Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott and Chaka Khan make the crowd go wild at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Sheryl Crow and Olivia Rodrigo kicked off the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony Friday night and Missy Elliott closed the show more than four hours later with a roof-shaking set, as the hall celebrated a strong representation of women and Black artists.
Willie Nelson, Missy Elliott and George Michael among Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees
Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, โSoul Trainโ creator Don Cornelius and the late George Michael have all been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Kate Bush also finally reaching the top of that hill.
Willie Nelson headlining 2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour tour at 90 years old, will come to Texas
Texas country icon Willie Nelson isnโt planning on slowing down when he reaches 90 years old next month. This summer, Nelson will embark on the 2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour, which will play two shows in Texas.
New this week: 'True Lies,' Wallen and 'Creed' film fest
This weekโs new entertainment releases include a whopping 36-song album from Morgan Wallen, the arrival on Hulu of the best picture Oscar nominee and Palme dโOr winner โTriangle of Sadnessโ and CBS has a new TV series inspired by the film โTrue Lies.โ.
Missy, Willie and George Michael among Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees
Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow and the late George Michael are nominees for 2023 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a list that includes a mix of country, soul, hip-hop, metal, pop, rap-rock and grunge.
New this week: 'Clickbait,' Sturgill Simpson and Addison Rae
This weekโs new entertainment releases include a Sturgill Simpson's concept album called โThe Ballad of Dood & Juanitaโ and TikTok star Addison Rae making her acting debut in a gender-flipped remake of the 1999 Freddie Prinze Jr and Rachael Leigh Cook teen comedy โSheโs All That.โ.
The Latest: Astros to allow 50% capacity for games in April
Houston hosts 14 games in April -- Oakland and Detroit visit for three each, the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle play four times. ___The Charlotte Hornets will allow approximately 5,000 fans to attend NBA home games beginning March 26 against Miami, or about 25% percent of the Spectrum Centerโs seating capacity. Thatโs a 10% increase from the 3,000 fans that were allowed to attend home games beginning March 13. ___The Preakness will be run in front of a limited capacity of 10,000 fans at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 15. AdSince the pandemic was declared in March 2020, the Ad Council has mobilized the industry to launch a multi-pronged communications effort to combat COVID-19.
New this week: Billie Eilish, Billie Holiday and Superman
This combination photo shows promotional art for Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, a documentary debuting Friday on Apple TV+, from left, The United States vs. Billie Holiday," premiering Friday on Hulu and Superman & Lois," a new series premiering Tuesday on The CW. (AppleTV+/Hulu/The CW via AP)Hereโs a collection curated by The Associated Pressโ entertainment journalists of whatโs arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Adโ Based on Johann Hariโs 2015 book, โChasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs,โ Lee Daniels' โThe United States vs. Billie Holidayโ chronicles the legendary jazz singer's addiction and activism. Andra Day, who's nominated for a Golden Globe, plays Holiday in the biopic, which premieres Friday on Hulu. ET at the Amazon Music Twitch channel and will feature music from the groupโs new album, โLife Rolls On,โ released on Feb. 12.
After 47 years KSAT legend Paul Venema announces retirement in 2021
SAN ANTONIO โ From the courtroom to Willie Nelsonโs tour bus, for almost five decades Paul Venema has been capturing KSAT viewers with his stories. โI fell in love with the legal system and thatโs what I enjoy most,โ Venema said. Willie Nelson and KSAT Reporter Paul VenemaWhile viewers will miss seeing him on-air, his KSAT colleagues will miss him, too. KSAT viewers have witnessed his professionalism and journalistic excellence, but I also appreciate his friendship. Paul Venema, Isis Romero and Steve Spriester (KSAT)โIn a world where itโs all about relationships, Paul has been able to develop great relationships inside the station and across the community.
