Music

25 Sep 2023

Fonseca Opens Up About New Music — And Where He Sees Himself in 20 Years

Over the last two decades, Fonseca has been a force in the Latin music industry with tropi-pop and vallenato hits that have made listeners dance and fall in love. The Colombian singer-songwriter, who rose to stardom in 2005 with the hit “Te Mando Flores,” has navigated changing industry trends and an often fickle market with his piercing, pathos-filled tenor voice and iconic sound intact.

In an exclusive Q&A during Latin Music Week, Fonseca will celebrate his 20-year career before closing the En Vivo concert series on Oct. 6.

In no more than five words, describe your career.

Heart, gratitude, obsession, connection and roots.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement to date?

Being able to put my music at the service of the people and accompany the lives of so many people in love, in heartbreak, melancholy, partying and — very important — carrying a message of gratitude.

You recently released the first single from your upcoming album, “Si Tú Me Quieres,” with Juan Luis Guerra. How was it working with him?

Singing alongside maestro Juan Luis Guerra is something that I had always dreamed of. I grew up with his music; his songs were part of my first loves, of my first parties. Not only has his music been a huge influence on me, but his way of leading his career. It has always struck me that Juan Luis’ career has been built 100% from his music. That is his way of being present, current, and I can relate a lot with that.

Tell us about your new album.

I’m very happy with the songwriting process. Somehow, I feel that I am returning to that sound with which I started my career, and I like that. Although it’s a work in progress, I feel that the sound is very organic, very “woody.” “Si Tú Me Quieres” is undoubtedly a sample of what I want it to taste like.

Where do you see yourself in another 20 years?

I want to continue writing, singing. I have never seen music as a sprint or endurance race. For me, it is a way of life and I carry it like that, so it will always be present.

Fonseca will play the En Vivo stage and participate in an Icon Q&A during Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami, Oct. 2-6.

This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.

25 Sep 2023

Karol G on How Con Cora Helps Her Fulfill Her ‘Mission’ to Empower Women

Billboard’s Spirit of Hope Award, created over two decades ago in honor of the late Selena, honors artists’ philanthropy. This year, it goes to Colombian superstar Karol G, who with her Con Cora foundation works to support women in vulnerable situations through scholarships (including education for imprisoned women and teen mothers) and support for the arts and educational institutions.

Amid her current global tour, Karol G spoke about the organization’s significance to her.

Why did you create Con Cora?

Many times, especially when I’m on a flight, I think: “God, it’s impossible for someone to receive as many blessings as I have, simply to be successful or rich. Please give me the wisdom to understand what is that thing I need to accomplish.” I feel my mission is through Con Cora and my amazing team of women, who are working together to transmit this message of empowerment and motivation, so we all fulfill our goals by promoting positive behaviors and generate opportunities for a more beautiful tomorrow.

What is the change you want to effect?

This project is for women in all aspects and situations of vulnerability: Women who have no resources for education; women who are denied their liberty or are close to finishing their [prison] sentences, and we give them a second chance and prepare them and help them in their reintegration; women who are an inspiration because they’ve overcome difficult situations and we give them resources to improve their quality of life; abused women; heads of families; women in the arts, women in sports.

What is one accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?

Our work with women who are heads of families because this way, we benefit the entire family. Also, the many people who want to join us. Every time we do a project, more people come forward to give us a hand. It has made us see just how many people work tirelessly to empower women.

As a successful Colombian artist, do you feel it’s your responsibility to give back?

As a Colombian, I feel it’s my responsibility to give back to my country, and to society in general. I feel 100% that what goes around comes around, and everyone who receives blessings has to extend them. I feel my real purpose is there: in inspiring other people, inspiring women and helping and supporting them to achieve their dreams.

For event dates, tickets and more on the conference, go to billboardlatinmusicweek.com.

This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.

