Image Source: Getty / Charley Gallay
In the past two years, Priscilla Presley's life has been back in the spotlight. Between 2022 and 2023, not one but two films were made with Elvis Presley as the subject: Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-winning "Elvis" and Sophia Coppola's "Priscilla" - the latter of which is based on Priscilla's 1985 memoir, "Elvis and Me." The film stars Jacob Elordi as the King of Rock and Roll, with Cailee Spaeny portraying Priscilla from ages 14 to 27, the ages she was romantically involved with Elvis. "Priscilla" is a personal and intimate look at Presley's early relationship with and marriage to Elvis, which has often been overshadowed by the late singer's fame. "It's very difficult to sit and watch a film about you, about your life, about your love," Priscilla said during a September press conference at the Venice Film Festival "Priscilla" premiere (via Variety). "Sofia did an amazing job.
In the past two years, Priscilla Presley's life has been back in the spotlight. Between 2022 and 2023, not one but two films were made with Elvis Presley as the subject: Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-winning "Elvis" and Sophia Coppola's "Priscilla" - the latter of which is based on Priscilla's 1985 memoir, "Elvis and Me." The film stars Jacob Elordi as the King of Rock and Roll, with Cailee Spaeny portraying Priscilla from ages 14 to 27, the ages she was romantically involved with Elvis. "Priscilla" is a personal and intimate look at Presley's early relationship with and marriage to Elvis, which has often been overshadowed by the late singer's fame. "It's very difficult to sit and watch a film about you, about your life, about your love," Priscilla said during a September press conference at the Venice Film Festival "Priscilla" premiere (via Variety). "Sofia did an amazing job.
- 11/3/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
Motown will mark the 50th anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s 1973 classic Let’s Get It On with a deluxe digital edition packed with over a dozen unreleased recordings.
Out August 25th — just a few days shy 50 years from the original LP’s August 28, 1973 release — the new digital edition includes Let’s Get It On as well as alternate takes and mixes, single versions, new remixes, and demos, some of which previously featured on the album’ 2001 reissue.
Exclusive to the 50th-anniversary reissue, however, are more recordings from Gaye’s sessions with...
Out August 25th — just a few days shy 50 years from the original LP’s August 28, 1973 release — the new digital edition includes Let’s Get It On as well as alternate takes and mixes, single versions, new remixes, and demos, some of which previously featured on the album’ 2001 reissue.
Exclusive to the 50th-anniversary reissue, however, are more recordings from Gaye’s sessions with...
- 8/9/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Willie Nelson will explore his many adventures with late drummer Paul English in his new book, Me and Paul: Untold Tales of a Fabled Friendship, set to be released Sept. 20 via Harper Horizon.
A member of Nelson’s band since 1966, English was renowned for his tough, outlaw style and served as the group’s de facto bodyguard in addition to his drumming duties. He adopted a persona called “The Devil,” matching the name with an evil-looking goatee and wearing a cape. He earned a reputation for fist fights as well...
A member of Nelson’s band since 1966, English was renowned for his tough, outlaw style and served as the group’s de facto bodyguard in addition to his drumming duties. He adopted a persona called “The Devil,” matching the name with an evil-looking goatee and wearing a cape. He earned a reputation for fist fights as well...
- 6/30/2022
- by Jon Freeman
- Rollingstone.com
Songwriter Desmond Child gave a New York City audience a tour of his many hits for Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and Katy Perry on Saturday night for a performance that was part of Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. He interspersed the set list — which he sang along with help from singer Lena Hall — with tales about the artists and other songwriters he’s worked with. Some of these stories will likely appear in his upcoming memoir, Livin’ on a Prayer: Big Songs, Big Life, which he co-wrote with David Ritz,...
- 2/19/2019
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Marvin Gaye’s 1972 lost album, You’re the Man, will finally be released March 29th, just days before what would’ve been the musician’s 80th birthday, April 2nd. You’re the Man was supposed to be the follow-up to Gaye’s 1971 classic, What’s Going On. Gaye recorded the tracks for the would-be record in Detroit and Los Angeles during a particularly prolific period, but none of them – save the titular single – were released at the time.
Accompanying the You’re the Man announcement is a mesmerizing new mix...
Accompanying the You’re the Man announcement is a mesmerizing new mix...
- 2/7/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
The new Aretha Franklin documentary Amazing Grace — filmed in 1972 during the live recording sessions for her hit album of the same name, but not available for public viewing until today — is a marvelous 87-minute testament to Franklin’s unrivaled singing ability.
But amid the embarrassment of vocal riches, there’s a scene that stands out, a showstopper to top all showstoppers. Franklin is tackling the album’s title track with her trademark bravura, wringing every ounce of expressive potential from each note, sighing and whispering and wailing with only piano and organ for accompaniment.