Charley Pride overcame racial barriers as country music star
And he did it by winning over millions of country music fans. Until the early 1990s, when Cleve Francis came along, Pride was the only Black country singer signed to a major label. โThen it was โfirst Negro country singer;โ then โfirst Black country singer.โ Now Iโm the `first African-American country singer.โฒ Thatโs about the only thing thatโs changed. Throughout his career, he sang positive songs instead of sad ones often associated with country music. Even a country singer,โ said country singer Rissi Palmer on Twitter.
Outlaw country artist Billy Joe Shaver dead at 81
FILE - Artist Billy Joe Shaver poses backstage following his concert "Billy Joe Shaver presented by WMOT/Roots Radio" at City Winery Nashville in Nashville, Tenn. on April 1, 2017. (Photo by Laura Roberts/Invision/AP, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Outlaw country singer songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, who wrote songs like โHonky Tonk Heroes,โ โI Been to Georgia on a Fast Trainโ and โOld Five and Dimers Like Me,โ has died He was 81. His big break came when Jennings recorded several of Shaver's songs for his 1973 album โHonky Tonk Heroes," which helped popularize the outlaw country genre and turn the maverick country artists into legends. "There werenโt another other way to be/For lovable losers, no account boozers/And honky tonk heroes like me," Shaver wrote in the title track. Shaver wrote songs that were covered by Elvis Presley, Patty Loveless, George Jones, Tex Ritter, Tennessee Ernie Ford and John Anderson.
Trailblazer Charley Pride to get lifetime achievement award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Trailblazing country music star Charley Pride will get a lifetime achievement award at the CMA Awards in November. 1 hits between the 1960s and 1980s, with songs like โKiss An Angel Good Mornin'โ and โIs Anybody Goin' to San Antone.โPride, 82, will accept the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award on the CMA Awards on Nov. 11 on ABC. Pride was named CMA Entertainer of the year in 1971 and won male artist of the year in 1971 and 1972. He has three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Other recipients of the award include Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson.
Austin City Limits is taking place virtually in 2020 and itโs free. Hereโs the lineup
SAN ANTONIO โ This year, you donโt have to haul it from stage to stage to avoid missing a performer at Austin City Limits. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, ACL will be virtual and free this weekend, with performances from years past. The star-studded lineup includes Khalid, Willie Nelson, Twenty One Pilots, Billie Eilish, St. Vincent, Paul McCartney and The XX throughout three days. Performances will start at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the last performer set to begin between 11:15 p.m. and 12:10 a.m.ACL Fest 2020 starts tomorrow! In September, organizers promised a virtual weekend festival in lieu of in-person performances.
WATCH: Willie Nelson hosts 35th annual Farm Aid Concert
SAN ANTONIO โ This year, Willie Nelson fans in San Antonio will have to go no further than their living room to attend the country music legendโs 35th annual Farm Aid Concert. The show will be entirely virtual and available on Farm Aidโs YouTube channel and multiple other platforms. You can watch the live event in the video below:The goal is to raise money for American farmers and to raise awareness of their plight. In addition to the performers, the show will showcase stories from farmers from across the country. Farm Aid has raised over $60 million to support programs that help farmers thrive.
Toots Hibbert, beloved reggae star, dead at 77
FILE - In this May 3, 2018 file photo, Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans. Hibbert, frontman of Toots & the Maytals, had been in a medically-induced coma at a hospital in Kingston since earlier this month. Grammy nominations for Hibbert included best reggae album of 2012 for โReggae Got Soulโ and best reggae album of 2007 for โLight Your Light.โ Hibbert was ranked No. Married to his wife, Doreen, for nearly 40 years, Hibbert had eight children, including the reggae performers Junior Hibbert and Leba Hibbert. Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert ("Toots" was a childhood nickname) was born in May Pen, Parish of Clarendon.
