Music fans just can’t seem to get enough of classic holiday tunes, and that’s especially true when it comes to the classic album A Charlie Brown Christmas.
The soundtrack, originally released in 1965 by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, just landed its highest position on the BillboardTop Album Sales chart, at two, selling 17,000 copies last week. One week before it surpassed its previous high, moving from seven to five.
The album has always been popular over the holiday season. In fact, from 2012 to 2021 it has been the top-selling holiday album on vinyl. Of course, it may help that the album is available in 15 different vinyl editions, in varying colors and from different retailers.
Overall, the album has sold 4.3 million records since 1991, when Luminate started tracking sales. Of that number, 469,000 were from vinyl sales.
(NEW YORK) — A massive winter storm could cause delivery delays ahead of Christmas, with blizzard conditions impacting major shipping hubs and post offices in parts of the United States.
“Significant weather events” are affecting UPS air and ground services, including UPS hubs in Louisville, Kentucky, and Rockford, Illinois, the company said Friday.
“As a result, some delivery and pickup services in these areas will be affected,” UPS said in a statement. “We will work to ensure the safety of our employees while minimizing effects on service. Contingency plans are in place to help ensure that shipments arrive at their final destinations as quickly as conditions permit.”
FedEx has also experienced “substantial disruptions” at its hubs in Indianapolis and Memphis, Tennessee, due to severe winter weather that has “created potentially hazardous operating conditions.”
As a result, packages committed to being delivered by Friday and Saturday could potentially be delayed, the company said.
“We recognize the importance of deliveries this holiday weekend,” FedEx said in a statement Friday. “Contingency plans are in place, and we are prepared to provide the best possible service as conditions allow.”
Severe weather has forced nearly 90 United States Postal Service locations to temporarily close as of midday Friday, according to the agency’s service alerts, including 53 in South Dakota and 20 in North Dakota. Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska are each reporting a handful or so locations that are temporarily closed due to weather.
“Generally, we will continue to attempt all deliveries where accessible and safe to do so,” USPS said in a statement Friday.
The agency is urging people to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks, stairs, porches and mailboxes and maintain a clear path to their mailbox to aid letter carriers during wintry weather.
Amazon has also temporarily closed sites in impacted areas “out of an abundance of caution,” Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait said.
“The health and safety of our employees, customers and the drivers who deliver packages is our top priority which is why we continually monitor weather reports and adjust operations as needed,” Agrait said.
Director Sarah Polley’s latest film, Women Talking, couldn’t be more aptly titled.
Out Friday in a limited theatrical release, it tells the story of a group of matriarchs who come together to discuss the years of ritualistic abuse inflicted upon their small religious community.
The film is based on a popular book that details true events. And while star Sheila McCarthy found the script compelling, she told ABC Audio that, at first, she wondered if it would translate to audiences.
“We rehearsed for two weeks, and I think there was the feeling of, ‘Is anyone gonna listen to women talking for two hours? Like, is that going to be boring?’” McCarthy said. “It was dispelled right away because the intensity of the talking was so interesting, and interesting to shoot. And the levity, as well. The air was let out of the balloon a few times.”
To co-star Judith Ivey, who plays the grandmotherly figure Agata in the film, it was an acting experience unlike any other. She recalls describing it to friends.
“I would say, ‘I’ve become a Mennonite. And I have limited wardrobe and I’m also having one of the most wonderful acting experiences of my career,'” Ivey said.
But Women Talking became much more than just a great acting experience for Ivey.
“It’s an exploration of who we are as women, who we are as people. And that’s what made it extraordinary,” Ivey said. “I was finding out about myself as Judith as I was finding out who Agata was. That’s rare, that you get to get a little therapy while you’re working.”
L. Busacca/WireImage for Songwriter’s Hall of Fame
As we reported, Philadelphia soul icon Thom Bell passed away Thursday at the age of 79. Following news of his death, several artists took to social media to pay tribute to the famed songwriter/producer.
Elton John, who worked with Bell in the late ’70s/early ’80s on songs like “Are You Ready For Love” and “Mama Can’t Buy You Love,” called Bell a “wonderful producer of timeless records.” He added, “Working with him was a highlight of my career,” calling the two songs, “Two hits I will always cherish.”
