Music News

09 Jul 2024

Will Smith’s First Faith-Based Song ‘You Can Make It’ Debuts on Billboard Charts: ‘I Was Really Talking to Myself’

Will Smith’s first Christian/gospel single, “You Can Make It,” featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, arrives on Billboard’s charts (dated July 13).

Released June 28, the track enters the streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Hot Gospel Songs chart at No. 3, as well as the multimetric Hot Christian Songs tally at No. 23.. It drew 726,000 in radio audience and 665,000 official U.S. streams and sold 1,000 through July 4, according to Luminate.

The screen star and rapper makes his first appearance on the rankings. His latest film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, also starring Martin Lawrence, premiered June 7.

Trending on Billboard

“I was really talking to myself,” Smith tells Billboard of the song, which he co-wrote. “To see so many people resonate with the intention gives me a clear North Star for this next chapter of my creative life.”

Smith and Sunday Service Choir performed “You Can Make It” live for the first time at the 2024 BET Awards at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 30, joined by Kirk Franklin and Chandler Moore.

Like Smith, R&B/hip-hop artist Fridayy earns his first Hot Gospel Songs top 10, while Sunday Service Choir adds its third. The track also opens in the top 10 on Gospel Digital Song Sales (No. 3), Christian Digital Song Sales (No. 6) and Gospel Streaming Songs (No. 10), as well as at No. 28 on Gospel Airplay.

Smith has scored a pair of No. 1s as a soloist on the Billboard Hot 100: “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” in 1998, and “Wild Wild West,” featuring Dru Hill and Kool Mo Dee, in 1999. He broke through in the late 1980s/early ‘90s as (the latter) half of duo D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, who reached a No. 4 Hot 100 high with “Summertime” in 1991, and as the lead on NBC’s pop-culture cornerstone The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Smith, who won a best actor Academy Award for his role in the 2022 film King Richard, and who has taken home four Grammy Awards, is reportedly working on a full Christian/gospel album.

09 Jul 2024

Adrian Olivares, Former Menudo Band Member, Dead at 48

Adrian Olivares, an ex-member of famed Latin boy band Menudo, died at the age of 48 on Monday (July 8).

The news was confirmed by fellow bandmate Robert Avellanet, who shared a photo carousel on Instagram of the time they were both part of the group. “I’m still in shock! Strength for your family,” he captioned the post. “Happy transition to your soul. I will always remember his great sense of humor. We will meet there, brother. RIP Adrian.”

The official Menudo Instagram account also shared various throwback photos and videos in remembrance of Olivares. “Remembering Adrian, the 23rd member of Menudo, who brought joy to many from 1990-1993,” the group captioned its post. “His legacy will forever live in our hearts.”

Olivares, who hosted a podcast at Wynwood Radio, unexpectedly died at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, July 8, after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease only a week ago, according to the GoFundMe page created by his loved ones and shared by Menudo. The disease was further complicated by ulcerative colitis.

Trending on Billboard

“Adrian was an incredible father to his three daughters Eliana (18), and the twins Lia and Lilly (8),” the organizer wrote. “If you would please consider donating anything you can, it would be greatly appreciated as the family does not have the means to give Adrian his final farewell and help these girls with all their necessary expenses. All donations will be given to his mother, Natasha … Fly high Adrian, we love you!”

Olivares, from Mexico, formed part of Menudo from 1990 to 1993 when he was 13 to 16 years old, joining after Ricky Martin’s departure in 1989. He’s the third Menudo member of menudo to pass on, following Rey Reyes and Anthony Galindo.

See Menudo’s post remembering Olivares below:

09 Jul 2024

Bob Dylan Releasing 27-Disc, 431-Track Live Recording Box Set of 1974 Shows With The Band

Bob Dylan will look back on one of the most exciting times in his half-century live performance career this fall with the release of a sprawling 27-disc chronicle of the singer’s iconic 1974 tour featuring The Band as his backing group.

Bob Dylan – The 1974 Live Recordings will be released by Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings on September 20 as a massive set including 431 tracks — 417 of which are previously unreleased performances — with fans getting a sneak peek on Tuesday (July 9) via a never-released version of “Forever Young” recorded in Seattle on Feb. 9, 1974.