But amid the embarrassment of vocal riches, there’s a scene that stands out, a showstopper to top all showstoppers. Franklin is tackling the album’s title track with her trademark bravura, wringing every ounce of expressive potential from each note, sighing and whispering and wailing with only piano and organ for accompaniment.
- 11/12/2018
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
Aretha Franklin, who died on August 16th at age 76, recorded more than 40 full-length albums in her six-decade career. It’s a deep catalog, crowded with indisputable classics and hidden gems. Rolling Stone’s music staff is paying its R.E.S.P.E.C.T.s to the Queen with tributes to our favorite Aretha LPs. Next up: Patrick Doyle on her gospel masterpiece.
Over two days in January 1972, a 29-year-old Aretha Franklin went back to where it all started. In the midst of a remarkable career turnaround — nine hit...
Over two days in January 1972, a 29-year-old Aretha Franklin went back to where it all started. In the midst of a remarkable career turnaround — nine hit...
- 8/22/2018
- by Patrick Doyle
- Rollingstone.com
The new episode of our podcast, Rolling Stone Music Now, is a tribute to the life and music of Aretha Franklin, starting with an interview with writer David Ritz, who co-wrote Franklin’s autobiography (Aretha: From These Roots) and also went on to write the unvarnished biography Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin. Ritz digs deep into Franklin’s formative years, explaining how her grief over separation from her mother helped shape her emotional make-up. He also explains the development of her musical style. “She was steeped in gospel,” Ritz says,...
- 8/22/2018
- by Brian Hiatt
- Rollingstone.com
Aretha Franklin, who died on August 16th at age 76, recorded more than 40 full-length albums in her six-decade career. It’s a deep catalog, crowded with indisputable classics and hidden gems. Rolling Stone’s music staff is paying its R.E.S.P.E.C.T.s to the Queen with tributes to our favorite Aretha LPs. Next up: Mosi Reeves on the creative sparks that flew when Aretha met Curtis Mayfield.
When Aretha Franklin’s revelatory Southern soul collaborations with producer Jerry Wexler cooled in the early ’70s, she spent...
When Aretha Franklin’s revelatory Southern soul collaborations with producer Jerry Wexler cooled in the early ’70s, she spent...
- 8/20/2018
- by Mosi Reeves
- Rollingstone.com
You were instructed to call her “Ms. Franklin.” In 2014, Aretha Franklin sat for her last extensive Rolling Stone interview to promote 2014’s Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics, her first project in years with her former Arista Records boss Clive Davis. The timing of the interview was unfortunate: it happened during the same week as the release of David Ritz’s Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin. Ritz, Franklin’s former ghostwriter, wrote a follow-up book to her memoir sharing shocking details about Franklin’s tragic childhood and more.
- 8/18/2018
- by Patrick Doyle
- Rollingstone.com
The Queen of Soul was never the queen of the big screen. At least when it came to playing someone other than herself, Aretha Franklin’s acting appearances were limited to her performance in “The Blues Brothers” and its sequel and an episode of “Room 222.” But in death, if not life, she may yet become a movie star, of sorts, if the producers of two long-gestating projects get their way. But it remains to be seen whether her death Thursday might accelerate or further bog down the path either project faces on the way to theaters.
One is a long-planned, authorized biopic now in the hands of MGM, which would star Jennifer Hudson as a young Aretha, and which Franklin was discussing on the phone with her collaborators up through last week. The other is a legendarily long-shelved documentary/concert film, “Amazing Grace,” that was filmed and abandoned in 1972, rescued...
One is a long-planned, authorized biopic now in the hands of MGM, which would star Jennifer Hudson as a young Aretha, and which Franklin was discussing on the phone with her collaborators up through last week. The other is a legendarily long-shelved documentary/concert film, “Amazing Grace,” that was filmed and abandoned in 1972, rescued...
- 8/17/2018
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
As the world mourns the loss of music icon Aretha Franklin, those closest to the star have shared details of her "tough childhood," early motherhood, and years of "silent suffering" later in life. During her early years in Buffalo, NY and later Detroit, Mi, Aretha witnessed her parents' tumultuous marriage and later breakup over her father, Baptist minister and circuit preacher C. L. Franklin's philandering. When she was just nine years old, Aretha's mother, Barbara Franklin, passed away from a heart attack, leaving the young singer and her five siblings to be cared for by other relatives. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) Then, when Aretha was a mere 12 years old, she gave birth to her first child, son Clarence Franklin, in January 1955. According to reports, Clarence's father was Donald Burk, a boy that Aretha knew from school. At age 14, Aretha welcomed her second child, son Edward Franklin, with Edward Jordan. "She had a tough childhood.
