Music News Headlines - Yahoo! News UK

Folk artist Doc Watson's responsive after surgery - agent

Fri, 25 May 2012 23:35:36 +0100

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (Reuters) - Grammy-winning folk musician Doc Watson remained in critical condition on Friday but had regained some strength after undergoing colon surgery at a North Carolina hospital, according to his management team. A statement on Folklore Productions International's website said the 89-year-old performer was "resting and responsive" following his surgery on Thursday. "The family appreciates everyone's prayers and good wishes," the statement said. ...

John Lydon boosts his Public Image with new album

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:05:11 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - As bad boy lead singer of the anarchic, trail-blazing and short-lived 1970s punk band the Sex Pistols, John Lydon (then Johnny Rotten) snarled and spat his way across a shocked society and music scene still pleasantly half-high from the mellow 1960s. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Lydon left the Pistols in 1978 to form the more experimental - if less commercially successful - Public Image Ltd., and for the next 15 years the band's shifting lineup released a dozen albums and toured the world. ...

Sade brings it home with concert film and live CD

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:42:05 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sade fans have had to learn to be very patient. After a decade-long hiatus, the soulful jazz band led by Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu, 53, returned to the stage with their "Bring Me Home" tour last year. And for those who couldn't make it to a show, there is now an album and film. This week, Sade released "Bring Me Home - Live 2011," a live CD and concert film directed by frequent collaborator Sophie Muller shot over several stops on the tour. ...

Vegas probes report of underage gambling by Houston's daughter

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:21:59 +0100

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Nevada authorities are investigating reports that Bobbi Kristina Brown, the 19-year-old daughter of late singer Whitney Houston, was gambling while underage at a Las Vegas hotel last weekend. The investigation follows a video posted by celebrity website TMZ.com that appeared to show Brown sitting at a slot machine at the city's MGM Grand hotel and casino on Saturday. Brown, Houston's only child, was in Las Vegas to receive an award on her mother's behalf at the Billboard Music Awards show on Sunday at the hotel. Nevada state law prohibits gambling by anyone under 21. ...

A little music goes a long way in Egypt vote

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:22:20 +0100

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's presidential hopefuls have had to zip their lips before voting starts, but there is no stopping the songs that pump up their virtues in styles ranging from hip-hop to folk. For the first time Egyptians get to pick their leader in voting on Wednesday and Thursday in a fiercely contested race enlivened by another novelty - online music videos. Many of them are the work of underground musicians who flourished since the popular uprising that overthrew Hosni Mubarak last year and who can capture political moments too fleeting for the mainstream music industry to latch ...

Perry takes gran to Billboard bash

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:14:54 +0100

Katy Perry took her grandmother as a date to the Billboard Music Awards, while fellow songstress Adele picked up a dozen gongs.

Whitney Houston's last record released for "Sparkle"

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:55:08 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Whitney Houston's last recording - a new duet with "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks - was released on Monday ahead of the singer's upcoming film, "Sparkle." "Celebrate," produced by R. Kelly for "Sparkle" which will hit movie theatres on August 17, was recorded by Houston shortly before her sudden death aged 48 in February. The up-tempo track features disco beats and a positive message, as Sparks and Houston sing lyrics such as "I'm going to celebrate, celebrate you." Sparks throws in "We love you Whitney" at the end of the song. ...

Singer Robin Gibb, Bee Gees co-founder, dies at 62

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:34:40 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb, who with brothers Barry and Maurice helped define the disco era with their falsetto harmonies and funky beats on hits like "Stayin' Alive" and "Jive Talkin'", died on Sunday after a long fight with cancer. He was 62. The singer had colon and liver cancer and, despite brief improvements in his health in recent months, passed away on Sunday evening. Gibb died at the London Clinic surrounded by his second wife Dwina, sons Spencer and Robin-John and daughter Melissa. ...