The set’s release is timed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dylan’s return to touring that year; Dylan retired from the road following a 1966 motorcycle accident. The 40-city North American outing was Dylan’s first tour in eight years and it resulted in the live double album Before the Flood.

Trending on Billboard

After making their name as Dylan’s backing band in 1966 on the folk legend’s first plugged-in tour, the group featuring Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Richard Manuel re-joined him in 1974 for his first arena tour. Barnstorming across North America while playing 30 shows in 42 days — sometimes performing two sets per day — the tour kicked off in Chicago on Jan. 3, 1974. According to the release, the outing helped “create the template for the major rock tour,” cementing such live concert staples as fans holding up their lighters en masse (pre-cellphone) and the bright flash of the house lights during pivotal moments in the set.

The group performed many songs for the first time on the tour, including such beloved tracks as “All Along the Watchtower,” “Forever Young” and “Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)” as well as such rarities including “Ballad of Hollis Brown,” “Song to Woody” and “Nobody ‘Cept You.”

A release announcing the box set noted that it will feature 133 of the recordings newly mixed from 16-track tape and every surviving soundboard recording of the tour, as well as new liner notes by journalist/critic Elizabeth Nelson.

A three-LP colored vinyl highlights release, The 1974 Live Recordings – The Missing Songs From Before The Flood, will be issued by Third Man Records featuring versions of every song from the 1974 tour not included on the original Before the Flood album.

Dylan, 83, is currently on the road as part of his “Never Ending Tour,” with his next show slated for July 29 at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, CA.

Listen to the 1974 recording of “Forever Young” here and see the full track listing below.

DISC 1

January 3, 1974 – Chicago Stadium, Chicago, IL

1. Hero Blues

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Tough Mama

4. It Ain’t Me, Babe

5. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat

6. All Along the Watchtower

7. Song to Woody

8. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

9. Nobody ‘Cept You

10. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

11. Forever Young

12. Something There Is About You

13. Like a Rolling Stone

14. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 2

January 4, 1974 – Chicago Stadium, Chicago, IL

1. Hero Blues

2. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

3. It Ain’t Me, Babe

4. Tough Mama

5. Ballad of a Thin Man

6. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat

7. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

8. The Times They Are A-Changin’

9. Love Minus Zero/No Limit

10. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

11. Nobody ‘Cept You

12. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

13. Maggie’s Farm

DISC 3

January 6, 1974 (Afternoon) – The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

1. Ballad of Hollis Brown

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. It Ain’t Me, Babe

5. Tough Mama

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. To Ramona

11. Mama, You Been on My Mind

12. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

13. Nobody ‘Cept You

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)

16. Forever Young

17. Something There Is About You

18. Like a Rolling Stone

DISC 4

January 6, 1974 (Evening) – The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

1. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. It Ain’t Me, Babe

5. I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue

12. Song to Woody

13. Mr. Tambourine Man

14. Nobody ‘Cept You

15. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

16. Forever Young

17. Something There Is About You

18. Like a Rolling Stone

19. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 5

January 7, 1974 – The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

1. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. It Ain’t Me, Babe

5. I Don’t Believe You

(She Acts Like We Never Have Met)

