Christina Aguilera Among Celebrities Urging U.S. Senators to Stop Gun Violence Now

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Aguilera is calling for politicians to take action on the issue of gun reform…

The 40-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer has joined a roster of celebrities who’ve signed an open letter to U.S. Senators urging them stop gun violence now.

Five years ago, amidst a string of deadly attacks at live music venues including the horrific mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016, the cover of Billboard‘s July 2016 issue featured an open letter to U.S. Congress signed by 200 artists and music industry executives calling for gun reform.

Unfortunately, the need for reform has only grown stronger as shootings have continued around the country at a terrifying rate.

So now, five years later, as venues prepare to reopen after their pandemic shutdown and music fans ready to return to concerts and festivals, we stand again with the music community to ask lawmakers to take swift action to stop the violence. — Hannah Karp, Billboard editorial director

An Open Letter to Senators: Stop Gun Violence Now

As leading artists and executives in the music industry, we are adding our voices to the chorus of Americans demanding change.

Music always has been celebrated communally, on dance floors and at concert halls. But this life-affirming ritual, like so many other daily experiences — going to school or church or work — continues to be threatened, because of gun violence in this country.

The one thing that connects the tragedies like the shootings in Boulder, El Paso, Las Vegas, Parkland and so many other places in America, to the one that happened in Orlando five years ago this June, is that it is far too easy for dangerous people to get their hands on guns.

We call on the Senate to do more to prevent the gun violence that kills more than 100 Americans every day and injures hundreds more: Take action on background checks.

Billboard and the undersigned implore you — the people who are elected to represent us — to close the deadly loopholes that put the lives of so many music fans, and all of us, at risk.

Sincerely,

Christina Aguilera, Tori Amos, Sara Barielles, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tony Bennett, Selim Bouab, Rob Bourdon, Scooter Braun, Cortez Bryant, Michael Bublé, Vanessa Carlton, Joseph Carozza, Steve Cooper, Tom Corson, Lee Daniels, Ellen DeGeneres, Brad Delson, Diplo, Mike Easterlin, John Esposito, Melissa Etheridge, Fletcher, Luis Fonsi, Becky G, Kevin Gore, Julie Greenwald, Josh Groban, Horacio Gutierrez, Joe Hahn, Halsey, Billy Joel, Craig Kallman, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, Carole King, Elle King, Adam Lambert, Cyndi Lauper, Kevin Liles, Dre London, Jennifer Lopez, Macklemore, Zayn Malik, Carianne Marshall, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, Julia Michaels, Guy Moot, Jason Mraz, Gregg Nadel, Yoko Ono, Mark Pinkus, Gregory Porter, Prince Royce, Bonnie Raitt, Dawn Richard, RMR, Paul Robinson, Maggie Rogers, Kelly Rowland, Mike Shinoda, Sia, Matt Signore, Britney Spears, Rob Stevenson, Sting, Barbra Streisand, Justin Tranter, Sir Trilli, Sharon Van Etten, Aimie Vaughn-Fruehe, Eddie Vedder, Andrew Watt.

If you’re interested in signing the letter, you can email guncontrol@billboard.com.

Mariah Carey Honors New York’s Essential Heroes During Robin Hood & iHeart Radio’s ‘Heroes of New York’ Event

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is celebrating the true heroes of 2020 the best way she knows how…

The 51-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning chanteuse appeared during Robin Hood and iHeart Radio‘s Heroes of New York event on Tuesday night (December 1) to perform a special medley of her chart-topper “Hero,” “Joy to the World” and David Bowie‘s “Heroes.”

“Seven months ago, New York had its back against the wall. Our neighbors needed help, and Robin Hood reached out to us for our support. New Yorkers answered the call and stepped up,” Carey said in her introduction, before dedicating her number to “the thousands of heroes in New York who did their part to help put our city back on the road to full recovery.”

From there, Carey launched into the hook of Bowie’s classic 1977 single before seamlessly transitioning into her own, similarly named, smash released 17 years later during her Music Box era.

“No nothing could tear us away/ We could be heroes just for one day/ We could be heroes just for one day/ And then a hero comes along/ With the strength to carry on/ And you cast your fears aside/ And you know you/ So when you feel like hope is gone/ Look inside you and be strong/ And you’ll finally see the truth That a hero lies in, a hero lies in you/ That a hero lies in you,” Carey sang from her home studio.

