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Hear a preview of Elton John’s new songs for ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ musical: “It’s been a dream”

July 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Elton John‘s won Oscars and Grammys, but he’s also written the scores for three Tony-winning musicals: The Lion King, Billy Elliott and Aida. His latest musical, a stage version of the hit 2006 Meryl Streep/Anne Hathaway film The Devil Wears Prada, opens July 19 in Chicago, but you can hear a preview of some of the new songs he’s written for the project now.

People has a video that features a sneak peek of Elton singing a few of the songs, including the title theme, “When a Legend Is Born” and “Dress Your Way Up.” Elton calls the movie “one of my favorite films,” adding, “The subject matter [the world of high-fashion magazines] screams out for music.”

But speaking to the Chicago Tribune, Elton says some of the elements of the movie — based on the novel by Lauren Wiesberger — have been updated to reflect things that didn’t exist 20 years ago, like social media and #MeToo.

“We thought, we just can’t put in this scenario from 20 years ago. We have to make it modern,” Elton notes. “We have to bring it up to date. And that appealed to me as well because I wanted to make the music modern. And it’s a woman’s story. So I said I’d like to have a woman as the lyric writer.”

Elton co-wrote the score with lyricist Shaina Taub, marking the first time he’s composed with a woman. “She’s brilliant at bringing characters to life,” he says in People‘s video. He predicts that after seeing the finished product, audiences will “walk out elated.”

Elton plays Chicago’s Soldier Field on August 5 and will likely drop by rehearsals. But there won’t be a performance of The Devil Wears Prada that night: the Chicago Tribune reports the whole cast is going to Elton’s concert.

Older than Yesterday: The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn celebrates his 80th birthday today

July 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Here’s wishing a happy 80th birthday to The Byrds‘ Roger McGuinn this jingle-jangle morning.

The singer, guitarist and songwriter, who was born James McGuinn, started his career working with such folk artists as The Limeliters, The Chad Mitchell Trio and Judy Collins.

In 1963, McGuinn relocated to Los Angeles, and after seeing The Beatles‘ George Harrison playing a 12-string Rickenbacker guitar in the 1964 movie A Hard Days Night, he took up the same instrument. McGuinn co-founded The Byrds that year with singer Gene Clark, singer/guitarist David Crosby, bassist Chris Hillman and drummer Michael Clarke.

Considered one of the originators of folk rock, the group showcased the harmonies of McGuinn, Clark and Crosby, while combining folk influences with Beatles-inspired rock.

Applying his folk techniques to the electric 12-string, McGuinn developed what became The Byrds’ signature jangly sound, which has influenced countless artists over the years.

The Byrds’ debut single, a cover of Bob Dylan‘s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1965. The band reached #1 again in December ’65 with their version of Pete Seeger‘s “Turn! Turn! Turn!“

McGuinn also wrote or co-wrote a few Byrds hits, including the influential psychedelic tune “Eight Miles High,” the country-flavored “Mr. Spaceman” and the horn-driven “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.”

The Byrds also pioneered country rock with the 1968 album Sweetheart of the Rodeo. From 1968 to ’73, McGuinn was the only founding member who remained in the group. The original lineup reunited for a final album, 1973’s The Byrds, before breaking up.

In the late 1970s and early ’80s, McGuinn teamed up with two former Byrds band mates in the group McGuinn, Clark and Hillman, which scored a top-40 hit with 1979’s “Don’t You Write Her Off.”

Since the ’80s, Roger has mainly focused on his solo career, although he teamed with Hillman and Crosby in 1990 to record four songs for a Byrds box set.

McGuinn was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Byrds in 1991.

Steve Martin “Dismayed” by Selena Gomez’s “Only Murders in the Building” Emmy snub

July 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Steve Martin and Martin Short expressed their appreciation at receiving Emmy nominations for their performances in the Hulu comedy series Only Murders in the Building on Tuesday, but they were disappointed that their co-star Selena Gomez did not.

“We’re thrilled at the nominations, not only for us, but for the show. We’re dismayed that Selena was not nominated because she’s so crucial to our performances, really,” Martin, 76 told The New York Times following the announcements.

Short, however, was quick to note that the 29-year-old “Lose You to Love Me” singer was “nominated as an executive producer.” She’s the first Latina to be nominated as a producer in the Comedy category.

Only Murders in the Building, currently in its second season, was just picked up for a season 3. New episodes air on Tuesdays.

Poison’s Bret Michaels to be inducted into the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame

July 12, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Poison frontman Bret Michaels has been chosen for induction into the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame this year, after his band was part of the institution’s inaugural class in 2020.

