Nancy Wilson hopeful about a new Heart tour: “I think [Ann] wants to do, and I want to do it”

August 16, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Heart‘s Ann and Nancy Wilson have both been busy with solo musical projects since the band last toured in 2019, but Nancy says she thinks there’s a good chance that the Rock & Roll Hall Fame group will hit the road again, possibly as early as next year.

“[Ann and I] don’t…speak real directly really often these days, but I think she wants to do [another tour],” the Heart guitarist tells ABC Audio. “And I want to do it. She knows that I want to do it.”

Nancy continues, “I think it’s just, you know, the devil’s in the details about who’s in the band and…making all the choices, because we’re partners in the project, so, you know, prerequisite decisions have to be made first.”

With the two sisters recording and releasing their own solo projects lately, they now each have backing groups. With that in mind, Nancy notes, “To me, the most important thing is who’s in the [Heart touring] band. So, we’re gonna figure it out.”

While no definite plans are in place for a new Heart trek, Nancy reveals that Live Nation has made an offer to the band for a 2022 tour.

Meanwhile, Nancy, who released a debut solo studio album titled You and Me in May, will play a special orchestral show with her solo band and the Seattle Symphony on October 30 at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall.

Nancy tells ABC Audio that she feels it would “be a sweet thing” if Heart also lined up some concerts with orchestral accompaniment.

Visit SeattleSymphony.org for more details about Nancy’s Seattle show.

DJ Khaled says he and family are “all good now” after recovering from COVID

August 16, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Roc Nation

DJ Khaled and his family are “all good now” after recovering from COVID-19.

Late last week, the music producer took to Instagram to thank everyone for their support while battling the virus.

“Thank you for your calls and prayers! My family and I recovered from COVID and we’re all good now!!” he wrote in a text note.

Khaled also shared photos and videos of his family, which includes sons Asahd, 4, and Aalam, 18 months, who he shares with wife Nicole Tuck.

Alongside the series of snapshots, Khaled reiterated his thankfulness in the caption, writing, “Please be safe out there! Please take care of yourself.”

“Thank you to DOCTORS ,thank you Dovi thank you to my Queen thank you Rosa thank you to my WE THE BEST team my management ROCNATION and My partners at EPIC RECORDS for holding me up while Me and my family focused on recovery,” he added.

It is unknown when the “Let It Go” artist and his family tested positive.

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Long Time Here: David Crosby celebrates his 80th birthday today

August 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Happy 80th birthday to David Crosby, the golden-voiced folk-rock legend who co-founded The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and also has established a thriving solo career.

Among the well-known songs Crosby has penned or co-written are The Byrds’ “Eight Miles High” and “Renaissance Fair,” CSN’s “Wooden Ships,” “Guinnevere” and “Long Time Gone,” and CSNY’s “Almost Cut My Hair” and “Déjà Vu.”

The singer/songwriter also infamously struggled with drug abuse during the 1970s and ’80s, and spent nine months in jail in 1982 and ’83 after being convicted on drug and gun-possession charges. In 1994, he underwent a liver transplant, and he also has experienced various other health issues in recent years.

Crosby was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Byrds in 1991 and CSN in 1997.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Crosby continued to tour and occasionally record with CSN and CSNY. Also during that period, David played and recorded with the band CPR, which also featured his son James Raymond on keyboards and guitarist Jeff Pevar.

Up until 2016, David’s main musical focus had been touring with CSN and working as a duo with Graham Nash, but a rift with Nash resulted in the trio going on indefinite hiatus and led Crosby to concentrate on solo projects.

Since 2016, David has released four solo albums. His latest, For Free, which hit stores on July 23. features major contributions from Raymond, plus collaborations with Michael McDonald and Sarah Jarosz.

In 2019, a documentary focusing on Crosby’s life called David Crosby: Remember My Name premiered. The film featured segments on David’s late-career creative resurgence and his rifts with Nash, Neil Young and Byrds frontman Roger McGuinn.

In a Twitter message posted today, Crosby revealed that he was working on songs for another new solo project.

Eagles’ 1970s studio albums getting released as high-quality two-LP vinyl sets

August 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

High-quality audiophile versions of The Eagles‘ classic 1970s albums are being reissued as two-LP 45-rpm vinyl box sets and on the SACD format by the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, Billboard reports.

According to Billboard, Rhino Entertainment is licensing the band’s first six studio efforts — 1972’s Eagles, 1973’s Desperado, 1974’s On the Border, 1975’s One of These Nights, 1976’s Hotel California and 1979’s The Long Run — to the Mobile Fidelity company, with Eagles due out on August 15 and Desperado set for a September 15 release. Release dates for the other albums will be announced later.

