It's pretty cool that a President would open up his musical collection of memorabilia and original instruments from around the world for the public to enjoy.
I must say Bill has one fine collection on his hands. Some of the items I would love to see at the exhibit include his autographed B.B. King guitar, a "Meet the Beatles" album given to President Clinton by George Harrison's sister, Lou, and signed by the Fab Four, and the hand-written lyrics to "Hands That Built America," donated by Bono of the rock group U2.
So, if you're in or near Little Rock, Arkansas between now and Dec. 31, I would highly recommend you take the time to see this worldly exhibit.
read "New exhibit shows Clinton's favorite music" at The Mercury News from the Associated Press
more info on President Clinton and Little Rock from ABPG
May 26, 2005
Well Simon, A Southern Man Don'
t Need You Around Anyhow!
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced to the world Wednesday evening that Carrie Underwood is America's newest 'Idol', according to
FOX News.
I have to admit I'm not a hardcore American Idol watcher but as it dwindled down to just the Alabama rocker and the Oklahoma cutie I couldn't help but watch the show.
Having spent many years in the Heart of Dixie (Roll Tide) I felt myself pulling more and more for the southern gentleman. Then again, living in Dallas I also felt a bit of bond toward the cutie pie from Oklahoma. So as you can see I was at a bit of an impasse.
Both showed real class and talent and when the announcement was all over I found myself feeling good that in reality both finished as winners. After all, how many 'Bama' rockers get to actually front for the ultimate southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd?
read "Carrie Underwood Is America's 'Idol' " from FOX news
read wikipedia bio on Carrie Underwood
read wikipedia bio on Bo Bice
May 25, 2005
And The Winner Is -- P. Diddy
Looks like hip-hop mogul P. Diddy is about to be the winner of the largest child support order in New York state history, according to the
Associated Press.
It is unfathomable to me what it must be like to even make $21,782 a month but then to have to dish it out monthly has to hurt even the biggest of brag rappers.
I think it's great to see big time performers whether be it rap, rock, country or anyone else for that matter be held accountable but $21,782 a month for child support does seem extreme.
One would think that with P. Diddy's fame and fortune he would have somehow come out of court being owed money.
read "P. Diddy vows to appeal support order" from the Associated Press
read IMDb bio on Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs
Thurl Ravenscroft's Voice Was Just That - "Grrrrreeeat"
The Tony the Tiger voice actor and singer died of prostate cancer at the age of 91 on Sunday, May 22, according to the
Associated Press.
I never realized how his voice touched me and millions of others who were lucky to hear him say those famous words, "They're Grrrrreeeat!"
When I found out today that he had passed on to the heavens I had to find out what else this talented artist had done in his amazing long life.
Heck, when I was a young feller and had the chance to visit Walt Disney World back in the 70's I didn't realize that I was singing along with Thurl as I sang, "It's a Small World." What most don't realize is that he performed with Elvis Presley and was a WWII navigator and civilian contract pilot, who couriered the likes of Bob Hope and Winston Churchill.
To find out now that he was the incredible voice singing, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" really brings a tear to me eyes.
read AP story "Tony the Tiger 'Grrrrreeeat' Ravenscroft Dead" at Zap2it
read IMDb bio sheet for Thurl Ravenscroft
May 24, 2005
Bobby Brown's Open Mic Night In Atlanta Goes "Psycho"
Of course Bobby Brown was not involved in the open mic night stabbing at the establishment owned Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, according to the
Associated Press.
Bobby was just having fun at Justin's Restaurant and Bar while two members of his entourage got stabbed during a verbal altercation around 1:30 am.
It blows me away that one of the police detectives at the scene stated "It could have been something as simple as a bump, you know, somebody bumped into each other."
There is now a new meaning for "doing the bump".
read "Members of Bobby Brown's Entourage Stabbed" from the Associated Press
read "Bobby Brown Pals Stabbed" from E! online
Sounding off on Mr. Phil "Wall of Sound" Spector
Phil Spector's love for guns seems to be backfiring on him, according to
E! Online.
Spector's murder trial for the February 2003 shooting death of B-movie star Lana Clarkson kicks off September 16.
It has just come to light that an LA judge is allowing testimony from four women who have personally experienced what it is like to have a gun pointed at them by the eccentric record producer.
You have to love this -- it was also ruled that the prosecution is not allowed to explicitly bring up two gun-related convictions Spector had in 1972 and 1975. Let me see, sounds like a gun problem to me.
I think I hear someone singing, "When the Wall of Sound comes tumbling down..."
read "Spector Gunplay Testimony Allowed" from E! online
read "Phil Spector gun history to be heard at trial" from Reuters
read "Spector trial jurors will hear about past gunplay allegations" from the San Diego Union-Tribune
read E! online fact sheet about Lana Clarkson
read E! online coverage of arrest in February
May 22, 2005
Here's The Mane Rap: Bang, Bang Your Dead
Well another rapper is under raps. It appears rapper Gucci Mane was attacked while at home and managed to bust a cap into one of the attackers, according to the
Associated Press.
Instead of celebrating the upcoming release of his debut album "Trap House", Mane will be celebrating his release on bond from the DeKalb County Jail -- he hopes as soon as Monday.
I love his alibi of self-defense. There was even a gun handy on a table when the five attackers came to his house. I wasn't there so will never really know what happened, but something seems a bit rappy to me. And what is with the possible connection to rapper Young Jeezy?
read "Rapper Gucci Mane Facing Murder Charge" from the Associated Press
