Darlene Love chats with Julia Louis-Dreyfus for ‘Wiser Than Me’ podcast

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Lemonada Media, Ryan Pfluger, and August Image.

Darlene Love is the latest guest on Lemonada Media’s new podcast Wiser Than Me, hosted Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer chats with the former Seinfeld star about a whole host of subjects, including her early career working as a backup singer for Elvis Presley, working with Phil Spector and more.

Love describes working with Elvis as fun, noting, “He didn’t want to be Elvis, he just wanted to be like a background singer with [us] … we would stay up all night, half the night, singing all these wonderful songs.”

She doesn’t have such happy memories of working with Spector, though. “I got very angry but it never turned into hate,” she says. “I was always the one that would tell him, ‘You’re just using me. What the hell? I don’t get this. I’ve done nothing wrong. I just want to be a singer. I want my career and you can give me that.’”

Love adds, “I think that’s what I really disliked about him – he could have given me a gigantic career … he was that foot that was always in the way, you know that annoying fly?”

Spector died in prison in 2021 while serving time for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson. Love calls him a “snake in the grass,” who people were scared of, although she never understood why: “I said, ‘That little shrimp! Why are you scared of him?’”

She shares, “We sued him and he was so shocked that I won, because nobody had ever sued Phil Spector and won.”

The Darlene Love episode of Wiser Than Me is streaming now.

Jethro Tull bringing The Seven Decades Tour to the U.S.

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Jethro Tull is coming to America. The band, led by Ian Anderson, just announced summer and fall North American dates for The Seven Decades Tour, which will have them playing songs from their catalog, including their recently released album RökFlöte.

The tour is set to kick off August 18 in Highland Park, Illinois, hitting such cities as Indianapolis, Cincinnati, San Diego, Los Angeles, Boston and more, before wrapping November 4 in Albany, New York.

A complete list of dates and ticket information can be found at jethrotull.com.

Watch Camila Cabello in the new campaign for Olipop “functional soda”

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

In 2022, Camila Cabello — along with the Jonas Brothers — became an investor in Olipop, a brand of “functional,” good-for-you soda that includes fiber, prebiotics, botanicals and way, way less sugar than regular soda. Now, Camila is starring in the company’s new ad campaign.

If you visit the company’s website, you can see the ad, which features Camila hanging out and having fun with her family and her dogs — hugging, eating, dancing, singing and more.

“Success is always measured by the big stuff,” she says in a voice-over. “But we forget that it’s the little stuff that really makes us.” The tagline on the video is “Real Love Makes Us.”

On Instagram, Camila said of filming the spot, “This was such a fun shoot day, my family had the most fun and my grandparents are stars. drinkolipop and I are so excited to celebrate the little moments, because these are the ones that really matter.”

Camila’s favorite flavors of the soda are Strawberry Vanilla and Vintage Cola, but it’s also available in Tropical Punch, Classic Grape, Orange Squeeze, Classic Root Beer and Cherry Vanilla.

Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock and A Hard Place” tops Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for six weeks

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock and A Hard Place” has been holding steady atop Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart for six consecutive weeks.

According to Billboard, “Rock and A Hard Place” is the first Country Airplay number one that has remained at its chart-topping position “for at least six weeks” since Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof” reigned for 10 weeks.

Penned by Heath Warren, Jacob Hackworth and Jet Harvey, “Rock and A Hard Place” is the follow-up to Bailey’s chart-topping debut single, “Fall In Love.”

Both singles will be featured on Bailey’s forthcoming debut album, Religiously, due out May 10. The title track serves as his third single on country radio.

Foals reunites with original bassist Walter Gervers

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Original Foals bassist Walter Gervers has reunited with the band.

“After 6 years in the alpine wilderness guess who’s back in the band?!!” frontman Yannis Philippakis shares in an Instagram post. “Walter is back & better than ever. Rejoining for all the coming shows & into the future. Get ready, the boys are back in business.”

Gervers returns to Foals after announcing in 2018 he was leaving the “Mountain at My Gates” outfit to “pursue a new life.”

“The parting has been sad, but we remain firm friends,” a Foals’ statement read at the time. “He’ll always be our brother, we love him and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Foals has put out three albums since Gervers’ departure: 2019’s two-part Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost and 2022’s Life Is Yours. The group had been operating as a trio since original keyboardist Edwin Congreave left in 2021.

This summer, Foals will be touring the U.S. while supporting Paramore.

Paul McCartney & John Mellencamp added to the 2023 Tribeca Festival

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Paul McCartney and John Mellencamp have been added to the 2023 Tribeca Festival, which runs from June 7 to June 18 in New York City. Both artists will take part in the festival’s Storytellers Series as part of the Talks and Reunions lineup.

McCartney will sit for a conversation with Conan O’Brien for a recording of the former talk show host’s podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend. The event will take place June 15 at 6 p.m. at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. The pair will discuss McCartney’s new photo book, 1964: Eyes of the Storm, which is set to drop June 13.

