Latest news with #SongwritersHallofFame
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Doobie Brothers on new album, tour, hall of fame: 'You have to think beyond your age'
Doobie Brothers on new album, tour, hall of fame: 'You have to think beyond your age' Show Caption Hide Caption Fans of Jimmy Buffett fill the Key West streets at parade in his honor Key West residents and fans of Jimmy Buffett gave the singer-songerwriter a last goodbye with a parade in his honor. Ariana Triggs, Storyful With a new album, tour and impending induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Doobie Brothers are takin' it to the streets like it's 1976. The quartet of Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee and Michael McDonald will hit the road Aug. 4 partially to jam through their 50-plus years of hits such as 'Listen to the Music,' 'Black Water,' 'What a Fool Believes' and 'China Grove,' but also to support their 16th studio album, 'Walk This Road,' out June 6. The album, which features Mavis Staples and Mick Fleetwood, also marks their first with McDonald in the studio in more than 40 years. A bit of nostalgia also colors their upcoming live shows, as the six-week tour will spotlight openers The Coral Reefer Band, the beloved touring and recording outfit of Jimmy Buffett, who died in 2023. Recently, Simmons – from Maui, his home of 30 years – and McDonald – from his 100-year-old hacienda in Santa Barbara, California – talked about the inherent positivity in the new album, the Doobies' history with the Coral Reefer Band and why Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones might end up directing their documentary. The Songwriters Hall of Fame is such a huge honor. What went through your mind when you heard about it? Michael McDonald: To be inducted alongside my friends Pat and Tom means all the more to me. Those were the guys who gave me the opportunity to be recognized as a songwriter. To be recognized with a group of people you've admired all your life is pretty meaningful. Patrick Simmons: It's a little surreal. You never think of yourself as having that credibility. When you're first starting out writing songs you never have confidence in anything and when people start responding to your songs, it's such a kick. You're always in search of the next song. Do you remember the first song you wrote? Simmons: I can't specifically, but it was probably some kind of blues-gospel thing with religious overtones from my Lutheran heritage (laughs). I was 15 and singing it in a coffeehouse while I was doing mostly covers and people politely applauded. You've got another lengthy tour coming up. How do you physically prepare? McDonald: Since I don't do anything, I'll let Pat answer. Simmons: I've got a hill I live on and walk it several times a day and am always working on a project. Not that that counts as calisthenics. But I try to always stay in motion and on the road try to get out and walk every day. We're all in our 70's now. I used to think that was old. I do feel it, but it's hard to believe we're out here doing it at this age, and in my head I'm still 16. You have to think beyond your age. It's a life adventure. What went into the decision to tour with the Coral Reefer Band? Simmons: The concept was more of, who is somebody we can tour with who will be complementary musically and be of interest to the audience. I think everybody went, that's really cool. Were you friends with Jimmy Buffet? Simmons: I would run into him occasionally. We had toured with him for years and years in the '70s. He was such an understated guy. He was always quality. Great playing, great singing, some funny songs with eccentric and esoteric concepts in his music. We got to be friendly with all the guys, so this is coming full circle. With this new album, Michael, how did it feel to be back recording with the guys? McDonald: It's been a while since we did it that way and the technology has changed, for better or worse … The new procedure is interesting. As you're writing the song you're recording it into a file and that is the basis you use for the track even if it's just a feeling. So it's kind of fun to feel like the song hasn't had to morph into something else. Some of my fondest memories of being in the studio are the first time I heard the band play 'Takin' It To the Streets.' I was like, wow! When the band started playing it, it took on a whole new life. The title track features Mavis Staples. What was it like recording with her? McDonald: (Producer) John Shanks came to us and said, "You've been walking this path for 50 years. Let's write about that." It became a broader message and what better ambassador for humanity and with empathy for each other and someone who remembers we're all on this path together than Mavis? That was always the message of (The Staple Singers). It was a thrill, though, when she came into the studio. What's the status on a new Doobie Brothers documentary? Simmons: We're still fumbling around. We have so much film and archives and so much film from 1973, stuff we shot on 16 millimeter and for a whole tour back then. But I think what's happening is we're so mired down in that there are so many documentaries out there so do we want to do this right now? It's almost a little saturated now, so we thought let's put it on the back burner for now. We'll wait 'til we're 90. It can be directed by Keith Richards.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Legendary musician Billy Joel cancels concert dates over brain condition
