Naomi Ackie gives audiences a glimpse into the life of Whitney Houston in director Kasi Lemmons’ new biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” and the new film is packed with a number of Houston’s hits.
Working with movement coach Polly Bennett and vocal coaches Tangela Large, Bridgette Jackson and Denise Woods, Ackie also underwent physical transformation with the help of numerous wigs and false teeth to cover the natural gap in her two front teeth.
Ackie doesn’t sing most songs in the film — she lip syncs to Houston’s perfect tracks instead — but she mimics Houston’s style of singing with great detail. She steps in for performances by Houston that were not recorded, such as “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” and “Jesus Loves Me” from her choir-singing days. Ackie also portrays a nervous Whitney who is thrust onstage by her mother, who knows Clive Davis is in attendance,...
Working with movement coach Polly Bennett and vocal coaches Tangela Large, Bridgette Jackson and Denise Woods, Ackie also underwent physical transformation with the help of numerous wigs and false teeth to cover the natural gap in her two front teeth.
Ackie doesn’t sing most songs in the film — she lip syncs to Houston’s perfect tracks instead — but she mimics Houston’s style of singing with great detail. She steps in for performances by Houston that were not recorded, such as “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” and “Jesus Loves Me” from her choir-singing days. Ackie also portrays a nervous Whitney who is thrust onstage by her mother, who knows Clive Davis is in attendance,...
- 12/28/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Timothy Graphenreed, a longtime musical and dance arranger who composed two numbers for the beloved Broadway musical The Wiz, died March 1 at New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital. He was 68.
Graphenreed’s death was first reported today by Broadway World. A cause of death was not announced.
Last year Graphenreed completed work on an upcoming album by Broadway star and singer Lillias White. The album, titled Get Happy!, features White’s interpretations of standards, Motown hits, jazz and rock songs, and is described by Vermont’s Old Mill Recording Studio label as the “culmination of a 30-year friendship and professional collaboration between Lillias White and her musical director/accompanist, Timothy Graphenreed.” The album is dedicated to his memory.
Graphenreed provided dance arrangements for Broadway’s Leader of the Pack (1985) and Comin’ Uptown (1979), the latter a short-lived retelling of A Christmas Carol with a Black cast headed by Gregory Hines as Scrooge.
Graphenreed’s death was first reported today by Broadway World. A cause of death was not announced.
Last year Graphenreed completed work on an upcoming album by Broadway star and singer Lillias White. The album, titled Get Happy!, features White’s interpretations of standards, Motown hits, jazz and rock songs, and is described by Vermont’s Old Mill Recording Studio label as the “culmination of a 30-year friendship and professional collaboration between Lillias White and her musical director/accompanist, Timothy Graphenreed.” The album is dedicated to his memory.
Graphenreed provided dance arrangements for Broadway’s Leader of the Pack (1985) and Comin’ Uptown (1979), the latter a short-lived retelling of A Christmas Carol with a Black cast headed by Gregory Hines as Scrooge.
- 9/2/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
As is clear from his stint slinging drinks at the opening of his son’s bar in Brooklyn, Bill Murray would do anything to help out his loved ones. For his latest experiment, the beloved actor and comedian recorded a vocal track on a tenaciously upbeat song from Paul Shaffer’s new album, released today with a cute animated music video.
Shaffer is best known to television fans as Dave Letterman’s music director and sidekick on “The Late Show,” though that position is has been held by New Orleans musician Jon Batiste since Stephen Colbert took over. Reverting to their earlier name, Paul Shaffer & The World’s Most Dangerous Band, Shaffer and his fellow “Late Show” musicians are about to tour a new album, which features an eclectic mix of guest vocalists.
Read More: Bill Murray and Amy Ryan? Our Dream Casts for the Inevitable American Remake of ‘Toni Erdmann’
In addition to Murray,...
Shaffer is best known to television fans as Dave Letterman’s music director and sidekick on “The Late Show,” though that position is has been held by New Orleans musician Jon Batiste since Stephen Colbert took over. Reverting to their earlier name, Paul Shaffer & The World’s Most Dangerous Band, Shaffer and his fellow “Late Show” musicians are about to tour a new album, which features an eclectic mix of guest vocalists.
Read More: Bill Murray and Amy Ryan? Our Dream Casts for the Inevitable American Remake of ‘Toni Erdmann’
In addition to Murray,...
- 3/8/2017
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Annaleigh Ashford is set to master another sexy character (if you’ll pardon the pun).
RelatedGrease: Live Review: Fox’s Magical Remake Had Groove, It Had Meaning
The Masters of Sex star has been cast as Columbia, the castle’s feisty live-in groupie, in Fox’s upcoming remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Ashford won a Tony award last year for her role in You Can’t Take It With You.
She joins previously announced cast members Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) as Dr. Frank-n-Furter, Victoria Justice (Victorious) as Janet, Ryan McCartan (Heathers: the Musical) as Brad,...
RelatedGrease: Live Review: Fox’s Magical Remake Had Groove, It Had Meaning
The Masters of Sex star has been cast as Columbia, the castle’s feisty live-in groupie, in Fox’s upcoming remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Ashford won a Tony award last year for her role in You Can’t Take It With You.
She joins previously announced cast members Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) as Dr. Frank-n-Furter, Victoria Justice (Victorious) as Janet, Ryan McCartan (Heathers: the Musical) as Brad,...
- 2/1/2016
- TVLine.com
Jack Deveraux will soon be returning to Days of Our Lives, and something tells us he’ll take the stairs this time.
Matthew Ashford — who played Jack from 1989 to 2012 — will reprise his role on the soap opera for a five-episode arc, TVInsider reports.
VideosDays of Our Lives Video: Ej Brought Back to Life by… John Oliver?
The character is believed to be dead, after he sacrificed himself for his daughter via elevator crash, but no word yet on whether Jack will be resurrected or merely make an appearance from beyond the grave.
Ashford begins filming this week, with his...
Matthew Ashford — who played Jack from 1989 to 2012 — will reprise his role on the soap opera for a five-episode arc, TVInsider reports.