25 Sep 2023

What to Look Forward to On Telemundo’s Billboard Latin Music Awards Telecast

With COVID-19 restrictions now lifted entirely, the 2023 edition of the Billboard Latin Music Awards promises to be more celebratory than ever when it airs live on Telemundo from Miami’s Watsco Center on Oct. 5.

“We are all ready to party,” says Mary Black-Suárez, who produces the show through her MBS Entertainment. Here are five highlights to watch for.

1. In his first-ever awards show appearance, Mexican star Peso Pluma, who leads the list of this year’s finalists, will perform his hit “La Bebé” (with Yng Lvcas); the evocative “Nueva Vida” from his new album, Génesis; and a third song with a surprise guest.

2. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of banda diva Jenni Rivera (who died in December 2012), her daughter Chiquis Rivera will pay homage in a medley of essential hits like “Basta Ya,” “Inolvidable” and “Ya lo Sé” with assistance from norteño group Calibre 50 and Banda Cañaveral.

Chiquis Rivera

Chiquis attends the 23rd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 17, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

3. After topping the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart with the irresistible “LALA,” Myke Towers will perform his hit live for the first time on TV. As a bonus, he’ll also premiere his new song with Yandel, “Borracho y Loco.”

4. Every year, ­Billboard and Telemundo recognize standout achievements that go beyond chart performance with special awards. Recipients in 2023 include reggaetón superstar Ivy Queen, who will receive the Icon award for her pioneering work in the genre that opened the door to women in urban music.

• Premieres at this year’s event will include Marc Anthony performing his new single with ranchera star Pepe Aguilar, as well as Marshmello making his first appearance at a Latin music awards show, performing “El Merengue” with Manuel Turizo. (The song is a finalist in the tropical song of the year category.)

For event dates, tickets and more on the conference, go to billboardlatinmusicweek.com.

This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.

25 Sep 2023

Billboard Latin Music Week 2023 Guide

Over the past 12 months, Latin music’s growth has only accelerated. U.S. revenue surpassed the $1 billion mark for the first time ever — driven in large part by regional Mexican music, now the dominant Latin presence on the charts — indicating that the appetite for music in Spanish worldwide is vast and diverse.

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The 33rd edition of Billboard Latin Music Week, taking place Oct. 2-6 in Miami and including the Billboard Latin Music Awards, delves into the diversity of sounds and revenue sources fueling the genre, with events including these highlights.

“The Art of the Festival”

Over the past five years, the presence of Latin artists at major, multigenre U.S. festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza has grown — but there has also been a boom in Latin music-focused festivals domestically and abroad. What exactly goes into crafting and sustaining a successful one? Presented by Viña del Mar, this panel will have representatives from Baja Beach Fest, Bésame Mucho and Primavera Sound offering a look behind the scenes of these events.

“The Power Players: The Indie Edition”

As the heads of three of the most successful Latin indies, Rancho Humilde’s Jimmy Humilde (Fuerza Regida, Natanael Cano), Dale Play Records’ Federico Lauría (Duki, Bizarrap) and Prajin Music Group’s George Prajin (Peso Pluma) are a triple threat in the sector. In Billboard’s signature Latin Music Week panel discussion, they’ll offer insights into how their individual strategies have launched some of this generation’s most important Latin stars.

“The New Mexican Revolution”

The globalization of Mexican music has taken over the Billboard charts as a young and fearless new generation of artists scores major hits and goes viral. Moderated by BMI vp of creative and Latin Jesús González, this panel will take a closer look at this recent explosion, as norteño cumbia troupe Grupo Frontera, corridos tumbados pioneer Natanael Cano, genre-spanning star Peso Pluma, Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan and Mexican reggaetón artist Yng Lvcas convene for a conversation about the genre’s diverse sounds and configurations.

