Saturday, May 18, 2013

Saturday Music Digest--May 18, 2013

Stemming from an "inflamation of his vocal cords," Smokey Robinson postponed his concerts for the rest of May on Friday (May 10).

Little Richard received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia Saturday (May 11). Meanwhile, Macon officials announced Friday that Richard's boyhood home there will be moved to avoid being demolished by a highway construction project. In its new location, the home will become a neighborhood resource center.

Doctors have ordered Aretha Franklin to cancel performances in Chicago May 20 and Connecticut May 26 so she can undergo an unspecified "treatment." The announcement was made Monday (May 13). The 71 year-old's next scheduled performance is June 22 in Clarkston, Michigan. This didn't keep the singer however from making an appearance on American Idol this past week.

Judith Durham, lead singer of the Seekers, suffered a brain hemmorhage Tuesday (May 14) while the group was on tour in Melbourne, Australia. She was hospitalized, but was described as "lucid and comfortable" as she undergoes further tests. The group's 50th anniversary tour has now been scrapped.




Songwriter Ray Whitley, who gave us the Tams' "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy", "What Kind Of Fool" and "I've Been Hurt" (the latter two also hits for Bill Deal & the Rhondels), died Sunday (May 5) in Gainesville, Georgia at the age of 69. Ray recorded a smattering of unsuccessful singles himself and also wrote songs for-- among others-- Billy Joe Royal, the Swinging Medallions, Joe South and Tommy Roe. He should not be confused with the similarly-named country singer/songwriter who wrote "Back In The Saddle Again."


Bob Dylan did not attend his induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters Wednesday (May 15). He did issue a statement concerning the prestigious membership, which allows only 250 members at a time. Said Bob, “I feel extremely honored and very lucky to be included in this pantheon of great individual artists who comprise the Academy of Arts and Letters. I look forward to meeting all of you some time soon."


A two-day auction of artwork owned by the late Andy Williams brought in $46 million on the first day Wednesday (May 15) in New York. One painting alone by Willem de Koonings garnered $9.7 million.


Carlos Santana Inducted Into Vegas House of Blues:  http://www.rttnews.com/2116519/carlos-santana-inducted-into-vegas-house-of-blues.aspx?type=crk

John Densmore Comments on Feud With Doors Bandmates: http://www.rttnews.com/2116305/john-densmore-comments-on-feud-with-doors-bandmates.aspx?type=crk

Fleetwood Mac Planning To Release More New Music: http://www.rttnews.com/2116302/fleetwood-mac-planning-to-release-more-new-music.aspx?type=crk

Allman Brothers Band Releasing "Brothers and Sisters' 40th Anniversary Box Set: http://ultimateclassicrock.com/allman-brothers-band-brothers-and-sisters-box-set/

Jimi Hendrix Invited Paul McCartney For Miles Davis Recording Session:  http://www.rttnews.com/2116664/jimi-hendrix-invited-paul-mccartney-for-miles-davis-recording-session.aspx?type=crk

John Mellencamp Musical To Tour: http://www.rttnews.com/2116662/john-mellencamp-musical-to-tour.aspx?type=crk

The Moody Blues Announce 10-city Tour: http://www.oldies1150.com/News/Music.aspx?articleID=1143185

 Harry Nilsson 'The RCA Albums Collection' Box Set Announced: http://ultimateclassicrock.com/harry-nilsson-box-set/

Lou Gramm Considering Retirement:  http://www.rttnews.com/2116673/lou-gramm-considering-retirement.aspx?type=crk

New Beach Boys Musical in Planning Stages: http://www.oldies1150.com/News/Music.aspx?articleID=1143233

John Fogerty Announces Birthday Bash & Album Release Gig: http://www.oldies1150.com/News/Music.aspx?articleID=1143226

Lennon Missed England Prior to Death: http://www.rttnews.com/2117801/lennon-missed-england-prior-to-death-in-nyc-says-new-book.aspx?type=crk


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