Bee Gees Singer Robin Gibb Dies Aged 62

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:11:41 +0100

Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb has died following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Music stars lead tributes to Gibb

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:42:36 +0100

The entertainment world has led tributes to Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb after the "musical giant" lost a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 62.

Adele, LMFAO sweep tribute-filled Billboard awards

Mon, 21 May 2012 05:16:12 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Energetic performances and heart-felt tributes took centre stage at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, as Adele, LMFAO, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift came away top awards. British Grammy-winning singer Adele won 12 awards from 18 nominations for her juggernaut album "21," including top artist, top female artist and top album. Her awards were not presented during the live show and the singer was not present. ...

Wood joins Lauper in charity gig

Sat, 19 May 2012 10:28:15 +0100

Party-goers were treated to a rare performance when Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood joined pop star Cyndi Lauper on stage for an impromptu duet.

Obama Pays Tribute To 'Legend' Donna Summer

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:42:22 +0100

US President Barack Obama has paid to singer Donna Summer, who died of cancer on Thursday at the age of 63.

Lopez Named World's Most Powerful Celebrity

Fri, 18 May 2012 03:42:49 +0100

American Idol judge, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez has been named the most powerful celebrity in the world by Forbes magazine.

Adele notches up two Ivor Novello songwriting awards

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:15:57 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - British singer Adele won two Ivor Novello awards for songwriting on Thursday, adding to a lengthening list of musical accolades, but she lost out in the best album and song categories. The 24-year-old chart queen picked up two coveted Ivor Novello prizes for the most performed song of 2011 ("Rolling in the Deep") and songwriter of the year. ...

Adele set to dominate music awards

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:38:49 +0100

Some of the biggest names in the music business are expected to be at the Ivor Novello Awards on Thursday.

Busy Jennifer Lopez casts doubt on more "American Idol"

Thu, 17 May 2012 01:32:37 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Jennifer Lopez is casting doubt on whether she will return to "American Idol" next year as she juggles motherhood with a comeback in both her pop music and acting careers. Lopez, who has young twins, told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres this week that she wasn't sure about renewing her contract as a judge on the TV singing contest for a third year. And on Wednesday, sources close to the singer told E! News that she was "just too busy" and was planning on calling an end to her time on "American Idol". "Now this is my second year - I don't know if I can go for a third ...

"Godfather of Go-Go" Chuck Brown dies at 75

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:32:01 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Chuck Brown, known as the "Godfather of Go-Go" for the subgenre of funk music he helped create, died on Wednesday at the Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore after being admitted earlier this month suffering from pneumonia. A spokeswoman for the hospital confirmed the death but could not provide a cause, and Brown's manager, Tom Goldfogle, was not immediately available to comment. Goldfogle told the Washington Post Brown died of complications from sepsis. Brown, a singer/songwriter and guitarist had been a key personality in the Washington, D.C. ...

Britney is back - and so are the brickbats

Wed, 16 May 2012 23:25:20 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Britney Spears hasn't even taken her seat as the new judge of "The X Factor" in the U.S., but the pop icon is already getting a lesson in the media glare of live, talent show television. Spears had barely wrapped up an appearance in New York confirming she is joining the singing contest before the celebrity knives were out, raising the question of how well the singer, who went through a public meltdown in 2007, can handle all the newfound attention. ...

J.Lo topples Gaga to lead Forbes celebrity power list

Wed, 16 May 2012 19:55:50 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jennifer Lopez has topped the annual Forbes list of the 100 most powerful celebrities in the world, taking over from fellow pop singer Lady Gaga and beating out media mogul Oprah Winfrey. The 42-year-old singer, actress and dancer, who rose up through the entertainment world ranks from her humble birthplace of the Bronx, New York, surprisingly jumped from 50th place on last year's list that measures power by entertainment related earnings, media visibility and social media popularity. Forbes estimated Lopez' earnings in the past 12 months at $52 million (32. ...

