Music

CHICAGO (June 4, 2007) – Generating heat while casting light, a spirited debate on the responsibility of rappers and the music industry for degradation of women was the focus of today’s Town Hall Meeting, part of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund 36th Annual Conference, being held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Rosemont through June 6.    » read more »

04 June 2007 -- A health commentator has earned the wrath of Jordin Sparks' fans, after suggesting that the young American Idol winner needs to lose weight.

MeMe Roth, of the group National Action Against Obesity, said she has received death threats since appearing on U.S. television and declaring the 17-year-old Arizona native overweight.

"When I look at Jordin I see diabetes, I see heart disease, I see high cholesterol," said Roth. "That's what's so sad about this - she is not the vision of health - she is the vision of 'unhealth.'"    » read more »

The Police Releases Greatest Hits Collection to Celebrate 30 Year Anniversary

04 June 2007 -- MTV is bringing back its acoustic performance series "Unplugged." New shows will feature the Police, Kenny Chesney, Mary J. Blige, John Mayer and Bon Jovi, who will kick off this year's series on June 22. Two other cable music channels, VH1 and CMT, will air edited versions of the "Unplugged" concerts on the two nights following MTV's broadcast.    » read more »

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

May 31, 2007 -- During Black Music Month, we recognize the outstanding contributions that African-American singers, composers, and musicians have made to our country, and we express our appreciation for the extraordinary music that has enriched our Nation.    » read more »

18 May 2007 -- Madonna has released a new digital song aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Titled "Hey You," the ballad doesn't specifically refer to saving the earth, instead choosing to speak of loving and saving each other.

Produced by Madonna and Pharrell Williams, "Hey You" hit the market May 16. The first one million downloads are free, and Microsoft will donate 25 cents per download to the Alliance For Climate Protection.

Madonna will perform the song July 7 at the London edition of Live Earth, a global environment-themed pop event.    » read more »

14 May 2007 -- Country singer Miranda Lambert entered Billboard's Country chart at Number 1 with her 2005 debut album "Kerosene." The 23-year-old Texan has done it again with her brand new CD. VOA's Mary Morningstar has this report on Miranda's second release, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."

'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'

Miranda Lambert has a reputation for writing songs with real life themes, like the title track from her new album Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. But, not all of Miranda's songs deal with revenge and rage. She's equally comfortable singing ballads that show her vulnerable side.    » read more »

Barbra Streisand to Release New Live Album

07 May 2007 -- Maroon 5 makes history this week by jumping 63 positions to take over the top spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. The band achieved the feat by selling more than 243,000 digital downloads of its new single, "Makes You Wonder." The previous record holder for the biggest single-week jump on that chart was held by Kelly Clarkson, who climbed from Number 52 to Number One with her 2002 debut single, "A Moment Like This."    » read more »

For more than 30 years, New Orleans has held a Jazz and Heritage Festival. This year's festival wraps up this weekend. Many well-known musicians come to play at Jazz Fest, but it is also an important showcase for local talent. That is especially important as the city still struggles to recover from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, which struck in August 2005. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from New Orleans, one local group is doing its part to keep the city's musical heritage alive.    » read more »

07 May 2007 -- Bette Midler will replace Celine Dion as headliner at Caesar's Palace Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas.

Famed for her bawdy stage routine, the 61-year-old Midler reportedly agreed to a two-year run of 100 shows per year.

Her five-night-a-week performances begin February 20.

Replacing Celine Dion is no mean feat: since inaugurating her show, "A New Day," in March 2003, the French-Canadian singer has grossed more than $500 million. She will give her final performance December 15.    » read more »

07 May 2007 -- More than 80,000 people recently attended the 20th annual Merlefest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, April 26-29, making the four-day event the largest music festival in the southeastern United States. That's quite a contrast to the first Merlefest in 1988, an event that attracted only 4,000 fans. VOA's Katherine Cole has more on this year's musical tribute to the late Merle Watson, son and musical partner of folk and country great Doc Watson.    » read more »