Music – Page 3464 – 105.7 WDNY

Are BTS members cashing in before they join the military?

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The bank statements of three members of BTS are now “Dynamite,” thanks to a sudden infusion of cash from stock sales.

Bloomberg reports that Jin, J-Hope and RM sold nearly 32,000 combined shares in Hybe Co., the new name of their management company, which was formerly known as Big Hit. The three members pocketed some $8.4 million from the sale.

Ahead of the company’s IPO, the founder of Hybe, Bang Si-Hyuk, gave BTS a 1.41% stake in the company, which amounted to nearly 479,000 shares. Those shares are now worth $165 million, having doubled since the IPO last October.

The sale netted Jin $4.1 million, J-Hope $1.57 million and RM $2.75 million.

Bloomberg states that the three members are likely cashing in before their mandatory two-year military service. Able-bodied men are originally required to serve 20 months in the nation’s military before they turn 28, but last December, lawmakers passed a bill allowing those who work in certain professions — like entertainment — to put off service until they turn 30.

Jin, the group’s oldest member, turned 28 last December. Another member, Suga, will turn 29 in March. RM and J-Hope are both 27.

Mariah Carey’s mind is blown after “All I Want for Christmas Is You” earns RIAA Diamond Award

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Mariah Carey has made history. Her 1994 classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is now RIAA-certified Diamond and becomes the first holiday song to sell over 10 million copies in the U.S.

Mariah was almost at a loss for words over the honor. “The continued love for my song never ceases to amaze me and fill my heart with a multitude of emotions,” she says in a statement. “It blows my mind that ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ has endured different eras of the music industry. The RIAA DIAMOND award?! Wowww! I’m so fortunate to have the greatest fans on Earth, my Lambily, who continue to support my legacy. I love you.”

The timing of the milestone couldn’t be sweeter, because the Grammy winner just released her second holiday special on Apple TV+, Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues.

In addition, the news comes shortly after Billboard adjusted its holiday rankings and dubbed “All I Want for Christmas Is You” the greatest of all Christmas songs. It recently re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 and currently sits at number 36.

That said, Mariah is now the first and, to date, only artist to have an RIAA-certified Diamond holiday song — which makes it all the easier for her to claim she’s the true “Queen of Christmas.”

We dare you to disagree with her.

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Greg Lake’s widow, Regina, relaunching late ELP frontman’s Manticore Records label

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Manticore Records, the record label founded by late Emerson, Lake & Palmer frontman Greg Lake, is being relaunched by his widow, Regina Lake.

“It was always Greg’s wish to reinstate the Manticore Records Label,” Regina reveals in a statement. “Greg’s idea, in his own words, was to give new, talented musicians the chance to be heard, when other doors might have been closed to them for being different. Greg was once one such young Musician.”

She continues, “He had put everything in place for Manticore Records to start up again, but as we know, it wasn’t possible for Greg to be there to realise his vision. Just a few days before Greg died, he asked me if I would like to carry on with Manticore Records, after he had gone.”

Regina points out that Greg had set the label up in her name in case she was interested in keeping it going, while telling her it was entirely her decision.

“I told him, as I am sentimental about Manticore, having been there in the early days, I would give it my best,” she says, “with a lot of help from my friends and advisers.”

Regina adds, “On reflection I would like this label to be devoted to Greg Lake Music and Songs to keep his legacy alive for us all in years to come.”

According to a press release, the first new Manticore project will be “a definitive collection” of Lake’s solo work. To celebrate the label’s relaunch, a rare video of Greg performing his classic holiday song “I Believe in Father Christmas” in 2005 has been posted on YouTube.

Lake died of cancer on December 7, 2016. He was 69.

Listen to new Slash feat. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators song, “Fill My World”

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Slash has released a new song with his solo band, Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators.

The track, titled “Fill My World,” will appear on the group’s upcoming album, 4, due out February 11, 2022. You can download “Fill My World” now via digital outlets.

4, the fittingly titled fourth Conspirators effort, also features the lead single “The River Is Rising.”

In addition to recording a new Conspirators record, Slash has spent much of 2021 on the road playing live with Guns N’ Roses. The “Welcome to the Jungle” rockers have been touring pretty regularly since reuniting in 2016, which, as Slash tells CNN in a new interview, wasn’t necessarily the original plan.

“Everybody got along great,” Slash says of his GN’R band mates. “That’s actually why the tour has kept going, because initially it was just going to be a couple of shows.”