Finally, the star closed out the medley with a passionate, melisma-filled take on “Joy to the World” while backed by a virtual choir.

The one-hour special also featured appearances by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Andy Cohen, Jon Stewart, Kelly Ripa and more, with a special performance of “Smile” by Tony Bennett.

Gloria & Emilio Estefan: First Hispanic Musicians to Receive the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria and Emilio Estefan have earned an extra special prize…

The 61-year-old Cuban singer and her 65-year-old Cuban producer husband will receive this year’s Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

The Estefans usher in two firsts for the prize: This year marks the first time it has been awarded to a married couple and the first time it’s awarded to musicians/songwriters of Hispanic descent.

“Emilio and Gloria Estefan… are the creative force behind the popularity of music steeped in the Latino culture,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “This dynamic couple’s professional and personal journey truly mirrors the American dream and we are so pleased to honor their musical legacy.”

Married since 1978, the Estefans catapulted to global fame in 1985 with Miami Sound Machine, creating a unique sound that blended Latin and pop rhythms that pulsed through hits including “Conga,” “Turn the Beat Around,” “Get on Your Feet” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.”

The Estefans were each named BMI’s songwriter of the year and between them have garnered 26 Grammys. Their life story and music were showcased in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical On Your Feet!, which they executive produced. In addition to their musical talents, they are also successful entrepreneurs, philanthropists and humanitarians.

Gloria is having a banner year of acknowledgment by the vaunted cultural institutions of the nation’s capital. This past December, Gloria was inducted into the Kennedy Center Honors. She also was part of the ensemble who last year feted 2017’s Gershwin Prize tribute to Tony Bennett.

The Estefans will receive the prize at an all-star tribute concert in March in Washington, D.C., that will later be aired on PBS.

Juanes Writes First English Song “Goodbye for Now”

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes is switching tongues…

The 44-year-old Colombian superstar has written his first English song, “Goodbye for Now,” with the help of PooBear.

The track is part of his anticipated visual album, Mis planes son amarte, to be released in the next few months.

“Four or five years ago I started recording in English, but honestly I find it very difficult,” Juanes told The Associated Press in a recent presentation of his new production in New York.

“I did a few experiments and they didn’t come out very well, until finally this time, after several years living here in this country and knowing the language better, I felt more comfortable doing it,” he said.

Last May, Juanes posted on Instagram a black-and-white photo of him with PooBear seemingly working in Los Angeles. “Making magic,” he wrote.

PooBear, the writer behind R&B hits like Usher‘s “Caught Up” and Chris Brown‘s “She Ain’t You, “is an incredible songwriter,” Juanes said. “We sat there and talked about feelings and things and he would choose the right words.”

“To me this is something very hard to do in English,” he said, “but I really had the desire to try.”

The result is “Goodbye For Now,” a piece that fits in the album’s story line about a time traveler astronaut who lands in present time in search of an indigenous goddess who is the love of his life.

“Let’s say goodbye for now/ And go our separate ways/ It hurts down to my soul watching us go/ It will hurt more if we stay,” Juanes sings in his distinctive mix of Colombian rhythms. “Doesn’t mean I don’t love you/ Doesn’t mean you lose my security/ Doesn’t mean you can’t love me/ Doesn’t mean we will never speak.”

Juanes has sung in English in concert – often something by Bob Marley – and at special events like the Eagles tribute (“Hotel California“) and John Lennon‘s 75th Birthday Concert (“Woman“). He also sang in English with Tony Bennett in a duet of “The Shadow of Your Smile” and included the words “It’s Time to Change” in his hit’s “Odio por amor” title and refrain. But “Goodbye For Now” is his first original song recorded entirely in English.

It’s the only English song in Mis planes son amarte, which also features his singles “Fuego” and “Hermosa ingrata.”

Garcia to Be Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Jerry Garcia legacy lives on…

The late part-Spanish American musician best known for his lead guitar work, singing and songwriting with the band the Grateful Dead, will be posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this week.

Garcia and his songwriting partner Robert Hunter, who will also be honored, first paired together as performers in a folk duo in the early 1960’s. When Garcia formed the Grateful Dead in the mid-1960’s, he looked to Hunter for lyrics. Hunter became an official lyricist for the band, and when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Hunter was inducted as a band member, the only non-performer ever honored.

