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.
Cynthia Weil, Grammy winning lyricist who had hits with husband Barry Mann, dead at 82
June 2, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Cynthia Weil, a Grammy-winning lyricist of notable range and endurance who enjoyed a decades-long partnership with husband Barry Mann and helped write "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," "On Broadway," "Walking in the Rain" and dozens of other hits, has died at age 82.
Jay Roach goes into the desert with Patricia Arquette for quirky, noirish Apple series
June 2, 2023 GMTFilmmaker Jay Roach usually has a moment of panic and doubt before production starts on a project.
It’s something Sydney Pollack, who was a mentor of his, once assured him was normal. He’d also read something similar about Mike Nichols in Mark Harris’s biography.
Erykah Badu basks in her new era of reinvention and expansion
June 2, 2023 GMTNew York (AP) — Erykah Badu has unintentionally occupied the role of culture shifter and influencer for 20 plus years, well before it became a trendy, social media descriptor. Her impact has vibrated throughout music and fashion, and the “Green Eyes” songstress sees it clearly.
What to stream this weekend: Foo Fighters, ‘The Idol,’ LeBron James and ‘American Gladiators’ doc
June 1, 2023 GMTThere's new music from Foo Fighters, the buzzy HBO series “The Idol” starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd and a documentary about the breakthrough TV show “American Gladiators” among the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you.
Billy Joel to end his record-breaking concert series at Madison Square Garden in 2024
June 1, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Billy Joel is finally moving out of his monthly perch at Madison Square Garden. The singer-songwriter says he will conclude his residency in July 2024 with his 150th lifetime performance at the venue.
“But Here We Are,” by Foo Fighters (Roswell/RCA).
There's hardly a greater purpose for music than expression of feelings, and the Foo Fighters have brought quite a collection of them to their latest album.
Tommy Prine doesn’t dodge his father’s legacy but makes his own way in compelling debut
June 1, 2023 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Standing before a packed house at The Basement, one of Nashville’s most intimate music venues, Tommy Prine talked about the death of his father.
“It sucks to lose a parent at any age — in my case when he was the world’s greatest songwriter,” he said during a recent sold-out show.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A student who said he got goosebumps the first time he played the violin in an orchestra is this year's recipient of a college scholarship given in honor of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and killed in Pakistan in January 2002 while investigating a story on terrorism.
Ed Ames, ’50s pop singer with Ames Brothers and ‘60s TV star in ‘Daniel Boone,’ dies at 95
May 28, 2023 GMTEd Ames, the youngest member of the popular 1950s singing group the Ames Brothers, who later became a successful actor in television and musical theater, has died. He was 95.
The last survivor of the four singing brothers, Ames died May 21 from Alzheimer's disease, his wife, Jeanne Ames, said Saturday.
Essay: A mega-fan’s appreciation for Tina Turner’s limitless energy and lessons of survival
May 27, 2023 GMTDALLAS (AP) — When Tina Turner died at age 83, I found myself drifting back to the fourth grade, to the day I truly discovered her voice.
What to watch this weekend: ‘Succession’ finale, John Wick, Matchbox Twenty, ‘American Born Chinese’
May 26, 2023 GMTSure, lots of folks are eagerly anticipating this Sunday’s “Succession” finale. But what if you haven’t followed the Roy family drama? There’s plenty of new don’t miss new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you.
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.
Céline Dion has canceled all her scheduled tour dates through April 2024 as she continues treatment for a rare neurological disorder.
“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again," the singer said in a statement on social media. "I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%.
Tina Turner, ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ whose triumphant career made her world-famous, dies at 83
May 25, 2023 GMTWith admirers ranging from Beyoncé to Mick Jagger, Turner was one of the world’s most successful entertainers, known for a core of pop, rock and rhythm and blues favorites.
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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In 1976, a young Tina Turner, bloodied and beaten by her husband and musical partner Ike Turner, fled in the dark across a Dallas freeway dodging trucks and cars with only pennies in her pocket.
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.
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.
Pete Brown, co-writer of ‘Sunshine of Your Love,’ ‘White Room’ for rock group Cream, dies at 82
May 21, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Songwriter and poet Pete Brown, who co-wrote “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room” for the short-lived rock supergroup Cream in the 1960s, has died. He was 82.
The London-based Brown died of cancer late Friday, according to a post on his Facebook page.
