Music – Page 3440 – 105.7 WDNY

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin was born 80 years ago today

March 25, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Today would have been Aretha Franklin‘s 80th birthday, so let’s show the late Queen of Soul some major respect.

Widely considered one of the all-time greatest vocalists, Franklin started singing gospel music as a child in the Detroit church where her father was minister. In 1960, at age 18, she signed to Columbia Records and experienced some R&B chart success. Her career really took off after signing to Atlantic Records in 1967.

For Atlantic, Franklin recorded the now-classics “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and many more.

Franklin was also part of the civil rights movement of the ’60s. She sang at events with Martin Luther King Jr., and “Respect” became a civil rights anthem. When King was assassinated in 1968, Franklin performed at his funeral.

Aretha’s hits continued through the ’70s. After leaving Atlantic Records, she signed to Clive Davis‘ label, Arista, in 1980. With Arista, she racked up hits like “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” and “Freeway of Love.” In 1987, she became the first female performer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Around this time, Aretha also recorded duets with various artists, including Eurythmics and George Michael. She and Michael scored a #1 hit with “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me.”

In 1994, Franklin was saluted at the Kennedy Center Honors and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Her other honors included the National Medal of the Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Sadly, Aretha died of pancreatic cancer in August 2018. She was 76.

Last August, the well-received Aretha biopic Respect was released. It starred Jennifer Hudson, whom Franklin had chosen to portray her.

Also last year, Rolling Stone published its updated “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list. At #1? Aretha’s “Respect.”

Blake Shelton “in shock and broken-hearted” after six teens die in a car crash in his Oklahoma hometown

March 25, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Tragedy struck close to home for Blake Shelton this week, when six teenagers were killed in a devastating car crash in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

Blake owns a ranch in the same town, which is home to a population of just over 3,000. Not only was it a hometown tragedy for the superstar, but it also caused him to revisit a heartbreaking loss from his past. The singer’s brother, Richie, died in a car crash in 1990, when he was just 24 years old.

“In the wake of yesterday’s unthinkable crash in our small town of Tishomingo, we as a community have all been in shock and broken-hearted,” Blake tells People in a statement. “I personally know the devastation of suddenly losing a loved one in a car accident. But our community is strong and has come together to support and wrap our arms around the families and friends that are hurting the most.”

Blake also asked for fans to keep those affected by the tragedy in their thoughts: “There’s no question it will take a long time to heal from this tragedy. Keep the prayers coming.”

The wreck occurred on Tuesday afternoon, when six female Tishomingo High School students were on their lunch break. Their small car, which seated only four, collided with a large truck. Among those killed were the 16-year-old driver, three 15-year-olds and two 17-year-olds. Because they are minors, their names have not been publicly released.

Blake’s love for his home state often shows up in his song lyrics. His Oklahoma ranch was also the scene of his wedding to Gwen Stefani last summer.

Deep Purple’s classic album ‘Machine Head,’ featuring “Smoke on the Water,” celebrates its 50th anniversary

March 25, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Deep Purple‘s classic sixth studio album, Machine Head, was released 50 years ago today. The record features some of the British rockers’ most enduring tunes, including “Highway Star,” “Space Truckin'” and, of course, the band’s signature song, “Smoke on the Water.”

Driven by the popularity of “Smoke on the Water,” Machine Head became Deep Purple’s highest-charting and best-selling album in the U.S., peaking at #7 on the Billboard 200 and selling over two million copies.

“Smoke on the Water” reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, the band’s best-charting U.S. single along with 1968’s “Hush.”

Deep Purple recorded Machine Head in late 1971 in Montreux, Switzerland, on Lake Geneva. While the band was there, the infamous incident occurred that inspired “Smoke on the Water.” Frank Zappa was playing a concert at the Montreux Casino, and during the show, someone in the audience fired a flare gun into the venue’s bamboo ceiling, causing a fire that burned down the building.

After the band had recorded a track featuring guitarist Ritchie Blackmore‘s famous riff, singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover came up with the lyrics telling the story of the fire.

In 2016, Guitar Player magazine ranked the “Smoke on the Water” riff as the second greatest guitar riff of all time. Blackmore tells ABC Audio that with songs by The Kinks and The Rolling Stones in mind, he intentionally wrote the riff simply figuring it would have wider appeal.

“[M]y whole idea was to pull myself back and think, ‘I want to play something the postman can whistle when he’s…delivering letters,'” he explains.

Ritchie adds, “I think [that’s] why a lot of guitarists go to music shops and play it, because it’s very simple to play.”

Here’s the full Machine Head track list:

“Highway Star”
“Maybe I’m a Leo”
“Pictures of Home”
“Never Before”
“Smoke on the Water”
“Lazy”
“Space Truckin'”

Rick Astley releasing expanded 35th anniversary version of debut album ‘Whenever You Need Somebody’

March 24, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Rick Astley‘s 1987 debut album, Whenever You Need Somebody, celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and to mark the milestone, and remastered and expanded version of the hugely successful record will be released on May 6.

