistical Dwight Schrute on “The Office” has crisscrossed the world to explore how people in different countries find their glee.
NEW YORK (AP) — At 81, Martha Stewart isn't slowing down and some might say she's heating up. Stewart has been chosen as one of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit cover models, the magazine announced Monday.
Italian conductor Muti to visit Syrian refugee camp
May 4, 2023 GMTMILAN (AP) — Italian conductor Riccardo Muti plans to visit Syrian musicians living in the vast Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan on the sidelines of his annual Roads of Friendship concert series that aims to use music to build bridges and help those affected by war.
Inside the Met Gala: A furry feline star, a tardy Cinderella
May 2, 2023 GMTJared Leto was looking for a place to hang his hat. Er, actually his head.
Leto was walking around the cocktail reception at the Met Gala, not long after his big entrance on the carpet as Choupette, designer Karl Lagerfeld’s famous cat, in a full-on white fur suit with very real-looking eyes.
Russian fashion designer Valentin Yudashkin dies at age 59
May 2, 2023 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Russian couturier Valentin Yudashkin, whose designs drew eyes at international fashion shows, sports events and military ceremonies, has died at age 59, Russian news reports said Tuesday.
Paris exhibit celebrates ‘first celebrity’ Sarah Bernhardt
May 1, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — The pioneering French stage star Sarah Bernhardt was one of the world’s most famous women by the time of her death in 1923 — a status she owed not just to acting talent but her modern instinct for self-publicizing and using the press to brand her image.
Willie Nelson inhales the love at 90th birthday concert
April 30, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — “Are there any more real cowboys?” Neil Young sang Saturday night at the Hollywood Bowl on a rare evening when he was neither the headliner nor, at age 77, even close to the oldest artist on the bill.
Corden addresses divided America in final ‘Late Late Show’
April 28, 2023 GMTJames Corden used part of his farewell speech on Thursday's final episode of CBS' “ The Late Late Show” to address the deep rift in America over hot button issues including politics and ideology.
Prince’s Trust gala draws plenty of celebrities, donations
April 28, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The star-studded Prince’s Trust Global Gala raised more than $1.7 million Thursday night at Casa Cipriani in New York City, as a wide range of grantees — past and present — explained how King Charles III’s charity has improved their lives.
Chopin museum reopens in Warsaw with new original exhibits
April 27, 2023 GMTWARSAW, Poland (AP) — A baroque Warsaw mansion hosting a museum dedicated to one of Europe’s greatest 19th century musicians, Polish pianist and composer Frederic Chopin, is reopening with a new focus on original artifacts after months of pandemic-spurred renovations.
Dolly Parton to rock out at Academy of Country Music Awards
April 27, 2023 GMTNASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — Country superstar and newly minted Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dolly Parton will give fans a glimpse of her upcoming rock album during the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards.
Guitarist Mark Sheehan of Irish band The Script dies at 46
April 15, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Ireland’s president has led tributes to Mark Sheehan, guitarist with Irish rock band The Script, after his death at the age of 46.
The band said Sheehan died in a hospital on Friday after a brief illness.
Bill Hader gets deep on human nature in ‘Barry’ final season
April 13, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — “In every man, of course, a demon lies hidden — the demon of rage,” says the intellectual brother, Ivan, in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov,” a theme to which the Russian novelist frequently returns.
With ‘Camelot,’ a legendary fight director exits the fray
April 13, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — In a hushed and empty Broadway theater, two men appear onstage in street clothes, each wielding fearsome-looking broad swords. One lunges at the other, who quickly strikes back. They exchange a flurry of slices and counter-slices, with the screech of metal on metal.
Actor Frank Vallelonga Jr. died from accidental overdose
April 11, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Frank Vallelonga Jr., an actor who appeared in the Oscar-winning movie “Green Book,” died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and cocaine, according to the New York City medical examiner's office.
Natalie Merchant emerges from darkness with nothing but love
April 11, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — As the nation went through a health emergency in 2020, so did Natalie Merchant.