What to stream this weekend: Jack Harlow’s acting debut, Kesha, Scott brothers on HGTV
May 19, 2023 GMTThis week's new streaming options include rapper Jack Harlow's acting debut, the return of Kesha and new projects for an heart-warming HGTV show.
Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music and video game platforms this week.
Dave Matthews Band has new album ‘Walk Around the Moon’ and perspective: ‘Everything is kind of new’
May 19, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Ten studio albums done, the Dave Matthews Band finds itself in a good place, maybe even at a new beginning.
“The band is really gelled right now," says singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews.
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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The city of Nashville is naming a street after Grand Ole Opry pioneer DeFord Bailey, the “Harmonica Wizard" whose popularity and contributions to country music and blues are still being recognized decades later.
Swedish Eurovision winner Loreen returns home, performs winning power ballad ‘Tattoo’
May 16, 2023 GMTSTOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish singer Loreen, who won the Eurovision Song Contest with her power ballad “Tattoo,” returned home on Tuesday, saying she was proud to be only the second person in Eurovision history to have won the contest twice.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — If you missed out on Willie Nelson's 90th birthday concerts last month in Los Angeles, you can see all the special performances honoring the 12-time Grammy winner in a limited theatrical run.
Pop acts sing for glory at Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, with Ukraine in spotlight
May 14, 2023 GMTLIVERPOOL, England (AP) — The final of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Saturday in Liverpool, with a Swedish diva and a party-loving Finnish rapper among favorites to win a joyous music competition clouded, for a second year running, by the war in Ukraine.
Sweden celebrates Eurovision win; Ukrainian duo defiant after Russian strike on hometown
May 14, 2023 GMTLIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool cleaned up from the Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday, as Sweden celebrated victory and Ukraine remained defiant after a night of Russian bombardment, including a strike on the hometown of the country’s competitors.
“The Album” by Jonas Brothers (Republic Records)
If, like many of us, you got burned trying to get tickets to the Jonas Brothers recent tour, their latest work “The Album” is a sweet consolation to keep your mind off it.
Lainey Wilson triumphs at Academy of Country Music Awards; Chris Stapleton wins top honor
May 12, 2023 GMTFRISCO, Texas (AP) — Lainey Wilson was seemingly everywhere at the Academy of Country Music Awards, collecting four trophies on a night that saw Chris Stapleton win the entertainer of the year honor.
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Sprinkle the sequins and pump up the volume: The 67th Eurovision Song Contest reaches its climax on Saturday with a grand final broadcast live from Liverpool.
NEW YORK (AP) — Last summer's surprise set by Joni Mitchell at the Newport Folk Festival has been turned into a live album.
Mitchell took the stage alongside Brandi Carlile and friends in her first full-length performance since 2002, performing “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Shine,” “Help Me” and “Come In From the Cold.” She also played a solo instrumental version of “Just Like This Train.”
Diane Warren, Belinda Carlisle reunite after decades apart
May 10, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Appropriate for an album called “Kismet,” the reunion of songwriter Diane Warren and singer Belinda Carlisle happened by chance.
Warren, who has penned global hits such as “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” for Aerosmith and “Un-Break My Heart” for Toni Braxton, was minding her own business in Los Angeles at a coffee shop when a stranger walked up to her.
Rita Lee, Brazil’s long-reigning Queen of Rock, dies at 75
May 9, 2023 GMTBRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Rita Lee Jones, Brazil’s million-selling “Queen of Rock” who gained an international following through her colorful and candid style and such hits as “Ovelha Negra,” “Mania de Você” and “Now Only Missing You,” has died at 75.
What to know as UK hosts Eurovision Song Contest for Ukraine
May 9, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Last week, Britain crowned a king. This week, it will help bestow Europe’s pop crown.
King Charles III takes day off after busy coronation weekend
May 8, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — On the third day of his long coronation weekend, King Charles III rested.
Monday was, after all, a holiday declared in honor of his crowning and he had spent several whirlwind days of elaborately choreographed public festivities capped with an off-the-cuff cameo on “American Idol.”
Mac DeMarco on fame and why he indulged on a 199-song album
May 8, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Often dubbed the prince of indie music, Mac DeMarco has built a devoted fanbase through his mix of distinct slacker rock and being unafraid to show off his endearingly offbeat personality.
