Judge: Jackson Trial 'On Course' Despite Appeal

Jury selection in manslaughter trial is planned to begin Thursday

2011-09-06

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A judge says the trial of the doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death is "on course" despite an appeal filed last week by the physician's attorneys. Read the complete article

Motown Songwriter Nick Ashford Dies at Age 70

Teamed with wife Valerie Simpson to write classics for Diana Ross, others

2011-08-23

Nekesa Mumbi Moody AP Music Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson that penned elegant, soulful classics for the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and funk hits for Chaka Khan and others, died Monday at age 70, his former publicist said. Read the complete article

Lil Wayne to Release Album Online After VMA Performance

"Tha Carter IV" will be available digitally several days before it’s in stores

2011-08-22

Nekesa Mumbi Moody AP Music Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Lil Wayne is hoping his performance on the MTV Video Music Awards will be so good, fans will rush out and get his new album: The rapper is making it digitally available at midnight after Sunday's show. Read the complete article

Barbados Band Cover Drive Gets Boost From Rihanna

"Carib-pop" act opened for singer in front of 20,000 fans

2011-08-19

Zara Younis Associated Press

LONDON (AP) -- Rihanna's not just sitting pretty, enjoying her mega-successful career - she's also lending a helping hand to other musical acts from Barbados. Read the complete article

Sugarland Tour Resumes After Stage Tragedy in Indiana

Country duo was likely saved by tour manager’s decision to hold singers back

2011-08-18

JERI CLAUSING Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Sugarland prepared to return to the stage on Thursday for their first performance since a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair killed five people. Read the complete article

Eric Benét: The ‘Trinity Goodheart’ Interview

The two-time Grammy-nominee is an actor, singer and songwriter

2011-08-16

Kam Williams Special To The Skanner News

Here, he talks about starring opposite Erica Gluck in his new film, Trinity Goodheart, a heartwarming family drama about a strained father-daughter relationship. The movie premieres on the GMC-TV Network on Saturday, August 20th at 9 PM ET/PT (8 PM CT). Read the complete article

Concert to Note Anniversary of Monk Institute

Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin to be on hand at two-day celebration

2011-08-11

NEW YORK (AP) -- Herbie Hancock and Aretha Franklin will take part in the celebration of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz's 25th anniversary. Read the complete article

Mary J. Blige: 'The Help' Interview

Blige, a six-time Grammy Award-winner, talks about what inspired her to compose part of the film's soundtrack

2011-08-10

Kam Williams Special To The Skanner News

Mary J. Blige wrote and recorded an original song for the soundtrack of “The Help” a film, which takes places in Mississippi in the early Sixties. Here, Blige, a six-time Grammy Award-winner, talks about what inspired her to compose “The Living Proof.” Read the complete article

Kanye West Says People Look at Him 'Like Hitler'

Takes time out of set in England to rant about being misunderstood, under-appreciated

2011-08-08

MESFIN FEKADU Associated Press

EASTNOR CASTLE DEER PARK, England (AP) -- Kanye West says he feels like people look at him like Hitler. The 34-year-old rapper known for his outbursts was the headline act at the Big Chill music festival Saturday night, where he ranted in the middle of his set about being misunderstood and underappreciated. Read the complete article

Lil Wayne Sued for $15 million Over 'Bedrock'

Georgia-based Done Deal Enterprises accuses rapper of copyright infringement

2011-08-04

NEW YORK (AP) -- Rapper Lil Wayne faces a $15 million legal battle over allegations he stole the hit song "Bedrock." Read the complete article