Michaels, who grew up in the central Pennsylvania borough of Mechanicsburg, is being recognized individually for his contributions as a solo entertainer, philanthropist and entrepreneur.

Michaels will be performing with Poison Tuesday night in Hershey, Pennsylvania, as part of The Stadium Tour with Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. He plans to return to his home state in the fall to accept the honor.

“Being born and bred in Pennsylvania, I am proud to be inducted as an individual into the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, with Poison also having also been inducted on the first-ever ballot,” Michaels says in a statement. “I am beyond excited to be playing Hersheypark Stadium this evening. Come rain or shine, it’s going to be a party and the people of Pennsylvania always rock my world.”

Adds Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame President Brandon Valentine, “As a non-profit organization focused on music education for the local youth, the CPMHOF is honored to recognize Bret Michaels in a positive light. Bret has always held a special place in the hearts of Central Pennsylvanians.”

In addition to his achievements as a member of Poison and a solo artist, Michaels is a reality TV star and producer, and a successful businessman who displayed his entrepreneurial savvy as a winner of Celebrity Apprentice. In addition, Michaels, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child, has long been involved in helping support people with the disease, which is a main focus of his Life Rocks charitable foundation.

Music notes: Gwen Stefani, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Justin Bieber and more

July 12, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Gwen Stefani is loving that singer Halsey wore a shirt with her face on it. Halsey dubbed Gwen a “Queen,” and Gwen not only commented with a bunch of heart emojis, she also shouted her out via Instagram Stories, writing, “Omg luv ur shirt” along with a winky face emoji.

Nick Jonas played the AC Championship alongside Colin Jost and Miles Teller, and said on Instagram, “We may not have played (our best) but we sure had a good time and looked damn good doing it.”

Meanwhile, Joe Jonas is giving fans a glimpse of his mind. He couldn’t help but parody a mashup of Joji‘s “Glimpse of Us” and Rednex‘s “Cotton Eyed Joe,” which has been renamed “Glimpse of Joe.” “In my feels leave me alone,” Joe wrote on TikTok while sharing a video of him sadly staring out the window and singing.

Justin Bieber is out in Idaho with wife Hailey Bieber as he recovers from Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Page Six reports the two had a passionate make out session on a boat while relaxing in Coeur d’Alene. The two also snuggled close together and enjoyed swimming with friends in the lake.

Christina Aguilera is hosting her own MasterClass dedicated to elevating your singing and stage presence. According to a press release, the “Beautiful” singer will teach you how to properly warm up and understand your voice, as well as share her breathing exercises. Classes go live August 3. You can sign up now on MasterClass.

I Prevail premieres new ’True Power’ song, “Bad Things”

July 12, 2022 by WDNY Radio

I Prevail has premiered a new song called “Bad Things,” which will appear on the band’s upcoming album, True Power.

The track is streaming alongside a performance video now on YouTube. It’ll be available via digital outlets Wednesday, July 13, at 12 a.m. ET.

“Bad Things” is the second track to be released from True Power, following “Body Bag.” The album arrives in full on August 19.

True Power is the follow-up to 2019’s Grammy-nominated Trauma, which spawned the singles “Breaking Down,” “Hurricane” and “Every Time You Leave.”

I Prevail will launch a tour in support of True Power in September. Pierce the Veil will also be on the bill.

(Video contains uncensored profanity)

Lil Wayne’s Lil WeezyAna Fest to feature Moneybagg Yo, Coi Leray, BabyFace Ray and more

July 12, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Lil Wayne announced Tuesday the sixth annual Lil WeezyAna Fest will kick off from his hometown of New Orleans on August 27.

Returning to Champions Square for the first time in four years, the artist-curated music event will see performances by Moneybagg Yo, Coi Leray, Babyface Ray and Rob 49, as well as surprise guests.

“We BAAACK!!!” the rapper said on social media.

“We’re glad to be back home! New Orleans birthed us and we can travel and hit the stage anywhere in the world, but there’s no place like home!” Young Money Records President Mack Maine said. “As always, we will be honoring the many lives lost in Hurricane Katrina as this year marks the 17th year anniversary. Wayne is excited to get back home as this one will be one you won’t want to miss!”

Lil WeezyAna Fest is in partnership with Live Nation Urban, a division of Live Nation Entertainment, which focuses on hip-hop, R&B and gospel events.

“Lil Wayne is ubiquitous with New Orleans and Lil WeezyAna Fest is an incredible representation of the city’s vibrant and thriving music culture,” said Live Nation executive Brandon Pankey. “In its sixth year, the festival has become a New Orleans tradition and Live Nation Urban is beyond ecstatic to bear witness to such an impactful event.”