- 8/17/2018
- by Julia Birkinbine
- Closer Weekly
The trappings are all there: the smattering of polite applause, the tinkling piano laying out the chord changes of a familiar tune — Erroll Garner’s “Misty,” in this case. But with the entrance of the singer, something shifts; suddenly the record isn’t jazz as usual. Aretha Franklin lands on an opening “Ooo” softly and steadily, holding the note for what from anyone else would be too long and letting it slowly expand and brighten before contracting into a perfectly even vibrato. The song’s actual first word, “Look,” goes...
- 8/17/2018
- by Natalie Weiner
- Rollingstone.com
Noted music biographer David Ritz has written a pair of books about Aretha Franklin. He co-authored her 1998 autobiography, “Aretha: From These Roots,” written with her input. Then in 2014, he published “Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin,” culled from interviews with those closest to her, which essentially shattered his friendship with the Queen of Soul, who was upset by its candor.
What was your experience like working with Aretha on her own autobiography?
I originally was introduced to her by Ray Charles. I chased after her tenaciously for 18 years before she agreed to do it with me. I couldn’t have been more excited. We worked on it for two years. I used to sit in her kitchen, her cooking and me eating, listening to gospel and jazz records. Ultimately, she wouldn’t go where I felt she needed to go, which was to the most difficult challenges in her life.
What was your experience like working with Aretha on her own autobiography?
I originally was introduced to her by Ray Charles. I chased after her tenaciously for 18 years before she agreed to do it with me. I couldn’t have been more excited. We worked on it for two years. I used to sit in her kitchen, her cooking and me eating, listening to gospel and jazz records. Ultimately, she wouldn’t go where I felt she needed to go, which was to the most difficult challenges in her life.
- 8/16/2018
- by Roy Trakin
- Variety Film + TV
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry recruited Cheap Trick singer Robin Zander, Stone Temple Pilots guitarist Dean DeLeo and Stp bassist Robert DeLeo for a rattling live version of “Aye, Aye, Aye” filmed at L.A.’s Roxy Theatre in January.
Perry commands the track with a handful of bluesy riffs and solos, and Zander pushes his vocal range by howling the main hook. Drummer David Goodstein and keyboardist Buck Johnson (Aerosmith) also accompanied Perry on the song, a highlight from his sixth solo LP, the January-issued Sweetzerland Manifesto.
The Aerosmith member...
Perry commands the track with a handful of bluesy riffs and solos, and Zander pushes his vocal range by howling the main hook. Drummer David Goodstein and keyboardist Buck Johnson (Aerosmith) also accompanied Perry on the song, a highlight from his sixth solo LP, the January-issued Sweetzerland Manifesto.
The Aerosmith member...
- 7/27/2018
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
Tavis Smiley and J.J. Abrams wanna be startin’ somethin’. Abrams’ Bad Robot Prods. is set to develop a new event TV series based on Smiley’s new book “Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson’s Last Days.”
Warner Bros. TV, where both Smiley and Bad Robot are based for TV projects, is the studio attached; it hasn’t yet been sold to a network. “Before You Judge Me,” which Smiley wrote with David Ritz, is set to be published on June 21. The book looks at the final months of the King of Pop’s life.
Read More: Review: ‘Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown to Off The Wall’ Makes You Want to Dance – And Shout
According to Warner Bros., the book “examines the soaring highs and deep lows faced by the late pop star – his constant hunt for privacy in a life that was
It...
Warner Bros. TV, where both Smiley and Bad Robot are based for TV projects, is the studio attached; it hasn’t yet been sold to a network. “Before You Judge Me,” which Smiley wrote with David Ritz, is set to be published on June 21. The book looks at the final months of the King of Pop’s life.
Read More: Review: ‘Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown to Off The Wall’ Makes You Want to Dance – And Shout
According to Warner Bros., the book “examines the soaring highs and deep lows faced by the late pop star – his constant hunt for privacy in a life that was
It...
- 6/20/2016
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Ryan Coogler's "Creed" topped the NAACP Image Awards nomination which were revealed this morning. "Creed" received nods for best picture, director for Coogler, actor for Michael B. Jordan, writing for Coogler and Aaron Covington, and supporting actress noms for both Phylicia Rashad and Tessa Thompson.
We'll find out the winners on February 5 on the live airing of the ceremony on TV one.
Here is the full list of nominees of the 47th NAACP Image Awards:
Entertainer Of The Year
Michael B. Jordan
Misty Copeland
Pharrell Williams
Shonda Rhimes
Viola Davis
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
.black-ish. (ABC)
.House of Lies. (Showtime)
.Key & Peele. (Comedy Central)
.Orange is the New Black. (Netflix)
.Survivor.s Remorse. (Starz)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher . .Brooklyn Nine-Nine. (Fox)
Anthony Anderson . .black-ish. (ABC)
Don Cheadle . .House of Lies. (Showtime)
Dwayne Johnson . .Ballers. (HBO)
RonReaco Lee . .Survivor.s Remorse. (Starz)
Outstanding Actress...
