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Clive Davis Grammy Party of all Time Brings Cher, Mariah, Meryl, Tom and Rita, Jelly Roll into the Same Room, Plus Serena Williams Rocking to Green Day, R&B Legends

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I’m filing this at 6:16am New York time. Guests have only recently left the after party for Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy gala.

Only Davis, the great music mogul, could organize a room of 950 guests in which half of them are famous.

In the Beverly Hilton ballroom: Cher, Mariah Carey, Meryl Streep, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson, Nancy and Paul Pelosi Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy — and that’s the tip of the iceberg. The old guard met the new guard, everyone danced to groups like Public Enemy and the Islaey Brothers.

Tom Hanks introduced Clive, rattling off two or three dozen names of stars Davis either created or helped reach their stardom. Some — Like Dionne Warwick and Earth Wind & fire, and Melissa Manchester — who was at my table were there. (Also at my table Paul Shaffer and Frankie Valli. The latter is 89 and booking dates!

I jumped ahead: the night began with tennis great Serena Williams introducing her favorite band of all time, Green Day. And Serena wasn’t the only racquet-teer, Martina Navritolova was in the house.

The great songwriters Valerie Simpson and Diane Warren had their own table. So did Gregg Alexander — he wrote “Murder on the Dance Floor,” among others. More Hollywood types included the very hot Julia Garner. The Greatest Actress of all Time, Meryl Streep, came with daughter Grace and son-in-law Mark Ronson. Ronson performed a gender reversed version of his Oscar nominated “I’m Just Ken” with country star Lainey Wilson.

And then just quietly sitting around until it was their turn were legendary artists Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Dionne Warwick — and they closed the four show that had begun with no less than Green Day doing a medley of their hits. In between Green Day and these massive stars was a program that included Noah Kahan (who Meryl Streep really liked), plus Josh Groban singing Sondheim, then playing piano with a gospel choir and Michael Trotter Jr’s insanely emotional version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

The Hankses and the Dansons hung out, Cher and Steep reconnected, there was Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Sheila E., Lenny Kravitz, Boy Genius, Narada Michael Walden, Debbie Gibson, Kylie Minogue, producer Benny Blanco, Jack Antonoff with wife Margaret Qualley, Chloe and Halle Bailey, Janelle Monae, Don Lemon, and more more more! Comedian Jeff Ross brought Tiffany Haddish and Sacha Baron Cohen over from a dinner at Ted Sarandos’s house for 30 comedians.

Did I mention all the society types and philanthropists? There were plenty: Michael and Iris Smith, Nikki Haskell, Blaine Trump, Denise Rich, Barbara Davis with daughter Nancy and her husband Ken Rickel, to name a few.

But back to to Hollywood: Adrien Brody with Georgina Chapman, Michele Lee and Fred Rappoport, “Laugh In” producer George Schlatter — 93 and just published a memoir! I saw David Foster, Shania Twain, Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile, and MSNBC star Ari Melber. There was also Kenny Babyface Edmonds and Bon Jovi songwriter Desmond Child.

Ice Spice even performed and shook her derriere in the nicest way!

Forget Musicares or the Grammys. Or even the Vanity Fair Oscar party. Clive’s dinner is the centerpiece of entertainment. Each act is topping the previous one all night. Then finally Gladys Knight took the stage and delivered her own sublime rendition of “The Way We Were” — she had a big hit with it in 1974.  Dionne joined her on stage with Andra Day and Keyshia Cole for “That’s What Friends Are For.” After a few minutes of vocal nirvana, Stevie came on stage and played the harmonica.

That was supposed to be the end. But then Stevie got the idea they should all sing “What the World Needs Now is Love.” Keep refreshing for the video. Stevie called out keys to the startled band and soon the room levitated. It was only then that I noticed the Nancy and Paul Pelosi and Berry Gordy were still there! So was much of the room, fixated on this legendary performance.

Look, in years past Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, and all kinds of heavyweights made us think their shows were “the best ever” of the Clive Davis concerts. But this one will stand out — and not just because Cher and discussed ice cream! Or that I picked up news about new music being worked on by Aerosmith and by Mariah Carey. (More on that tomorrow.)

And Stevie? He had so much fun he trekked up to the Polo Lounge with everyone for the after party. He may still be there!

More to come, with pictures and video galore!

Sam Waterston is Wrapping Up 25 Years as DA Jack McCoy on “Law & Order” After 400 Episodes

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Sam Waterston was already a famous actor when he joined “Law & Order” as Jack McCoy. After a long run he took a break, then returned the most recent seasons.

Now Waterston is putting Jack to bed.

He’s 76 and I’m sure has lots of other things he wants to do. Tony Goldwyn will succeed him as the new DA. Waterston’s final show is set for February 22nd.

While “Law & Order” was off the air, Waterston starred with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Martin Sheen in “Grace and Frankie” for 7 seasons.