“El Marketing Del Ferxxo”

Feid

Feid

@molomuseum

Feid’s seemingly overnight success belies how the Colombian superstar hustled his way to the top. After becoming an in-demand collaborator and writing for artists such as J Balvin, Thalia and Reykon, the singer-songwriter embraced his roots: “I opened the coolest door that I’ve ever opened, which was finding my identity and introducing El Ferxxo,” the hit-maker told Billboard in March. Along with members of his inner circle — including his manager and creative director — Feid will explain the nuts and bolts behind his success.

Los Ángeles Azules

Los Angeles Azules

Los Ángeles Azules

Courtesy Photo

Since emerging in the mid-1970s, this beloved Mexico City band has been rewriting the Mexican cumbia playbook. Continuously modernizing the storied regional Mexican subgenre for the next generation, the group of siblings has extended its reach drastically by revamping its hits and writing new ones alongside an exhilarating all-star cast of Latin artists from all corners of the map. In recognition of its enduring influence in Latin music, Los Ángeles Azules will receive the lifetime achievement award, as well as perform at Billboard’s Latin Music Awards.

“The Multimarket Pop King”

Sebastián Yatra

Sebastián Yatra

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Sebastián Yatra has both endured and flourished as a core pop artist who invites urban acts into his orbit and also lends his voice to a plethora of projects, from film (Encanto) to TV (Érase Una Vez … Pero Ya No) to music competitions (The Voice). Strategically collaborating outside genres isn’t new, but Yatra’s mastery of the practice (his recent “Vagabundo” with Beéle and Manuel Turizo went to No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart) and his ability to navigate two languages and cultures set him apart. Yatra will discuss his multitiered approach and what’s next for him.

“The Latin Swing: The Intersection of Music and Sports”

Francisco Alvarez #50 of the New York Mets

Francisco Alvarez #50 of the New York Mets

Elsa/Getty Images

Since launching in January, Rimas Sports, a division of Noah Assad’s Rimas Entertainment, has signed 50 baseball players. The move expands Rimas’ interest in athletics; Assad and Rimas Sports president Jonathan Miranda already own Puerto Rican basketball team Los Cangrejeros de Santurce with Bad Bunny. Rimas Sports clients Francisco Alvarez (of the New York Mets) and Everson Pereira (of the New York Yankees) will participate in this conversation moderated by executive and radio personality Angel “El Guru” Vera. They will be joined by Eladio Carrión and Arcángel, two Rimas artists who actively participate in philanthropy through sports.

Cheetos Block Party Featuring Myke Towers

Myke Towers

Myke Towers

John Parra/Getty Images

“The biggest risk I’ve taken in my career musically is on this album,” Myke Towers told Billboard in April about his 2023 album, La Vida Es Una. The Puerto Rican singer-rapper will rock the Wynwood Marketplace stage at the Cheetos Block Party, where he’ll showcase songs from the album. The “LALA” chart-topper will also participate in the “Deja Tu Huella” panel presented by Cheetos, where he’ll share the stage with fellow creatives who have achieved success in conjunction with social responsibility.

For event dates, tickets and more on the conference, go to billboardlatinmusicweek.com.

This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.

25 Sep 2023

Craig Morgan Reimagines His Hits in Collaborations With Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs & More: Exclusive

Since his debut in 2000, Craig Morgan has become a multi-hyphenate entertainer. The military veteran and singer-songwriter scored the four-week Hot Country Songs No. 1 “That’s What I Love About Sunday” in 2005 (and notched six other top hits on the same chart), while also becoming an author and television personality.

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But now, Morgan is teaming up with several of his musical buddies — including Luke Combs, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson — to reimagine some of his most renowned hits (along with a pair of new tracks) on the upcoming, six-song project Enlisted. The set will be released Oct. 20 on Broken Bow Records, Billboard can reveal.

The project originated with “Raise the Bar,” a new song Morgan wrote with Billy Dean, featuring vocals from Luke Combs. “I wasn’t thinking about doing a whole duet project at the time; I just wanted Luke on the song because I thought it was a great one for the two of us to do together,” Morgan tells Billboard.

