Epic Records released the Michael Jackson DVD, The One March 9. The hour-long DVD features his recent CBS television special, which aired on January 2. Also included are clips from his appearances on American Bandstand, Motown's 25th anniversary television special, the 1988 Grammy telecast and various other performances.
Courtney Love is expected to appear in court on March 16 for a preliminary hearing on felony charges of unlawful possession of prescription drugs. Love pleaded innocent to all of the charges.
Many previously unreleased performances by legendary Country singer George Jones was released March 9. Scena Records' George Jones: Live Recordings From The Louisiana Hayride contains performances from sixteen of Jones' Louisiana Hayride appearances from 1956 to 1969. Jones, 72, is currently on tour in support of his latest album, The Gospel Collection. Shows are booked through November.
Ten years after the release of her last album, rhythm-and-blues singer Anita Baker has signed a new recording deal with Blue Note Records. Baker earned immediate fame with her 1986 debut album, Rapture, which sold five million copies in the U.S. It also brought her two Grammy Awards. Her final album for Elektra Records was 1994's Rhythm of Love, which made it into the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES/ MARCH 9:
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS/WINNERS:
As predicted, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King swept the 76th annual Academy Awards. The film won a total of 11 Oscars, including Best Picture. It also won in both musical categories. Composer Howard Shore earned the Best Original Score trophy and Shore shared the songwriter's Best Song award with Fran Walsh, Howard Shore and Annie Lennox for Into The West. The ceremony took place on February 29 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
March 10, Country stars Brad Paisley, Terri Clark and Montgomery Gentry announced the nominations for this year's Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. The 39th annual ACM Awards will air live on CBS on May 26.
LOOK WHO'S GOING ON TOUR!
Country singer Reba McEntire kicked off her first tour in three years. Dates began with an appearance at RodeoHouston in Texas March 7. The outing is in support of her new CD, Room To Breathe. It's expected to run through late September.
On March 11, Aerosmith begans its 2004 North American tour in Lubbock, Texas. Classic rock band Cheap Trick has the opening slot. Shows are currently scheduled to wrap up on June 28 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
Beyonce Knowles, Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys kicked off their co-headlining "Verizon Ladies First Tour" March 12 in Sunrise, Florida. Rhythm-and-blues singer Tamia, who has a new album coming out on April 6, will open the concerts. They'll perform in 22 U.S. cities through April 21.