VideosDays of Our Lives Video: Ej Brought Back to Life by… John Oliver?
The character is believed to be dead, after he sacrificed himself for his daughter via elevator crash, but no word yet on whether Jack will be resurrected or merely make an appearance from beyond the grave.
Ashford begins filming this week, with his...
- 11/30/2015
- TVLine.com
Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have announced 13 key members of the production team for the 87th Academy Awards, which will air live on Oscar Sunday, February 22, 2015, on ABC.
Director Hamish Hamilton returns to the show for the third time, after receiving an Emmy nomination for his work on last year’s telecast. He made his Oscar debut with the 82nd Academy Awards telecast in 2010. Hamilton has directed many other celebrated live televised events, including the 2014 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bruno Mars, the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Beyoncé, the 2013 “MTV Video Music Awards” and the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics, for which he also received an Emmy nomination. He shared a 2011 Peabody Award for the fifth annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” and a 2003 Grammy Award nomination for the musical special “Robbie Williams – Live at the Albert.”
Production designer Derek McLane has been part of both Oscar...
Director Hamish Hamilton returns to the show for the third time, after receiving an Emmy nomination for his work on last year’s telecast. He made his Oscar debut with the 82nd Academy Awards telecast in 2010. Hamilton has directed many other celebrated live televised events, including the 2014 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bruno Mars, the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Beyoncé, the 2013 “MTV Video Music Awards” and the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics, for which he also received an Emmy nomination. He shared a 2011 Peabody Award for the fifth annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” and a 2003 Grammy Award nomination for the musical special “Robbie Williams – Live at the Albert.”
Production designer Derek McLane has been part of both Oscar...
- 11/15/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“The Simpsons” boss explains the major death: “We’re not the kind of show that does these really horrific things to its characters" "It was something that would be a good exploration of the characters," says exec producer Al Jean. "I thought it’d be good to say, 'This is what people think of heaven but it’s not exactly what you’re going to get—it’s more what you do on Earth that matters.'…. If you look back at the clues we gave, everything adds up, so I would find that satisfying. I wouldn’t feel like I was misled.” He adds: "We didn’t want a crazy death, or anything shocking, just true human emotion.” Plus: Some fans were disappointed, Krusty the Clown isn’t a strong enough character to warrant an entire episode, and in defense of the major death. “The Simpsons”/“Family Guy” crossover:...
- 9/29/2014
- by Norman Weiss
- Hitfix
Contributed By: Michelle McCue and Melissa Thompson
Well, we’ve just returned from AMPAS with our credentials badge for Wamg to be among the many outlets covering the Academy Awards nominations tomorrow morning.
With the announcement less than 24 hours away, and for the Oscar obsessivas (like us), this has been one of the toughest years to call. Even those of us who compulsively watch the race 365 days a year, all the categories are wide open, with expected surprises and snubs. This is always the best type of Oscar race to watch and we’ll bring you the news of who gets in and who isn’t invited to Hollywood’s biggest party of the year.
Actor, and tall-drink-of-cool-water, Chris Hemsworth and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs will announce the 86th Academy Awards nominations on Thursday, January 16.
Boone Isaacs and Hemsworth will unveil the nominations at a 5:38 a.
Well, we’ve just returned from AMPAS with our credentials badge for Wamg to be among the many outlets covering the Academy Awards nominations tomorrow morning.
With the announcement less than 24 hours away, and for the Oscar obsessivas (like us), this has been one of the toughest years to call. Even those of us who compulsively watch the race 365 days a year, all the categories are wide open, with expected surprises and snubs. This is always the best type of Oscar race to watch and we’ll bring you the news of who gets in and who isn’t invited to Hollywood’s biggest party of the year.
Actor, and tall-drink-of-cool-water, Chris Hemsworth and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs will announce the 86th Academy Awards nominations on Thursday, January 16.
Boone Isaacs and Hemsworth will unveil the nominations at a 5:38 a.
- 1/15/2014
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Tamar Braxton broke down in tears at the Soul Train Awards, but not because she lost! The ‘Braxton Family Values’ star was overcome with emotion after winning three awards during a year that also included the birth of her son.
Tamar Braxton, 36, is having the year of her life. Between the birth of her first child, the success of her reality shows, and the debut of her first album in 13 years, Love And War, we can’t blame her for tearing up as she accepted the award for Best Female R&B Artist at the 2013 Soul Train Awards on Dec. 1. Check out the video below!
Tamar Braxton’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Tamar won three titles at the 2013 Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas. She took home the statue for Song Of The Year for “Love and War” and The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award, but it was the Best Female...
Tamar Braxton, 36, is having the year of her life. Between the birth of her first child, the success of her reality shows, and the debut of her first album in 13 years, Love And War, we can’t blame her for tearing up as she accepted the award for Best Female R&B Artist at the 2013 Soul Train Awards on Dec. 1. Check out the video below!
Tamar Braxton’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Tamar won three titles at the 2013 Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas. She took home the statue for Song Of The Year for “Love and War” and The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award, but it was the Best Female...
- 12/3/2013
- by HL Intern
- HollywoodLife
Tamar Braxton cried while accepting her Soul Train Award for Best Female R&B/Soul at the 2013 Soul Train Awards. Braxton also won Song of the Year with “Love and War” and The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award.
Braxton, 36, is a new mother and the youngest of the Braxton sisters featured on the We tv reality show Braxton Family Values – her eldest sister is R&B star Toni Braxton and she comes from a family of singers.
Tamar Braxton Cries At Soul Train Awards
Braxton was visibly shocked with her win, and teared up while thanking her family and then continued to deliver a special message to her fans.
“I just really want to leave you guys with this note: I never thought in my life that I would be here and the only reason is that because I almost gave up on myself. I want to let you guys know,...
Braxton, 36, is a new mother and the youngest of the Braxton sisters featured on the We tv reality show Braxton Family Values – her eldest sister is R&B star Toni Braxton and she comes from a family of singers.