US musician Billy Joel performs during a concert at the Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on October 23, 2021. Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). — Photo: SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP Pop great Billy Joel cancelled a series of global tour dates after being diagnosed with a brain condition that worsened because of recent performances, he announced Friday. "Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)," read a statement on the Piano Man's website. The condition arises if cerebrospinal fluid cannot properly flow throughout the brain and spinal cord, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The excess fluid and pressure can cause brain damage. The institution said on its website that NPH is rare, but can cause cognitive impairment including memory problems as well as trouble walking. Joel's statement said "this condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance." Prompt treatment can alleviate the condition if diagnosed early. Joel's scrapped dates include several in Britain, as well as a packed schedule crisscrossing the United States from July 2025 up until July 2026 when he was due to round off his ambitious string of dates in Charlotte, North Carolina. The We Didn't Start the Fire legend, 76, wrote "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding." Consummate New Yorker Joel has been a pop mainstay and performer extraordinaire since the 1970s, with a catalog of fan favorites including Uptown Girl and New York State of Mind . Last year he capped a decade-long residency with more than 100 shows at Manhattan's famed Madison Square Garden. The residency drew in millions of fans and grossed more than US$260mil. "Let's be real – I'm from New York," the Bronx-born, Long Island-raised artist told journalists in the run-up to his 100th performance at the top arena. "This is my venue. Fortunately for me, Madison Square Garden is a world venue. You can play almost any other arena in the country and nobody else in the world is going to know about it," he said. Last year, Joel released his first new original song in almost two decades, Turn the Lights Back On . The Grammy winner has a laundry list of accolades to his name, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in addition to that organization's top lifetime achievement honor. Joel is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well a Kennedy Center honoree. A documentary film about his storied life – Billy Joel: And So It Goes – is set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 4. – AFP
France 24
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Billy Joel cancels concert dates over brain condition
"Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)," read a statement on the Piano Man's website. The condition arises if cerebrospinal fluid cannot properly flow throughout the brain and spinal cord, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The excess fluid and pressure can cause brain damage. The institution said on its website that NPH is rare, but can cause cognitive impairment including memory problems as well as trouble walking. Joel's statement said "this condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance." Prompt treatment can alleviate the condition if diagnosed early. Joel's scrapped dates include several in Britain, as well as a packed schedule crisscrossing the United States from July 2025 up until July 2026 when he was due to round off his ambitious string of dates in Charlotte, North Carolina. The "We Didn't Start the Fire" legend, 76, wrote "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding." Consummate New Yorker Joel has been a pop mainstay and performer extraordinaire since the 1970s, with a catalog of fan favorites including "Uptown Girl" and "New York State of Mind." Last year he capped a decade-long residency with more than 100 shows at Manhattan's famed Madison Square Garden. The residency drew in millions of fans and grossed more than $260 million. "Let's be real -- I'm from New York," the Bronx-born, Long Island-raised artist told journalists in the run-up to his 100th performance at the top arena. "This is my venue. Fortunately for me, Madison Square Garden is a world venue. You can play almost any other arena in the country and nobody else in the world is going to know about it," he said. Last year, Joel released his first new original song in almost two decades, "Turn the Lights Back On." The Grammy winner has a laundry list of accolades to his name, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in addition to that organization's top lifetime achievement honor. Joel is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as a Kennedy Center honoree.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billy Joel's Wife Gives Major Health Update After Singer Postpones Shows