Garcia wrote the music while Hunter penned lyrics for songs like “Casey Jones”, “China Cat Sunflower,” “St. Stephen” and “Truckin,’” which was recognized by the United States Library of Congress in 1997 as a national treasure.

With more than 35 million albums sold worldwide, other notable tracks include, “Dark Star,” which is listed as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll” list, and was ranked #57 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time,” the 1987 single, “Touch Of Grey” which was also the band’s first music video and, “Friend of the Devil” from the 1970 album American Beauty, which has been covered by Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Counting Crows, Elvis Costello, Lyle Lovett and John Mayer. In 2007, the Grateful Dead received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 46th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner will take place on June 18 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

The attendees will gather to celebrate the core of creativity that drives the music business: the craft of songwriting.

Other members of 2015 class of inductees: country hitmaker Bobby Braddock, late blues icon Willie Dixon, country star Toby Keith, ’80s pop chart-topper Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes, who has written hits for Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, James Blunt, the Dixie Chicks and others.

“Our 2015 lineup of inductees represents the rich diversity of American musical styles – Rock, Country, Blues and Pop – that have captivated the world over the past six decades,” said SHOF President & CEO Linda Moran. “Each one of these brilliant music creators have written instantly recognizable classics, songs that are both of their time and timeless. Our Annual Awards Gala is sure to be unforgettable.”

The evening’s lineup of performers and presenters includes Tony Bennett, Benny Blanco, Zac Brown, Michael Buble, Ledisi, Ne-Yo, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, Bernie Taupin and Paul Williams.

Pitbull Developing Two Reality Shows with The Weinstein Company

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is about to get real with The Weinstein Company.

The 33-year-old Cuban American rap superstar has been tapped by The Weinstein Company to be the catalyst for two reality television series.

The first is called Pitbull: The Lyfe. It will focus on the “Timber” singer’s world tour, recording sessions, and his life behind the scenes.

The second series is The REAL Change Project, in which Pitbull teams with public figures like Michelle Obama, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Kobe Bryant and others as they look back at obstacles they overcame in their formative years and the mentors who helped them succeed.

That series will include live performances with the aim of raising money for school teachers and educators around the globe.

itbull joins a long list of music stars who’ve lived their lives onscreen, including Ozzy Osbourne, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Snoop Dogg, Bret Michaels, T.I., and Russell Simmons.

Pitbull has seen his songs reach No. 1 in 15 countries, and his signature tunes are I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho), the Kesha duet Timber and Give Me Everything, the latter with Neyo.

Pitbull, currently on a North American arena tour with Enrique Iglesias, has geared his career toward global appeal. That includes performing the World Cup anthem We Are One (Ole Ola) with Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte, and expanding his brand with lines of vodka, clothing and fragrances. He’ll also host the American Music Awards for the second time and through his Honey I’m Home banner, he’ll host a New Year’s Eve special on Fox.

“Our television division at TWC has made an incredible name for itself in creating fresh and entertaining unscripted programming. Partnering with Pitbull, one of the biggest names in music today, on The REAL Change Project and The Lyfe is a phenomenal opportunity that we’re all very excited to get started on,” said TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein.

Manzanero Launches New Program “La Música Con Manzanero”

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Armando Manzanero is heading back to television…

The 78-year-old Mexican musician and composer is launching the new show La Música Con Manzanero.

Manzanero, whose career spans more than five decades, has penned more than 400 songs. At a recent event to promote the new program, the legendary singer/songwriter said he was thrilled to be launching a show that highlights other songwriters through performance and interviews.

Canal 22 International, the arts and entertainment channel based in Mexico, is producing the new show, which is seen both in Mexico and the U.S. The network features everything from documentaries to Mexican movies and news programs and is seen in the U.S. through DirectTV.

Throughout the show’s 13 episodes, Manzanero will guide viewers through the musical history of romantic music from Mexico with guests such as Aleks Syntek, Ely Guerra, Celso Piña and Alex Lora, among other artists.

During a recent presentation at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles, Manzanero and Canal 22 executives introduced the new program before the guest of honor took to the piano and performed a few of his classics. His songs have been performed by everyone from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Andrea Bocelli.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity,” Manzanero said. “It’s also about [Mexican] roots and it’s something that’s meaningful to me. When I see the kind of programming that Canal 22 provides, it gives me pride because it’s important to keep bringing these shows to people.”

