Triumph, Tragedy Dominate Grammy Awards

Adele picks up “ridiculous” six wins as music world reflects on Whitney Houston’s death

2012-02-13

David Bauder AP Entertainment Writer

The splintered music world truly coalesces only one night of 365 for the Grammy Awards, and this year was united in the triumph of recovered British soul singer Adele's trophy haul and the tragedy of Whitney Houston's death. Read the complete article

Northwest Native James Dore’ Releases 'The EP'

Dore’ said he uses stories from his career to help inspire his students every day and assure them that they can be whatever they want to be

2012-02-10

As a health and wellness teacher who incorporates music appreciation into his curriculum at Arizona Charter Academy, James Dore’ works hard every day to instill the same love of music in his students that he has felt since he was a young boy. Read the complete article

Jay-Z Enters New Musical Heights at Carnegie Hall

Rapper the second hip-hop act to perform at famed venue—Wyclef Jean was first in 2001

2012-02-07

Mesfin Fekadu The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) -- As Jay-Z transitioned from hit song to hit song at a Carnegie Hall concert Monday night, so did the lighting, changing from red to white to blue. Read the complete article

Apologies From NFL, NBC After M.I.A. Flips Bird

Network briefly blurred screen after gesture in what was a late attempt to cut out shot

2012-02-06

David Bauder AP Entertainment Writer

British hip-hop artist M.I.A.'s obscene gesture in the Super Bowl halftime show is prompting apologies from NBC and the NFL. But it isn't immediately registering as a moment that viewers latched on to. Read the complete article

R&B Singer David Peaston Dies at Age 54

Talented artist who had string of hits starting in late 1980s battled diabetes

2012-02-03

Jim Salter The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Singer David Peaston, who had a string of R&B hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s, has died, his family said Thursday. Read the complete article

Camilla Williams, Black Opera Pioneer, Dies at 92

Singer believed to be the first African-American female to appear with a major US opera company

2012-01-30

Ken Kusmer The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- African-American opera pioneer Camilla Williams has died in Bloomington. She was 92. Read the complete article

A Slim Race for Best Original Song at the Oscars

Only two grab nominations: Sergio Mendes and Bret McKenzie

2012-01-25

Mesfin Fekadu The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) -- The race for the best original song Oscar is a slim one with two songs up for the honor, a first for the Academy Awards. Read the complete article

Aretha Franklin Calls Off Her Wedding

In statement, singer says she and Willie Wilkerson “were moving a little too fast”

2012-01-24

Nekesa Mumbi Moody AP Music Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Aretha Franklin won't be getting fitted for a wedding gown after all: She's called off her engagement. A statement released Monday by her representative said Franklin's wedding to Willie Wilkerson wasn't going to happen. Read the complete article

VIDEO: Legendary Blues Singer Etta James Dies in California

Despite the reputation she cultivated, she would always be remembered best for 'At Last'

2012-01-20

Robert Jablon The Associated Press

In real life, little about James was as genteel as that song. The platinum blonde's first hit was a saucy R&B number about sex, and she was known as a hell-raiser who had tempestuous relationships with her family, her men and the music industry. Then she spent years battling a drug addiction that she admitted sapped away at her great talents. Read the complete article

Cassow: Conquering The World One Beat at a Time

Living the Hip Hop Life

2012-01-15

By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News

Portland rising hip hop star Cassow talked to The Skanner about life, music and what's next. Read the complete article