Tamar Braxton Cries At Soul Train Awards
Braxton was visibly shocked with her win, and teared up while thanking her family and then continued to deliver a special message to her fans.
“I just really want to leave you guys with this note: I never thought in my life that I would be here and the only reason is that because I almost gave up on myself. I want to let you guys know,...
- 12/3/2013
- Uinterview
The importance of music education was celebrated as Melissa Etheridge, Trey Songz, Joshua Bell, Les Miserables creators Alain Boublil, Herbert Kretzmer, Claude-Michel Schönberg, and Ashford & Simpson were honored at the New York Chapter Recording Academy Honors. The event -- a benefit raising money for the chapter’s ongoing advocacy and educational programs -- was attended by Island Def Jam Music Group President Steve Bartels, media entrepreneur Kevin Liles, Img Founder Charles Hamlen, Les Miserables stars Samantha Barks and Aaron Tveit, American Idol band leader Ray Chew, Grammy winner Michael Bolton and Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, who hammered home the importance
read more...
read more...
- 6/28/2013
- by Michele Amabile Angermiller
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Recording Academy Honors 2013 will feature Grammy-winners Michael Bolton, Kristian Bush and David Caddick, Grammy-nominee Joan Osborne, stage and screen stars Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks and Stephanie J. Block, American Idol Music Director Ray Chew, singer-songwriters Peter Cincotti and Frankie Moreno, Island Def Jam Music Group President Steve Bartels, Img Founder Charles Hamlen, and entertainment and media entrepreneur Kevin Liles. The star studded gala will celebrate honorees Ashford amp Simpson, Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell, Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge, Grammy-winning creators of 'Les Miserables' - Alain Boublil, Herbert Kretzmer and Claude-Michel Schonberg - and RampB singersongwriter Trey Songz. The Recording Academy Honors was established to celebrate outstanding individuals whose work embodies excellence and integrity and who have improved the environment for the creative community. The event, which will attract recording artists, key entertainment executives and community leaders, will be hosted Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at 6 p.m. at 583 Park Avenue. This gala...
- 6/12/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Iron Man 3 dominates box office, gay characters fall in primetime, and Rep. Michele Bachman prays for the United States
Vampire Academy, based on the Ya books, has added Shameless’ Cameron Monaghan to the cast. He will play Mason Ashford, who is the lead Rose’s best friend who become a romantic interest. It’s worth noting that Monaghan tweeted that he was not signed to the next season of Shameless.
Out has an interesting article out called The Porn Problem, in which it tries to deduce why so many gay porn stars have killed themselves lately. It’s a weird piece, putting forth the idea that shame around sex and sex work leaves the actors nowhere to turn, while at the same time sounding pretty damning about the sex trade. The Sword has already slammed it, and I’m inclined to do the same. (Nearly) everyone has sex, the...
Vampire Academy, based on the Ya books, has added Shameless’ Cameron Monaghan to the cast. He will play Mason Ashford, who is the lead Rose’s best friend who become a romantic interest. It’s worth noting that Monaghan tweeted that he was not signed to the next season of Shameless.
Out has an interesting article out called The Porn Problem, in which it tries to deduce why so many gay porn stars have killed themselves lately. It’s a weird piece, putting forth the idea that shame around sex and sex work leaves the actors nowhere to turn, while at the same time sounding pretty damning about the sex trade. The Sword has already slammed it, and I’m inclined to do the same. (Nearly) everyone has sex, the...
- 5/12/2013
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
PBS mixes food, science and history on Mind of a Chef.
News
Covert Affairs hunk Eion Bailey has joined the TNT pilot Trooper. He'll play the patrol partner of Mira Sorvino's state trooper character, who we hope also has an allergy to wearing shirts.
Get ready for more Dewey in the next season of Southland, C. Thomas Howell is now a series regular. I hope that means they have some solid plans for the character who, so far, has worked best in limited quantities.
The Big Bang Theory cast Bernadette's mother with Meagen Fay, who has a long resume including Malcolm in the Middle, The Bernie Mac Show and one of my obsessions, the nuclear apocalypse comedy Whoops!.
ABC has found a pal for Rebel Wilson in the comedy pilot Super Fun Night, which follows a group of nerdy friends who promise to make every Friday a "Super Fun Night.
News
Covert Affairs hunk Eion Bailey has joined the TNT pilot Trooper. He'll play the patrol partner of Mira Sorvino's state trooper character, who we hope also has an allergy to wearing shirts.
Get ready for more Dewey in the next season of Southland, C. Thomas Howell is now a series regular. I hope that means they have some solid plans for the character who, so far, has worked best in limited quantities.
The Big Bang Theory cast Bernadette's mother with Meagen Fay, who has a long resume including Malcolm in the Middle, The Bernie Mac Show and one of my obsessions, the nuclear apocalypse comedy Whoops!.
ABC has found a pal for Rebel Wilson in the comedy pilot Super Fun Night, which follows a group of nerdy friends who promise to make every Friday a "Super Fun Night.
- 11/9/2012
- by LyleMasaki
- The Backlot
The 2012 Soul Train Awards nominations were announced Wednesday (Sept. 19), earning R&B artist R. Kelly a place in history as he brought his nominations total to 21 for his career, more than any other artist.
Usher received the most for 2012, with five nominations. Kelly received two noms, while the late Whitney Houston was nominated for Best Gospel Inspirational Performance and the late Amy Winehouse was nominated for Best International Performance.
The awards will be held Nov. 8 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer. They will air on Bet on Nov. 25.
The full list of nominees:
Best New Artist
Elle Varner
Emeli Sande
J. Cole
Luke James
Robert Glasper
Centric Award
Daley
Esperanza Spalding
Gary Clark Jr.
Leah Labelle
Santigold
Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance
BeBe Winans- "America America"
Fred Hammond- "I Feel Good"
Marvin Sapp- "My Testimony"
Mary Mary- "Go Get It"
Whitney Houston and...
Usher received the most for 2012, with five nominations. Kelly received two noms, while the late Whitney Houston was nominated for Best Gospel Inspirational Performance and the late Amy Winehouse was nominated for Best International Performance.