We'll find out the winners on February 5 on the live airing of the ceremony on TV one.
Here is the full list of nominees of the 47th NAACP Image Awards:
Entertainer Of The Year
Michael B. Jordan
Misty Copeland
Pharrell Williams
Shonda Rhimes
Viola Davis
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
.black-ish. (ABC)
.House of Lies. (Showtime)
.Key & Peele. (Comedy Central)
.Orange is the New Black. (Netflix)
.Survivor.s Remorse. (Starz)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher . .Brooklyn Nine-Nine. (Fox)
Anthony Anderson . .black-ish. (ABC)
Don Cheadle . .House of Lies. (Showtime)
Dwayne Johnson . .Ballers. (HBO)
RonReaco Lee . .Survivor.s Remorse. (Starz)
Outstanding Actress...
- 12/8/2015
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
There’s nothing like a juicy memoir to tuck into ahead of the Memorial Day Weekend and lazy summer beach days.Now The New York Post received an advanced copy of Marvin Gaye’s wife’s book, “After the Dance,” a memoir by Gaye’s mistress-turned-wife Jan Gaye, written with David Ritz, which paints an ugly picture of the 1970s fueled parties, orgies and club scenes where a controlling Marvin Gaye plucked a child bride out of school while married to another woman, the late Anna Gordy. In 1976 Marvin Gaye’s marriage was collapsing to the Motown heiress who was 17 years older than he was. […]...
- 5/12/2015
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Earlier this week, Rick James posthumously published his memoir Glow, co-written with David Ritz. The book jumps around a lot, which James himself chalks up to his years of drug abuse, but an engrossing portrait of his life and career emerges in scattershot about his time coming up in a world in which black musicians could finally break through on the pop charts. Vulture flipped through chapters about his sex addiction, his chemical dependencies, and brushes with the law to collect 12 great info-nuggets about the man who brought the world “Superfreak.”1. He enlisted in the Navy but quickly fled from training camp.James joined up in the hopes of avoiding the drug-addled paths of those he grew up with in Buffalo, New York, but as soon as naval officers shaved his Afro, he knew it wasn't for him. He left the country, seeking shelter in Toronto and changing his name...
- 7/11/2014
- by Brennan Carley
- Vulture
Jimmy Scott, the jazz star whose small stature, romantic phrasing and distinctly high voice helped make him one of the most unique vocal stylists of his era, died in his sleep on Thursday at his home in Las Vegas. The singer was 88. His death was confirmed by his biographer, David Ritz, according to the Washington Post. James Victor Scott came into this world on July 17, 1925, and considering the struggles that he faced in his professional and personal life, the empathy his unique soprano voice conveyed was impressive, generous, and even noble. Jimmy and his brother Kenny were
read more...
read more...
- 6/13/2014
- by Mitch Myers
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Photos from Prisoners, Vampire Academy, The Zero Theorem, Grudge Match, Joe, Night Moves, McCanick, and Parkland.
Posters for A Single Shot, Parkland, Plush, Filth, Blue Caprice, Escape Plan, Mother of George, Wadjda, Morning, Disneynature's Bears, C.O.G., and A Promise.
A full graphic novel prologue to this week's art house drama "Aint Them Bodies Saints" has gone online over at EW.
"Sony Pictures Classics has picked up Bennett Miller's 'Foxcatcher' starring Channing Tatum and Steve Carrell, and have given it a release date of December 20th this year…" (full details)
"The 'ghosts on a plane' thriller '7500', starring Ryan Kwanten and Amy Smart, looks like it will finally be scoring a release sometime this October…" (full details)
"CBS Films has acquired Bethany Ashton Wolf's script 'Other People’s Love Letters' and attached Tom Bezucha to direct. The story follows the intertwining storylines of four romances,...
Posters for A Single Shot, Parkland, Plush, Filth, Blue Caprice, Escape Plan, Mother of George, Wadjda, Morning, Disneynature's Bears, C.O.G., and A Promise.
A full graphic novel prologue to this week's art house drama "Aint Them Bodies Saints" has gone online over at EW.
"Sony Pictures Classics has picked up Bennett Miller's 'Foxcatcher' starring Channing Tatum and Steve Carrell, and have given it a release date of December 20th this year…" (full details)
"The 'ghosts on a plane' thriller '7500', starring Ryan Kwanten and Amy Smart, looks like it will finally be scoring a release sometime this October…" (full details)
"CBS Films has acquired Bethany Ashton Wolf's script 'Other People’s Love Letters' and attached Tom Bezucha to direct. The story follows the intertwining storylines of four romances,...
- 8/16/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Strand Releasing has acquired all North American rights to Andrew Muscato’s baseball documentary.
