63-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has announced that he's writing a book about his rock and roll life with author James Fox. Little, Brown and Company plans to publish the memoir in 2010. The publisher reportedly paid Richards $7.3 million to tell his life story.
On August 11, Elvis Presley impersonators will gather in Memphis, Tennessee to begin a 9-day competition. Judges will give the "2007 Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year" title to the contestant who shows the "best representation of the Elvis legacy." The performers will be judged on talent, appearance and their overall tribute to Presley.
Britney Spears' marriage to dancer Kevin Federline is officially over. The divorce was made final in a Los Angeles court on July 30. A child custody hearing is set for August 14. The couple married in September 2004 and Britney filed for divorce in November 2006. They have two sons, Sean Preston, who turns two-years-old in September and 10-month-old Jayden James.
1980s rocker Pat Benatar and her guitarist husband Neil Gerardo plan to record an acoustic album later this year. Benatar told Billboard.com that the collection will feature new unplugged versions of some of her biggest hits, as well as more recent songs.
A trial date has finally been set for Grammy-winning singer R. Kelly, who was accused of having sex with an underage girl five years ago. Kelly pleaded not guilty to the child pornography charges. His attorney is disputing the age of the girl seen in the videotape and also the identity of the man. Jury selection will begin at the Cook County courthouse in Chicago, Illinois on September 17.
Speaking of trials, the prosecution in Phil Spector's murder trial rested its case on July 23. And, his defense team announced on August 1 that it was just days away from wrapping up its case. Spector is accused on murdering actress Lana Clarkson on February 2, 2003. Spector claims Clarkson died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There have been reports, however, that he made contradictory statements following Clarkson's death. His chauffeur testified that Spector said, "I think I might have killed someone." In addition, while in custody, Spector also reportedly said that he accidentally killed her. If Spector is convicted, he could face 15 years to life in prison.
Virginia Tech will welcome students back for the new school year with a free concert at the university's Lane Stadium. The Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Nas and Country singer Phil Vassar will perform at the September 6 event. There will be no tickets available to the general public. On April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech student Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people before committing suicide. The 23-year-old senior's first two victims were shot at a co-ed dormitory. 30 more students and faculty were gunned down in classrooms in Norris Hall.
Country legend Dolly Parton is jumping on the indie bandwagon. The 61-year-old singer has formed her own label, Dolly Records, and will have a new album out in February 2008. Billboard.com reports there are no plans to sign any other artists to the label. Dolly's manager, Danny Nozell, says he put together a marketing plan that "was way more extensive than any major (label) has brought to me." In late September, Dolly will have a new single out, called "Better Get To Livin'." Plans are underway for her to begin a world tour in March 2008 in support of the new album, which will be her first mainstream Country release in 17 years.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES
New albums scheduled for release on August 7 include: "Constantine" by Constantine Maroulis, "Angels & Devils" by Fuel, "Camp Meeting" by Bruce Hornsby/Christian McBride/Jack DeJohnette, "Everybody's Brother" by Billy Joe Shaver and "9 Lives" by Kat Deluna.
TOUR DATES AND INFORMATION
On August 6, 19-year-old pop singer Hilary Duff will begin a U.S. summer tour in Seattle, Washington. She'll be supporting her new album "Dignity." The outing wraps up on September 1st in Darien Center, New York. From there, she'll head to Canada to perform six more shows (September 4-11).
Justin Timberlake will take Timbaland along on the second leg of his North American "FutureSex/LoveShow" tour, which begins on August 6 in Memphis, Tennessee. Justin will be performing on a rotating stage with a 14-piece band. U.S. dates are scheduled to end in Los Angeles on September 16.