U.S. "X Factor" may be singing "Oops!..." over Britney

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:21:30 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Simon Cowell and Fox television are gambling on pop icon Britney Spears and teen singer Demi Lovato to revive "The X Factor", but for many media watchers it could be a case of "Oops!..." did they do it again? Spears, 30, and former Disney Channel star Lovato, 19, are expected to bring in bigger, and more importantly younger, audiences when the singing contest returns for its second season on U.S. television in September after a weaker-than-expected debut in 2011. ...

Will.i.am sends his music to space

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:01:50 +0100

Will.i.am is set to produce an exclusive track which will be launched into outer space, it has been reported.

Zooey Deschanel to portray Loretta Lynn on Broadway

Fri, 11 May 2012 19:40:17 +0100

(Reuters) - Actress and singer Zooey Deschanel, the star of the hit television show "New Girl," will portray country music legend Loretta Lynn on Broadway in the upcoming stage adaptation of the award-winning film "Coal Miner's Daughter." Lynn made the announcement in a statement after introducing and singing with Deschanel during a performance Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium during the Opry Country Classics in Nashville. "It's a long way from Butcher Holler to Broadway in New York City. ...

The Simpsons go Gaga for season finale

Thu, 10 May 2012 21:34:22 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Watch out Springfield, little monsters are coming to town! Pop star Lady Gaga has revealed that she will grace the season finale of Fox's hit animation show "The Simpsons" to her 23 million Twitter fans, known as 'little monsters,' with a promotional trailer for the episode. The teaser, which she posted on Wednesday, shows Gaga mania spreading through the Simpson's hometown of Springfield and features clips of the pop star in some of her trademark outfits, including a flame-spitting bra and her meat dress. ...

BGT Sam Kelly: I don’t have a girlfriend, I’m focusing on my music

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:44:55 +0100

Britain's Got Talent hottie Sam Kelly has got lashings of female attention (including from us) since appearing on our screens. But BGT star Sam Kelly - who last night won the public vote to make it through to Saturday's final …

CBGB's looks for new location, plans NY music festival

Tue, 08 May 2012 19:55:01 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York's legendary punk-rock music venue CBGB's may be on its way back -- in a new location with new music. New club investors are currently pursuing a permanent downtown Manhattan venue for the club that shuttered its doors in 2006, according to a club spokesman, who emphasized the managers of new venue will not be trying to emulate the past. "They are hoping to open a new venue focused on new music," the spokesman said. "They are not trying to recreate the past but hope to open a space in the spirit of CBGB. ...

No Doubt to release first album in a decade in September

Mon, 07 May 2012 23:09:02 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California pop-rock band No Doubt will be making their long-anticipated return to music this September with a new album on September 25, the band said on their website over the weekend. The group, formed of lead singer Gwen Stefani, guitarist Tom Dumont, bassist Tony Kanal and drummer Adrian Young, will be release their first record in more than a decade following 2001's "Rock Steady. ...

Jason Mraz eulogizes love in new album

Fri, 04 May 2012 20:17:30 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - After rocketing to international fame with his bubbly pop track "I'm Yours" in 2008, singer Jason Mraz strapped on his cowboy boots and added a country flair to his fourth album, "Love Is A Four Letter Word." Mraz, 34, known for his laid-back folk-pop melodies, embraced a mantra of peaceful southern California beachside living for the record, which is currently in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart. Mraz said his inspiration came from a piece of artwork, which features rectangles, circles, triangles and squares placed alongside each other to form the word ...

Beyonce honoured for magazine piece

Fri, 04 May 2012 06:44:36 +0100

Beyonce is accustomed to getting awards for writing songs, but now she has earned one for writing a magazine piece.