The program, Manzanero said, first took place about a decade ago, but it was short-lived. He didn’t have to think twice, he added, to jump on a chance to be part of the new show, which explores different styles of music.

“Mexican music is what best presents us in Mexico,” Manzanero said. “It’s really beautiful music and it’s important that the rest of the world continue to see what we do through art.”

La Música Con Manzanero airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.

de Vita to Receive the Prestigious Billboard Hall of Fame Award

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s the Fame game for Franco de Vita…

The 60-year-old Venezuelan singer-songwriter will be feted with the Billboard Hall of Fame Award at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will take place on April 24.

The Billboard Hall of Fame Award is reserved for those artists who’ve achieved global recognition for a career that transcends genre and language.

de Vita is being recognized for his perceptive pop/rock ballads that have brought him international acclaim over his three-decade career.

He’s sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, achieving 11 top 10s and one No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

One of Latin pop’s most revered artists, de Vita became known as the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter of the trio Icaro before launching his solo career.

After a string of hits in the 1980s including “Solo Importas Tu,” “Te Amo,” and “Louis,” his song “No Basta” spent six weeks atop the Hot Latin Songs chart in 1991.

Most recently, “Te Pienso Sin Querer,” featuring Gloria Trevi, peaked at No. 17 on Latin Pop Airplay.

de Vita has also composed hit songs for other artists including pop star Chayanne (“Contra vientos y mareas,” “Y Tú Te Vas” and “Un Siglo Sin Ti”); and Ricky Martin (“A Medio Vivir,” “Vuelve,” and “Tal Vez”). Those collaborative works alone have sold more than 30 million albums around the world.

He’s known for his frequent collaborations with a broad spectrum of artists. He performed “The Good Life” with Tony Bennett on the American crooner’s 2012 Duets album. de Vita’s latest production, Vuelve en Primera Fila (Sony Music Latin) features urban artist Wisin, salsero Victor Manuelle and rising Spanish pop singer India Martinez, among others.

de Vita’s Vuelve en Primera Fila tour will take him to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay and Argentina this spring. The Venezuelan leg of the tour, planned for March, was cancelled. “With the hope that my country achieves peace and harmony I hold the firm conviction that we will see each other soon,” The artist announced on his Website.

Anthony Shares the Mic with Tony Bennett on “Viva Duets”

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Call it a meeting of the masterminds… Marc Anthony is blending voices with Tony Bennett on legendary singer’s latest project with some of Latin music’s biggest stars.

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer and the 86-year-old Bennett hit the studio recently to record their rendition of the classic swing song ballad, “For Once In My Life,” written by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden for Motown Records‘ Jobete publishing company in 1967.

It’s all part of Bennett’s upcoming duets album, Viva Duets, which features the crème de la crème in Latin music, including the two-time Grammy-winner Anthony.

To promote the collaboration and one-of-a-kind project, Bennett has just released a special video, which features raw studio outtakes of the oh-so-talented singers in studio.

When it came to recording with a veteran like Tony, Anthony told ET Online, “The difficult part is to actually stand next to him and not fall short. You get to record with Mr. Bennett–don’t screw it up. You feel more exposed than ever.”

The Viva Duets album, which hits stores October 22, includes Bennett collaborations with Thalia, Christina Aguilera, Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo Santos and more.

Mendes to Pay Tribute to Paul McCartney

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He recently scored an Oscar nomination for Penning a song that celebrates the beauty and magic of Brazil in the animated film Rio… And now Sergio Mendes is preparing to pay tribute to a former member of The Beatles.

The 70-year-old Brazilian singer/songwriter will sing at the MusicCares tribute to Paul McCartney event.

Hosted by British comedian Eddie Izzard, the MusiCares Person of the Year event is one of the special events held during Grammy week, which culminates with the live telecast of 2012 Grammy Awards on February 12 at Staples Center.

Proceeds from the event will benefit MusiCares, an organization that helps musicians struggling with financial, medical or personal issues.

Along with Mendes, the night’s list of performers include Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Coldplay and Norah Jones.

In addition, past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees Tony Bennett and James Taylor will perform as well.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Tony Bennett