Branca’s Pitch chronicles the friendship between former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca and ghost writer David Ritz as the former struggles to relate his life story and in particular his controversial role in the 1951 National League Pennant defeat to the New York Giants.
Muscato negotiated the deal with Jon Gerrans of Strand Releasing, which plans a digital and DVD release in the autumn.
Branca’s Pitch chronicles the friendship between former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca and ghost writer David Ritz as the former struggles to relate his life story and in particular his controversial role in the 1951 National League Pennant defeat to the New York Giants.
Muscato negotiated the deal with Jon Gerrans of Strand Releasing, which plans a digital and DVD release in the autumn.
- 8/14/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Los Angeles -- Andrew Dice Clay is on a roll. Or as the comedian sees it, enjoying a resurgence.
He's in Woody Allen's latest movie, "Blue Jasmine"; will judge a new syndicated TV talent show and see his autobiography published next spring, and is collaborating on a documentary about his life and career with "Entourage" creator Doug Ellin.
Add to that his guest shot on "Entourage" in its final season in 2011 and last December's Showtime standup special, "Andrew Dice Clay: Indestructible," and it sounds like a comeback for Clay, 55, after a fallow period that included a brief 2009 stint on "Celebrity Apprentice."
He looks at it otherwise.
"I've always done things a little differently," said Clay, who became both popular and polarizing in the 1980s with his profane, raw standup routines, especially those with women as the topic.
Clay was so controversial – so misogynistic, angry detractors said – that his 1990 appearance...
He's in Woody Allen's latest movie, "Blue Jasmine"; will judge a new syndicated TV talent show and see his autobiography published next spring, and is collaborating on a documentary about his life and career with "Entourage" creator Doug Ellin.
Add to that his guest shot on "Entourage" in its final season in 2011 and last December's Showtime standup special, "Andrew Dice Clay: Indestructible," and it sounds like a comeback for Clay, 55, after a fallow period that included a brief 2009 stint on "Celebrity Apprentice."
He looks at it otherwise.
"I've always done things a little differently," said Clay, who became both popular and polarizing in the 1980s with his profane, raw standup routines, especially those with women as the topic.
Clay was so controversial – so misogynistic, angry detractors said – that his 1990 appearance...
- 7/19/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
About two and a half years ago, Andrew Dice Clay reached rock bottom. "My career was in the fucking toilet," says the veteran comedian. "I wasn't earning enough to make my monthly nut, and I had a bunch of lawsuits against me I can't talk about." Desperate for cash, the notoriously foul-mouthed entertainer decided that his only option was to try his luck in Las Vegas. "I used to be a big gambler," he says. "I could win or lose $500,000 to $700,00 within hours."
Before heading to Vegas in the summer...
Before heading to Vegas in the summer...
- 12/28/2012
- Rollingstone.com
Soul legend Bettye Lavette got an early start in music. She made her first album at 16, which is why she's already celebrating her 50th anniversary in recording.
And boy is she celebrating. There's a new album on deck, Thankful N' Thoughtful. The disc features Lavette's reinterpretations of hits by the likes of Bob Dylan, The Black Keys, Neil Young, Gnarls Barkley and many more. Early reviews have lauded her bold reworkings of "I'm Not the One" by the Keys and "Crazy" by Barkley.
But the singer isn't content with just another record. She's also releasing her autobiography (written with David Ritz). Lavette has had quite the colorful life, and she spares no detail or hair-raising experience in A Woman Like Me. The music drops Sept. 25 on Anti-Records, with the book following on Sept. 27 (Blue Rider Press/Penguin).
The singer will also tour the country between September and the end of...
And boy is she celebrating. There's a new album on deck, Thankful N' Thoughtful. The disc features Lavette's reinterpretations of hits by the likes of Bob Dylan, The Black Keys, Neil Young, Gnarls Barkley and many more. Early reviews have lauded her bold reworkings of "I'm Not the One" by the Keys and "Crazy" by Barkley.
But the singer isn't content with just another record. She's also releasing her autobiography (written with David Ritz). Lavette has had quite the colorful life, and she spares no detail or hair-raising experience in A Woman Like Me. The music drops Sept. 25 on Anti-Records, with the book following on Sept. 27 (Blue Rider Press/Penguin).
The singer will also tour the country between September and the end of...
- 8/23/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Despite serving two prison terms within the last two years, multiplatinum rapper-actor, T.I. (born Clifford Harris) is showing no signs that his legal woes have derailed his career. Upon completion of his most recent 11-month sentence (on September 29), which stemmed from a 2010 arrest for drug possession, Tip (as he is also known as) announced the release of his new novel, "Power & Beauty," co-written by acclaimed author David Ritz.
