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Miley Cyrus Sets a Spotify Record for Streaming with “Flowers,” Eyes 400K in Sales, Inspires Diane Keaton Dance Video

Roger Friedman
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Miley Cyrus Sets a Spotify Record for Streaming with “Flowers,” Eyes 400K in Sales, Inspires Diane Keaton Dance Video

Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” is a monster hit single. And you know what’s great about it? It’s a real song. Two people wrote it (with Miley, ‘natch). It’s so catchy it’s got poeple dancing around to it on social media, like Diane Keaton. (See below.)

“Flowers” set a Spotify record this week with 40 Million streams — the biggest number ever for one track in a week. Hitdailydouble.com says total sales including streaming should be in the 400,000 ballpark for week 1. That includes 75,000 in downloads.

People are playing “Flowers” over and over. It’s one of those earwig songs. Sony/Columbia should be thrilled. The album comes March 10th, it’s called “Endless Summer Vacation” which sounds like a combination of the Beach Boys and the Go Gos. It that’s the sound of the album, and there are more songs like “Flowers,” then hallelujah, Miley’s back!

Sundance Film Festival Opens for First Time Since 2020, Without Founder Robert Redford

Roger Friedman
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Sundance Film Festival Opens for First Time Since 2020, Without Founder Robert Redford

The Sundance Film Festival re-opened on Thursday, for the first time 2020. Sundance is located in Park City, Utah, and was the brainchild of Oscar winning actor-director-producer Robert Redford. He created it in the early 80s literally from nothing.

But this year, for the first time, there was no sign of Redford on opening night. He was there in January 2020, but he hasn’t been seen much in the last couple of years. Redford experienced a crushing blow in October when his son, Jamie, tragically died of cancer. He was 58.

Redford is 86 years old, which seems unbelievable to us and probably to him. His screen presence was always the epitome of youth. One of the thrills over the years at Sundance was seeing Redford at the opening of each festival. He would appear at the Eccles Theater at the 6pm screening and give a talk, often about politics or the environment, always very liberal and right minded. They were always brilliant and set the tone for the rest of the festival.

That ship may have sailed now. In all the reports from opening night I see no mention of him. Also, on social media many people seem surprised to discover that he created Sundance at all. There should really be mandatory reading of the history of the Festival so everyone knows his massive accomplishment.

Here’s hoping Redford is at home, comfortable and warm, staying away from crowds, and reveling in the knowledge Sundance continues as a tribute to him.

I am doing the festival virtually this year, seeing films online. My first reviews will appear beginning tomorrow.

Here’s the All Star Song “Gonna Be You” Sung by Dolly Parton, Cyndi Lauper, Belinda Carlisle, Gloria Estefan and Debbie Harry, Written by Diane Warren

Roger Friedman
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Here’s the All Star Song “Gonna Be You” Sung by Dolly Parton, Cyndi Lauper, Belinda Carlisle, Gloria Estefan and Debbie Harry, Written by Diane Warren

Last night, the stars of “80 for Brady” hit the Jimmy Kimmel show, and they were hilarious. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sally Field, and Rita Moreno killed it, and looked amazing. They’re the new Golden Girls!

Today Diane Warren’s specially written song for the movie, called “Gonna Be You.” is out. It’s sung by no less than Dolly Parton, Cyndi Lauper, Belinda Carlisle, Gloria Estefan and Debbie Harry.

I think this whole project is going to be a big hit, and a perfect antidote to winter blues. And PS, Warren will win the Oscar for Best Song in 2024. Can you imagine all these women appearing on the Dolby Theater stage? Wow!

And here’s Kimmel:

The Great Judy Collins Says David Crosby’s “Radio” Is Maybe His Best Song, She’d Already Recorded It

Roger Friedman
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The Great Judy Collins Says David Crosby’s “Radio” Is Maybe His Best Song, She’d Already Recorded It

Legendary singer and songwriter Judy Collins called in this morning from her sold out symphony tour about David Crosby. She’s performing with a huge orchestra, doing her famous “Wildflowers” in its entirety plus several of her hits. “It’s been an amazing experience,” she tells me. Collins comes to New York’s Town Hall on February 24th.

Judy told me she’s stunned by the death of David Crosby, whom she’s known for five decades. “It’s funny,” she said, “I’ve been trying to get in touch with him for weeks. I recorded his new song, Radio. Do you know it? I think it might be the best thing he’s ever written. I haven’t released it yet. I was hoping he’d add vocals to it.”

The idea of these two voices on a record together — think of the harmonies — is delicious. But sadly it won’t happen now.

Judy adds, “Nothing prepares you for all these losses.”

The great songbird continues her tour, but will take a break to come to the Grammys on February 5th. Her album of all original songs, “Spellbound,” is up for Best Folk Album. Plus, she never misses Clive Davis’s party, where she usually runs into her old pal, Joni Mitchell. They’ll have a lot to talk about this year.

Lisa Marie’s Death Could Be a Boon to Nearly Defunct Elvis Presley Non-Profit Foundations

Roger Friedman
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Lisa Marie’s Death Could Be a Boon to Nearly Defunct Elvis Presley Non-Profit Foundations

The website for Graceland — and all the publicity surrounding Lisa Marie Presley’s death — is suggesting donations to the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation in her memory.

Over the years there have been several Presley non profits. But as of today, there are only two and they don’t have much money on hand.

One of them is called the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. It has just $105K in net assets and is located in Memphis. The other is called the Presley Charitable Foundation located in Woodland Hills, California. It has just $92,671 according to federal tax filing.

Very little information is available for the latter foundation. Over three years, from 2017 to 2019, it made one donation, of $10,000, to the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy fund called Walking Strong of Woodland Hills, CA.