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. Just Like a Woman

11. Girl from the North Country

12. Wedding Song

13. Nobody ‘Cept You

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 6

January 9, 1974 – Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada

1. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. It Ain’t Me, Babe

5. It Take a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. Just Like a Woman

11. Girl from the North Country

12. Wedding Song

13. Nobody ‘Cept You

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 7

January 11, 1974 – Montreal Forum, Montreal, Canada

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Gates of Eden

13. Nobody ‘Cept You

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 8

January 14, 1974 (Afternoon) – Boston Gardens, Boston, MA

1. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. It Ain’t Me, Babe

5. I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Gates of Eden

13. Just Like a Woman

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 9

January 15, 1974 – Capital Centre, Largo, MD

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Wedding Song

13. Just Like a Woman

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 10

January 16, 1974 – Capital Centre, Largo, MD

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. One Too Many Mornings

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Gates of Eden

13. Nobody ‘Cept You

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 11

January 17, 1974 – Coliseum, Charlotte, NC

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Gates of Eden

13. Just Like a Woman

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 12

January 19, 1974 (Afternoon) – Hollywood Sportatorium, Hollywood, FL

1. All Along the Watchtower

2. Ballad of Hollis Brown

3. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

4. The Times They Are A-Changin’

5. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

6. Gates of Eden

7. Just Like a Woman

8. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

9. Forever Young

10. Something There Is About You

11. Like a Rolling Stone

12. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 13

January 21, 1974 – The Omni, Atlanta, GA

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Gates of Eden

13. Just Like a Woman

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 14

January 22, 1974 – The Omni, Atlanta, GA

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. Ballad of Hollis Brown

8. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

9. The Times They Are A-Changin’

10. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

11. Gates of Eden

12. It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue

13. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

14. Forever Young

15. Something There Is About You

16. Like a Rolling Stone

17. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 15

January 26, 1974 (Afternoon) – Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, TX

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Gates of Eden

13. Just Like a Woman

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 16

January 26, 1974 (Evening) – Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, TX

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Gates of Eden

13. Just Like a Woman

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Something There Is About You

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

DISC 17

January 30, 1974 – Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. All Along the Watchtower

5. Ballad of Hollis Brown

6. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – released on Before the Flood

7. The Times They Are A-Changin’

8. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

9. Gates of Eden

10. Just Like a Woman

11. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) – Incomplete

12. Forever Young

13. Something There Is About You

14. Like a Rolling Stone

15. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

16. Blowin’ in the Wind

DISC 18

January 31, 1974 (Afternoon) – Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY

1. All Along the Watchtower

2. Ballad of Hollis Brown

3. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

4. The Times They Are A-Changin’

5. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

6. Gates of Eden – Incomplete

7. Forever Young

8. Highway 61 Revisited – released on A Musical History (The Band)

9. Like a Rolling Stone – Incomplete

DISC 19

January 31, 1974 (Evening) – Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower – Incomplete

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

12. Gates of Eden

13. Just Like a Woman

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Highway 61 Revisited

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

19. Blowin’ in the Wind

DISC 20

February 9, 1974 (Afternoon) – Seattle Center Coliseum, Seattle, WA

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. All Along the Watchtower

5. Ballad of Hollis Brown

6. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

7. She Belongs to Me

8. The Times They Are A-Changin’

9. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

10. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

11. Wedding Song

12. Forever Young

13. Highway 61 Revisited

DISC 21

February 9, 1974 (Evening) – Seattle Center Coliseum, Seattle, WA

1. The Times They Are A-Changin’

2. Just Like a Woman

3. Wedding Song

4. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

5. It’s All Right, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

6. Forever Young

7. Highway 61 Revisited

8. Like a Rolling Stone

9. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

10. Blowin’ in the Wind

DISC 22

February 11, 1974 (Afternoon) – Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

1. All Along the Watchtower

2. Ballad of Hollis Brown

3. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

4. She Belongs to Me

5. The Times They Are A-Changin’

6. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

7. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

8. Wedding Song

9. Forever Young

10. Highway 61 Revisited

11. Like a Rolling Stone – Incomplete

12. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

13. Blowin’ in the Wind

DISC 23

February 11, 1974 (Evening) – Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. The Times They Are A-Changin’

11. Just Like a Woman

12. Gates of Eden

13. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right – Incomplete

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Highway 61 Revisited – Incomplete

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Maggie’s Farm

19. Blowin’ in the Wind

DISC 24

February 13, 1974 – The Forum, Inglewood, CA

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay – released on Before the Flood

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 – released on Before the Flood

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. She Belongs to Me

11. The Times They Are A-Changin’

12. Love Minus Zero/No Limit

13. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

14. Just Like a Woman

15. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

16. Forever Young

17. Highway 61 Revisited

18. Like a Rolling Stone – released on Before the Flood

19. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

20. Blowin’ in the Wind – released on Before the Flood (first two verses only)

DISC 25

February 14, 1974 (Afternoon) – The Forum, Inglewood, CA

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe

6. Ballad of a Thin Man – released on Before the Flood

7. All Along the Watchtower – released on Before the Flood

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

10. She Belongs to Me

11. It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue

12. The Times They Are A-Changin’

13. Just Like a Woman

14. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

15. Forever Young

16. Highway 61 Revisited

17. Like a Rolling Stone

18. Blowin’ in the Wind – released on Before the Flood (last verse only)

DISC 26

February 14, 1974 (Evening) – The Forum, Inglewood, CA (Pt. 1)

1. Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine) – released on Before the Flood

2. Lay, Lady, Lay

3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues

4. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. It Ain’t Me, Babe – released on Before the Flood

6.Ballad of a Thin Man

7. All Along the Watchtower

8. Ballad of Hollis Brown

9. Mr. Tambourine Man

10. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

DISC 27

February 14, 1974 (Evening) – The Forum, Inglewood, CA (Pt. 2) 

1. She Belongs to Me

2. The Times They Are A-Changin’

3. Just Like a Woman – released on Before the Flood

4. Gates of Eden

5. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right – released on Before the Flood

6. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) – released on Before the Flood

7. Forever Young

8. Highway 61 Revisited – released on Before the Flood

9. Like a Rolling Stone

10. Maggie’s Farm

11. Blowin’ in the Wind

09 Jul 2024

Joe Bonsall, Longtime Member of The Oak Ridge Boys, Dies at 76

Joe Bonsall, the tenor in The Oak Ridge Boys, died on Tuesday (July 9) from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the group announced on its website and social media accounts. He was 76, and died in Hendersonville, Tenn. Bonsall had announced his retirement from touring at the beginning of the year.

In 1973, Bonsall left his position with gospel group The Keystones to join The Oak Ridge Boys. The Oaks, in which Bonsall teamed with Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban, first found success as a gospel group. They segued into country music in 1977 with “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” their first of 34 top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Country Songs chart.

Trending on Billboard

The Oaks landed 17 No. 1 hits on that chart, the third-highest total among duos and groups after Alabama (33) and Brooks & Dunn (20). Two of the Oaks’ country chart-toppers became top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 – “Elvira” (No. 5 in 1981) and “Bobbie Sue” (No. 12 in 1982).

The group landed three No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, two of which became top 20 albums on the all-genre Billboard 200 – Fancy Free (No. 14 in 1981) and Bobbie Sue (No. 20 in 1982).

The Oaks won five Grammys. The first four were in gospel categories; the fifth in country, for “Elvira.” That platinum-selling smash won best country performance by a duo or group with vocal.

The Oaks won two CMA awards – vocal group of the year in 1978 and single of the year in 1981 for “Elvira.”

They won four ACM Awards – top vocal group in 1978, album of the year that same year for Ya’ll Come Back Saloon, single record of the year in 1981 for “Elvira” and the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2007. 

The Oaks’ 1979 concert trek with headliners Kenny Rogers and Dottie West is considered the first full-fledged country arena tour, Tom Roland reported in this recap of the group’s 50 years.

As a 50-year member of the The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the latter in 2015.

“For 50 years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys’ sparkplug,” Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a statement. “He was as exciting a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or country stage. His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, immediately rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He certainly lightened our cares every time he sang.”

“When I think of the Oak Ridge Boys and their place in country music history, the image of Joe with his huge smile and boundless energy comes to mind so clearly,” Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO, said in a statement. “His commitment to serving others while developing country music into a worldwide sensation will never be forgotten and our industry has been made better because of him. Today, we lost an incomparable energy and voice in music. He will be missed greatly by all who were fortunate to know him.”

Bonsall was also the author of 11 books including his latest, a memoir entitled I See Myself, which is set for release in November.

Bonsall’s final show with the Oaks was on Dec. 17, 2023. In January, he revealed that he had battled the slow onset of a neuromuscular disorder for more than four years. “I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult,” he said in a statement. “It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget, and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”

At Bonsall’s request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; daughters Jennifer and Sabrina; granddaughter Breanne; grandson Luke; two great grandsons, Chance and Grey; and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.

Bonsall’s death comes just eight days after the death of William “Rusty” Golden, a musician, songwriter and son of The Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden. The younger Golden died on July 1 at his home in Hendersonville, Tenn. He was 65. William Lee Golden said in a statement at that time, “This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face. I love family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. I love you, son.”