The awards will be held Nov. 8 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer. They will air on Bet on Nov. 25.
The full list of nominees:
Best New Artist
Elle Varner
Emeli Sande
J. Cole
Luke James
Robert Glasper
Centric Award
Daley
Esperanza Spalding
Gary Clark Jr.
Leah Labelle
Santigold
Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance
BeBe Winans- "America America"
Fred Hammond- "I Feel Good"
Marvin Sapp- "My Testimony"
Mary Mary- "Go Get It"
Whitney Houston and...
- 9/20/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
New York (AP) — R. Kelly is nominated for two awards at this year's Soul Train Awards, making him the most nominated act ever at the awards show. Kelly is up for the Ashford & Simpson songwriter's award and album of the year, bringing his career total to 21 nominations. Usher leads this year's awards with five nominations. Estelle, Nas, Trey Songz and John Legend are also multiple nominees. Whitney Houston is nominated for best gospel inspirational performance and Amy Winehouse is nominated for best international performance. New Edition will receive a lifetime achievement award. The Soul Train Awards, hosted by...
- 9/20/2012
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
New York -- R. Kelly is nominated for two awards at this year's Soul Train Awards, making him the most nominated act ever at the awards show.
Kelly is up for the Ashford & Simpson songwriter's award and album of the year, bringing his career total to 21 nominations.
Usher leads this year's awards with five nominations. Estelle, Nas, Trey Songz and John Legend are also multiple nominees.
Whitney Houston is nominated for best gospel inspirational performance and Amy Winehouse is nominated for best international performance. New Edition will receive a lifetime achievement award.
The Soul Train Awards, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, will be taped Nov. 8 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. The show will air Nov. 25 on Bet and Centric.
___
Online:...
Kelly is up for the Ashford & Simpson songwriter's award and album of the year, bringing his career total to 21 nominations.
Usher leads this year's awards with five nominations. Estelle, Nas, Trey Songz and John Legend are also multiple nominees.
Whitney Houston is nominated for best gospel inspirational performance and Amy Winehouse is nominated for best international performance. New Edition will receive a lifetime achievement award.
The Soul Train Awards, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, will be taped Nov. 8 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. The show will air Nov. 25 on Bet and Centric.
___
Online:...
- 9/19/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
-- With all the star power at the Bet Awards – Kanye West, Jay-z, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce and Samuel L. Jackson, to name a few – the most stirring moment came not from a superstar, but from the mother of one.
Whitney Houston's mother Cissy provided the emotional highlight of Sunday's ceremony as she sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in tribute to her late daughter, leaving audience members like Beyonce and Soulja Boy in tears.
Mariah Carey opened the tribute, and her voice wavered as she told stories about Houston. She recalled the last time she saw Houston last year, and how the two laughed and gossiped together.
"I miss my friend," Carey said. "I miss hearing her voice and laughter."
R&B singer Monica was vocally top-notch as she sang "I Love The Lord," a gospel song once sang by Houston; Brandy sang two upbeat Houston hits, "I Wanna Dance...
Whitney Houston's mother Cissy provided the emotional highlight of Sunday's ceremony as she sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in tribute to her late daughter, leaving audience members like Beyonce and Soulja Boy in tears.
Mariah Carey opened the tribute, and her voice wavered as she told stories about Houston. She recalled the last time she saw Houston last year, and how the two laughed and gossiped together.
"I miss my friend," Carey said. "I miss hearing her voice and laughter."
R&B singer Monica was vocally top-notch as she sang "I Love The Lord," a gospel song once sang by Houston; Brandy sang two upbeat Houston hits, "I Wanna Dance...
- 7/2/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
New York -- Grammy award-winning singer Chaka Khan will perform a tribute to the late Whitney Houston at the Apollo Theater's gala and awards ceremony.
The historic Harlem theater confirmed Friday that the "I Feel for You" singer will perform in her friend's memory.
Lionel Richie and the late Etta James will be inducted into the theater's hall of fame during the June 4 gala. Soul Train creator Don Cornelius and songwriter Nick Ashford will also be honored posthumously.
Richie's first Apollo appearance was in the early 1970s. The "Hello" singer says he's thrilled to be chosen for the hall of fame.
James was known for ballads like "At Last." She performed at the Apollo in 1957 and again in the 1960s.
Past inductees include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin.
The historic Harlem theater confirmed Friday that the "I Feel for You" singer will perform in her friend's memory.
Lionel Richie and the late Etta James will be inducted into the theater's hall of fame during the June 4 gala. Soul Train creator Don Cornelius and songwriter Nick Ashford will also be honored posthumously.
Richie's first Apollo appearance was in the early 1970s. The "Hello" singer says he's thrilled to be chosen for the hall of fame.
James was known for ballads like "At Last." She performed at the Apollo in 1957 and again in the 1960s.
Past inductees include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin.
- 5/18/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
The big news is that John Barrowman is set to star in ABC's Gilded Lilys pilot (which will drive spell check crazy if it gets picked up). It's an upstairs-downstairs style drama about the wealthy Lily family opening New York's first luxury hotel in 1895. Barrowman will play Julius Ashford Lily, the eldest, favored son, charming lucky and loose. Barrowman in a period piece? Opposite Blythe Danner? Sign me up!
Project X's nerdy Jonathan Brown had a prior turn in front of the camera before his found footage hit. He had sex with three girls in a Bang Bros porn film called Nerd Hunting. Not a bad gig for a teenager.
Speaking of pasts in porn, Million Dollar Listing's Fredrik Eklund explains that he did a turn in gay porn just because he needed to do something different after founding a successful internet company. Does this mean a porn past is officially Nbd?...
Project X's nerdy Jonathan Brown had a prior turn in front of the camera before his found footage hit. He had sex with three girls in a Bang Bros porn film called Nerd Hunting. Not a bad gig for a teenager.
Speaking of pasts in porn, Million Dollar Listing's Fredrik Eklund explains that he did a turn in gay porn just because he needed to do something different after founding a successful internet company. Does this mean a porn past is officially Nbd?...