In conversation with The Huffington Post, the "Takers" actor spoke candidly about penning his debut novel while incarcerated, recording his next (as-yet untitled) opus, clearing the air with Diddy and his forthcoming December 5 VH1 television documentary.
What is the synopsis of your novel, "Power & Beauty"?
"Power & Beauty" is a fictional story that I collaboratively came up with, with David Ritz, and we set out to make a story about real characters living in the world that I'm all-too familiar with, and the...
In conversation with The Huffington Post, the "Takers" actor spoke candidly about penning his debut novel while incarcerated, recording his next (as-yet untitled) opus, clearing the air with Diddy and his forthcoming December 5 VH1 television documentary.
What is the synopsis of your novel, "Power & Beauty"?
"Power & Beauty" is a fictional story that I collaboratively came up with, with David Ritz, and we set out to make a story about real characters living in the world that I'm all-too familiar with, and the...
- 10/18/2011
- by Brennan Williams
- Huffington Post
Big K.R.I.T. produced the song and is featured on the chorus.
By Alvin Blanco
T.I.
Photo: Getty Images
T.I. just completed his 11-month prison sentence Thursday, and he's already dropping musical heat. On Friday (September 30), the Atlanta rapper released his first post-prison single, "I'm Flexin'," featuring Big K.R.I.T.
The song was originally due for release Monday, but instead, fans are getting an end-of-the-week treat. The multitalented K.R.I.T., whose debut album's release has been pushed back to next year, handles the song's chorus and production, while T.I. delivers three verses with a double-time flow, using the song to assert that he is officially back. "My hustle grand, my money long, my spot on top but y'all want that/ My position vacant, my crown away but my throne is empty, I own that," he spits on the second verse over the instrumental's nimble drums,...
By Alvin Blanco
T.I.
Photo: Getty Images
T.I. just completed his 11-month prison sentence Thursday, and he's already dropping musical heat. On Friday (September 30), the Atlanta rapper released his first post-prison single, "I'm Flexin'," featuring Big K.R.I.T.
The song was originally due for release Monday, but instead, fans are getting an end-of-the-week treat. The multitalented K.R.I.T., whose debut album's release has been pushed back to next year, handles the song's chorus and production, while T.I. delivers three verses with a double-time flow, using the song to assert that he is officially back. "My hustle grand, my money long, my spot on top but y'all want that/ My position vacant, my crown away but my throne is empty, I own that," he spits on the second verse over the instrumental's nimble drums,...
- 9/30/2011
- MTV Music News
Ti has inked a deal with publisher HarperCollins to write a new novel. The 'What You Know' rapper was granted early release from an Arkansas jail on Wednesday after serving ten months for a probaTIon violaTIon stemming from his 2010 drug arrest. Ti will reportedly serve the rest of his sentence at a halfway house to ensure his sobriety. Hours after his release, VH1 announced that Ti will star in an upcoming reality series about his post-prison life. The rapper has also agreed to pen the upcoming book Power & Beauty with co-writer David Ritz. Power (more)...
- 9/1/2011
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Atlanta — Atlanta-based rapper T.I. was released Wednesday one month early from a federal prison in Arkansas where he was serving time for a probation violation, and he already has a new book deal and TV reality show waiting for him.
The artist, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was released Wednesday morning from the Forrest City low-security prison, said Bureau of Prisons spokesman Chris Burke. His attorney said T.I. is headed to a halfway house in Georgia to serve out the rest of his sentence.
"The storm is over & da sun back out. It's Our Time To Shine Shawty!!!!!" the rapper posted on Twitter shortly after his release. "Welcome to the beginning of our Happy Ending!!!!"
T.I. had initially served about seven months at the prison in 2009 after he was arrested for trying to buy unregistered guns and silencers from undercover federal agents. He was on probation after he was...
The artist, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was released Wednesday morning from the Forrest City low-security prison, said Bureau of Prisons spokesman Chris Burke. His attorney said T.I. is headed to a halfway house in Georgia to serve out the rest of his sentence.
"The storm is over & da sun back out. It's Our Time To Shine Shawty!!!!!" the rapper posted on Twitter shortly after his release. "Welcome to the beginning of our Happy Ending!!!!"
T.I. had initially served about seven months at the prison in 2009 after he was arrested for trying to buy unregistered guns and silencers from undercover federal agents. He was on probation after he was...
- 8/31/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Getty Scott Weiland at his book signing, the precursor to his performance Tuesday night
A cloud of smoke lingered in front of the Gramercy Theater, begrudgingly holding its position despite the wind and rain. Its creators, a group of anxious, leather jacket-clad patrons, were passing time waiting for Stone Temple Pilots frontman, Scott Weiland, to take his position onstage. That was at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
The performance was part of a tightly scheduled evening that included a book...