The vinyl box sets, which are pressed on 180-gram vinyl, are priced at $125, while the SACDs cost $29.99. Only 7,500 copies of the LP collections will be available, limited to two copies per household.

“We are incredibly honored to be doing these Eagles records,” says Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab executive Josh Bizar, adding about the vinyl collections’ high price tag, “[P]eople will pay more for a quality product.”

Eagles was released in June 1972, and features such classic tunes as “Take It Easy,” “Witchy Woman” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” Desperado arrived in April of 1973, and includes the memorable title track, plus “Tequila Sunrise.”

Visit MoFi.com to pre-order Eagles and Desperado and to find out more info about the reissues.

Meanwhile, The Eagles are set to launch their 2021 orchestral tour celebrating Hotel California on Sunday, August 22, at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden. The trek is mapped out through a recently announced November 5 show in Seattle, tickets for which went on sale to the general public today.

Latest episode of ‘Queen The Greatest’ YouTube series focuses on five hits written by guitarist Brian May

August 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The latest episode of Queen‘s weekly YouTube video series Queen The Greatest premiered today, profiling five successful songs that guitarist Brian May has written for the band.

The installment begins by noting that Brian “has contributed some of the band’s most anthemic and best-loved songs,” including “Who Wants to Live Forever,” “Flash,” “The Show Must Go On,” “Keep Yourself Alive,” “Now I’m Here” and “Tie Your Mother Down.”

The first song profiled is 1977’s “We Will Rock You,” followed by 1978’s “Fat Bottomed Girls,” 1980’s “Save Me,” 1985’s “Hammer to Fall” and 1989’s “I Want It All.”

Each segment includes a clip from the music videos that Queen made to accompany the tunes.

“We Will Rock You” peaked at #2 and #4, respectively, on the U.K. and U.S. singles charts, while “Fat Bottomed Girls” reached #11 and #24, respectively. “Save Me” and “Hammer to Fall” landed at #11 and #13, respectively, in the U.K., but failed to chart in the States. As for “I Want It All,” it peaked at #3 in Queen’s home country, while only reaching #50 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Queen The Greatest series previously featured installments profiling songs written by drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon, while an episode focusing on the compositions of late frontman Freddie Mercury is yet to come.

Earth, Wind & Fire releasing updated version of their 1976 hit “Can’t Hide Love” next week

August 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

On Friday, August 20, Earth, Wind & Fire will release a new, reimagined version of their 1976 hit “Can’t Hide Love,” titled “You Want My Love” that they recorded in collaboration with acclaimed producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lucky Daye.

The new track, which you can pre-save now, song will be the first release as part of a new global deal between Earth, Wind & Fire and Universal Music Enterprises that will see the R&B/funk legends putting out a series of collaborative songs in the coming months.

“You Want My Love” features a vocal performance from Daye and guitars by Edmonds, who also co-produced the song with Demonte Posey.

Earth, Wind & Fire lead singer Philip Bailey says, “I am super hyped about this all-star collaboration — Earth, Wind & Fire, Lucky Daye, and Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds producing. It was an honor to join forces with these two superstars, and I truly believe we’ve created a winner all the way.”

Adds Edmonds, “We really wanted to bring a tremendous, iconic song that is unmistakably Earth, Wind & Fire into the contemporary world of Lucky Daye. The goal was to create a reimagined version of this classic song that reflects Lucky’s unique voice and musical style, while still honoring the original.”

Earth, Wind & Fire, along with Daye and Babyface, will give “You Want My Love” its live debut when they perform together at the star-studded We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert, taking place in New York City’s Central Park on Saturday, August 21.

“Can’t Hide Love” was written by Skip Scarborough and was originally recorded by the soul group Creative Source in 1973. EWF’s version appeared on their 1975 album Gratitude, and peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year.

Shy Carter shares a “Beer with My Friends” in fun new video featuring Cole Swindell and David Lee Murphy

August 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Shy Carter’s new music video for “Beer With My Friends,” a collaboration with Cole Swindell and David Lee Murphy, looks like a honky-tonkin’ good time, and for good reason: The singer says he and his buddies were just hanging out and having fun when they made it.

“Shooting this video was a blast,” says Shy. “David Lee is the coolest guy ever, and Cole Swindell just kills it. Like the song says, I got to hang out with them and a whole bunch of other beautiful people all day!”