He has one Oscar nomination, a Tony nomination, an Emmy Award and several Emmy nominations.
We will also miss Jack McCoy, but he will live on in syndication. And Sam maybe could come back to theater. He was once the

standard bearer in Shakespeare productions at NY’s Public Theater. It’s been quite a career.

Watch Sylvester Stallon’s Emotional Tribute to “Rocky” Co-Star Carl Weathers aka Apollo Creed

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You may have heard that the great Carl Weathers has died at age 76.

Weathers starred with Sylvester Stallone in four “Rocky” movies as Apollo Creed. His character is the father of the Michael B. Jordan character in the “Creed” movies. Weathers has a long resume besides “Rocky,” but that’s his iconic film character. He was so popular after Rocky that he appeared in the James Brown video, “Living in America.”

See Stallone’s heartfelt video tribute to his old friend.


“Argylle” Publicity Machine Taylor Swift Rumor Can’t Help Box Office Dud or Make Book a Hit

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The “Argylle” PR machine has backfired.

The Matthew Vaughn movie of Elly Conway’s novel has a rotten 34% among movie critics and bloggers.

Last night the movie made just $1.7 million, which means it’s headed for a very difficult opening weekend.

At the same time, the novel stands at number 555 on amazon.com’s best sellers list.

Someone hatched the idea to make Conway a pseudonym, a mysterious person who might be Taylor Swift. This started with the novel and then bled over to the movie.

But “Argylle” — with a great marketing campaign — isn’t clicking. No one took the Taylor Swift bait. And a two hour, 19 minute run time — what were they thinking?

The book is probably suffering more than the film. Universal is going to finish at number 1 this weekend with the Vaughn directed movie. But the chances for real “legs” are pretty minimal.

The movie is packed with stars — Oscar winner Sam Rockwell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, even singer Dua Lipa — who’s opening the Grammy Awards Sunday night — which will give it an extra push.

“Argylle” is socked, so to speak. Darn it!

Rachel Maddow Interview with E. Jean Carroll Scores 2.9 Mil Viewers, Brings MSNBC Close to Beating Fox Overall

Rachel Maddow’s interview on Monday night with E. Jean Carroll was a big hit.

Maddow on MSNBC scored 2.9 million viewers, beating Sean Hannity on Fox News by 400,00. Her victory brought MSNBC within 400,000 viewers of beating Fox News overall for the night.

Not bad!

Maddow Mondays are magic in ratings. The whole MSNBC roster rises significantly because of her.

Of course when Maddow asked Carroll how she would spend her $83 million she won from Donald Trump it was a great, and sarcastic, moment.

Grammy-a-Go-Go: The Scoop on Cher’s Delicious Ice Cream, Teddy Swims Won’t Stop Believing at Warner Music Party, SZA Tributes Producers

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Even in drenching rain there are Grammy parties galore all over LA this week.

On Wednesday night we hit the Billboard Power 100 party at Neuehouse, where Taylor Swift was crowned powerful person in the record business

Swift was a no-show but singer Noah Kahan was, introducing Republic Records leaders Monte and Avery Lipman. Also on hand were the three members of hot group boygenius including Phoebe Bridgers. Everyone got to meet newish Billboard editor Hannah Karp, who emceed the event with aplomb and may be the most stylish EIC the magazine has ever had.

I got my picture taken with Flava Flav.

The centerpiece of the evening was the bestowing of the Clive Davis Visionary Award by SZA, who was introduced by the legend it was named for. It’s the first of many Clive Davis events and sightings over Grammy weekend, and he spoke eloquently for the music biz. SZA then eloquently gave the visionary award to her very canny label chiefs and managers, Terrence “Punch” Henderson and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. I think they were knocked out that the most famous music man in the world toasted them!

Later, some people went over to the popular spot Bar Lis, where Republic and the Lipmans celebrated being the biggest record label in the land. (That was Wednesday. The next day UMG announced a lot of organizational changes that are still being sorted out.) Shania Twain and Kim Petras were among the artists who made the scene.

Teddy Swims

Here’s the scoop on Cher’s ice cream: Thursday brought the Warner Music party, with performances by Teddy Swims (he sang a raw R&B cover of “Don’t Stop Believing”) and by Charlie XCX. But the big news of the night was the arrival of Cher, who set up an ice cream stand featuring her Cherlato in four flavors. You can’t actually buy this stuff anywhere. Last summer Cher sent a food truck around town for people to try it. Because of the weather, the truck isn’t running right now.

I wanted to get a picture of Cher scooping ice cream, but she and 28 year old boyfriend Alexander Edwards took a throne position in the club — called Citizen News (owned by the Bar Lis people) — with David Guetta and ten bodyguards. I don’t know if the great pop songstress and Oscar winner tasted the product, but it was quite yummy and a big hit.

So was the Warner party, where I ran into Warner chiefs Tom Corson and Aaron Bay Schuck, as well the company’s owner, Len Blavatnik., film director Brett Ratner, Josh Groban, Bebe Rexha, the very colorful Lauren Daigle (great voice and cool oufit), and hot younger singer Gael, who’s still only 19 and has had a couple of hits. (She’s going places.)