New music roundup: BTS, Ariana Grande and more

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

It’s new music Friday, so let’s see who’s out with new tunes!

After months of teasing, Ariana Grande dropped “Just Look Up,” the single she performed with Kid Cudi for the Netflix movie, Don’t Look Up. The character she plays in the apocalyptic drama is charged with writing a song that tells the world a planet-killing meteor is hurtling toward Earth. “Just Look Up” contains the blunt message, “You’re about to die soon, everybody!”

Jennifer Lopez released the music video for “On My Way,” a song she sings in the upcoming Marry Me movie. Jennifer shows off an array of fabulous outfits in the music video, which also includes small movie clip teasers. The song is ultra-romantic and also demonstrates Jennifer’s vocal range as she belts out a series of high notes. Marry Me arrives in theaters on Valentine’s Day.

Five Seconds of Summer has released their tribute single, “2011,” which honors the year they came together as a band. The reflective track marks their 10th anniversary by examining how much their lives have changed since that pivotal year. Don’t miss 5S0S performing it live this afternoon when they kick off their global livestream event at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET on their YouTube page.

The holidays are here and BTS has turned their summer smash, “Butter,” into a carol-pop Christmas song. The lyrics are the same, but the music in the background has been replaced with sleigh bells, piano riffs and other elements that make any Christmas song sparkle.

Lastly, Ed Sheeran and Elton John have released their holiday collab, “Merry Christmas.” The two co-wrote the song, the proceeds from which will benefit The Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation and The Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Elton John and Ed Sheeran step into a “Merry Christmas” with new holiday single

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Elton John and his pal U.K. pop star Ed Sheeran are making sure fans ring in the holidays with a little extra cheer with their new single, “Merry Christmas.”

The song, which they co-wrote and released on Friday, sees the two powerhouse British singers explaining why it’s important to enjoy the season with those you love.

Sheeran begins the festive song by encouraging listeners to appreciate the season’s wonders by singing, “So kiss me under the mistletoe/ Pour out the wine, let’s toast and pray for December snow/ I know there’s been pain this year, but it’s time to let it go/ Next year, you never know.”

Sir Elton adds, “We’ve both known love, but this love we got is the bеst of all/ I wish you could see it through my eyes, then you would know.”

If that wasn’t enough to help bring some joy back to the holidays after another stressful year, Ed and Elton also released the official and ultra-campy music video for “Merry Christmas.” The two are decked out in several of their best holiday outfits, from sequined tuxedos to very short Santa-like robes, as they rotate through various Christmas-like scenes.

“Merry Christmas” is available to stream and purchase now across all platforms. Proceeds from the single will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation.

The track also appears on the “Christmas Edition” of Sheeran’s latest studio album, = (Equals).

Brunettes have more fun: Billie Eilish trades in her platinum blonde hair

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

New year, new Billie Eilish. The singer has undergone another transformation, trading in her platinum blonde hair for a shaggy brunette chop.

She teased the makeover on Thursday by taking to her Instagram story to share a selfie of just her eyes and a peek at her new, darker fringe. “Guess what,” she captioned the post, before taking to her profile to share the big update.

Unveiling her dramatic, new look, Billie simply captioned the post, “Miss me?”

Fellow Grammy-nominee Olivia Rodrigo approved of the new ‘do and raved in the comment section, “omg.”

This is the second time in a year the “bad guy” singer underwent a radical transformation. In March, she ditched her signature black and green hair she sported for two years and showed off her platinum bob. At the time, Billie revealed it took her six weeks to get the color right and wore a wig until her hair was ready.

This new look comes as Billie announces a new partnership with Gucci, which will release a limited-edition vinyl version of her Grammy-nominated album, Happier Than Ever. “The vinyl is made from recycled vinyl scraps from all the colors of the original pressing of the record and each piece is completely unique!!” Billie raved when announcing the new venture on Thursday, adding, “[T]he set is available starting today at the following boutiques!!!”

The shiny-looking record, which is now being sold worldwide, also treats fans to some nail stickers bearing the Gucci brand.

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Newcomer Celina Smith shines as star of NBC’s ‘Annie Live!’

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

While the story of Annie is a classic one, NBC’s Annie Live! was able to add their own pizazz and create some very memorable moments on Thursday.

The beloved story about an orphan who is adopted by a billionaire saw newcomer Celina Smith bring the titular role to life, and you can bet your bottom dollar fans were blown away by her performance.

