The new Elvis Presley collection, Elvis 30 #1 Hits, sold more than 500,000 copies to enter Billboard's Top 200 chart at Number One this week (week ending October 12). That marks his very first debut at the top of the U.S. charts. The compilation debuted at Number One on 16 other album charts throughout the world, including Canada, Australia, Brazil, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.K.
Cable music channel VH1 conducted a poll asking 750,000 people to name their favorite female artist of the past 50 years. The top 10, listed from 10 to one are: Kate Bush, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Kylie Minogue and Madonna.
The Daniel Pearl Foundation has organized the first Daniel Pearl Music Day. It will take place on October 10, which would have been the late Wall Street Journal reporter's 39th birthday. Pearl was an accomplished musician, who performed in a band, orchestra or chamber group in every community he lived. Among those taking part in the worldwide event are Itzhak Perlman; the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra (performing in Tel Aviv); a group of Pearl's musician friends playing an eclectic mix of folk, rock and bluegrass in San Francisco; and Pakistan's number one rock group, Junoon, performing a special concert in New Jersey. Pearl's parents said, "Artists throughout the world are taking a united stand against intolerance. We are inviting orchestras and bands to use this opportunity to play for humanity and friendship, and to recognize the hope that is still plentiful even in the aftermath of terror." Pearl's family and friends created the Daniel Pearl Foundation after he was kidnapped and murdered while working on a story in Pakistan.
On October 11 and 12, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee will host its 77th birthday party with a weekend of activities. Two concerts each night will feature Opry members: Martina McBride, Bill Anderson, Ralph Stanley, Porter Wagoner, Steve Wariner and many others. In addition, daytime events will include children's activities, tours of the Opry House, and an Opry member autograph session.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES / OCTOBER 8:
MUSICAL EVENTS/FESTIVALS/BENEFITS:
Tribute concerts to benefit the family of Billboard magazine's late editor-in-chief, Timothy White, will take place October 7 and 8. The first show, to be held at Boston's Fleet Center, will feature performances by Sheryl Crow, Don Henley, John Mellencamp, Sting, Billy Joel and James Taylor. All but James Taylor and Billy Joel will also appear at the October 8 concert at New York's Madison Square Garden. Joining them in New York will be Jimmy Buffett and Brian Wilson. Proceeds from the shows, called "Music To My Ears: In Celebration of Timothy White," will go to White's widow Judy and their sons Alexander and Christopher.
The 3rd annual "Women Rock! Girls & Guitars" benefit concert will be held on October 10 in Hollywood, California. Actress and singer Jennifer Love Hewitt will host the show and also perform a song from her new album Bare Naked. Performers will include Michelle Branch, Gloria Estefan, the Pretenders and Chaka Khan.
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS/WINNERS:
October 8 - legendary Country star Johnny Cash will receive the International Entertainment Buyers Association Founders Award. The honor is given to those whose career ethics and accomplishments within the industry have made significant contributions to the advancement of the entertainment community and its audience.
Leading the nominations for this year's MTV Europe Music Awards are: Kylie Minogue, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Pink, Coldplay and Eminem. Each received four nominations. The ceremony will take place on November 14 in Barcelona.
LOOK WHO'S GOING ON TOUR!
October 8 - the 10 finalists of the hit talent show American Idol will kick off a 30-city tour in San Diego, California. They include runner-up Justin Guarini and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, who currently holds the Number One spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart with A Moment Like This.
No Doubt begins a U.S. tour October 9 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The trek is in support of the band's latest album Rock Steady. Garbage will co-headline the tour, which also features the Distillers and Good Charlotte in the opening slots.