The singer-songwriter had major spine surgery just four days before lockdown, with three bones removed from her neck and an incision made over her vocal cords.
Mexican ballad singer Julián Figueroa dies at 27
April 10, 2023 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican ballad singer Julián Figueroa has died at the age of 27, his mother confirmed Monday.
Figueroa was the son of actress Maribel Guardia and singer Joan Sebastian, who died in 2015.
Percival Everett, Ling Ma among winners of $175,000 prizes
April 4, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Percival Everett and Ling Ma, already two of the year's most honored writers, are among eight winners of the lucrative Windham-Campbell Prize.
When a reality TV show about jury duty is a summons to laugh
April 4, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — So many people want to get out of jury duty these days because they think it's boring or a waste of time. A new TV series shows it can be fun. Bonkers even.
“Jury Duty” from Amazon Freevee is an elaborate ruse of a show that builds an entire judicial system around one unsuspecting regular Joe.
‘General Hospital’ turns 60: A behind-the-scenes look
April 4, 2023 GMTABC’s “General Hospital” marks its 60th anniversary this week, making it the longest-running scripted show currently in production on American television.
The soap is marking the milestone with a fan favorite storyline, the Nurses Ball, a gala that raises money for charity.
Jodie Comer, Paul Mescal take acting gold at Olivier Awards
April 2, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Screen stars Paul Mescal and Jodie Comer scored prizes at London's Olivier Awards on Sunday for their first-ever West End stage roles, while a stage adaptation of Japanese animated classic “My Neighbor Totoro” won six trophies.
Kaley Cuoco has 1st child, a daughter, with Tom Pelphrey
April 1, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Kaley Cuoco is flying high after giving birth to her first child.
Pop icon Leslie Cheung’s legacy endures 20 years after death
April 1, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Fans of late Canto-pop icon Leslie Cheung, one of the first singers to come out as gay in Hong Kong, flocked to the city this week to commemorate their idol’s death 20 years ago — revisiting his legacy of pioneering work made during a socially conservative time.
Biden celebrates Greek Independence Day at the White House
March 29, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden — surrounded by Greek-American politicians and community leaders — marked Greek Independence Day at the White House on Wednesday. One of the featured guests included the actress Rita Wilson, who is of Greek descent and performed four songs at the reception in the East Room.
The top 10 audiobooks on Audible.com
March 28, 2023 GMTNonfiction 1. Atomic Habits by James Clear, narrated by the author (Penguin Audio) 2. Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, narrated by the author (Random House Audio) 3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F(asterisk)ck by Mark Manson, narrated by Roger Wayne (HarperAudio) 4.
Queen and Adam Lambert eager for their post-pandemic tour
March 28, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Queen and Adam Lambert are hitting the road this fall for a North American expansion of their Rhapsody Tour, with a freshly minted knight onstage and plenty of post-pandemic energy.
Reese Witherspoon, Jim Toth announce plans to divorce
March 24, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Reese Witherspoon and her husband say they are divorcing after nearly 12 years of marriage.
The actor-producer and her husband, Hollywood agent Jim Toth, announced their breakup Friday in a joint statement on Instagram.
Stylist Law Roach working on his health post-retirement
March 22, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Celebrity stylist Law Roach, who helped reinvent Zendaya and turned Celine Dion into a fashion icon, shocked the industry last week when he announced his retirement from dressing the rich and famous.
Kim Raver on how ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ puts women at center
March 22, 2023 GMT“Grey’s Anatomy” has long championed women’s rights and female leadership on and offscreen — not only does the long-running hospital drama cover contentious topics like abortion, but it also offers women on the show a chance to expand their roles behind the scenes.
Springsteen, Kaling, Louis-Dreyfus among 22 honored by Biden
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden welcomed a high-wattage collection of singers, authors, artists and humanitarians to the White House on Tuesday to present them with medals — and then stole the show himself with a quip about seeking reelection.
