MUSIC NEWS: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016
JOSEPH FIENNES - MICHAEL JACKSON
Michael Jackson is being played by a white actor in a British T-V comedy. Joseph Fiennes (FYNZ) says he thought someone goofed when he got the call. But the British character actor sees nothing wrong with a white man playing one of the most famous black performers ever, in the special ``Elizabeth, Michael, and Marlon.'' He says his portrayal is positive. But Fiennes acknowledges the issue of diversity is a ``sensitive'' one.
Elizabeth, Michael, and Marlon tells the story of a supposed road trip as Jackson, Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor fled New York after the September 11th terror attacks. No airdate has been announced yet.
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OBIT- VANITY- REMEMBERED
Singer and actress Apollonia Kotero says Vanity was an ``inspiration.'' Appollonia replaced Vanity in what became Prince's classic film ``Purple Rain.'' Vanity died Monday at age 57. Appollonia says Vanity was a ``diva'' and ``the princess of funk.'' Vanity had a long struggle with drugs including crack cocaine. Later in life she became a Christian minister. Appollonia says Vanity should be remembered as someone who ``accomplished her dreams.''
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DON MCLEAN - MORE CHARGES
More criminal charges have been filed against Don McLean. He was busted in Maine last month on a misdemeanour count of domestic violence. Now, prosecutors are adding additional misdemeanour charges, including terrorizing and criminal threatening. McLean's attorney says the ``American Pie'' singer is innocent on all the charges. McLean's wife filed a handwritten request for protection after the bust. But the couple later announced the order was dismissed.
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SUPER BOWL - SALES BOOST
Playing the Super Bowl halftime show is good for record sales. Billboard reports Burno Mars racked up a 400 per cent increase in album sales in the week after the big game February 7th.
Coldplay also experienced a jump. While Beyonce's catalogue had a slight sales bump, Billboard notes her new single ``Formation'' was available as a free download.
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KANYE WEST - ``SNL'' RANT
What we didn't see on ``S-N-L'' last week is now getting attention. The New York Post reports there was some intense behind-the-scenes drama involving Kanye West. The Post reports West went on a four-letter-word filled rant before his performance on ``Saturday Night Live.'' The Post's Page Six has posted what it says is a recording of West's meltdown. The Post says S-N-L producer Lorne Michael had to convince West not to walk out during the live broadcast.
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NATALIE COLE - GRAMMY TRIBUTE
Natalie Cole's sister says the late singer deserved more from Monday's Grammy Awards. Timolin Cole tells The Associated Press Grammy producers said Natalie would be memorialized during the broadcast. A video of Cole did appear at the conclusion of the ``In Memoriam'' tribute. Timolin Cole says her sister won nine Grammys and the tribute seemed like ``an afterthought.'' But Cole says she doesn't want to take away from the other musicians who were given tributes that night, including B.B. King, Glenn Frey and David Bowie. Natalie Cole died on New Year's Eve at the age of 65.
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(The Associated Press)