See The Oak Ridge Boys’ announcement below:

09 Jul 2024

Heather Morris Pays Tribute to Late ‘Glee’ Co-Star Naya Rivera on 4th Anniversary of Death: ‘You’re Still Here With Us’

Heather Morris paid loving tribute to her late Glee co-star Naya Rivera on the fourth anniversary of Rivera’s tragic death. In a sweet Instagram post featuring a black and white snap of the two women cuddling on a bed, Morris wrote, “I can’t believe it’s been 4 years..boy how time flies. Yet every year I’m taken by surprise how much it still hurts. We grow up together, fell apart, and came back together in such a beautiful way.”

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After going missing for six days, Rivera, 33, was found after taking a boat ride with her then four-year-old son during which she drowned while swimming. The two women worked together on six seasons of the Fox musical comedy, with Morris starring as cheerleader Brittany Pierce, whose romance with Rivera’s closeted fellow cheer teamer Santana Lopez was a fan favorite storyline. “God you’re missed so much… except I can’t shake the feeling you never left… you’re still here with us..guiding us to our highest potential,” Morris, 37, added. “I miss you Nay Nay.”

Rivera starred on Glee from 2009-2015, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award and an ALMA Award for her work on the show, as well as sharing two Grammy Award nominations with her cast mates. In addition to Glee, Rivera appeared in a number of films, including her debut in 2002’s Dana Carvey comedy The Master of Disguise, as well as 2014’s At the Devil’s Door and a posthumous voice role in 2021’s Batman: The Long Halloween.

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The singer/actress married former flame Ryan Dorsey in 2014, and they had a child together in September 2015, a year before filing for divorce; the couple reconciled, but then she refiled for divorce in December 2017. Rivera was reported missing on July 8, 2020 after the couple’s son was found alone on a rented boat in the Lake Piru reservoir in Ventura County, CA. The child told investigators that his mom went swimming and was unable to climb back on the boat before she disappeared. Rivera’s body was found by divers in the lake on July 13.

During Rivera’s disappearance, Morris helped organize search parties to help with rescue efforts, later posting an emotional tribute to her friend and former co-star that included pics of their sons playing together.

See Morris’ post below.

09 Jul 2024

Ariana Grande Calls Out Double Standards for Male Actors After Being Criticized for Changing Her Voice

Ariana Grande is once again addressing how her speaking voice has changed in recent months, this time pointing out that male performers are rarely met with the same criticism she’s received for embodying her role as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked films.

While appearing as a guest on the Tuesday (July 9) episode of Evan Ross Katz’s Shut Up Evan podcast, the pop star opened up about her decision in June to explain why the sound of her voice sometimes changes. After a clip of her abruptly switching tones on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed went viral last month, she’d commented on TikTok that she’d been “speaking like this for two years” on the set of the upcoming Wicked films and noted that using a higher register is better for her vocal health.

And on Katz’s show, Grande went into even more detail. “I did just spend a long time playing a character every single day and training my voice to do different things,” she said of her tenure as Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba. “The voice is in the body, it’s an instrument, and muscle memory is a real thing. That’s a normal thing for people who, it’s their job to transform.”

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The “Yes, And?” singer went on to marvel at how men in Hollywood are often praised when their characters carry over into their real-life personas, whereas she’s been made fun of online for the same thing. “You see male actors — sure, people make jokes here and there as well about everybody who experiences something like this — but it’s always after the fact that they’re like, ‘Oh, wow, how dedicated to his craft. What an amazing transformation! He’s a brilliant performer!’” she said. “And God forbid I sneeze like Glinda.”

“I had a job to do,” Grande added. “People change and habits happen. It’s a strange thing to be under such a microscope.”

The scrutiny she’s faced about her speech habits was just one of many topics the Grammy winner broached with Katz, who also asked Grande about why she deactivated her X account as well as her decision to gently call out body shaming with a vulnerable TikTok last year (something she called “impulsive,” but doesn’t regret). At one point, the pair discussed the reasons why the star has chosen to remain quiet throughout last year’s backlash to her romance with Wicked costar Ethan Slater, which they hinted at without referencing head on.

“There’s still a lot of misperceptions about everything out there,” Grande told Katz. “I’ve sent you so many drafts of things like, ‘I want to say this so badly!’ I always sleep on it and I always come back around to protecting and not taking that bait, because what I have discovered is that protecting my peace and my privacy and the actual details … sometimes when it would be addressing something, you would actually be exposing more of your actual real life.”