With sway-along gang vocals and fun-loving verses traded between the three country pals, the song is all about friendship — and the music video gives that friendship a visual element.

“We even had a line dance choreographed, which fit right in with the whole vibe of the party,” Shy continues. “So go watch the video, dance and crack a cold one!”

It’s not the first time Shy has found country magic with a musical friend. In 2019, he duetted with Tim McGraw on Tim’s “Way Down.”

J-Hud’s ‘Respect’ soundtrack takes flight; “Bow Wow vs. Soulja Boy” drops; and more

August 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Jennifer Hudson is celebrating the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, with more than just a film based on her life.

On Friday, the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to Respect was released, featuring 17 uplifting songs sung by Hudson. Some of those soulful ballads include renditions of Aretha’s hits “Respect” and “Chain of Fools,” as well as the inspirational hymn “Amazing Grace.” Additionally, Hudson shared the music video for the original song “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” — which she wrote along with four-time Grammy winner Carole King and Jamie Hartman. Respect, also starring Forest Whitaker and Marlon Wayans, is now in theaters. The soundtrack is available now on CD, vinyl and digital platforms.

In other music-related news, after squaring off during a Verzuz battle in June, rappers Bow Wow and Soulja Boy have reunited for a new music video aptly titled “Bow Wow vs. Soulja Boy.” The video, set at a mansion pool party, shows the two artists enjoying a lavish lifestyle that includes high-end cars, plenty of cash being thrown around, and — of course — a bevy of scantily clad women standing around and posing.

Finally, producer Swizz Beatz has unveiled his latest song from the forthcoming Godfather of Harlem Season 2 soundtrack. Titled “Brick by Brick,” the new track features rappers Westside Gunn and Fabolous talking about the harsh realities of life. Godfather of Harlem, starring Forest Whitaker, airs Sunday nights on Epix. New music from the soundtrack will be released weekly ahead of each episode.

Stevie Wonder to perform with rapper Common on Stand Up to Cancer telethon

August 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The seventh annual Stand Up to Cancer telethon will feature a performance by Stevie Wonder and rapper Common during the hour-long special.

Brittany Howard also will be taking the stage during the charity event, set to air on Saturday, August 21. Ken Jeong and his wife, Tran Ho, as well as Anthony Anderson and Sofia Vergara, will serve as the night’s hosts.

Reese Witherspoon, alongside husband Jim Toth, have signed on as the fundraiser’s executive producers.

Other recognizable names participating in the Stand Up to Cancer telethon to help raise funds will be Matthew McConaughey, Tony Hale, Jennifer Garner, Katie Couric, Jaime Camil, Max Greenfield, Chandra Wilson, Kate del Castillo and MJ Rodriquez.

In addition to the star power, those personally affected by cancer will share their experiences with the disease.

The commercial-free fundraiser will be telecast across all major networks on August 21, including ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, as well as major streaming networks, starting at 8 p.m. ET.

To date, Stand Up to Cancer has raised over $600 million for its mission to fund research aimed at curing the disease, which has led to several new therapies and hundreds of clinical trials.

Darius Rucker offers his thoughts on Morgan Wallen’s racial slur scandal: “Racism still lives

August 13, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Back in February, Morgan Wallen’s promising arc towards country superstardom came screeching to a halt after doorcam video footage emerged that showed him shouting the n-word as he said goodbye to a car full of friends at the end of a night of partying.

In this week’s installment of People’s People in the ‘90s podcast, Darius Rucker recalls his reaction to the incident, which led to Morgan’s being benched by his label and many country stations, and cost him his eligibility at multiple awards shows. Like many others, Darius says he was “shocked” by the singer’s behavior.

“I know Morgan and I like Morgan,” he explained. “It’s one of those things that where you know that all over the country, there’s a lot of people that use that word flippantly.”

But that doesn’t mitigate the seriousness of Morgan’s use of the word, Rucker continues.

“Even if they say they don’t mean it in a derogatory way, you just don’t use it. You don’t say it,” Darius stresses.

“It’s shocking how prevalent it is. Racism still lives,” the singer continues. “It lives strong in some people and it’s sad. It should be getting better and it’s getting worse.”

One of country music’s few mainstream Black stars, Darius — who’s also the frontman of rock group Hootie & the Blowfish — debuted as a solo artist in the genre in 2008.

Last month, Morgan gave his first major interview since the scandal, sitting down with Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan to talk about the incident and share what he’s been doing during his time away from the spotlight.

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