It's no secret that Billy Joel is a living legend. At 75 years old, the 'Piano Man' singer has 13 studio albums under his belt, over 150 million records sold worldwide, six Grammy wins, he was inducted to both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the list goes on. With a track record like that, no one would blame Joel for retiring. However, the New York City native is still going strong—for the most part. In March, it was announced that Joel would be postponing eight shows of his tour due to a 'medical condition.' "The current tour will be postponed for four months to allow him to recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors," a statement read at the time. Related: Though he will begin performing again on July 5, his wife, Alexis Joel, gave fans an important update on his health. "He's doing well. It's funny, I was just having this conversation the other day. He's going to be 76. And I don't think of him that way. People don't think of him in that way, but he is. And he's been doing this job nonstop for 15 years — just this recent run,' Alexis, 39, shared in an interview with Fox News Digital. Joel and Alexis got married on July 4, 2015, and share daughters Della Rose and Remy Anne. He also has an older daughter named Alexa Ray, whom he shares with ex Christie Brinkley. "With the exception of COVID, he's been working every two weeks for 15-plus years—and it's a lot. At 75, 76, there comes a time where you can't always plan out everything you need to do a year and a half in advance, you know? And that's how long these schedules are. That's when you're booking things. You're booking it that long prior,' Alexis, who suffers from endometriosis, added. Ultimately, the mother of two made it clear that sometimes 'things have to get postponed,' but it's hardly marking the end of her husband's career. 'In the grand scheme of things, he's a healthy person, and he's well and working on himself, trying to get better and do what he has to do medically. So it's important, you know, we need him around so he has to do what he has to do,' Alexis said. 'I had to do what I had to do. Now he has to do what he has to do."
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Rape allegations 'false': Smokey Robinson's lawyer
Smokey Robinson's lawyer says allegations of rape and sexual assault against him in a lawsuit from four former housekeepers are "vile" and "false". Attorney Christopher Frost said in a statement on Wednesday that the evidence "will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon". The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday against the Motown music luminary seeks at least $50 million in damages over the alleged assaults, which the women say took place between 2007 and 2024. Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, is also named as a defendant for allegedly enabling his behaviour and creating an abusive work environment. "We will be addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies, and relationships between the plaintiffs and others," Frost's statement said. The four women each allege that Smokey Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles house and then sexually assault and rape them, in some cases for many years. The plaintiffs' lawyers, Harris and Herbert Hayden, said in a statement Thursday in response to Frost, "We stand behind our four clients' truthful claims, which are neither false nor vile, but clearly describe Mr. Robinson's despicable criminal acts." One woman said she worked for Robinson from 2012 until 2024 and was assaulted at least 20 times in that span. Another said she worked for him from 2014 until 2020 and was assaulted at least 23 times. All of the accusers said they eventually quit over the assaults, though in some cases it took several years. And all said they feared coming forward over fears of retaliation, public shame and possible effects on their immigration status. The same fears have kept the women from going to police to report Robinson, their lawyers said, though they also said they believe criminal investigation is warranted. The suit seeks damages based on sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and other allegations. Frost said Robinson would soon address the allegations himself, and that they would be asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit. Robinson, a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was among the biggest hitmakers of the 1960s as a central part of the Motown Records machine — both with his group the Miracles and as a solo artist, with songs including Tears Of A Clown and The Tracks Of My Tears. Smokey Robinson's lawyer says allegations of rape and sexual assault against him in a lawsuit from four former housekeepers are "vile" and "false". Attorney Christopher Frost said in a statement on Wednesday that the evidence "will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon". The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday against the Motown music luminary seeks at least $50 million in damages over the alleged assaults, which the women say took place between 2007 and 2024. Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, is also named as a defendant for allegedly enabling his behaviour and creating an abusive work environment. "We will be addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies, and relationships between the plaintiffs and others," Frost's statement said. The four women each allege that Smokey Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles house and then sexually assault and rape them, in some cases for many years. The plaintiffs' lawyers, Harris and Herbert Hayden, said in a statement Thursday in response to Frost, "We stand behind our four clients' truthful claims, which are neither false nor vile, but clearly describe Mr. Robinson's despicable criminal acts." One woman said she worked for Robinson from 2012 until 2024 and was assaulted at least 20 times in that span. Another said she worked for him from 2014 until 2020 and was assaulted at least 23 times. All of the accusers said they eventually quit over the assaults, though in some cases it took several years. And all said they feared coming