The former foundation located in Memphis, Elvis’s adopted hometown, distributed $13,450 in 2019 to a smattering of local charities. In his heyday, Elvis used to spend more than that on sequins.

Much has been made of Lisa Marie’s perilous financial situation, and it’s true. She squandered a $100 million fortune and bad investments and advice, and Scientology. Not much is left except the Graceland business, which also supports her mother, Priscilla Presley. The busines should be booming right now thanks to morbid interest in Lisa Marie’s death and the current “Elvis” movie. A special VIP tour is being offered now throuhg the end of February for $195.

You can read my 2017 story about Lisa Marie and the two foundations by clicking here.

Manhattan Losing Second and Last Downtown Cineplex as Regal Closes Union Square

Roger Friedman
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Manhattan Losing Second and Last Downtown Cineplex as Regal Closes Union Square

First they came for the record stores, then the book stores. Now the movie theaters are going to be eliminated, and fast.

Regal Cinemas, filing for bankruptcy, is closing the Union Square Theater on East 13th St. This follows the shuttering of the Cinepolis, aka Chelsea Odeon Cineplex, over on West 23rd St. And that’s it aside from the small Village East, and Kips Bay Cinema. Anomalies now.

Regal is shuttering a bunch of theaters across the country including some in LA and Boston.

The party is over, my friends. More and more theaters will be closing this year as streaming, digital, Netflix, etc kills off the experience of seeing movies in public. New York is a desert at night aside from Times Square.

People are home. New York is the city that sleeps. This is quite different than the night life of my youth, which was so much fun and culturally important. We saw all the groups, hung out at all the clubs, met all the people we know now. We couldn’t have done that in our living rooms, and we wouldn’t have wanted to.

Live music will be the next to go, I guess. You can just stream a concert onto your phone. No parking, no babysitters, no headaches. No life.

Stephen Stills on David Crosby’s Passing: “I Was Happy to Be At Peace with Him” Grace Slick Speaks: “He Saved My Life”

Roger Friedman
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Stephen Stills on David Crosby’s Passing: “I Was Happy to Be At Peace with Him” Grace Slick Speaks: “He Saved My Life”

David Crosby’s bandmate Stephen Stills has sent this message. Again, they were friends for about 55 years.

“I read a quote in this morning’s paper attributed to compose Gustav Mahler that stopped me for a moment:

“Death has, on placid cat’s paws, entered the room.”

I shoulda known something was up.

David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls..

I was happy to be at peace with him.

He was without question a giant of a musician, and his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius.

The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun.

I am deeply saddened at his passing and shall miss him beyond measure.”

Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane Tweeted below. The Airplane recorded “Wooden Ships” before CSN existed.

Graham Nash on Longtime Friend and Fellow Singer David Crosby: “I know people want to focus on how volatile our relationship has been”

Roger Friedman
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Graham Nash on Longtime Friend and Fellow Singer David Crosby: “I know people want to focus on how volatile our relationship has been”

Graham Nash posted this to Facebook. He and David Crosby knew each other and worked together for over 50 years. They made four albums together as a duo. I recommend the first two, which are really masterpieces.

“It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed. I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years. David was fearless in life and in music. He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world. He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most. My heart is truly with his wife, Jan, his son, Django, and all of the people he has touched in this world.”

Famed Rock Singer David Crosby Dead at 81, Founding Member of the Byrds, and CSN, Sources Say Cause Was COVID (Exclusive)

Roger Friedman
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Famed Rock Singer David Crosby Dead at 81, Founding Member of the Byrds, and CSN, Sources Say Cause Was COVID (Exclusive)

Shock: it’s the end of Crosby, Stills, and Nash as David Crosby has died at age 81. His wife says he had a long illness but he kept it to himself. Crosby was a regular presence on Twitter until recently. (Actually his most recent Tweets were yesterday.)

Sources tell me Crosby died from COVID. He was most likely vaccinated, but may have had co-morbidities.

Crosby was known for his famous harmonies with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash. He warred with all of them including Neil Young.

His wife issued a statement: “It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”

Last year, Crosby sold the rights to his songs, which is usually an indication of estate planning. Among his compositions was “Wooden Ships,” recorded by both CSN and the Jefferson Airplane.

Brian Wilson wrote on Twitter: “I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent – such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends.”

keep refreshing…

One of my favorite albums is the Crosby-Nash album from the mid 70s:

David Crosby Walks Out on Podcast Interview, Calls Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg “Dipsh*t” for Asking Questions

BAFTA, the British Film Academy, Snubs Steven Spielberg Again As Usual, Ignores “The Fabelmans” And It Doesn’t Matter

Roger Friedman
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BAFTA, the British Film Academy, Snubs Steven Spielberg Again As Usual, Ignores “The Fabelmans” And It Doesn’t Matter

BAFTA, the British Film Academy, has never liked Steven Spielberg. He’s too American, too Jewish, too everything.

After all his classic movies, Spielberg has only been honored by BAFTA twice– for making “Schindler’s List” and directing “Saving Private Ryan.”

That’s right: he got no wins for “ET,” “Close Encounters,” “Amistad,” “Minority Report,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Lincoln,” or “Munich.” Or any of the others. How ridiculous is that?

This year, BAFTA mostly snubbed Spielberg’s glorious “Fabelmans.” There’s nothing for the film, the director, the amazing Michelle Williams, or Judd Hirsch. They’ve all won a lot of awards already and will likely be Oscar nominees next week.

Not getting any BAFTA love does nothing to “The Fabelmans” for the Oscars. There is little overlap between the two groups. We like our lox on bagels. The Brits eat it on toast points– and call it gravlax.. That should tell you everything.

Academy voters, who love movies with heart and soul, will probably rally around “The Fabelmans” to show the British a thing or two. We did it in 1776, we can do it in 2023.

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