Presale opportunities for the sixth annual Lil WeezyAna Fest are available starting Tuesday, July 12, while public sale tickets will be available Friday, July 15.

Queen’s Brian May, 10cc’s Graham Gouldman collaborate on song celebrating new space telescope

July 12, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Queen guitarist Brian May has teamed up with 10cc frontman Graham Gouldman for a new song called “Floating in Heaven,” which was released Tuesday in celebration of the historic first images sent to Earth from the James Webb Space Telescope.

The song was written and sung by Gouldman, who also played a number of instruments on the track, while May contributed lead guitar and backing vocals.

The James Webb Space Telescope was launched in December 2021, entered into Earth’s orbit in January of this year and became operational this week. It’s the most powerful telescope ever launched into space and is intended to succeed NASA’s Hubble telescope.

May, of course, has long been passionate about astronomy and earned a PhD in astrophysics from London’s Imperial College in 2007, while Gouldman is also enthusiastic about space science.

“Floating in Heaven” is available now via streaming and as a digital download. To accompany the melodic, atmospheric tune, an animated video depicting the James Webb Space Telescope being launched and activated has debuted on Queen’s official YouTube channel and the Space Telescope Science Institute’s YouTube channel.

You can check out the initial images that the telescope sent to Earth at NASA.gov.

“I’m so proud of her”: ‘Euphoria”s Colman Domingo on “awesome” co-star Zendaya, his “wonderful” Emmy nomination

July 12, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Colman Domingo‘s career of stealing every scene he’s in has led to Tuesday morning’s Emmy nomination in the Guest Actor category for his work in Euphoria.

The Fear the Walking Dead star caught up with ABC Audio after he found out about his nomination, and talked about what he thought about his co-star Zendaya‘s noms both as an actress and producer of the HBO show.

“It was just so lovely,” Domingo said about his honor.

“I was online and then, watching the announcements, and then my manager, Corey, calls, and he says, ‘Congratulations, Emmy nominee.’ And I thought, ‘What are you talking about?’ I was so confused because I was literally watching them and didn’t see my name or anything!”

“So then of course, I had to go online … and then I saw, and I was very overcome. I just thought it was really, really wonderful.”

Domingo plays Ali, the straight-talking sponsor to Zendaya‘s Rue, who is battling addiction — and in season 2, she can’t stay clean.

“I love working with her because she’s very open, and we have such, we have a great chemistry together … It’s a good dance when you have a great scene partner. You never know where exactly you’re going to go, but there’s a lot of trust in our scene work, so that’s what I love about her.”

Domingo says he admires the 25-year-old Emmy winner — and now Emmy-nominated producer, the youngest person to be so honored. Domingo calls that “awesome.”

“I’ve watched her just…take on a great leadership position, not only with our set, but in her career,” the actor expresses.

“I just think that she’s just an awesome young woman who’s very concerned about the way it all operates to make sure that, you know, it’s a diverse set, that it’s a very equitable set, that it’s, you know, a very empowering set.”

He adds, “I’m just very proud of her. I’m proud to be a friend and proud to be her colleague. “

Quinta Brunson is “still speechless” after multiple Emmy nominations

July 12, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Quinta Brunson‘s year keeps getting better and better.

In reaction to her history-making accomplishment of becoming the first Black woman to earn three Emmy nominations in the comedy category for Abbott Elementary, she posted an emotional thank you note to fans of the hit show.

“Crying shaking and throwing up has new meaning to me because I real life did all three,” she tweeted Tuesday after the Television Academy announced the nominations for the 74th annual Emmy Awards.

“Still speechless. Congrats to the entire staff and cast of Abbott Elementary. And I want to share this moment with all of the people who watch and love the show. Emmy nominated, baby!”

Brunson’s nominations include Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Writing for a Comedy Series — all for Abbott, the ABC series founded by Brunson based on her real-life elementary school teacher in Philadelphia.

Reacting to the show’s seven nominations, Brunson said in a release how honored she is to receive the high recognition.

“What an honor to be nominated by the Television Academy. Creating this show has been the greatest gift and to have it recognized in this way is the dream,” she said. “It’s a joy we get to share with the amazing people who watched our first season. None of this would be possible without my incredible, supportive EP’s Justin Halpern, Randall Einhorn & Patrick Schumacker, our incredible writers room, our insanely talented cast, and the hard-working teams at ABC and WBTV for helping to bring Abbott Elementary to life.”

She added, “Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank teachers. Thanks for being our inspiration.”

The 74th Emmy Awards will be held live Monday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

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