Willie Nelsons July Fourth picnic is virtual in virus era
SPICEWOOD, Texas Willie Nelsons annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual. Other performers expected to play include Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley, Steve Earle and Nelsons fellow Texas-based singers Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen and Kinky Friedman. Some of the artists will perform at Nelsons Luck Ranch in Spicewood, northwest of Austin. Nelsons event started in 1972 and has been held most years since, moving around Texas and occasionally outside the Lone Star State. First Rose of Spring features two new tunes plus Nelsons take on songs by Toby Keith and Chris Stapleton.
New this week: Willie Nelson, Nick race special, 'Hamilton'
This cover image released by Legacy Recordings shows "First Rose of Spring," the latest album by WIllie Nelson, available on July 3. The PG-13 film was shot in summer 2016 over two Hamilton performances with the original cast, and it comes complete with an intermission. The legend Willie Nelson will release his 70th studio album, First Rose of Spring, on Friday. AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISIONAlicia Keys hosts Kids, Race and Unity, a Nick News special aimed at helping children understand the crisis facing America. The special debuts 7 p.m. EDT Monday on Nickelodeon, TeenNick, and Nicktoons and online on sites including Nickelodeon YouTube.
Willie Nelson and Robert Earl Keen set to perform during virtual fundraiser for Joe Biden on Monday
SAN ANTONIO Willie Nelson and Robert Earl Keen are taking part in former Vice President Joe Bidens virtual fundraiser event on Monday. Other special guests include Julin Castro, Beto ORourke, and Cecile Richards, the daughter of former Texas Governor Anne Richards. Texas artists will be in Rangers lot for drive-in concertsThe event with Biden will begin at 4:15 p.m. and tickets range from $250 to $100,000. Recently, Nelson has moved some of his upcoming shows to virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming Willie Nelsons 4th of July Picnic will move online.
Willie Nelson makes food bank plea
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Food Bank got a welcome assist from country music icon Willie Nelson and his sons recently. A Public Service Announcement from Nelson began with him addressing his fans. โI hope all of you are safe and if youโre in a high-risk group, please donโt take any chances,โ Nelson said. โYour community and Texas food banks need you now more than ever beforeโ Nelsonโs son Micah said. โDemand for food has skyrocketed and there are no longer enough volunteers.โSan Antonio Food Bank holds mega distribution at AlamodomeLukas Nelson and his band, The Promise of the Real, have also temporally stopped touring.
Willie Nelson to take part in โCome and Toke Itโ variety show on 4/20
Willie Nelson is doing what he does best on 4/20 by taking part in the โCome and Toke Itโ variety show Monday. The show, which will be livestreamed, will celebrate cannabis in an entertaining and educational environment, according to the Luck Reunion website. WATCH: Willie Nelson cries on stage during Houston Rodeo performanceThe show will start at 4:20 p.m. and last for 4 hours and 20 minutes. Along with the show, Willie Nelson has started the โCome and Toke It Pass Left Challenge.โThe challenge encourages others to create videos passing โwhatever toking material of your choiceโ to the left. Back in November, Nelson told KSATโs Paul Venema that he was no longer smoking marijuana due to breathing issues, but hasnโt stopped using cannabis.
WATCH: Willie Nelson cries on stage during Houston Rodeo performance
HOUSTON โ Closing out night two of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Willie Nelson delivered an outstanding performance in front of more than 70,000 fans on Armed Forces Appreciation Day. I canโt believe I just saw Dr. James Allison play on stage with Willie Nelson!! Total surprise pic.twitter.com/ZBJ4aIJgBe โ Luis Valencia (@Luis_E_Valencia) March 5, 2020The singer was also joined on stage by his son Lukas Nelson. 1) Tonight, I watched Willie Nelson perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Willie Nelson the GOAT!๐ pic.twitter.com/briI2c498Q โ Noah Outlaw (@OutlawNoah) March 5, 2020Willie Nelson shed a tear after singing โAlways On My Mindโ at the Houston Rodeo.