forward over fears of retaliation, public shame and possible effects on their immigration status. The same fears have kept the women from going to police to report Robinson, their lawyers said, though they also said they believe criminal investigation is warranted. The suit seeks damages based on sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and other allegations. Frost said Robinson would soon address the allegations himself, and that they would be asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit. Robinson, a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was among the biggest hitmakers of the 1960s as a central part of the Motown Records machine — both with his group the Miracles and as a solo artist, with songs including Tears Of A Clown and The Tracks Of My Tears. Smokey Robinson's lawyer says allegations of rape and sexual assault against him in a lawsuit from four former housekeepers are "vile" and "false". Attorney Christopher Frost said in a statement on Wednesday that the evidence "will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon". The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday against the Motown music luminary seeks at least $50 million in damages over the alleged assaults, which the women say took place between 2007 and 2024. Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, is also named as a defendant for allegedly enabling his behaviour and creating an abusive work environment. "We will be addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies, and relationships between the plaintiffs and others," Frost's statement said. The four women each allege that Smokey Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles house and then sexually assault and rape them, in some cases for many years. The plaintiffs' lawyers, Harris and Herbert Hayden, said in a statement Thursday in response to Frost, "We stand behind our four clients' truthful claims, which are neither false nor vile, but clearly describe Mr. Robinson's despicable criminal acts." One woman said she worked for Robinson from 2012 until 2024 and was assaulted at least 20 times in that span. Another said she worked for him from 2014 until 2020 and was assaulted at least 23 times. All of the accusers said they eventually quit over the assaults, though in some cases it took several years. And all said they feared coming forward over fears of retaliation, public shame and possible effects on their immigration status. The same fears have kept the women from going to police to report Robinson, their lawyers said, though they also said they believe criminal investigation is warranted. The suit seeks damages based on sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and other allegations. Frost said Robinson would soon address the allegations himself, and that they would be asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit. Robinson, a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was among the biggest hitmakers of the 1960s as a central part of the Motown Records machine — both with his group the Miracles and as a solo artist, with songs including Tears Of A Clown and The Tracks Of My Tears. Smokey Robinson's lawyer says allegations of rape and sexual assault against him in a lawsuit from four former housekeepers are "vile" and "false". Attorney Christopher Frost said in a statement on Wednesday that the evidence "will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon". The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday against the Motown music luminary seeks at least $50 million in damages over the alleged assaults, which the women say took place between 2007 and 2024. Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, is also named as a defendant for allegedly enabling his behaviour and creating an abusive work environment. "We will be addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies, and relationships between the plaintiffs and others," Frost's statement said. The four women each allege that Smokey Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles house and then sexually assault and rape them, in some cases for many years. The plaintiffs' lawyers, Harris and Herbert Hayden, said in a statement Thursday in response to Frost, "We stand behind our four clients' truthful claims, which are neither false nor vile, but clearly describe Mr. Robinson's despicable criminal acts." One woman said she worked for Robinson from 2012 until 2024 and was assaulted at least 20 times in that span. Another said she worked for him from 2014 until 2020 and was assaulted at least 23 times. All of the accusers said they eventually quit over the assaults, though in some cases it took several years. And all said they feared coming forward over fears of retaliation, public shame and possible effects on their immigration status. The same fears have kept the women from going to police to report Robinson, their lawyers said, though they also said they believe criminal investigation is warranted. The suit seeks damages based on sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and other allegations. Frost said Robinson would soon address the allegations himself, and that they would be asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit. Robinson, a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was among the biggest hitmakers of the 1960s as a central part of the Motown Records machine — both with his group the Miracles and as a solo artist, with songs including Tears Of A Clown and The Tracks Of My Tears.
