Hollywood on the Potomac: A-list turns out for Biden-Harris
A full-throated, supremely confident Lady Gaga belted out the national anthem at President Joe Biden's inauguration in a very Gaga way — with flamboyance, fashion and passion. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. He had performed during the inaugural celebration for Obama in 2009, but turned down a chance to perform for Trump in 2017, citing a scheduling conflict. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his “Land of Hope and Dreams” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
A record 39 holiday songs dominate Billboard Hot 100 chart
(Apple TV+ via AP)NEW YORK – Tis the season to be jolly: A record 39 holiday songs have dominated this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart, including nine holiday tunes in the Top 10. Other holiday songs in the Top 10 include Dean Martin's “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” at No. Some acts have multiple holiday songs on the chart, including Bing Crosby, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Perry Como and Carrie Underwood. Here's a full list of the 39 holiday songs on this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart:— No. 8, Dean Martin, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow”— No.
Forget sad Thanksgiving: early Christmas fever takes over
Lindsey Catarino poses in front of her decorated Christmas tree in her condo in West Hartford, Conn. Catarino is the talk of her neighborhood. She put up her Christmas tree, lights and all, in mid-September. She is one of a growing number of people who have gone full-on Christmas weeks earlier than they normally would. She put up her Christmas tree, lights and all, in mid-September. Early Christmas is also on the minds of folks in and around Grapevine, Texas, near Dallas.
Black singer of regional Mexican music sparks buzz, emotion
Sarah Palafox, an African American woman who sings regional Mexican music, poses in Moreno Valley, Calif., in this undated photo. Palafox, an African American woman raised by a Mexican immigrant family, has generated excitement online with her versions of regional Mexican music. Other videos of her singing banda — another form of regional music from Mexico’s southwest coast — also have been shared thousands of times. She would only say the music will be different and she’s not listening to critics who tell her she’s shouldn’t be singing regional Mexican music. “I was told you can’t wear braids, you can’t wear your Afro and go on stage and sing Mexican music,” Palafox said.
Johnny Mandel, the Oscar- and Grammy- winning composer, dies
FILE - Johnny Mandel appears at the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Awards Ceremony and Concert in New York on Jan. 11, 2011. Mandel, the Oscar- and Grammy- winning composer, arranger and musician, died Monday, June 29, 2020, of a cardiac ailment at his home in Ojai, Calif. There are many ways to describe the legendary composer Johnny Mandel. I just work with whats there and try to do the best with whats there.As an arranger, Mandel worked with some of the greatest singers of his time. Why didnt you write the lyrics to The Shadow of Your Smile? Mandel told the NEA.
Back to grindstone for 'Mona Lisa' at post-lockdown Louvre
Journalists walk past Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa during a visit of the Louvre museum ahead of its reopening next July 6, in Paris, Tuesday, June 23, 2020. After four months of virus-imposed inactivity, the world's most visited museum is counting on the worlds most famous portrait, the Mona Lisa to help lure back visitors, when the Louvre reopens on July 6. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)PARIS The Mona Lisa found herself all alone. The coronavirus had emptied her room at the Louvre Museum of its usual throngs of admirers. Signs remind dawdlers that "Mona Lisa has a great many admirers.