- 3/7/2012
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
A frantic 911 call was placed after Monkees singer Davy Jones suffered a massive heart on Wednesday in Florida.
The distressed woman who dialed the emergency number pleaded for an ambulance to "hurry," before suggesting it might be faster to put Jones in a car and drive to the nearest hospital -- which was 27 miles away.
Jones had complained of breathing trouble early in the morning, and was later taken to a hospital in the town of Stuart,...
The distressed woman who dialed the emergency number pleaded for an ambulance to "hurry," before suggesting it might be faster to put Jones in a car and drive to the nearest hospital -- which was 27 miles away.
Jones had complained of breathing trouble early in the morning, and was later taken to a hospital in the town of Stuart,...
- 3/1/2012
- Extra
Aretha Franklin canceled her scheduled appearance at Whitney Houston's funeral service in New Jersey yesterday afternoon ... but was well enough to perform at Radio City Music Hall that night.Aretha said she had been suffering from leg spasms and wanted to rest up for her show, rather than travel for the funeral. She released a statement, saying in part, "heart goes out to my dear friend Cissy, Dionne, Bobbi Kristina and the rest of the family.
- 2/19/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Hudson pays tribute to the late singer with a simple-yet-stunning performance of 'I Will Always Love You.'
By Kelley L. Carter
Jennifer Hudson performs a tribute to Whitney Houston at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards
Photo: Robyn Beck/ Afp/ Getty Images
Sometimes, words just can't say it.
For much of the Grammy celebration, musicians shouted out their praises and adoration of Whitney Houston, who was found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room on the eve of music's biggest night.
But it was Jennifer Hudson, a clear student of what Houston brought to the musical world, who expressed it best.
As usual, the awards show paid respects to the number of now-gone musicians and music executives, including British singer Amy Winehouse, Motown executive Esther Gordy Edwards, soul-music architect Nick Ashford and influential rapper Heavy D. Their music played, their images were shown, and a quiet — before an eruption of...
By Kelley L. Carter
Jennifer Hudson performs a tribute to Whitney Houston at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards
Photo: Robyn Beck/ Afp/ Getty Images
Sometimes, words just can't say it.
For much of the Grammy celebration, musicians shouted out their praises and adoration of Whitney Houston, who was found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room on the eve of music's biggest night.
But it was Jennifer Hudson, a clear student of what Houston brought to the musical world, who expressed it best.
As usual, the awards show paid respects to the number of now-gone musicians and music executives, including British singer Amy Winehouse, Motown executive Esther Gordy Edwards, soul-music architect Nick Ashford and influential rapper Heavy D. Their music played, their images were shown, and a quiet — before an eruption of...
- 2/12/2012
- MTV Music News
Hollywood is still reeling from the news that Whitney Houston has did, this afternoon in Beverly Hills.
R.I.P. Whitney Houston
Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, tells us, "I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby."
Bobby Brown Breaks Down Over Whitney During Concert
Whitney's longtime friend and producer Quincy Jones tells The Insider, "I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing. Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just sixteen, and I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly."
Whitney Houston - A Life in Pictures
The Recording Academy said in a statement, "Six-time GRammy...
R.I.P. Whitney Houston
Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, tells us, "I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby."
Bobby Brown Breaks Down Over Whitney During Concert
Whitney's longtime friend and producer Quincy Jones tells The Insider, "I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing. Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just sixteen, and I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly."
Whitney Houston - A Life in Pictures
The Recording Academy said in a statement, "Six-time GRammy...
- 2/12/2012
- TheInsider.com
R&B great Etta James, best known for her classic song "At Last," has died from chronic leukemia. She was 73.
James had been struggling with the disease for several years. She died at a hospital in Riverside, Calif. with her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, and her sons by her side.
Etta's longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, said, "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world.
James had been struggling with the disease for several years. She died at a hospital in Riverside, Calif. with her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, and her sons by her side.
Etta's longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, said, "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world.
- 1/20/2012
- Extra
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the final six months of 2011...
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
- 1/1/2012
- WENN
"Extra" takes a look back at Hollywood's beloved stars who passed away this year.
In Memoriam 2011Harry Morgan
"M*A*S*H" star Harry Morgan died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/12/mash_star_harry_morgan_dead_at_96.php] at the age of 96 on December 7, after suffering from pneumonia.
Patrice O'Neal
Comedian Patrice O'Neal died at the age of 41 [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/charlie_sheen_others_pay_tribute_to_comedian_patrice_oneal.php] on November 29, from complications of a previous stroke.
Ken Russell
British director Ken Russell died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/director_ken_russell_dead_at_84.php] at the age of 84 on November 27, from a stroke.
Theodore Forstmann
"Top Chef" host...
In Memoriam 2011Harry Morgan
"M*A*S*H" star Harry Morgan died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/12/mash_star_harry_morgan_dead_at_96.php] at the age of 96 on December 7, after suffering from pneumonia.
Patrice O'Neal
Comedian Patrice O'Neal died at the age of 41 [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/charlie_sheen_others_pay_tribute_to_comedian_patrice_oneal.php] on November 29, from complications of a previous stroke.
Ken Russell
British director Ken Russell died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/director_ken_russell_dead_at_84.php] at the age of 84 on November 27, from a stroke.
Theodore Forstmann
"Top Chef" host...
- 12/26/2011
- Extra
X Factor's Marcus Collins has joked that he could go back to hairdressing if his music career fails. The Liverpudlian said that he had been offered the chance to work alongside the show's official hairdresser Jamie Stevens if he fails to make it as a singer. Speaking at a Talk Talk secret gig, Collins said: "Jamie Stevens, the hairdresser from The X Factor, has told me that when I mess it up, I can always have a job with him on the show. "Making the cups of tea and washing hair. Hopefully I won't have to, but we'll see." Collins also revealed that his most embarrassing moment in the competition came when someone confused him with one of the other acts. "Being mistaken for Ashford from Nu Vibe, The Risk. I think we look nothing alike. Hashtag, just saying," (more)...