Listen to Grande’s Shut Up Evan interview below.

09 Jul 2024

Busta Rhymes Blasts Essence Fest Crowd During His Performance: ‘F–k Your Phone’

Busta Rhymes wasn’t feeling the crowd’s energy during his first-ever performance in New Orleans at Essence Fest over the weekend.

Bus-A-Bus attempted to shake the audience up for his Saturday night (July 6) set, and he wasn’t thrilled with those in the crowd not standing up, and hiding behind their cell phones instead.

“New Orleans, y’all look like y’all tired,” he proclaimed. “You motherf–kers ain’t ready. Everybody that’s in here, get the f–k up. Ay, f–k them camera phones, too. Let’s get back to interacting like humans. Put them weird a– devices down. I ain’t from that era. Them s–ts don’t control a soul. F–k your phone.”

Bus continued to rant: “33 years of doing this s–t, I ain’t used to n—-s sitting down at my show. The reason there will be zero tolerance for bulls–t energy in here is because this is my first time in New Orleans at the f—ing 30-year anniversary of the ESSENCE Festival. Make me feel like we home!”

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A look into the crowd and footage showed that there was sparse attendance with fans spread thin across the floor seats, while the lower and upper bowls appeared to be more full.

Fans had plenty to say about Busta’s rant, and comments came from both sides. “This is when you are too old as an artist to realize your time and audience is old,” one person wrote on X. “It’s not 1999. If you gotta beg for energy, what dies it say about you as the performer?”

Another chimed in, “Busta is a legendary MC but that dont give you the right to talk to people like that, especially after they paid for tickets. Bad take man, he should of just performed like Redman and Meth, address it after the show.”

After the dust settled, Busta Rhymes expressed gratitude for being able to take the stage for the first time in New Orleans and appreciated the love he received from the Big Easy.

“WHEN THE TRUTH IS UNDISPUTED YOU DON’T GOTTA EVER BE CONCERNED WITH THE S–T TALK AND THE FALSE NARRATIVES,” he wrote on Instagram. “WE ARE TO BLESSED TO BE MAD ABOUT ANYTHING THAT WE LOVE TO DO!! EVERY PLATFORM WE APPRECILOVE Y’ALL BUT WHEN YOU TALK MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT TOU TALKING ABOUT OR SILENCE IS THE BETTER OPTION, JUST FOR THE RECORD WHAT Y’ALL SAW THEM GIVING WITH THAT WRONG NARRATIVE ABOUT FRUSTRATION WITH THE CROWD NOT ROCKING WITH US IS CALLED ‘SHOWMANSHIP’ RESPECTFULLY!!”

Bus added: “FROM THE REST OF TH E WORLD’S POINT OF VIEW IT LOOKS LIKE AND SOUNDS LIKE AND FEELS LIKE NEW ORLEANS WAS TURNT ALL THE WAY THE F–K UP AND WE ALL ENJOYED IT!! THANK Y’ALL SO MUCH AND WE LOVE Y’ALL!!”

There’s no time to waste, as it’s right back on the road for Busta, who is supporting Missy Elliott on her first-ever headlining tour, alongside Ciara and Timbaland. The North American trek kicked off north of the border in July in Vancouver, and has shows lined up this week in Oakland, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Watch fan-captured footage of Busta’s rant below:

09 Jul 2024

Watch Megan Thee Stallion & Ne-Yo Face-Off on ‘Celebrity Family Feud’ 

It’s Celebrity Family Feud week, and the survey says: Team Megan Thee Stallion will be matched up against Ne-Yo and his clan. 

Ahead of Tuesday night’s (July 9) premiere on ABC, Billboard exclusively obtained a clip from the episode featuring the Houston Hottie going toe-to-toe with the “Because of You” singer in the face-off round. 

Dressed to the nines in a sharp bronze suit, host Steve Harvey asks Meg and Ne-Yo, their hands ready to buzz: “Name something you’ve done to your mate’s feet.” Thee Stallion beats Ne-Yo to the buzzer with a romantic foot remedy, “Massage!”

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A version of her answer came in as the top response with 50 out of the 100 replies giving a variation of “Rubbed ‘Em.”