Mellencamp is also scheduled for a conversation: he’ll be chatting with another famous talk show host, David Letterman. The pair’s chat is set to take place June 8 at 6 p.m. at the BMCC.

Tickets and passes for the festival are on sale now at tribecafilm.com.

“Gold” becomes Dierks Bentley’s 22nd chart-topper

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Dierks Bentley has notched his 22nd number-one single on country radio with “Gold.”

Written by Dierks alongside Luke Dick, Ashley Gorley and Ross Copperman, “Gold” is the lead single off his album Gravel & Gold, which arrived in February.

“When we wrote ‘Gold,’ I wanted to write a song that captures the idea of enjoying the journey,” shares Dierks. “The reality is that there are a lot of rocky times that we all go through, but amongst all the tough stuff, when you look for the special moments it can change how you view the world. I know that’s a reminder I need for myself, so the fans and Country radio embracing it means a lot.”

Dierks will kick off his headlining Gravel & Gold Tour on June 1 in Toronto, Ontario. For a full list of tour dates and to get tickets, visit dierks.com.

Rihanna talks second pregnancy, Valentino dress at 2023 Met Gala

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Rihanna arrived fashionably late to the Karl Lagerfeld-themed Met Gala, but upon arrival, wowed fans with her look. She donned a white dress that boasted large, structural white flowers on what appeared to be a hooded cape. She noted it took two ateliers to make the gown and 30 hours for each of the flowers.

“Valentino was so gracious enough to give me this look, and God knows how long it took them, but it made it last minute, and we’re here,” she told Access, noting she only attended the event “because I love my dress.”

She says she was going for “Karl Lagerfeld bride” as “that’s what the late designer was known for.”

“That’s what he did at all of his Chanel shows,” said Rih. “The extravagance, the drama. Honey, I live for it.”

Rih attended the Met with partner A$AP Rocky and their bun in the oven. She said it was fun to be at the event with the baby on the way, but admitted she felt guilty that her firstborn wasn’t with her.

When comparing both pregnancies, she told Entertainment Tonight, “It’s so different from the first one! Just everything. All of my… no cravings, tons of nausea, everything’s different. But I’m enjoying it, I’m enjoying it. I feel good. I feel energetic.”

She also dodged the question about her upcoming album, R9.

Billy Joel, Justin Trudeau & more remember Gordon Lightfoot

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Billy Joel is among the artists paying tribute to Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away Monday at the age of 84.

Joel posted a video to Instagram of him performing Lightfoot’s classic “If You Could Read My Mind,” sharing, “So sad to hear of the death of Gordon Lightfoot. He was a lifelong musical hero of mine. His songs were the heart of Canada. R.I. P.”

Joel is one of many famous names to pay tribute to Lightfoot on social media. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Lightfoot “one of our greatest singer-songwriters,” noting, “Gordon Lightfoot captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever.”

Other tributes include:

Rush’s Geddy Lee called Lightfoot “a legendary poet, a songwriting inspiration – a gem of a man. I loved him.” He noted, “Every time I ran into him the first thing he would ask was how many gigs we’d done that year – he’d then proudly counter with the fact that he had played even more! RIP Gord – you are the man – the greatest Canadian.”

Belinda Carlisle – “In 2019, I recorded a cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ‘If You Could Read My Mind’ for my Runaway Horses 30th Anniversary box set. It’s one of my favorite songs. RIP #gordonlightfoot.”

BTO’s Randy Bachman – “When we were younger, Burton Cummings and I went to a #GordonLightfoot concert. We sat there mesmerized the entire time at the way he sang and the stories his lyrics told. Poetry, folklore & music. Spellbound would be a good way to describe it.” He added, “I knew him a long time, he was a wonderful person.”

Ben Stiller – “What a genius #GordonLightfoot was. His music is such a big part of my life. Rest in peace. Grateful for the inspiration he gave all of us.”

Kiefer Sutherland – “The world lost one of its great storytellers yesterday. Canada lost part of itself. And I lost a hero. Gordon Lightfoot, may you rest in peace.”

Brian Wilson – “Rest in peace, Gordon Lightfoot.”

Stephen King – “He was a great songwriter and a wonderful performer. Sundown, you better take care/If I catch you creepin’ ’round my back stairs.”

The White Stripes announce ‘Complete Lyrics’ book

May 2, 2023 by WDNY Radio

The White Stripes‘ lyrics are being turned into a book.

The aptly titled The White Stripes Complete Lyrics will be released on October 3 through Third Man Books. The 315-page hardcover tome features every one of the “Seven Nation Army” duo’s lyrics, accompanied by essays and photographs, as well as rough drafts and alternate lyrics.

You can preorder your copy now via ThirdManBooks.com.

Earlier this year, The White Stripes’ 2003 album, Elephant, was reissued in honor of its 20th anniversary. Meanwhile, Jack and Meg White are nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year; the inductees will be announced Wednesday, May 3.

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