The top 10 audiobooks on Audible.com
March 21, 2023 GMTNonfiction 1. Atomic Habits by James Clear, narrated by the author (Penguin Audio) 2. Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, narrated by the author (Random House Audio) 3. Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast by Michelle Obama, narrated by the author (Audible Originals) 4.
‘Ted Lasso’ visits White House, promotes mental health care
March 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Fictional soccer coach Ted Lasso used a White House visit Monday to encourage people, even in politically divided Washington, to make it a point to check in often with friends, family and co-workers to "ask how they're doing, and listen, sincerely,”
Jeremy Scott leaves Moschino after 10 years at fashion house
March 20, 2023 GMTMILAN (AP) — Jeremy Scott is stepping down as creative director of Italian luxury house Moschino after 10 years of wild and wacky fashion shows and his elegant dressing of numerous celebrities.
Comedian Trevor Noah wins prestigious Dutch Erasmus Prize
March 16, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Comedian Trevor Noah, the former host of “The Daily Show,” has won the prestigious Dutch Erasmus Prize, becoming the first humorist awarded the honor since Charlie Chaplin in 1965, the foundation that selects the winner announced Thursday.
The top 10 audiobooks on Audible.com
March 14, 2023 GMTNonfiction 1. Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, narrated by the author (Random House Audio) 2. Atomic Habits by James Clear, narrated by the author (Penguin Audio) 3. Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast by Michelle Obama, narrated by the author (Audible Originals) 4.
Andrey Kurkov, Maryse Condé on International Booker list
March 14, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Ukrainian novelist Andrey Kurkov and acclaimed Guadeloupe-born writer Maryse Condé are among 13 contenders announced Tuesday for the International Booker Prize for translated fiction.
Yeoh, Fraser feel the love at Vanity Fair post-Oscars party
March 13, 2023 GMTBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Michelle Yeoh and Angela Bassett locked in a long embrace, whispering and laughing with glee as nearly every phone in the vicinity came out to take photos.
Illness sidelines Springsteen tour as 3 concerts postponed
March 12, 2023 GMTSOUTH AMBOY, N.J. (AP) — Bruce Springsteen’s planned performance Tuesday in Albany has become the third concert in a week postponed by the New Jersey rocker, who cited illness as the reason in a tweet Sunday but did not give specifics.
2023 Oscars: What to know about the best actor nominees
March 9, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — It’s always fun when an Oscars category is filled with first-time nominees at varying stages of their careers. Best actor is another three-way race, between Austin Butler, Colin Farrell and Brendan Fraser, with each having scored notable wins from guilds and critics groups.
Barenboim cancels piano concert in Monaco, citing health
March 8, 2023 GMTMILAN (AP) — Prominent pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim has canceled a piano recital at the Opera de Monte-Carlo due to the effects of a serious neurological condition, the opera house announced on Wednesday.
Skynyrd member’s death signals end of era for Southern rock
March 8, 2023 GMTNORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, who died Sunday, made it big when rock ‘n’ roll was still a defining cultural force on par with today's TikTok trends and superhero movies.
Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Gary Rossington dead at 71
March 6, 2023 GMTGary Rossington, a co-founder and last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd who helped write the classic answer song “Sweet Home Alabama” and played unforgettable slide guitar on the rock anthem “Free Bird,” died Sunday at age 71.
Tom Sizemore, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ actor, dies at 61
March 4, 2023 GMTBURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Tom Sizemore, the “Saving Private Ryan” actor whose bright 1990s star burned out under the weight of his own domestic violence and drug convictions, died Friday at age 61.
The actor had suffered a brain aneurysm on Feb.
Q&A: Ludwig Göransson talks Rihanna, Mayan music, new series
February 28, 2023 GMTGLENDALE, Calif. (AP) — Ludwig Göransson initially felt tremendous pressure in composing new music for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” with hopes of living up to his Oscar-winning score on the franchise’s 2019 epic first film.