Rod Stewart Announces Fiance's Pregnancy; Alicia Keys to Receive Starlight Award

On June 9, the National Academy of Popular Music will host its annual Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York. This year's inductees include Steve Cropper, John Fogerty, Isaac Hayes, David Porter, Richard and Robert Sherman and Bill Withers. During the event, guitar legend Les Paul will be presented with the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. A nice birthday present for Les Paul, who turns 90-years-old that same day. Alicia Keys will be given the Starlight Award, which recognizes gifted songwriters in the early years of their careers.

Nine Inch Nails' leader Trent Reznor has more to be happy about than the recent Number One debut of his band's latest album With Teeth. A jury has awarded him nearly $3 million after finding his former friend and manager John Malm guilty of breach of contract. Reznor's lawsuit claimed that Malm got him to sign a contract giving Malm 20 percent of his gross earnings and letting him collect commissions indefinitely. Malm's attorney countered that his client worked for the band for many years without earning any salary and "kept nothing secret from Reznor." The $2.95 million award could reportedly top $4 million after interest is added.

60-year-old rock legend Rod Stewart and his 34-year-old fiancé, model Penny Lancaster, are expecting their first child together. Rod has five children, ranging in age from 10 to 25, from previous relationships. Rod issued a statement saying, "I am overjoyed and extremely proud to be able to confirm that my fiancé Penny is carrying our baby. I count myself blessed to have bestowed upon me the honour of fatherhood again, with Penny, whom I love and cherish so much." Reports say the couple plans to marry in early 2006.

29-year-old Jack White of the rock duo White Stripes married 25-year-old model Karen Elson on June 1 in Manaus, Brazil. The group's web site says they were married by a traditional Shaman priest on a canoe at the exact point where the Rio Negro, Salimones and Amazon Rivers meet. Jack's ex-wife Meg, who is the White Stripes' drummer, served as maid of honor. The duo is currently on tour in support its new CD, Get Behind Me Satan.

On June 7, Verve Records will release Rock Swings by Paul Anka. The collection features the crooner's versions of songs made famous by Soundgarden, Michael Jackson, Nirvana, Oasis, Van Halen, and others. Anka is promoting the album on his current U.S. tour. In other news, Anka, who was born in Ottawa, receives a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame on June 5.

MUSICAL EVENTS/FESTIVALS/BENEFITS:

Country music's annual fan appreciation event will begin on June 9 in Nashville. Formerly called Fan Fair, organizers changed its name last year to the CMA Music Festival. The four-day festival will feature nightly concerts at the Coliseum by such superstars as Gretchen Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Dolly Parton with The Grascals, Kenny Rogers, Trisha Yearwood and Wynonna. The 2005 CMA Music Festival will offer more than 70 hours of live music, 30 hours of autograph signings, the Fun Zone with activities for fans of all ages and the Sport Zone, a free event that gives fans the opportunity to take part in sports activities plus see some of their favorite artists and professional athletes participate in friendly competitions.

Atlanta, Georgia will host its 12th annual Music Midtown Festival July 10-12. Among the many acts appearing at this year's event are Ciara, Keane, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Loretta Lynn, Kid Rock, Black Eyed Peas, Jo Dee Messina, John Fogerty and the White Stripes.

The 4th annual Bonnaroo Music Festival will be held June 10-12 in Manchester, Tennessee. The three-day event will take place on a 283-hectare farm located 97 kilometers south of Nashville. The 2005 lineup includes the Dave Matthews Band, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Joss Stone, the Bela Fleck Acoustic Trio, and many others.

TOUR DATES AND INFORMATION:

Alanis Morissette will begin a 28-city North American acoustic tour in Toronto, Ontario. She'll be promoting her newly-recorded acoustic version of her 1995 debut album Jagged Little Pill, which hits record stores in late July.

On June 8, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will kick off a major U.S. summer tour in Fort Myers, Florida. The group is scheduled to be on the road through early September. During the 41-date trek, Petty and his band will headline the 12th annual Music Midtown Festival, which takes place this week (June 11) in Atlanta, Georgia. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers self-titled debut album.

American Idol season three winner Fantasia will embark of her first major U.S. tour this week in support of her debut album Free Yourself. She'll be featured on rhythm-and-blues singer Kem's nationwide tour, which begins on June 8 in St. Louis, Missouri. 16 shows are planned through July 1. The following day (July 2), Fantasia will appear at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Country superstar Toby Keith will begin his "Big Throwdown II" tour on June 10 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lee Ann Womack and Shooter Jennings, son of the late Country legend Waylon Jennings, will join Toby on the outing. Toby's latest album, Honky Tonk University, debuts at Number One on this week's Country chart (week ending June 11). It features his current hit, "As Good As I Once Was."