Nile Rodgers also shared his thoughts, describing Bell as “one of the greatest writers and producers of all time.” He continued, “He was the architect of the relationship between #BernardEdwards & me as we were the band for the group New York City (I’m Doing Fine Now) a #ThomBell smash.”
And songwriter Diane Warrenshared, “Just heard about Thom Bell. He didn’t make sounds, he WAS a sound. Too many classics to name here but music wouldn’t be the same without him. Rest in Power and thank U gor [sic] the music.”
Philadelphia’s own Questlovenoted, “This gentleman wrote the soundtrack of our lives,” listing Bell’s many songs. He added, “#ThomBell was the PHILLY-est of the foundational songwriters that gave my city its identity. Be it covers/samples/the originals from soundtracks form wedding bands, karaoke, or seeing in concert—-his life’s work no doubt was our soundtrack. Rest In Melody Thom Bell!”
The Cramps may have enjoyed a resurgence after their song “Goo Goo Muck” was featured in Netflix’s Wednesday — but then Lady Gaga came into the picture.
To recap, Jenna Ortega stars as the beloved Addams Family character Wednesday in Netflix’s new show. Ortega choreographed a now-viral scene of her dancing to The Cramps’ 1981 song “Goo Goo Muck.” TikTokers became enamored by Ortega’s strange movements and began making videos inspired by them, but they chose to soundtrack their videos to a sped-up version of Gaga’s 2011 song “Bloody Mary.”
When Wednesday first hit the streamer on November 23, The Cramps enjoyed a streaming boom — similar to that of Kate Bush‘s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” after it was featured on Stranger Things. But, once TikTok swapped the song in favor of Gaga’s deep cut, their streaming numbers fell from 177% to just 7%, Billboardreports.
Meanwhile, Gaga’s streaming numbers for “Bloody Mary” climbed to 43.1 million streams in the second week of December, with a majority of hits originating from YouTube and other video platforms.
Despite Gaga’s accidental inclusion, the rockabilly group continues to enjoy a streaming renaissance, with “Goo Goo Muck” amassing over 6 million streams between November 18 to December 16. Prior to their Wednesday fame, the song was streamed about 31,000 times on a weekly basis.
Deftones frontman Chino Moreno has released a cover of the George Michael song “One More Try” with his side project, Crosses.
The recording continues the Crosses tradition of holiday time covers, following renditions of Cause & Effect‘s “The Beginning of the End” in 2020 and “Goodbye Horses” by Q Lazzarus in 2021.
You can listen to the “One More Try” cover now via digital outlets.
Crosses also includes producer/multi-instrumentalist Shaun Lopez. The duo released a new EP titled PERMANENT.RADIANT earlier in December.
Dolly Parton is the co-host for Miley Cyrus’ second annual New Year’s Eve special, and as fans might expect, she’s bringing her own special flair to the experience.
Music will be a big part of the show, of course, but Dolly tells ET Online that she and her pop superstar goddaughter will also bring lots of their signature wit and personality to their hosting roles.
“We’re going to be doing some skits,” Dolly says. “I know that anything can happen live with the two of us.”
She goes on to say that the TV event will feature a little bit of everything, as Dolly and Miley count down to midnight on New Year’s Eve.
“I’m sure we’ll be wearing some bizarre costumes and we’ll be singing some serious songs, some fun songs [and] we’ll be bringing in the new year in fun fashion, I’m sure,” the country legend adds.
The lineup for Miley’s New Year’s EveParty was unveiled this week, and it looks like Dolly’s the sole representative from the country genre this year. Rappers Latto and Rae Sremmurd are performing, as are pop stars Sia and Fletcher, the latter of whom does have a country connection, as she collaborated with Kelsea Ballerini this year.
The show is airing live from Miami, a location that Dolly jokingly says was a selling point for her.
“When she first asked me about doing the New Year’s show I thought it might be from New York and I wasn’t gonna do it ‘cause I didn’t wanna get that cold, you know,” the singer explains. “She said, ‘No, that’s why I don’t do it in New York. That’s why I’m going to Miami.’”
Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party airs December 31 on NBC.
Diddy shocked the world with the announcement of baby Love Sean Combs, but the news was no surprise to his boo, Yung Miami.
