Tag Archives: Singers

Mindy McCready Dead at 37

Sometimes, you see tragedy coming for celebrities and you just know there is not much anyone can do to stop it.  How many people were surprised when Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston died, even though it seemed to be coming for years. The same may be said for country singer Mindy McCready.  The singer’s brother announced that she committed suicide today in Heber Springs, Arkansas.  She was 37. McCready rose to fame at the young age of 21 when her debut album, Ten Thousand Angels, sold two million copies and produced four charts singles.  She became briefly engaged to actor … Continue reading →

American Idol Accused of Racism

The newest season of “American Idol” kicked off with last year’s judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez being replaced with the feuding Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. While some may be talking about the rotating judges, a new controversy has arisen.  Nine former “American Idol” contestants – all African American males – are suing the show, claiming that they were kicked off the show as a part of a racist plot. The former contestants are Corey Clark (Season 2), Jaered Andrews (Season 2), Donnie Williams (Season 3), Terrell Brittenum (Season 5), Derrell Brittenum (Season 5), Thomas Daniels (Season 6), Akron Watson … Continue reading →

Ricky Martin Comes Out

Today, Ricky Martin announced what many had suspected for years – he is homosexual. Martin came into the spotlight as a teen when he joined Menudo, a boys band that replaced members when they turned 16, their voice changed, they grew facial hair, or grew too tall – whatever came first. Martin made a comeback in the early ‘90s with the hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” but even then, many question his sexuality, despite a 14 year on-again/off-again relationship with TV host Rebecca de Alba. He avoided the topic, choosing instead to talk about his music rather than his personal … Continue reading →

King of Pop Michael Jackson Dead at 50

My pop culture head is literally spinning. When Ed McMahon passed away a few days ago, I was sad, but I knew many young readers wouldn’t remember Ed other than his financial problems of late. When Farrah Fawcett passed away today, again, I was sad, but knew that she was not in good shape. While still trying to blog about Farrah, a friend told me Michael Jackson was dead. It was being reported by TMZ, but I wasn’t sure how much faith to put in that. Now, both the AP and NBC have confirmed that the singer died after being … Continue reading →

Bono and George Michael Break Records

The popular musicians are back in the headlines again, though not exactly for the same reasons. Per usual, Bono is garnering attention for his philanthropic deeds, which broke records last week. Thanks to his famous pals the U2 frontman was able to raise more than $42 million in an art auction to benefit the Global Fund of the United Nations Foundation, which works to fight AIDS in Africa. The event took place on Valentine’s Day (apropos considering the cash went to benefit Bono’s RED charity) at Sotheby’s on New York’s Upper East Side and brought out everyone from Martha Stewart … Continue reading →

“New Kids” Planning to Reunite—Are You Ready for This?

First it was the Backstreet Boys, now it’s New Kids on the Block. What’s next… a 98 Degrees reunion? In case you haven’t heard the good (or bad, depending on if you were a fan) news, word has it the legendary boy band New Kids on the Block is getting back together. If you grew up in the ‘90s then you likely swooned with the rest of the nation over Jonathan Knight (who is now a 40-year-old real estate developer), Donnie Wahlberg (a 38-year-old singer turned actor), Joey McIntyre (a 35-year-old new dad and former “Dancing with the Stars contestant), … Continue reading →

Two Special Items

Tristi’s blog about the movie, ‘Walk the Line’ prompted me to write about two of the Johnny Cash items I have. The first is the last CD of songs he recorded before his death. It is titled ‘Johnny Cash, My Mother’s Hymn Book.’ The CD includes songs such as: ‘When the Road is Called up Yonder’ ‘Softy and Tenderly, ‘‘Just as I am‘ The old hymn forever associated for me and, I suspect, many other Christians with Billy Graham crusades. ‘I am a pilgrim’ ‘Where we’ll never grow old.’ This is only a few. There are 15 tracks. Some of … Continue reading →

Amy Winehouse…Britain’s Britney?

Amy Winehouse is a very talented songstress, but lately, just like Britney Spears, her private life has begun to overshadow her talent. Her first album was nominated for the Mercury Prize, the music award for Best Album in the United Kingdom. Her second album Back to Black has sold almost a million and a half copies. Yet, with all that success, her personal life seems to be a mess. It has long been suspected that she and husband Blake Fielder-Civil have a problem with drugs. Winehouse herself sang a song that contained the lyrics “They’re tryin to make me go … Continue reading →

Ailing Crooners

Singer Robert Goulet, 73, is heavily sedated and breathing through a respirator as he awaits a lung transplant. The doctors have told Goulet’s wife, Vera, that a lung transplant has the highest success rate (88 percent) of all transplants. However, a suitable donor for Goulet has not been found yet. The National Lung Association stated that in 2005, only 25% of the 3,500 people on the waiting list actually received a lung transplant. Goulet performed on September 20th in Syracuse, NY, but fell ill shortly after the concert when he was on his way home to Las Vegas. At first, … Continue reading →

Backstreet’s Back

I’m pretty sure most of their original fan base is in college by now (if not married with children), but that’s not stopping the Backstreet Boys from reuniting and turning out a sixth album. (Their new single “Inconsolable” hits radios this month.) But, don’t expect the popular group to sound exactly as they did on their last CD. The boy band’s latest release is missing a critical voice—band member Kevin Richardson decided not to rejoin the group because of family issues. (Richardson’s wife gave birth to a son last month.) According to band member Nick Carter, Richardson’s announcement “came as … Continue reading →