- 12/1/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Getty Lady Gaga
The nominations for the 54th annual Grammy Awards are being announced tonight on CBS at 10 p.m. in a special concert featuring Lady Gaga, Sugarland, Rihanna, The Band Perry and other musical acts. Speakeasy is live-blogging the show now.
Follow along and leave your thoughts in the comments.
10:59 pm
Good night everyone!
10:56 pm
Readers, what did you think of the Album of the Year nominees?
10:55 pm
Lady Gaga and Sugarland are closing things out.
The nominations for the 54th annual Grammy Awards are being announced tonight on CBS at 10 p.m. in a special concert featuring Lady Gaga, Sugarland, Rihanna, The Band Perry and other musical acts. Speakeasy is live-blogging the show now.
Follow along and leave your thoughts in the comments.
10:59 pm
Good night everyone!
10:56 pm
Readers, what did you think of the Album of the Year nominees?
10:55 pm
Lady Gaga and Sugarland are closing things out.
- 12/1/2011
- by WSJ Staff
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Warner Bros. won't screen "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" in time for voting critics: "[New York Film Critics Circle head John] Anderson wrote that he's been told that the film won't be shown any time before December 2nd. 'This despite my having received assurances before that they would [work within our deadline],' Anderson wrote. 'Draw your own conclusions.' National Board of Review members have also been told of this decision, which obviously means that 'Extremely Loud' is out of the running as far as their voting is concerned, which will happen on Thursday, December 1st." Hollywood Elsewhere Grammys will honor late Nick Ashford and Jerry Leiber: "... Usher is set to sing from the Ashford & Simpson catalog for what promises to be a poignant moment in the usually upbeat Grammy nominations prime-time special. It will be part of a joint tribute to Ashford and Jerry Leiber, and will also feature Mike Stoller, ...
- 11/22/2011
- Gold Derby
New York (AP) — Three months after losing musical and life partner Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson acknowledges that she still has a hard time performing any of the classic songs they created together. "I get a big lump in my throat when I try to sing one of our songs right now," she said. She'll get a little help next week as Usher is set to sing from the Ashford & Simpson catalog for what promises to be a poignant moment in the usually upbeat Grammy nominations prime-time special. It will be part of a joint tribute to Ashford and Jerry...
- 11/22/2011
- by Nekesa Mumbi Moody (AP)
- Hitfix
New York -- Three months after losing musical and life partner Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson acknowledges that she still has a hard time performing any of the classic songs they created together.
"I get a big lump in my throat when I try to sing one of our songs right now," she said.
She'll get a little help next week as Usher is set to sing from the Ashford & Simpson catalog for what promises to be a poignant moment in the usually upbeat Grammy nominations prime-time special. It will be part of a joint tribute to Ashford and Jerry Leiber, and will also feature Mike Stoller, who was Leiber's longtime writing partner.
Leiber and Stoller wrote classics such as "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "Yakety Yak" and other hit songs that came to define early rock `n' roll. Ashford and Simpson helped define the Motown sound with hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough,...
"I get a big lump in my throat when I try to sing one of our songs right now," she said.
She'll get a little help next week as Usher is set to sing from the Ashford & Simpson catalog for what promises to be a poignant moment in the usually upbeat Grammy nominations prime-time special. It will be part of a joint tribute to Ashford and Jerry Leiber, and will also feature Mike Stoller, who was Leiber's longtime writing partner.
Leiber and Stoller wrote classics such as "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "Yakety Yak" and other hit songs that came to define early rock `n' roll. Ashford and Simpson helped define the Motown sound with hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough,...
- 11/22/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Kanye West, Kelly Rowland and Adele also nab multiple nominations for November 27 show.
By Jocelyn Vena
Chris Brown
Photo: Steve Granitz / Getty Images
Chris Brown is up for the most nominations at the Soul Train Awards with five nods. Following closely behind are "Party" and "Lift Off" collaborators Beyoncé and Kanye West with five nominations each. Also making a strong showing in the nominations are Kelly Rowland and Adele, who nabbed three nods apiece.
Brown is up for Best Male R&B/Soul Artist against Trey Songz, Cee Lo Green, R. Kelly, Eric Benet and Miguel, as well as Album of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year ("Look at Me Now"), where he faces off against West ("All of the Lights"), Nicki Minaj ("Moment for Life"), Lupe Fiasco ("Out of My Head") and Jay-z and Kanye West ("Otis").
West landed two more nods for Song of the...
By Jocelyn Vena
Chris Brown
Photo: Steve Granitz / Getty Images
Chris Brown is up for the most nominations at the Soul Train Awards with five nods. Following closely behind are "Party" and "Lift Off" collaborators Beyoncé and Kanye West with five nominations each. Also making a strong showing in the nominations are Kelly Rowland and Adele, who nabbed three nods apiece.
Brown is up for Best Male R&B/Soul Artist against Trey Songz, Cee Lo Green, R. Kelly, Eric Benet and Miguel, as well as Album of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year ("Look at Me Now"), where he faces off against West ("All of the Lights"), Nicki Minaj ("Moment for Life"), Lupe Fiasco ("Out of My Head") and Jay-z and Kanye West ("Otis").
West landed two more nods for Song of the...
- 10/21/2011
- MTV Music News
Nu Vibe have got off to a rocky start together on The X Factor. Put together at Boot Camp, the boys are rumoured to be struggling to gel as they enter intense training and rehearsals for the ITV1 extravaganza. Make up your own mind on whether the atmosphere in Team Tulisa is a bit frosty (note Bradley's mouthed response to a Chris Brown reference), by watching our video interview with the boys from earlier this week. Jordan, Stefan, Bradley, Ashford and Richard chat to Digital (more)...
- 10/7/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
We’ve just received information that the world premiere of the brand new Michael Jackson biopic, is set to take place right in here in London. To celebrate, we’ve been given this brand new clip from the movie which is introduced by legendary music Producer and friend to the Jackson family, David Gest.
