Latin Recording Academy to Honor Shakira
On November 9, the Latin Recording Academy will host a tribute dinner and concert to honor Colombian pop singer Shakira as its 2011 Person of the Year. The award recognizes her artistic and philanthropic contributions. Shakira, 34, is the youngest artist to be named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will go to Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation, which assists underprivileged children in Colombia, and The Latin Recording Academy’s Latin Grammy in the Schools educational programs. (Also see Awards section.)
New Coldplay Album Tops Billboard 200
Coldplay's "Mylo Xyloto" CD
Coldplay moved 447,000 copies of its new album Mylo Xyloto its first week of release, which led to a Number One debut on the Billboard 200 chart. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Coldplay has the third-highest debut sales week of 2011. This week’s other Top 10 entries include Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” (Number 2), Michael Buble’s “Christmas” (Number 3), Toby Keith’s “Clancy’s Tavern” (Number 5) and Tom Waits’ “Bad As Me” (Number 6).
New NOW That's What I Call Music! Album Drops Nov. 8
On November 8, EMI Music will release NOW That’s What I Call Music! 40. The set contains 16 songs by some of today’s biggest stars, including Rihanna, Maroon 5, Britney Spears, Lady Antebellum and Lady Gaga. Now 40 will be released as a single disc and also a deluxe double-CD package. The deluxe version includes 16 additional tracks by artists featured in previous NOW releases.
X Factor Looks Forward to Season 2
On the November 2 X Factor show, executive producer and judge Simon Cowell announced that FOX-TV’s reality series has been renewed for a second year. The singing competition has brought in more viewers than any other reality show in the current television season. The 10-member group InTENsity, which was put together by the judges following the auditions, was voted off on November 3. That leaves 11 finalists to compete for the $5-million grand prize.
Bette Midler to Auction Personal Items for Charity
Bette Midler (file photo)
Singer and actress Bette Midler has donated more than 300 items to be sold by Julien’s Auctions on November 12 in Beverly Hills, California. Proceeds from sales of her stage costumes, shoes and other memorabilia will benefit Midler’s New York Restoration Project. She created the initiative in 1995 to help transform neglected open spaces in New York City into sustainable parks and gardens.
Jackson, Brooks Among New Nashville Hall of Fame Inductees
Alan Jackson's "Drive" CD
On November 6, Country stars Alan Jackson and Kix Brooks were inducted into Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame. The Class of 2011 also included gospel singer Bobby Jones and clothing designer Manuel. In addition, legendary guitarist Les Paul, gospel singer-songwriter Dottie Rambo and TV broadcaster Dan Miller will be honored posthumously.
New Album Releases Nov. 8:
“The Best of Rascal Flatts Live” by Rascal Flatts
“Wicked Game” by Il Divo
“It’s All Good” by Joe Nichols
“Blue Slide Park” by Mac Miller
“Rio” by Keith Jarrett
“Bohemian” by Judy Collins
“Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.” the original soundtrack
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits:
The “Let Us In” concert to benefit the Women and Cancer Fund Campaign takes place at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on November 7. This year’s show features appearances by Phil Vassar, Steel Magnolia, Chuck Wicks, SHeDAISY, and many others. The Women and Cancer Fund Campaign was created by Dr. Alicia Alvarez in memory of Paul McCartney’s late wife Linda McCartney, who died of cancer in 1998. The campaign’s goals are to bring awareness to women’s cancers and raise money for research.
On November 12, the 8th annual American Freedom Foundation Benefit Concert will take place at George Mason University’s Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia. Headlining the event is the rock band Daughtry. The annual concert honors America’s armed forces and benefits various organizations that support veterans, active military troops, wounded warriors and their families.