Beyonce Releases New Singles; Springsteen, Joel Headline Obama Fundraiser

Rapper T.I. sold 568,000 copies of his new album Paper Trail to top this week's Billboard 200 chart (week ending October 18). This marks his third consecutive Number One entry on that chart. Coming in at Number 2 is Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut, which sold more than 217,000 copies its first week of release. Other first-week Top 5 entries include Robin Thicke's Something Else at Number 3 and James Taylor's Covers at Number 4.

Beyonce Releases 2 New Singles

Two singles from Beyonce's upcoming album will be released on October 14. "If I Were A Boy" and "Single Ladies" were co-written and co-produced by the R&B star. Beyonce's third solo album, Virtuoso Sasha, will be out on November 18. She posted a message on her website that says, "I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me." The 27-year-old singer recently announced that she plans to support the new album with a North American tour in mid-2009.

Sony Releases Elvis Christmas Album

On October 14, Sony Music Entertainment released Elvis Presley Christmas Duets. Using advanced audio technology, Elvis duets of holiday classics were created with Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna Judd, Amy Grant, Gretchen Wilson, Anne Murray, Olivia Newton-John and Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman.

Perry, Tunstall Among Artists on Breast Cancer Charity Album

Katy Perry, KT Tunstall and Colbie Caillat are among the artists who contributed tracks to "Hotel Café Presents: Winter Songs." The collection of seasonal favorites and original songs were released on October 14. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

Hollywood Palladium Reopens

The Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles reopens on October 15. The historic venue opened in 1940 and has been under renovations for more than a year. Jay-Z performed the first concert at the reopening. He was backed by a 12-piece band.

Springsteen, Joel Team Up for Obama Fundraiser

On October 16, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel performed a joint concert to benefit Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. The show was held at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. Springsteen recently supported Senator Obama at three voter registration rallies in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.

Two music legends released their first-ever Christmas albums October 14. Aretha Franklin's This Christmas, Aretha features traditional and contemporary yuletide tunes, and will be sold exclusively at Borders and Waldenbooks stores and on the Internet at www.Borders.com . And, 68-year-old Al Jarreau's first holiday album, Al Jarreau Christmas, includes 12 Christmas standards. They include "Winter Wonderland," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

New Album Releases - October 14

"Perfect Symmetry" - Keane
"Songs of Joy and Peace" - Yo-Yo Ma
"Little Bit Of Everything" - Billy Currington
"A Place To Land" (re-release with four new songs) - Little Big Town
"Time Flies" - John Michael Montgomery
"Multi-Dimensional Warrior" - Santana
"Lucky Old Sun" (deluxe fan edition) - Kenny Chesney
"Pebble To A Pearl" - Nikka Costa
"The Sound" - Mary Mary
"If The World Was You" - J.D. Souther
"Save The Day" - Kate Campbell
"Perpetual Flame" - Yngwie Malmsteen

Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits

On October 15, the 2nd annual "All for the Hall" charity was held in New York City to benefit Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell and Emmylou Harris performed at the event, which also included a cocktail reception, dinner and live auction.

Awards presentations/winners

On October 13, Country star Reba McEntire received ASCAP's Golden Note Award. The performance rights organization held its 46th annual awards ceremony at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Songwriters and publishers were also be honored for the most performed Country songs of the year. Previous Golden Note Award recipients include Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Lionel Richie, Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Michael W. Smith and Andre Previn.

The 2008 BET (Black Entertainment Television) Hip-Hop Awards will take place on October 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. Leading this year's contenders is rapper Lil' Wayne, who received 12 nods. They include CD of the Year, Best Live Performer and Lyricist of the Year. Kanye West follows with 8 nominations and Jay-Z with 6. Actor/comedian Katt Williams will host the awards show, which will air on October 23rd. (Complete list of nominees at www.bet.com/specials/hiphopawards08).

Look Who's Going on Tour!

On October 14, Neil Young kicked off a North American tour in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Alternative rock bands Death Cab for Cutie and Wilco will share the opening slot. Death Cab For Cutie will join Young through late November. Wilco will take over on November 29. After wrapping up shows in New York City on December 16, Young will take a month off before heading to New Zealand and Australia.