That time when Willie Nelson made album just to pay IRS debt
Two years earlier, the Internal Revenue Service seized Nelsonโs assets after claiming he owed $16 million, a result of Nelson and his accountants going years without paying taxes. So the IRS struck a deal with Nelson and allowed him to record an album with the specific purpose of paying off his debt. Nelson then recorded the album, โThe IRS Tapes: Whoโll Buy My Memories,โ a compilation of his past hits. The original arrangement by the IRS was for Nelson to sell four million copies of the album to pay off his debt, but only $3.6 million total was raised from the album. Ultimately, Nelson paid off the remaining $9 million he owed and his debt was satisfied.
'On the Farm Again' Woman makes hay replica of Willie Nelson
In this Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 photo, a hay bale sculpture called Will-Hay Nelson stands in a field on Tolers Ferry Road in Huddleston, Va. (Emily Elconin/The News & Advance via AP)HUDDLESTON, VA โ Country singer Willie Nelson frequently sings about traveling and seeing things he may never see again. Chances are he had never before encountered a 15-foot-tall hay sculpture of himself โ guitar and iconic pigtail braids included โ like the one a Virginia woman recently created. Huddleston native Beth Bays has been making giant hay bale sculptures for the last eight years. But her latest work, โWill-Hay Nelson," really struck a chord in the community upon its debut in November, Bays told news outlets. Seems like the hay sculpture may always be on his mind.
Willie Nelson says he's not smoking, but is still using pot
SAN ANTONIO, TX โ Willie Nelson may have given up smoking, but he hasn't stopped using marijuana. While in San Antonio last week for two performances, the 86-year-old country music legend told KSAT TV that in an effort to take better care of himself, he no longer smokes. โThat said," she said โWillie does what he wants, when he wants, when it comes to smoking." One thing though Nelson won't be giving up is touring. โThis is my home."
Willie Nelson says heโs no longer smoking marijuana due to breathing issues
SAN ANTONIO โ Midway through a sold out two night stand at the Majestic Theater here, country music icon Willie Nelson said that in spite of recent breathing related health issues, he has no plans to give up touring. โI love the bus,โ he told KSAT TVโs Paul Venema during a recent interview. โI donโt smoke anymore - take better care of myself,โ Nelson said. His health issues have generated rumors suggesting that he is near death. โI donโt give a (expletive deleted) Iโm here, Iโm glad to be here,โ and with a smile added โIโm lucky to be here.โ
Willie Nelson Fast Facts
Here's a look at the life of Grammy Award-winning musician Willie Nelson. 1975 - Wins a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, for "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." 1978 - Wins a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, for "Georgia On My Mind." 1991 - Nelson releases the album, "The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?" February 12, 2017 - Wins a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, for "Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin."
Willie Nelson ready to get back on tour
BRIARCLIFF, Texas โ Country music legend Willie Nelson will be back on tour in September following the cancellation of several shows in August. "A lot of shows in a row and Iโd been stuck on that bus,โ Nelson told KSATโs Paul Venema. Asked if he had seen a doctor, Nelson chuckled and said, "Went to one yesterday and he said, โDonโt make any long-range plans.'' Seriously, he said, the checkup went well and, except for chronic breathing problems that heโs had for decades, he is in good shape. Nelson turned 86 in April.
Country music legend Willie Nelson still making music, touring at 85
SAN ANTONIO โ As his 85th birthday approached, Willie Nelson was asked whether he had big plans for the day. The consummate entertainer, Nelson scoffed at the idea of slowing down. RELATED: Willie Nelson talks about music, pot, politicsRELATED: 'Still Not Dead': Willie Nelson battling flu; illness forces cancellation of several concertsHis latest, titled โLast Man Standingโ, is an indirect reference to his age, and it acknowledges the passing of his friends, music legends Merle Haggard and Ray Price. Nelson says Sinatra is his favorite male singer. When he is not in the studio or on the road, Nelson spends time at his home in Maui.