The rapper revealed the news on her podcast, Caresha Please, after guest G Herbo flipped the script and put her in the hot seat.
“Did you know about that baby before October?” Herb asked, referring to the baby’s birth month. “Did you?” Miami said she was one of the few people who were in the know.
“Yeah, I did,” Miami said. “I think communication is the key. I feel like when you dealing with somebody communication is the key. It wasn’t a surprise.”
According to TMZ, Diddy welcomed Love with Dana Tran, a 28-year-old cybersecurity specialist, on October 15. News of the baby prompted social media posts in which many referred to Yung Miami as Diddy’s side chick.
“@yungmiami305 is not my side chick,” Diddy tweeted in an effort to set the record straight. “Never has been, never will be. She’s very important and special to me, and I don’t play about my Shawty Wop. I don’t discuss things on the internet and I will not start today.”
“So think what you want,” he continued. “But know that if you do something to hurt mine, I’m gonna to come to your house and we’re gonna talk about it like human beings. LOVE.”
Pardison Fontaine, known to some as Megan Thee Stallion‘s boyfriend, has issued a statementexpressing sympathy and compassion for women who have been victimized. The rapper/songwriter shared the message on his Instagram Story on Thursday after closing arguments were made in the Tory Lanez trial.
“To any woman especially ones of color that has suffered an injustice I feel for you,” Pardison penned. “When you do find the courage to speak up .. it seems you will be ridiculed .. your credibility will be questions.. your entire past will be held under a magnifying glass .. in an instant you can go from victim to defendant in the eyes of the public ..
“To any one with a daughter Sister mother niece or aunt .. I pray for their protection…,” he continued. “I pray for their covering .. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”
The nearly two-week trial revolves around a 2020 shooting in which Meg alleges she was shot in the foot.
She testified that Torywas the gunman and spoke out about the effect the case, which brought her sexual history to light, has had on her life.
“I feel disgusted, I feel dirty, my own partner is embarrassed,” she said. “I can’t even be happy … I don’t want to talk to friends or family. I don’t want to live. I wish he (Tory) had just shot and killed me if I had to go through this torture.”
Tory has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a concealed, unregistered firearm and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. He faces a maximum sentence of 22 years in prison if convicted.
Jury deliberations began Thursday and will resume Friday afternoon.
(PARIS) — Three people were killed and three others wounded, one critically, in a shooting in Paris on Friday, according to the city’s prosecutor, Laure Beccuau.
The motive for the shooting was not immediately clear, but a 69-year-old suspect from France was taken into custody, according to the prosecutor. The suspect was also wounded.
One man and two women were killed, according to authorities. All three who suffered injuries are men.
An investigation has been opened into murder and aggravated violence charges.
Beccuau confirmed the attacker was already known to the police, and had recently been released from prison. He was also banned from possessing a weapon, the prosecutor said.
The shooting took place at a Kurdish cultural center and two nearby businesses, according to 10th arrondissement Mayor Alexandra Cordebard, where the attack took place.
The prosecutor said a potential racist motive for the attack will be part of the investigation.
“Nothing allows at this stage to accredit any affiliation of this man to an extremist ideological movement,” the French prosecutor said in a statement.
“I extend my deepest condolences and solidarity to the relatives of the victims and to the hard-hit Kurdish community,” Cordebard said, in French, on Twitter.
The same suspect was under investigation for an attack at a migrant camp in Bercy — in the 12th arrondissement — where he allegedly slashed tents with a sword in December 2021, according to Beccuau. He was released on Dec. 12, 2022, after being held for a year, the maximum limit for a provisional detention, prosecutors said.
Authorities said the suspect was a shooter with a sports club and owned several weapons. Police believe he acted alone.
Police said they would increase security in Kurdish areas of Paris with protests breaking out in the wake of the shooting and demonstrators clashing with riot police. Protesters rallied against Turkey and shouted anti-Turkish slogans.
“I have asked all the gendarmerie teams to protect the places where the Kurdish communities meet and the diplomatic holds,” French authorities said in a statement.
Kurds make up about one-fifth of Turkey’s population and have waged an at times violent campaign for independence for nearly four decades, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
ABC News’ Ibtissem Guenfoud contributed to this report.
