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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

Roger Friedman
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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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

Adele Books Dates in Munich: Didn’t Like to Perform Live, Now She Can’t Stop

Roger Friedman
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Adele Books Dates in Munich: Didn’t Like to Perform Live, Now She Can’t Stop

Adele is addicted to performing live.

Remember when she canceled 13 weekends in Vegas because she had stage fright?

Since then she’s taken over Sin City and can’t stop extending her run

Why? Money! She’s making it, hand over fist.

Now she’s booked five nights in Munich this August. Amazing. It won’t stop there. She’s got the rhythm of it, plus the adrenaline rush of screaming fans. Will she ever make another record? Why bother?

PS anyone know what happened to her original hitmaker, Paul Epworth? Asking for a friend.

Grammy Awards Could Be Capsized by “Pineapple Express” Explosion of Unprecedented Rain and Wind

Roger Friedman
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Grammy Awards Could Be Capsized by “Pineapple Express” Explosion of Unprecedented Rain and Wind

The Pineapple Express is coming, and it’s not a stoner movie.

It’s a weather event that will hit Los Angeles tomorrow and Thursday, and then really come for Southern California on Sunday.

Sunday is also the Grammy Awards, which means chaos is looming. One thing LA cannot deal with is weather. They lose their minds. On the west coast, it’s spelled Whether, as in bad news is coming, whether or not.

Luckily, the Grammy red carpet at the Crypto Center is tented (there was a time when it wasn’t). But that doesn’t mean ladies getting soaked in their gowns, and so on. High heels and inappropriately mini skirts — often seen in the higher sections — are going to be dripping. It will be a mess, especially when the show is over and guests disperse to parties.

Also, no one in LA wears a raincoat and few of them have umbrellas. Years ago during a surprise rain event I went from store to store looking for a raincoat. Sales people just gaped. They’d never heard the word before!

There’s already a lot of grumbling about the Grammys from the lesser nominees regarding seating in the Crypto Center — formerly the Staples Center — because the show is sold out. So let’s hang on and hope the meteorologists are wrong. They often are.

Beach Boy Brian Wilson Mourns Death of Wife Melinda, 77, Who Basically Saved His Life

Roger Friedman
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Beach Boy Brian Wilson Mourns Death of Wife Melinda, 77, Who Basically Saved His Life

Beach Boys founder and genius Brian Wilson has announced the death of his second wife, Melinda. They were married for 28 years. She was 77, and basically saved his life.

At the time that Melinda came into Brian’s life he was under the thumb of Dr. Eugene Landy. Landy had isolated Wilson and wrecked his career. But once Melinda got involved, Brian broke free of Landy and went on to have a big solo career. Their story is seen in the excellent movie, “Love and Mercy.” She was played by Elizabeth Banks.

I met and talked to Melinda many times over the years. She was just lovely. I am really sorry that she’s gone. Condolences to everyone including their five children.

The Grammys should really include Melinda in their In Memoriam. Without her, there would have been no more Brian Wilson.

Brian wrote on Twitter:

My heart is broken. Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning.
Our five children and I are just in tears.
We are lost.
Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior.
She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career.
She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her.
Love and Mercy Brian

Kennedy Center Looking for New Leader as Billionaire David Rubenstein Announces Exit, Buys Baltimore Orioles

Roger Friedman
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Kennedy Center Looking for New Leader as Billionaire David Rubenstein Announces Exit, Buys Baltimore Orioles

The Kennedy Center is looking for a new CEO.

Billionaire David Rubenstein, whose name and imprimatur is on the Center, the Washington Monument, and many other institutions, is stepping down. At 74, he says he’s had enough and will concentrate on buying the Baltimore Orioles. Because, why not?

Rubenstein is said to be worth $4 billion, all of it derived from his work at the secretive private equity firm, The Carlyle Group, which he founded.

In 2014, Rubenstein made news when he unceremoniously dismissed the beloved creator of the Kennedy Center Honors, producer and director George Stevens Jr. Rubenstein was determined to turn the Honors into something more resembling the Grammy Awards than a real salute to all the arts.

Rubenstein leaving now, before the fall presidential election, makes sense. This way there can be a transition to a Biden- backed successor rather than gamble on something unforeseen happening after the election. Meantime, Deborah Rutter, who’s very popular, will remain CEO.

RIP Chita Rivera, Broadway Legend Starred in the Original “West Side Story,” Won Every Award Including 2 Tonys

Roger Friedman
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RIP Chita Rivera, Broadway Legend Starred in the Original “West Side Story,” Won Every Award Including 2 Tonys

Chita Rivera seemed like she’d live forever. She died today at 91, but will live on forever in Broadway history.

She starred in the original “West Side Story” on Broadway and caused a sensation. Chita Rivera won two Tony Awards and had eight other nominations. She also was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Chita had an indomitable spirit. She loved the audience, and the shows themselves. She was Broadway’s Queen. Several years ago, the Chita Rivera Awards were established in her name. They’ll be held this year on May 20th here in New York.

Condolences to her family, friends, and fans. The latter includes everyone!

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