Lauren Daigle

Exclusive: Paul McCartney Could Add Needed Heft to Jon Bon Jovi’s Charity Show, Richie Sambora Not Expected After All

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Tomorrow night comes the annual Musicares dinner at the LA Convention Center.

Jon Bon Jovi is the honoree, and he’s bringing the band. They’ll perform after a bunch of acts sing their versions of BonJovi hits.

Not expected, however, is Richie Sambora. I speculated last week that Richie, who left the band a decade ago, might be coming. But everyone out here in LaLa Land insists that Jon and Richie have had no contact. “It’s not happening,” said one insider. “I’d be very surprised if it does.”

One new name in the mix is Paul McCartney. Friends with JBJ from the Hamptons, Paul is on the guest list. Is he playing? “Why would he come and just sit there?” says an observer.

That would be a jolt to an evening that features Bruce Springsteen as the standout musical guest among a raft of mostly newcomers, plus Melissa Etheridge and Shania Twain. One of those ladies will sing “Who Says You Can’t Go Home, which was a duet hit with Jennifer Nettles. Nettles is not on the list.

Musicares is not televised, unfortunately.

McCartney, by the way, is just out with a 50th anniversary “Band on the Run” — underdubbed — a look at the seminal album stripped down to its unmixed state. This should be interesting, but try and find the 40th anniversary remaster – it’s glorious.

Grammy Exclusives: Annie Lennox, Maybe Justin Timberlake, Can Meryl Streep Go from GOAT to EGOT?

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The Grammy Awards are turning into really big show. Watch producer Ben Winston pull off a ratings hit on Sunday!

I’m told that powerhouse Annie Lennox will perform a tribute to the late Sinead O’Connor. What could it be but Sinead’s Prince hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U”? Most everyone has a negative idea about Sinead, but I actually knew her. She was lovely and smart.; She was also in a lot of pain. I’m so glad the Grammys are giving her her due.

I told you yesterday that Billy Joel is closing the show. There will a big moment with Joni Mitchell performing, which should bring the house down.

From what’s shaping up, Ben Winston seems like he’s smartly going for an older crowd, with lots of legacy artists.

I also hear that GOAT Meryl Streep, who’s nominated for the 7th time, for an audio book, could finally become an EGOT. Believe it or not, with all her Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, she does not have a Grammy!

Meryl will present, I’m told, with a nominee she’s related to — son-in-law Mark Ronson. He’s married to her daughter Grace Gummer. They just had their first child. Mark is nominated for master minding the “Barbie” soundtrack. Whew!

Finally, for now: it’s been alluded to, but Justin Timberlake may make an appearance, either as a performer or presenter. JT has been on SNL, Jimmy Fallon, and last night performed a controversial show at Irving Plaza in New York. His song, “Selfish,” is a hit — I can’t get it out of my head.

It would make sense for Justin to be on the Grammys. But don’t forget the Recording Academy snubbed him big time a few years ago for his “20/20” album. Hopefully, all old feuds have been declared null and void — unlike Justin’s with Britney Spears — but that’s another story!

Listen: Billy Joel’s Poignant, Gorgeous “Turn the Lights Back On” Picks Up Seamlessly from Singer’s Stellar Career

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Billy Joel’s first single in 31 years picks up seamlessly from stellar career. The song’s lyrics are personal and poignant, fitting into his incredible catalog of hits without missing a beat — really.

The song will remind you of “Piano Man” and “She’s Always a Woman,” heavy on classical sounding piano and an undeniable rich melody that folds back into an instantly catchy hook. What a pleasure to get this gift after such a long time.

We can only hope Billy will put together a few more new songs, but if this is it, it’s a worthy cap to an amazing career.

Exclusive: Billy Joel Not Making An Album, Just New Single Dropping Today–Beloved Rocker Will Close the Grammy Awards on Sunday

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Billy Joel is dropping his new single this morning.

The beloved rocker hasn’t made a real record in 31 years, so “Turn the Lights Back On” is an event.

But there is no new album, friends. I’m sad to report that this is a one-off single, a little gift for fans. Billy does not have 12 more songs ready for a collection. Maybe if the response to “Lights” is really overwhelming, something can be done.

Exclusive: I can tell you that Billy will close the Grammys on Sunday night with “Turn the Lights Back On” and one of his big hits. It will not be “Piano Man,” although I’m told everyone with the show asked him to sing it. The whole arena would sing along! But it will be another of his many hits. I know which one but why give it away now.

Billy is wrapping up his 150 shows at Madison Square Garden in July. That will be a huge night, I’m sure. But New York fans may want to stop in on March 28th. That’s when I’m told the show will be filmed for posterity and for a documentary about this extraordinary run!

Come back here at 9am for a first listen to “Turn the Lights Back On.”