The expanded Whenever You Need Somebody, which will be available as a two-CD set and via digital formats, will feature a remastered version of the original album, as well as a variety of bonus tracks, including B-sides, remixes, instrumental versions and Astley’s own reimagined renditions of some of the tunes.

The physical package also includes a booklet featuring previously unseen archival photos, new liner notes, and recollections from Astley and two of the album’s main songwriters, Mike Stock and Pete Waterman.

Released in November 1987, Whenever You Need Somebody featured Rick’s two biggest hits — the chart-topping smashes “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Together Forever” — as well as the #10 single “It Would Take a Strong Strong Man.” The album reached #10 on the Billboard 200 and #1 in the U.K., and has gone on two be RIAA-certified double Platinum for sales of over two million in the U.S.

“Whenever I sing these songs or even hear them on the radio, it brings back so many great memories,” says Astley. “It makes me appreciate how lucky I was to have met all the people I worked with around making that first record. ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ established me in America and let me travel the world — which, for a 21-year-old from Newton-le-Willows [U.K.], was mind-blowing.”

You can pre-order the Whenever You Need Somebody reissue now, and you can check out a restored 4K version of the “Together Forever” music video at Rick’s YouTube channel.

Here’s the track list for the two-CD reissue:

CD 1
“Never Gonna Give You Up” — 2022 Remaster
“Whenever You Need Somebody” — 2022 Remaster
“Together Forever” — 2022 Remaster
“It Would Take a Strong Strong Man” — 2022 Remaster
“The Love Has Gone” — 2022 Remaster
“Don’t Say Goodbye” — 2022 Remaster
“Slipping Away” — 2022 Remaster
“No More Looking for Love” — 2022 Remaster
“You Move Me” — 2022 Remaster
“When I Fall In Love” — 2022 Remaster
“My Arms Keep Missing You”
“I’ll Never Set You Free” — 7″ Mix
“Just Good Friends”
“Never Gonna Give You Up” (Pianoforte)
“Together Forever” (Reimagined)
“Whenever You Need Somebody” (Reimagined)
“When I Fall In Love” (Reimagined)

CD 2
“Never Gonna Give You Up” (Phil Harding 12″ Mix)
“Together Forever” (Lover’s Leap Remix)
“My Arms Keep Missing You” (The “Where’s The Harry” Remix)
“Whenever You Need Somebody” (XK 150 Mix)
“My Arms Keep Missing You” (Bruno’s Remix)
“Never Gonna Give You Up” (Cake Mix)
“Whenever You Need Somebody” (Lonely Hearts Mix)
“My Arms Keep Missing You” (No L Mix)
“Never Gonna Give You Up” (Escape From Newton Mix)
“Together Forever” (House Of Love Mix)
“Whenever You Need Somebody” (Rick Sets It Off Mix)
“Never Gonna Give You Up” (Instrumental)
“It Would Take a Strong Strong Man” (Instrumental)
“Whenever You Need Somebody” (Instrumental)

Music notes: Mariah Carey, Camila Cabello and more

March 24, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Mariah Carey is taking you to school with her upcoming Master Class on how to use your voice like an instrument. She confirmed her course runs on April 14 and encouraged fans to sign up now. “I’ve never let cameras into my musical oasis before—but that’s all about to change. My class on the voice as an instrument is coming soon,” she teased. “Hope to see you there!”

Camila Cabello is rocking a mullet, it seems. She took to Instagram to show off a haircut — or is it a wig? — that screams, “Business in the front, party in the back.” Camila’s hair is chopped short in the front and on the top of her head while she sports long tresses in the back. Lil NasX commented with two fire emojis.

Is Rihanna engaged? The “Diamonds” singer laughed off an answer about a giant rock on THAT finger on Tuesday and told reporters, “‘This old ring?” Daily Mail says she didn’t confirm whether or not she’s engaged to boyfriend A$AP Rocky, with whom she’s expecting her first child.

Michael Bublé is getting ready to introduce you to his new studio album, Higher, which comes out Friday, but that pales in comparison to the best news he just received about his young son Noah. He told USA Today while tearing up, “Last week Noah had his final scan after five years and you can imagine how that felt.” Noah, who is eight, was diagnosed with liver cancer and is now in remission.

Music notes: Billie Eilish, Rihanna and more

March 24, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Billie Eilish has just hit a new YouTube milestone: She’s racked up more than 45 million subscribers on her official artist channel. That makes her one of only nine artists who have that many subscribers. The others are, in descending order, BlackPink, Justin Bieber, BTS, Marshmello, Eminem, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift.

A$AP Rocky announces whisky venture, Drake donates $1 million in Bitcoin, and more

March 24, 2022 by WDNY Radio

A$AP Rocky announces whisky venture, Drake donates million in Bitcoin, and more

Rapper and fashion icon A$AP Rocky announced on Thursday his new alcohol venture, Mercer + Prince. The Canadian whisky was developed in partnership with Global Brand Equities and E. & J. Gallo.

“I have wanted to launch a whisky for a few years, but it was difficult to find partners willing to innovate to the level I envisioned,” A$AP said. “Fortunately, I found those partners in Global Brand Equities and Gallo.”