A cloud of smoke lingered in front of the Gramercy Theater, begrudgingly holding its position despite the wind and rain. Its creators, a group of anxious, leather jacket-clad patrons, were passing time waiting for Stone Temple Pilots frontman, Scott Weiland, to take his position onstage. That was at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
The performance was part of a tightly scheduled evening that included a book...
- 5/18/2011
- by Alexandra Cheney
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Creed frontman Scott Stapp is planning to tell all about his faith and troubles in a new autobiography. The rocker and co-author David Ritz are working on "Exposed and Released: The Confessions of Scott Stapp", in which he'll reveal all about his strict Pentecostal upbringing as the stepson of a minister, and his battles with substance abuse, which split the band in 2004.
He tells Billboard.com, "It's going to be constantly interrelated with the realities of God's grace and love and miracles, and how they happen in the weirdest ways and how they happen to all of us.I really hope that those who read it can walk away knowing more about my life... but also the grace of God. If we can accomplish that, that would be a blessing."...
He tells Billboard.com, "It's going to be constantly interrelated with the realities of God's grace and love and miracles, and how they happen in the weirdest ways and how they happen to all of us.I really hope that those who read it can walk away knowing more about my life... but also the grace of God. If we can accomplish that, that would be a blessing."...
- 3/10/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
London, July 20 – Singer Natalie Cole is all geared up to reveal about her successful kidney transplant operation in an upcoming memoir.
The Grammy Award-winning jazz singer will be teaming up with author David Ritz to pen memoirs, for a new book, entitled ‘Love Brought Me Back’, reports the Daily Express.
The 60 year old, who has struggled with kidney disease, will chronicle the transplant that saved her life on 20 May 2009.
She will also tell about the death of her sister Cookie, which tragically occurred the very day she had the operation and will also share memories of her.
The Grammy Award-winning jazz singer will be teaming up with author David Ritz to pen memoirs, for a new book, entitled ‘Love Brought Me Back’, reports the Daily Express.
The 60 year old, who has struggled with kidney disease, will chronicle the transplant that saved her life on 20 May 2009.
She will also tell about the death of her sister Cookie, which tragically occurred the very day she had the operation and will also share memories of her.
- 7/20/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
Singer Natalie Cole is set to reveal all about her successful kidney transplant operation and the tragic death of her sister in an upcoming memoir. The Grammy Award-winning jazz singer is teaming up with author David Ritz, who helped Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye to pen memoirs, for a new book, entitled "Love Brought Me Back".
The 60-year-old star, who has struggled with kidney disease, will chronicle the transplant that saved her life on May 20, 2009, and the the death of her sister Cookie, which tragically occurred the very day she had the operation. She will also will hare memories of her father, late crooner Nat 'King' Cole. The book is due to hit shelves in November.
Natalie Cole, who has been singing since she was 5 years old, achieved success in her early career as an R&B star but smoothly changed her repertoire toward a more pop and jazz oriented...
The 60-year-old star, who has struggled with kidney disease, will chronicle the transplant that saved her life on May 20, 2009, and the the death of her sister Cookie, which tragically occurred the very day she had the operation. She will also will hare memories of her father, late crooner Nat 'King' Cole. The book is due to hit shelves in November.
Natalie Cole, who has been singing since she was 5 years old, achieved success in her early career as an R&B star but smoothly changed her repertoire toward a more pop and jazz oriented...
- 7/20/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
London, July 20 – Singer Natalie Cole will pen all about her kidney transplant surgery and the tragic death of her sister in a new memoir.
The Grammy Award-winning jazz singer is teaming up with author David Ritz for a new book entitled ‘Love Brought Me Back’.
The 60-year-old, who has struggled with kidney disease, will chronicle the transplant that saved her life last year and the the death of her sister Cookie, which tragically occurred the very day she had the operation.
She will also share.
The Grammy Award-winning jazz singer is teaming up with author David Ritz for a new book entitled ‘Love Brought Me Back’.
The 60-year-old, who has struggled with kidney disease, will chronicle the transplant that saved her life last year and the the death of her sister Cookie, which tragically occurred the very day she had the operation.
She will also share.
- 7/20/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
If you ever want to read a good biography of a legendary musician, pick up a book by David Ritz. Among his subjects are Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, and the Queen of Soul. He's also chipped in to help other musicians with their autobiographies.
But his best book, in my opinion, is one of the most lyrical and potent rock biographies around, Divided Soul: The Life & Times of Marvin Gaye. I mentioned the book briefly when it was announced that Jesse L. Martin - good casting - was lined up to play Marvin in a bio-pic (produced by James Gandolfini, strangely). They're not using Ritz' book and apparently, neither is Cameron Crowe, who has been quietly putting together a movie about Gaye for some time.
Collider reports that Crowe has been developing the film for over three years, and he has secured "extensive" music rights and the cooperation of Berry Gordy,...