Set to host, UK taking Eurovision very seriously this year
May 8, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — There’s nothing like nearly winning to wake people up. And the U.K.’s second-place position at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest has helped kickstart widespread enthusiasm for 2023’s edition — taking place in Liverpool this week.
Lionel Richie, Katy Perry sing for royal coronation concert
May 8, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — A day after a gilded coronation ceremony watched by millions, King Charles III and Queen Camilla let others take the center stage Sunday as they took in a star-studded concert featuring Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and others at Windsor Castle.
Not live, MTV Movie & TV Awards rely on plenty of old clips
May 8, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — A host-less, pre-taped and muted MTV Movie & TV Awards on Sunday became the first big awards show to air during the screenwriters' strike, offering a commercial-heavy broadcast featuring lots of past recycled live clips.
Chris Strachwitz, founded Arhoolie label, dies age 91
May 6, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Chris Strachwitz, a producer, musicologist and one-man preservation society whose Arhoolie Records released thousands of songs by regional performers and comprised an extraordinary American archive that became known and loved worldwide, has died.
Taylor Swift returns to Nashville, reveals ‘Speak Now’ date
May 6, 2023 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Taylor Swift is playing catch-up with her fans this year in a massive and impressive stadium show that embraces her artistic reinventions.
Ed Sheeran to perform ‘Subtract’ album on Apple Music Live
May 5, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Ed Sheeran will put his new album on full display with the help of Apple Music.
The music streaming service announced Friday that Sheeran will kick off the second season of Apple Music Live on May 10.
Violinist on Russian trains soothes weary commuters
May 5, 2023 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — The commuter trains that take wearied workers out of Moscow every day can be difficult — a long and slow trip in close quarters with strangers, some of them drinking alcohol or sprawled sleeping across the seats.
Jury finds Ed Sheeran didn’t copy Marvin Gaye classic
May 4, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — British singer Ed Sheeran didn't steal key components of Marvin Gaye’s classic 1970s tune “Let’s Get It On” to create his hit song “Thinking Out Loud,” a jury said with a trial verdict Thursday, prompting Sheeran to joke later that he won't have to follow through on his threat to quit music.
New Orleans music’s old guard still star at Jazz Fest
May 4, 2023 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Zigaboo Modeliste played the very first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival in 1970 with their groundbreaking funk band The Meters.
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.
Eurovision fashion: Some of the contest’s most iconic looks
May 3, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Since 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has provided catchy tunes, cheesy pop and bombastic anthems — but also some eye-catching fashion.
Missy, Willie and George Michael among Rock Hall inductees
May 3, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius and the late George Michael have all been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Kate Bush also finally reaching the top of that hill.
‘La Bohème’ in space returns to Paris, 6 years after uproar
May 2, 2023 GMTClaus Guth was pleased with initial reaction to his outer space version of Puccini’s “La Bohème” at a special pre-premiere show limited to people under age 28.
Select list of nominees for 2023 Tony Awards
May 2, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Select nominations for the 2023 Tony Awards, announced Tuesday.
Best Musical: “& Juliet,” “Kimberly Akimbo,” “New York, New York,” “Shucked,” “Some Like It Hot.”
Best Play: “Ain’t No Mo,’” “Between Riverside and Crazy,” “Cost of Living," "Fat Ham," “Leopoldstadt.”
Folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84
May 2, 2023 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Gordon Lightfoot, the folk singer-songwriter known for “If You Could Read My Mind" and "Sundown” and for songs that told tales of Canadian identity, died Monday. He was 84.
Representative Victoria Lord said the musician died at a Toronto hospital.
Review: Japan bestseller ‘Honeybees’ is an ode to creatives
May 1, 2023 GMT“Honeybees and Distant Thunder” by Riku Onda (Pegasus Books)
The Yoshigae music competition will never be the same after this year’s pianists push the boundaries of the art form, leaving judges to wonder if a particular contestant is a gift from the music gods or a ticking bomb.
Aerosmith announces farewell tour starting in September
May 1, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Aerosmith will be touring a city near you for the last time to celebrate the rock band's 50-plus years together.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band announced Monday the dates for their farewell tour called “Peace Out” starting Sept.
Battle for late Johnny Winter’s music to play out in court
April 30, 2023 GMTHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Nearly nine years after Johnny Winter’s death, a battle for control of the legendary blues guitarist’s music is being fought in court with allegations of theft and greed flying back and forth.