“Celina Smith as Annie is giving ACTINGGG she full on dropped tears live on tv she is a star and she is the moment,” one viewer raved on Twitter.

Likewise, Taraiji P. Henson‘s Miss Hannigan received lots of praise, with one fan writing, “Taraji p Henson is killing this live annie role the vocals on point.”

In addition to nailing the casting, NBC’s live version also paid tribute to late Broadway legend Ann Reinking, who portrayed Grace Farrell in the 1982 film, by including the epic dance number “We Got Annie” that had previously been omitted from stage versions of the show. Taking things up a notch, Nicole Scherzinger as Farrell, belted out the jazzy hit with a dance number complete with upside-down singing and a somersault.

The show also included its familiar songs “It’s The Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and, of course, “Tomorrow.”

While fans were overall impressed with the production, there was one aspect that couldn’t be ignored — the bald head that Harry Connick Jr. donned as Daddy Warbucks.

“His bald head is unsettling, but his performance is absolutely crazy good,” one social media user noted.

Annie Live! also starred Tituss Burgess as Rooster Hannigan and Megan Hilty as Lily St. Regis — a.k.a. Annie’s fake parents.

If you missed Annie Live! or simply can’t get enough, it’s available for streaming now on Hulu, Peacock, and NBC.com.

Juice Wrld and Justin Bieber team up for ‘Wandered to LA’

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Juice Wrld and Justin Bieber join forces for their new track “Wandered to LA,” released at the stroke of midnight.

On the new single, the two artists candidly sing about their experiences since wandering to Los Angeles.

“I wandered to LA hoping to explore / Little did I’d know I’d find a little more,” Juice sings in the chorus, before adding in his opening verse, “Maybe it’s the love / Maybe it’s the drugs.”

Justin, who has also previously opened up about his past drug use, sings about how his relationship was affected but is “Thankful that we worked it out / We come so far.”

Prior to the song’s drop, a teaser trailer was released, which featured interviews from those in Juice’s camp discussing how the rapper had agreed to go to rehab before he died of an accidental overdose in December 2019. Bieber also shared his experiences with drugs in an attempt to encourage others who may be struggling to seek help.

“Wandered to LA” is the latest single released from Juice’s forthcoming posthumous album, Fighting Demons, due out December 10.

On December 9, before the album’s release, Chicago will host the first-ever Juice Wrld Day. According to a press release, “the event will bring together a number of his closest family, friends, collaborators and fans for an immersive experience celebrating his life and music.” Attendees will also get a first look at Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss, a documentary film focused on Juice’s life and death, which hits HBO Max December 16.

Tickets to Juice WRLD Day range from $35 to $99 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Street Survivor: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s guitarist Gary Rossington turns 70 this weekend

December 3, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Founding Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, the last surviving original member of the legendary Southern rock band, celebrates his 70th birthday this Saturday, December 4.

The band that became Lynyrd Skynyrd formed in 1964, when Rossington teamed up with singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Allen Collins, drummer Bob Burns and bassist Larry Junstrom.

After undergoing a few name changes, in 1969 the band settled on Lynyrd Skynyrd, partly a mocking tribute to their high school gym teacher Leonard Skinner.

A number of lineup changes and additions followed, and in 1973 Lynyrd Skynyrd released its debut album, (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd), the first of five successful and memorable albums.

During Lynyrd Skynyrd’s heyday, Rossington co-wrote several of the band’s most popular songs, including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” “Gimme Back My Bullets” and “What’s Your Name.”

Tragedy struck Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977, when a plane crash claimed the lives of Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines — who’d joined Skynyrd in 1976 — and Steve’s sister, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines.

Following the accident, Gary and Allen went on to form the short-lived Rossington Collins Band. The group’s lead singer, Dale Krantz, went on to marry Rossington in 1982, and later became a Skynyrd backing singer.

Gary and Dale also led The Rossington Band during the late 1980s.

In 1987, Lynyrd Sknyrd reunited, with Ronnie’s younger brother Johnny Van Zant taking over as frontman. Since then, the group has undergone many lineup changes, with Rossington and Van Zant remaining the two constants. 2018 saw Skynyrd launch a planned farewell tour that has been extended multiple times, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rossington has experienced serious health issues in recent years, and in July of 2021 he underwent emergency heart surgery that forced him to sit out most of the band’s recent tour dates.

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