Following the announcement, we get to see a new clip from the movie entitled He Went to a New Level which I’ve placed in the video embedded below. When you see the clip you just scratch the surface of the impact that he made on the world. I was astonished at some of the clips seeing just a few of the people he met.
I’ve also placed the press release that we have been sent with full details on the World Premiere which is set to take place on November 2nd 2011 at the Empire Leicester Square.
Following the announcement, we get to see a new clip from the movie entitled He Went to a New Level which I’ve placed in the video embedded below. When you see the clip you just scratch the surface of the impact that he made on the world. I was astonished at some of the clips seeing just a few of the people he met.
I’ve also placed the press release that we have been sent with full details on the World Premiere which is set to take place on November 2nd 2011 at the Empire Leicester Square.
- 10/5/2011
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
HollywoodNews.com: Nile Rodgers, Paul Shaffer, Michael Douglas, Cissy Houston, Felicia Collins, Russ Titelman, Sylvia Rhone, Nona Hendryx, and Sue Simmons were among the luminaries who attended the Monday night memorial service for Nick Ashford at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church. Jim Bessman was kind enough to write us an account of what went on because I could not be there. No sign of Diana Ross, Chaka Khan or Whitney Houston, but plenty of towering talent from Roberta Flack to Edgar Bronfman, Jr. participated. Nick’s death is a huge blow to his family, friends and the world. –Rf
To those who spoke on his behalf at his memorial service yesterday, Nickolas Ashford was a giant, a saint, a talent whose contributions, as Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley dramatically stated, matched those of the likes of James Brown, Nina Simone, James Baldwin, Dr. Maya Angelou, Ralph Ellison and Duke Ellington,...
To those who spoke on his behalf at his memorial service yesterday, Nickolas Ashford was a giant, a saint, a talent whose contributions, as Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley dramatically stated, matched those of the likes of James Brown, Nina Simone, James Baldwin, Dr. Maya Angelou, Ralph Ellison and Duke Ellington,...
- 8/31/2011
- by Roger Friedman
- Hollywoodnews.com
Story of Wakefield welder isn't just about racism or political correctness, it's also about small firms' willingness to employ
Did you notice in the course of a lively week that an employment tribunal in Leeds has decided that the use of the name "Borat" by a Wakefield-based welder to tease a Polish colleague is racist, and may require the award of compensation for hurt feelings. More to the point, do you care?
You won't find the report in today's Guardian, I'm afraid, we're often a bit jittery about this kind of story. Nor will you be surprised to learn that the Daily Mail has no such inhibitions, though it has refrained from editorial or columnar comment so far. So here is a chance to beat them to it.
I must confess right away that I am conflicted on this one. I disliked the Sasha Baron Cohen's hit film of that...
Did you notice in the course of a lively week that an employment tribunal in Leeds has decided that the use of the name "Borat" by a Wakefield-based welder to tease a Polish colleague is racist, and may require the award of compensation for hurt feelings. More to the point, do you care?
You won't find the report in today's Guardian, I'm afraid, we're often a bit jittery about this kind of story. Nor will you be surprised to learn that the Daily Mail has no such inhibitions, though it has refrained from editorial or columnar comment so far. So here is a chance to beat them to it.
I must confess right away that I am conflicted on this one. I disliked the Sasha Baron Cohen's hit film of that...
- 8/24/2011
- by Michael White
- The Guardian - Film News
On Monday, we lost a true musical legend when Nick Ashford succumbed to throat cancer in New York City at the age of 70. He was a legendary songwriter, producer, and performer, always with his wife, Valerie Simpson, at his side. He was rescued from homelessness when he was put on staff at Motown Records, where he and his wife penned hits for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Ray Charles, and Chaka Khan. When they broke out on their own, as Ashford & Simpson, he and Valerie dominated R&B with songs like “Found A Cure” and “Solid.” And, much like the artists who emerged in the glamorous 1970′s, Nick Ashford always looked friggin’ amazing. Always sporting a long, dark mane, striking eyes, and a sleek, chic style that matched David Bowie, Little Richard, and his own wife! Seriously, you couldn’t...
- 8/23/2011
- by Eliot Glazer
- BestWeekEver
Prolific songwriter Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson died Monday in New York City. He was 70.
Ashford was diagnosed with throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, according to former publicist and longtime friend, Liz Rosenberg.
Ashford, along with wife Valerie Simpson, wrote some of Motown's most notable, soulful numbers for singers such as Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Chaka Khan. Monster hits such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand,...
Ashford was diagnosed with throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, according to former publicist and longtime friend, Liz Rosenberg.
Ashford, along with wife Valerie Simpson, wrote some of Motown's most notable, soulful numbers for singers such as Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Chaka Khan. Monster hits such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand,...
- 8/23/2011
- Extra
HollywoodNews.com: I’d like to say I am shocked at the news of Nick Ashford‘s death, but he didn’t appear at the Songwriters Hall of Fame dinner this past June. His wife and songwriting partner, Valerie Simpson, was there. They were never ever apart. They were really inseparable. Someone who knew them said to me, “Something is wrong.” It seems that Nick had throat cancer, which no one knew. This is a terrible blow for Valerie and their two daughters, for their trusted aide de camp Tee Austen, and everyone who loves Ashford and Simpson.
Nick was a tall drink of water with a beautiful, sunny disposition. He was one of the most elegant and thoughtful people I’ve ever met in the music business. He and Valerie — like Leiber and Stoller, King and Goffin, Mann and Weil, Neils Diamond and Sedaka, Ellie Greenwich, Smokey Robinson, Isaac Hayes and David Porter,...
Nick was a tall drink of water with a beautiful, sunny disposition. He was one of the most elegant and thoughtful people I’ve ever met in the music business. He and Valerie — like Leiber and Stoller, King and Goffin, Mann and Weil, Neils Diamond and Sedaka, Ellie Greenwich, Smokey Robinson, Isaac Hayes and David Porter,...
