On August 29, Geffen Records will release the new album by 82-year-old blues legend B.B. King. One Kind Favor features Dr. John on piano, Jim Keltner on drums and Nathan East on bass. King covers 12 blues classics by Big Bill Broonzy, Lonnie Johnson, John Lee Hooker and T-Bone Walker, among others. King is performing a North American tour through late November. On September 13, he'll be in his hometown of Indianola, Mississippi for the opening of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center.
Jonas Brothers Top Billboard Chart
The Jonas Brothers debut at Number One on the Billboard 200 this week (week ending August 30) with their new album, "A Little Bit Longer." More than 525,000 copies were sold its first week in stores to become the third best-selling album of 2008. The band's 2007 self-titled album also climbs one space to Number 10. According to Billboard.com, the Jonas Brothers are the first group to have two albums in the Top 10 at the same time since 'N Sync in 1999.
Phil Collins Divorce Settlement Sets British Record
Phil Collins' divorce settlement with third wife Orianne Cevey has reportedly set a British record. The 57-year-old singer and drummer will pay 35-year-old Cevey $46.7 million, which is $2 million more than Paul McCartney's settlement with ex-wife Heather Mills. Collins married Cevey in 1998 and they separated in 2006. The union produced two children, eight-year-old Nicolas and four-year-old Matthew.
Gloria Estefan Named Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year
The Latin Recording Academy has announced its pick for the 2008 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning singer Gloria Estefan will receive the honor at a concert and tribute dinner on November 12 in Houston, Texas. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Gloria Estefan Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Dave Matthews Band Member Dies
LeRoi Moore, a founding member and saxophonist in the Dave Matthews Band, died on August 19. He was 46. Moore was involved in an all-terrain vehicle accident at his Charlottesville, Virginia farm on June 30. He was released from the hospital and returned to his California home to begin physical therapy. Complications set in and Moore returned to the hospital on July 17. A statement on the Dave Matthews Band's website didn't specify what the complications were that led to his death.
Rick Springfield Enjoying Success of New Album
This week (week ending August 30), 1980's pop star Rick Springfield enters the Billboard 200 chart at Number 28 with his new album, "Venus In Overdrive." That's his highest entry in 20 years. Springfield, who also plays the role of Dr. Noah Drake on the daytime drama "General Hospital," is promoting his new CD with U.S. concerts through late October.
New albums scheduled for release on August 26:
"L.A.X." - The Game
"All Hope Is Gone" - Slipknot
"Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams" - Solange Knowles
"Join The Band" - Little Feat
"Forth" - The Verve
"Do You Believe Me Now" - Jimmy Wayne
"Sunshine Lies" - Matthew Sweet
"Join The Band" - Little Feat
"Now That's What I Call Country" - various Country artists
"Shootout In North Hollywood" - Blues Traveler
Musical Events
The inaugural Gilboa Coexistence Festival will take place in Israel August 26-28. British singer Joe Cocker will headline the three-day event, which will also include educational programs, sporting activities and nature excursions in Gilboa. The festival is being held to "celebrate peace and coexistence among Jews and Arabs in the Gilboa region."
U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is celebrating its 105th anniversary August 27-31 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Headliners at the four-day event include Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Foo Fighters, Daughtry and Kid Rock. In addition to the musical entertainment, the anniversary party will feature four giant vendor villages, a look at the new 2009 Harleys, a Miss & Mr. Milwaukee Rally contest, stunt riding, and more.
Look who's going on tour!
Country star Brad Paisley has sold 500,000 tickets on his 2008 "Bonfires and Amplifiers" and "Paisley Party" tours. When he learned of the accomplishment, Paisley said, "This number means more to me this year than ever knowing how strapped people are economically these days. The fact that fans are willing to both buy tickets and the gasoline necessary to come to a show is the ultimate compliment and I am so thankful."
Rascal Flatts has extended its "Bob That Head" tour. The outing is now scheduled to wrap up on November 3 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Multi-million-selling newcomer Taylor Swift, who has the Number One Country hit with "Should've Said No," is opening concerts for the trio.