When celebrity author Mark Bego originally wrote his 1989 biography, “Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul,” he had no idea that it would be updated three times, the latest being the new “Tribute Edition” of the book by Skyhorse Publishing, which puts her career in perspective since her death at 76 in August....
David Salidor and his New York City-based public relations company, dis COMPANY, celebrate their anniversary in March, marking 30 years representing celebrities from Madonna to Debbie Gibson. It’s safe to say he’s seen it all and lived to talk about it. Salidor sat with us for a wide-ranging interview, touching on subjects both good and bad and offered his take on what’s next for our media-infused society. He also spills on his plans for the foreseeable future....
When those in the know talk about the major behind-the-scene players in the music business, three names always come up: Clive Davis, Mo Ostin and Ahmet Ertegun. Ertegun’s legacy was secured in February when his widow gave $26 million to Oxford University. The money will pay for at least 35 graduate scholarships every year through the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Scholarship Fund....
Before Aretha Franklin was a pop legend, she was a gospel and blues singer. Like Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington before her, she has had to overcome prejudice, frustration, a teen pregnancy, weight problems and devastating emotional trauma during her career. Fortunately, Aretha has been able to channel her feelings into some of the most memorable and soulful music of the 20th century. ...
RCA Records is the latest to try to spin another sign of the music industry's decline--the closing of imprints, Arista and Jive--into something positive....
