Home / Classic Hits News

• Watch Heart, Donna Summer and More Honored on HBO's Rock Hall Induction Ceremony Special, Premiering Tonight

  In Classic Hits News / 18 May 2013

  

  Rock and Roll history was made on April 18 in Los Angeles when Heart, late disco queen Donna Summer, Randy Newman, Canadian prog-rock legends Rush, rap-rock pioneers Public Enemy, late bluesman Albert King and producers Quincy Jones and Lou Adler were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  You can check out all of the highlights from the star-studded event by tuning in to HBO on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/PT to catch the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony special. The bash featured too many memorable moments to mention but here are a number… Read more

• Natalie Cole "Seriously Offended" by Candice Glover/Jennifer Hudson "American Idol" Duet

  In Classic Hits News / 17 May 2013

  

  Most people watching the American Idol finale Thursday night would say that the duet that new Idol winner Candice Glover sang with Jennifer Hudson on the song “Inseparable” was one of the highlights of the evening.  Someone who wouldn’t say that is the woman who originally recorded the song: Natalie Cole. Cole was evidently miffed that she wasn’t invited to sing her song with Glover on the finale.  In a message on her Twitter account, Natalie wrote, “Make no mistake. ‘Inseparable’ was NOT originally recorded by [Jennifer Hudson] but by ME.”  Cole further wrote on Facebook, “American Idol ought to… Read more

• Carole King to Be Saluted by Billy Joel, James Taylor and More at the White House on Tuesday

  In Classic Hits News / 17 May 2013

  

  The stars are coming out for Carole King this week.  On Tuesday, she’ll be saluted in Washington, D.C., by the likes of Billy Joel, James Taylor, Gloria Estefan…and President Obama. King is the first woman ever to receive the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, which is given annually to a composer for his or her contributions to popular music.  According to USA Today, during a ceremony at the Library of Congress, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will get to hang out with the president and first lady, and she’ll be treated to performances by Patti Austin, Michael Feinstein… Read more

• Bruce Springsteen Gives Thumbs-Up to Use of His Song in "The Office" Finale

  In Classic Hits News / 17 May 2013

  

  NBC’s popular comedy series The Office came to an end Thursday night after nine seasons with a one-hour special that centered around the wedding of characters Dwight and Angela.  During the reception, the party-goers were shown dancing to a variety of popular songs including Bruce Springsteen‘s “Rosalita.”  Well, apparently the Boss was paying attention because he posted a note on his Twitter account that read, “Rosalita! Good choice for Dwight & Angela’s wedding reception.” Angela Kinsey, the actress who plays Angela, was excited that Springteen had taken notice, tweeting in response, “Holy crap! Thx for watching!” Other songs played during… Read more

• George Michael Injured in Car Crash

  In Classic Hits News / 17 May 2013

  

  George Michael and cars just don’t mix.  The BBC reports that the singer was airlifted to the hospital Thursday after suffering a head injury in a car crash in the U.K. A statement posted on George’s Facebook page says that he is “fine” and only has “superficial cuts” as a result of the accident, which took place in Hertfordshire.  The singer wasn’t driving the car; he was a passenger, and the statement adds that “no third party was involved.” A police spokesperson, meanwhile, told the BBC, “The exact circumstances of what happened are unclear at this time and until further… Read more

• Duff McKagan Says Walking Papers Frontman Angell Tried Out for Velvet Revolver

  In Classic Hits News / 17 May 2013

  

  Duff McKagan reports that Missionary Position vocalist Jeff Angell, the frontman for his new side project Walking Papers, had a chance to be lead singer for Velvet Revolver.  The former Guns N’ Roses bassist tells Rolling Stone that Angell got a shot to try out for the supergroup before they chose former member Scott Weiland as their singer. “I hoped at some point I would do something with Jeff; we’re good bros and we share a similar path in certain aspects,” he explains to the magazine.  “Early on, when we were looking for singers for Velvet Revolver, I brought Jeff… Read more

• Sting Trying to Raise $15 Million to Bring Musical to Broadway

  In Classic Hits News / 17 May 2013

  

  Back in 1989, Sting starred in a Broadway musical: a revival of The Threepenny Opera.  Now, he’s trying to raise some cash to bring his own production to the Great White Way. The New York Post reports that the former Police frontman and his producing partner are trying to raise $15 million to bring their musical, The Last Ship, to Broadway next spring.  Based on his autobiographical album The Soul Cages, the musical tells the story of a family of shipbuilders whose future looks bleak when the shipyard where they’ve worked for years is shut down.  A staged reading of… Read more