But his best book, in my opinion, is one of the most lyrical and potent rock biographies around, Divided Soul: The Life & Times of Marvin Gaye. I mentioned the book briefly when it was announced that Jesse L. Martin - good casting - was lined up to play Marvin in a bio-pic (produced by James Gandolfini, strangely). They're not using Ritz' book and apparently, neither is Cameron Crowe, who has been quietly putting together a movie about Gaye for some time.
Collider reports that Crowe has been developing the film for over three years, and he has secured "extensive" music rights and the cooperation of Berry Gordy,...
- 4/5/2010
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Aretha Franklin’s 1972 album Amazing Grace was her best-selling album. Some even say it’s the greatest gospel album ever recorded.
But what few of us know is that the recording sessions on those two nights in January 1972, at L.A.’s New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, were captured on film by a 4-man camera crew, headed by the late director Sydney Pollack, shooting more than 20 hours of footage.
Now, 38 years later, the footage is being edited and prepped into a concert film for possible theatrical distribution, billed as a film by Sidney Pollack. Interestingly, Warner Bros. once envisioned the film as part of a double bill theatrical release with Superfly! How groovy would that have been?
The studio would later drop the project in September of 1972, not knowing what to do with a gospel concert movie.
Producer Alan Elliott, who had several conversations with Pollack in the year before his May 2008 death,...
But what few of us know is that the recording sessions on those two nights in January 1972, at L.A.’s New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, were captured on film by a 4-man camera crew, headed by the late director Sydney Pollack, shooting more than 20 hours of footage.
Now, 38 years later, the footage is being edited and prepped into a concert film for possible theatrical distribution, billed as a film by Sidney Pollack. Interestingly, Warner Bros. once envisioned the film as part of a double bill theatrical release with Superfly! How groovy would that have been?
The studio would later drop the project in September of 1972, not knowing what to do with a gospel concert movie.
Producer Alan Elliott, who had several conversations with Pollack in the year before his May 2008 death,...
- 3/5/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Singer R Kelly is set to write about his trial for child pornography as part of his new memoirs. The book is scheduled to be published by SmileyBooks in 2011, under the singer’s name of Robert Kelly and co-written by David Ritz. The disgraced hip-hop star said: 'I'm tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life, as well as all the drama. I want to tell it like it is.' The book is currently without a title, but the publishers have confirmed that Kelly will be writing about his trial and the events leading up to it in the memoirs.
- 12/10/2009
- by Sophie Eager
- Monsters and Critics
R. Kelly will reportedly tackle the details surrounding his child pornography trial in his forthcoming memoirs, which he is due to publish in 2011. The singer is planning to pen the book alongside writer David Ritz, reports BBC News. The R&B star said: "I'm tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life, as well as all the drama. I want to tell (more)...
- 12/10/2009
- by By Oli Simpson
- Digital Spy
'I will show you the tears, fears and sweat,' singer promises.
By Gil Kaufman
R. Kelly
Photo: Evan Agostini/ Getty Images
In some ways, there isn't much we don't know about R. Kelly. Yet, the Chicago singer who has spent the past 20 years revealing his every fantasy and desire promises to reveal the Robert Sylvester Kelly nobody knows in his upcoming autobiography.
According to an announcement released Wednesday, the book, due in 2011 from SmileyBooks — the book imprint of radio/TV host Tavis Smiley — will be authored with celebrity writer David Ritz, who has collaborated on autobiographies with Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin.
"I'm writing this book as Robert, not R. Kelly," the singer said in announcing the untitled book. "I'm tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama.
By Gil Kaufman
R. Kelly
Photo: Evan Agostini/ Getty Images
In some ways, there isn't much we don't know about R. Kelly. Yet, the Chicago singer who has spent the past 20 years revealing his every fantasy and desire promises to reveal the Robert Sylvester Kelly nobody knows in his upcoming autobiography.
According to an announcement released Wednesday, the book, due in 2011 from SmileyBooks — the book imprint of radio/TV host Tavis Smiley — will be authored with celebrity writer David Ritz, who has collaborated on autobiographies with Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin.
"I'm writing this book as Robert, not R. Kelly," the singer said in announcing the untitled book. "I'm tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama.
- 12/10/2009
- MTV Music News
Scott Weiland isn't singing the jailhouse blues just yet. The Stone Temple Pilots frontman, who was sentenced to eight days behind bars for a second Dui conviction on April 28, wrote an upbeat blog entry on his MySpace page just two days afterward. "I've been crazy busy since coming off tour and never get the chance to sleep in anymore," Weiland wrote, adding that he's gearing up for a four-month tour this summer. Weiland, 40, does not mention that he has until May 28 to complete the jail term. He can turn himself in to a Los Angeles correctional facility anytime before that date.
- 5/2/2008
- by Ken Lee
- PEOPLE.com
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