An excited Meg elected to play the round and brought Steve over to her family, who were all completely decked out in red threads. Her manager Travis Farris steps up and delivers with his answer, which finds him taking care of his woman’s at-home pedicure needs: “Cut they toenails.”

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Harvey was a fan of the answer. “Come on playa, snip snip!” the comedian said in response. “You still feeling that, click click!” Farris nailed the second-highest response, with pedicure scoring team Meg another 27 points. 

Tune into the full Celebrity Family Feud episode on Tuesday night at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. Hulu subscribers will have access to streaming the episode on Wednesday (July 10). 

It’s been a banner year for Megan Thee Stallion, who delivered her highly anticipated Megan album on June 28. It bowed in at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 – her sixth top 10 entry – with 64,000 equivalent album units earned.

Watch Billboard‘s exclusive Celebrity Family Feud clip below.

09 Jul 2024

Shakira to Perform at the Halftime Final of Copa América USA 2024

Shakira will perform at the Copa América final Sunday (July 14), CONMEBOL announced on Tuesday (July 9). It will be the first time that the Colombian hitmaker will perform at the oldest national soccer tournament. The artist will sing during halftime of the match, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where some 54,000 people are expected to attend.

“Shakira is an extraordinary South American star who has dazzled the entire world,” said Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL, in a statement. “Her songs are sung and danced to in every corner of the planet, turning her art into a global phenomenon that crosses borders and is enjoyed by millions of people. We are sure that her performance at the Copa América USA 2024 will enhance the message of healthy passion and unity through sport.”

Her hit “Puntería” featuring Cardi B is the official song of TelevisaUnivision’s 2024 Copa América CONMEBOL coverage.

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Held in the United States with the participation of 16 CONMEBOL and CONCACAF teams, the event began on June 20 and ends on July 14.

Known for her performances at major global events such as the Super Bowl and three World Cups, the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer is set to entertain with a mix of her classic anthems and new hits.

The Barranquilla-born superstar recently launched her 12th studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran in March. The album peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 2 on Top Albums Sales, among other chart achievements. Shortly after launching her latest album, Shakira delivered a pop-up performance to more than 40,000 people at Times Square on the TSX stage.

09 Jul 2024

Ariana Grande Confirms an ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Deluxe Album Is on Its Way, But Not ‘Super Soon’

Looks like Ariana Grande‘s Eternal Sunshine is going to shine a little longer. On the latest episode of the Shut Up Evan podcast posted Tuesday (July 9), the 31-year-old pop star confirmed that an extended version of her Billboard 200-topping seventh studio album is for sure on its way — but fans will have to be patient as they wait for its release.

When asked about the possibility of a deluxe version — something she first teased in June on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed podcast — Grande told host Evan Ross Katz that it was “definitely” in the works. “I definitely thought this album was perfect as it was, and I still kind of feel that way,” she said. “With time, I’ve been inspired to write more songs and inclined to do this deluxe. I’m really tempted to put a creative button on this storytelling, and I have a lot of ideas.”

“It’s an idea that’s become something I can’t not do,” she continued before teasing, “The final song on it is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”

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The downside, however, is that the Eternal Sunshine deluxe won’t be coming in the near future — Grande is still busy promoting the upcoming Wicked films, in which she stars alongside Cynthia Erivo, after all. “I don’t just want to slap the music onto what I already think is a perfect version of the album,” she explained. “I want to let it live in this current state a little while longer, take my time to execute my vision for this deluxe and make sure that it’s worth the wait and as special as I think it can be.”

“I’ll let it be a surprise, but I wouldn’t say any time super soon,” the Grammy winner added. “I’m also trying to navigate the timing of the Wicked of it all, because I really want to give my entire self to that when it’s time to shift gears. I’m working on it constantly, and I’ll have more information on timing soon.”

Grande had a similar answer when asked whether she’s planning to do live shows in support of Eternal Sunshine, another topic she previously spoke about on The Zach Sang Show. “I still want it too,” she reiterated to Katz. “It would be a really lovely idea to be able to trickle in some shows in between the two Wicked films. It’s for a multitude of reasons not going to be a tour in the way that I used to tour.”

“It would be a mini little sampling of shows, I think,” she added. “It’s something that my team and I are working on coming up with options for.”