Gotye aims to avoid being somebody we used to know

Thu, 03 May 2012 22:47:38 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Australian singer Gotye has conquered the United States with his heartfelt pop tune "Somebody That I Used To Know," but even as it hits No. 1 on singles charts, he is eager to become someone fans will always know for his "peculiar" sound. Gotye has enjoyed a rapid rise in fame, not just in the U.S. but around the world, for the song of a failed relationship that features New Zealand artist Kimbra. But his offbeat music and rocket ride to stardom has led many to consider whether his career will be short-lived. He doesn't think so. ...

Michael Jackson dances again on one billion Pepsi cans

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:59:31 +0100

(Reuters) - Michael Jackson is dancing again, on Pepsi cans. The soft drink maker and the estate for the late pop star on Thursday unveiled plans to put the singer's silhouette on one billion soft drink cans in a global pop culture ad campaign. The late King of Pop, who pitched Pepsi in 1980s commercials as "the choice of a new generation", will appear in some of his iconic dance poses for the promotion, which will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the singer's "Bad" album. ...

Kate Bush scoops South Bank award

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:13:34 +0100

Reclusive singer Kate Bush pipped Adele to a prestigious prize after her latest album was recognised at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards.

Wainwright tries pop's mainstream with new album

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:34:54 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters) - After writing an opera, recreating Judy Garland's classic Carnegie Hall show and performing one concert tour dressed, in his words, as a crazed feathered ghost, Rufus Wainwright is edging toward pop's mainstream. The experimental singer-songwriter has teamed with popular British DJ and music producer Mark Ronson, who helped create Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black," for what is being touted as Wainwright's most commercial album yet, "Out of the Game," released in the United States on Tuesday. ...

Peel music collection going online

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:42:49 +0100

Music fans will be able to rifle through the contents of John Peel's record collection as the late DJ's huge archive begins to be opened to the public.

Berlin yodel school revamping alpine sound of music

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:57:07 +0100

BERLIN (Reuters) - The distinctive warble of yodelling strikes a dissonant note in the middle of a gritty Berlin district that is home to a thriving Turkish population and peppered with trendy bars. But if you walk down the street from the kebab shops and anarchist graffiti scrawled on the pavement, you will catch the mellifluous sounds usually heard in Swiss Alps -- a noise that grows louder when you enter Doreen Kutze's hairdressing salon. Instead of perms and highlights, Kutze rents out the space to offer wannabe yodellers lessons in the art of alpine singing. ...

Katy Perry to wear cowboy boots and a Stetson as vows to be a country music star – yee haa!

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:21:20 +0100

Katy Perry certainly likes to mix up her wardrobe, what with her dressed as Military Barbie on American Idol last week, but now the blue-haired songstress wants another image change and it'll affect her music this time too. It'll be …

Keys a big inspiration to Katy B

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:24:57 +0100

Alicia Keys would be Katy B's dream duet, the singer has revealed.

Jepsen keeps Harris off top spot

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:04:51 +0100

Scottish singer and music producer Calvin Harris has claimed this week's highest new entry in the singles charts, rocketing into the number two slot with Let's Go.

Music fans hanker for Ray Charles hologram - poll

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:53:59 +0100

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - When a hologram of late rapper Tupac Shakur appeared on stage with Snoop Dogg at the recent Coachella music festival, it stunned audiences by literally bringing the performer back to life - technologically, anyway. Reuters asked Los Angeles-based E-Poll Market Research, which surveys consumers about celebrities for Hollywood's major studios and TV networks, to pull together a list of dead celebrities who remain popular and, like Tupac, might still be big draws at a concert if only as a hologram. ...

Adele's label XL is big winner at Music Week Awards

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:48:24 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Record label XL was the big winner at the Music Week Awards late on Thursday, picking up four prizes mainly for its work on Adele's chart-topping "21". At a ceremony in central London, music business publication Music Week honoured XL Recordings with the A & R Award, the artist marketing campaign prize for 21 and the best record company award. Richard Russell, XL Recordings boss, also picked up the outstanding contribution prize, while Adele turned up to present her manager Jonathan Dickins with his manager of the year award. ...