- 8/23/2011
- by Roger Friedman
- Hollywoodnews.com
On Monday, we lost two titans of songwriting: Jerry Leiber, best known for writing with his longtime collaborator, Mike Stoller; and Nick Ashford, who co-wrote with his wife Valerie Simpson. Paul Shaffer once said, “Leiber and Stoller? There would be no rock and rock without them.” That’s a bit hyperbolic, but only a little. The music of Leiber and Ashford broke down color barriers during the ‘50s and the ‘60s. Their music united people at a time when so many other things divided us. Below are my essential eight songs that either Leiber or Ashford co-wrote. These aren’t all necessarily their...
- 8/23/2011
- Hitfix
New York - Motown star Nick Ashford, who co-wrote some of the stand-out soul songs of the 1970s and '80s, has died at age 69 after a battle with throat cancer, Us media reported Tuesday. Ashford died Monday in a New York hospital. With his wife, Valerie Simpson, the Ashford and Simpson duo wrote hits such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough, You're All I Need to Get By, Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, and Solid (As a Rock). Along with songwriting, the pair produced Diana Ross' first three solo albums and the 1968 hit I'm Gonna Make You Love Me.
- 8/23/2011
- Monsters and Critics
Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson that penned elegant, soulful classics for the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and funk hits for Chaka Khan and others, died Monday at age 70, his former publicist said.Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said publicist Liz Rosenberg, who was Ashford's longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she told The Associated Press.Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand" by Ross and "You're All I Need To Get By" by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created anthems for others, like "I'm Every Woman" by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston). Ashford & Simpson also...
- 8/23/2011
- PalZoo
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- 8/23/2011
- by PopSugar
- Popsugar.com
Nick Ashford, of the Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, has died. He was 70. Mr. Ashford partnered with wife Valerie Simpson, who he met in a Harlem church back in 1963. Together they wrote some of the best R&B songs of the last 40 years. The couple wrote songs for Chaka Khan, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and many others. Ashford had been fighting throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, his publicist told The Associated Press. Classic songs like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand" sung by Diana Ross and "You're All I Need To Get By" by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, were part of their catalog of songs. Ashford...
- 8/23/2011
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
New York — Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson that penned elegant, soulful classics for the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and funk hits for Chaka Khan and others, died Monday at age 70, his former publicist said.
Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said publicist Liz Rosenberg, who was Ashford's longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she told The Associated Press.
Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand" by Ross and "You're All I Need To Get By" by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created anthems for others, like "I'm Every Woman" by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston). Ashford...
Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said publicist Liz Rosenberg, who was Ashford's longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she told The Associated Press.
Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand" by Ross and "You're All I Need To Get By" by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created anthems for others, like "I'm Every Woman" by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston). Ashford...
- 8/23/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Nick Ashford, the Motown hitmaker who penned such classics as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By" with wife Valerie Simpson, has died. He was 70.
Ashford, who had battled throat cancer, died Monday at a New York hospital with his family by his side, his rep told Reuters.
See other celebs we lost this year
A South Carolina native, Ashford met Simpson in a Harlem church in 1963 and the two decided to write songs together. Three years later, they scored ...
Read More >...
Ashford, who had battled throat cancer, died Monday at a New York hospital with his family by his side, his rep told Reuters.
See other celebs we lost this year
A South Carolina native, Ashford met Simpson in a Harlem church in 1963 and the two decided to write songs together. Three years later, they scored ...
Read More >...
- 8/23/2011
- by Joyce Eng
- TVGuide - Breaking News
'Solid' singer/songwriter passed away at 70 of throat cancer.
By Jocelyn Vena
Nick Ashford
Photo: Shahar Azran/Getty Images
Nick Ashford, one half of songwriting and performing duo Ashford & Simpson, has died. The legendary Motown artist passed away in New York City on Monday at the age of 70 from throat cancer.
The pair found fame with the Berry Gordy-founded record label, writing hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand" and "I'm Every Woman" for singers like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and Chaka Khan, in the '60s and '70s. The pair's breakout hit came courtesy of "Let's Go Get Stoned," recorded by Ray Charles in 1966.
The duo also had a very successful recording career of their own, characterized by tracks that celebrated love, such as "Don't Cost You Nothing," "It Seems to Hang On," "Found a Cure" and "Solid.
By Jocelyn Vena
Nick Ashford
Photo: Shahar Azran/Getty Images
Nick Ashford, one half of songwriting and performing duo Ashford & Simpson, has died. The legendary Motown artist passed away in New York City on Monday at the age of 70 from throat cancer.
The pair found fame with the Berry Gordy-founded record label, writing hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand" and "I'm Every Woman" for singers like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and Chaka Khan, in the '60s and '70s. The pair's breakout hit came courtesy of "Let's Go Get Stoned," recorded by Ray Charles in 1966.
The duo also had a very successful recording career of their own, characterized by tracks that celebrated love, such as "Don't Cost You Nothing," "It Seems to Hang On," "Found a Cure" and "Solid.
- 8/23/2011
- MTV Music News
Motown legend Nickolas Ashford -- part of the singer-songwriter duo Ashford and Simpson -- who penned several iconic hits, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" -- died yesterday after a battle with throat cancer. In addition to "Ain't No Mountain", Ashford co-wrote several songs with his wife Valerie Simpson -- including, "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing", "Solid (As a Rock)," "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and "I'm Every Woman." The Songwriters Hall of...
- 8/23/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Associated Press People celebrate the capture in Tripoli of Moammar Gadhafi’s son and one-time heir apparent, Seif al-Islam, at the rebel-held town of Benghazi, Libya, early Monday, Aug. 22, 2011.
Will Gadhafi’s fall give Obama a political bounce? Does hating your job run in the family? And would you spend $200,000 a year on a nanny? A look at the most interesting posts in the Wall Street Journal blogs.
Will Gadhafi’s Fall Give Obama a Political Bounce?: The collapse...
Will Gadhafi’s fall give Obama a political bounce? Does hating your job run in the family? And would you spend $200,000 a year on a nanny? A look at the most interesting posts in the Wall Street Journal blogs.
Will Gadhafi’s Fall Give Obama a Political Bounce?: The collapse...
- 8/23/2011
- by Christopher John Farley
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
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