The name, Mercer + Prince, represents two of the rappers’ favorite cross streets in New York, where people of all walks of life intersect.

“I’m so excited and grateful to finally introduce Mercer + Prince to the world,” A$AP said.

Drake seems to be in a giving mood lately. According to Billboard, the “God’s Plan” rapper gifted $1 million in Bitcoin to The LeBron James Family Foundation, after winning big in roulette. The mission of the foundation is to invest time, resources and attention in the kids of LeBron’s hometown of Akron, Ohio.

“Anytime I get blessed like that, I always think it’s good karma that needs to be transferred,” the rapper said in an Instagram video.

Fans of the popular TV show Bel-Air have all the more reason to enjoy the franchise.

Peacock, the service that streams the Fresh Prince spinoff, is teaming up with livestream app NTWRK to drop an exclusive collection of Bel-Air-inspired sneakers, set-used props and wardrobe items, and fan collectibles.

The pack includes a Will Smith Bel-Air basketball jersey, a blazer, a school uniform, Jordan sneakers and more.

All proceeds will go to Coded by Kids, a Philadelphia-based tech education nonprofit that focuses on tech startup-focused entrepreneurship programs for underrepresented groups.

Ed Sheeran responds to Ukrainian band asking to perform remotely at upcoming benefit: “I stand with you”

March 24, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Ed Sheeran will have some special guests when he performs at the upcoming Concert for Ukraine — a band of musicians currently serving as front-line soldiers there.

The band, called Antytila, armed and dressed in combat gear, took a moment from fighting the Russian invasion of their country to contact the Grammy winner, who is headlining the two-hour benefit concert.

“In peacetime, our concerts gathered stadiums. The war has changed our lives and now we are fighting with weapons against the Russian occupiers,” they explained. “Today we learned about your charity concert for Ukraine, which will take place in Birmingham. And we offer to make a live broadcast between Kyiv and Birmingham with Antytila temporary joining the gig remotely.”

“Our band will play our music in Kyiv, a city that has not surrendered and will never surrender to the Russian occupiers. You will play in Birmingham,” they continued. “We are not afraid to play under the bombs. Through music, we want to show the world that Ukraine is strong and unconquered. We will fight and sing for victory in front of the whole world that supports us.”

They closed saying they are “ready” to perform on March 29, where the benefit concert is set to air on ITV.

Ed was moved by Antytila’s plight and reached out to them on Thursday, saying, “I love you. I stand with you and I’m so proud to be playing this fundraising event next week. I can’t wait to check your music out, guys, and I’m sending you lots of love.”

The Concert for Ukraine will benefit ongoing humanitarian efforts there. Camila Cabello, Snow Patrol and others are also expected to perform.

Report: Justin Bieber’s marriage “elevated” following Hailey’s health scare

March 24, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Justin Bieber’s marriage to Hailey has only strengthened following his wife’s health scare. The model suffered “stroke-like symptoms” earlier this month and required hospitalization for a blood clot in her brain. She has since made a full recovery.

A source told Entertainment Tonight that the incident has a positive effect on the couple’s relationship and they are more in love than ever.

“Hailey went through a traumatic experience with her blood clot, but she is thankfully doing much better and is healthy,” the insider spilled. “This actually elevated her relationship with Justin and solidified that he will always be by her side through thick and thin and make sure she is taken care of and supported in any capacity.”

The source said, “Justin was shaken up by the experience” because “Hailey is his world.”

“He could never imagine life without her. This brought them closer together than ever before and it was a reminder for the both of them to really appreciate each other and their special relationship,” the spy noted.

The source says, in all, the couple is spending more time together because of how they reacted to the health scare: “Hailey knows now more than ever that she can always rely on him and lean on him when she needs support. They never want to let each other go and feel so grateful to call each other husband and wife and to feel like they have a true partner.”

Justin previously opened up about his wife’s health scare at last week’s concert in Denver, where he told the crowd, “It’s been really scary, but I know for a fact that God has her in the palm of his hands. And that’s a good thing.”

Justin and Hailey tied the knot in 2018.

Carrie Underwood’s too competitive for board games: “I got in trouble once”

March 24, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Anyone who’s seen Carrie Underwood’s live show can attest to the fact that she always strives to push herself to be the best entertainer she can be. The singer even descended from the ceiling on a swing during her ACM Awards performance with Jason Aldean.

That competitive edge serves her well in her country music career. But at home? Carrie says that she and her husband have to set aside any pastimes that can bring out their competitive sides.

“We kinda can’t play board games,” the singer admits, according to an ET Canada video interview. “I got in trouble once playing board games with some friends.”

Carrie ascribes her desire to be the best to an athlete-like competitive spirit, and she should know: She’s married to former pro ice hockey player Mike Fisher.

“I’m not an athlete, but I feel like I do have kind of a lot of that mindset,” Carrie continues. “It’s just that drive to get better, and to push yourself.”

Off the stage, Carrie also describes herself as “a lot nerdy, for the record” and has a well-documented love of horror movies. That interest in all things spooky and creepy comes out in her new single, an understated revenge ballad called “Ghost Story” that’s already making a big impression at country radio just days after its release.

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