After Combs laid down his vocal tracks on the song, the idea of an entire collaborative project quickly followed, and Morgan co-produced the album with writer-producer Phil O’Donnell.

“My management was telling me I should get someone to sing ‘Redneck Yacht Club,’ because it is such a fan favorite,” Morgan says, “and I thought, ‘Well, we just did this collaboration with Luke, so it makes sense to do a duets project.’”

Blake Shelton, who appeared in the original music video for Morgan’s “Redneck Yacht Club” smash in 2005, joins for a Jimmy Buffett-esque, tropical take on the song.

“Craig and I have been friends for many years,” Shelton says in a statement. “I’m a fan of his music and admire him as a human. After all of these years, I still don’t understand why he still feels the need to wear that toupee, but I’m thrilled he asked me to sing with him on ‘Redneck Yacht Club.’”

Morgan also teams with Trace Adkins on another new song, “That Ain’t Gonna Be Me,” which Morgan wrote with Wade Kirby, Trent Willmon and Phil O’Donnell. Gary LeVox, known for his work as part of trio Rascal Flatts, sings a soulful revamp of “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”

“I love R&B and I wanted to do something different with every one of these songs,” Morgan says. “I told everyone the same thing — sing as little or as much as you want. Have fun with it. And I love Gary’s singing, the soulfulness and the almost religious sound he delivers. It was easy — the hardest part with Gary was trying to find out which parts to use my vocal on, because he just sang all of it so well!”

The two current leading nominees at this year’s CMA awards — Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll—also join Morgan on the album. Wilson’s honey-twang vocals melt over the lyrics of “International Harvester.”

“It’s an absolute honor to be a part of this record,” Wilson says in a statement. “I remember the first time I ever heard ‘International Harvester’ and the feeling I got knowing that there was music being written that felt like it was made just for me. I come from a family of farmers, so it’s really a full circle moment to be on this track alongside my good friend Craig.”

A year ago, Morgan joined Jelly Roll onstage at the Grand Ole Opry to perform Morgan’s “Almost Home.” Now, they upgrade that performance to an official, emotionally charged recorded duet of the song. The song’s tale of a homeless man dreaming of being nearly home resonated with Jelly Roll.

The “Need a Favor” singer previously told Billboard, “I had got released from jail and it would end up being the last time I was ever in jail, which I am super proud of. And I came here because Craig Morgan had ‘Almost Home,’ and I would listen to it in my jail cell. My cell mates and I used to compare [that song’s story] to jail. You know, like in this horrible circumstance, but kind of mentally, you can always be almost home.’”

“I love the guy to death. Love his enthusiasm, his energy, his sense of gratitude,” Morgan says of Jelly Roll. “I feel like he truly is representative of how someone can be at their lowest point in their life and they can change that through faith, hope and kindness and that’s what he’s done. When he came in the studio — and this is a guy that has 50 people around him all the time — he drove up to the studio by himself, sang, hung out with us and it was awesome.”

The album’s title ties in with the recent news that Morgan enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Morgan also hopes that the project’s fresh recordings expand the influence of these songs to new fans of the genre.

“After COVID, there was this resurgence of the 2000s kind of music, so there were new fans hearing the music,” Morgan says. “With this, we wanted to maintain the sense of who Craig Morgan is with older fans, but at the same time, give them something new and create something for the new fans of the format now.”

See the full track list for Enlisted below:

1. “Raise The Bar” featuring Luke Combs

2. “Almost Home” featuring Jelly Roll

3. “Redneck Yacht Club” featuring Blake Shelton

4. “That’s What I Love About Sunday” featuring Gary LeVox

5. “International Harvester” featuring Lainey Wilson

6. “That Ain’t Gonna Be Me” featuring Trace Adkins

25 Sep 2023

5 Must-Hear New Country Songs: Megan Moroney, Mackenzie Carpenter, Lady A & More

In this week’s best new country roundup, Megan Moroney and Mackenzie Carpenter combine their musical talents, trio Lady A returns with a heartfelt new ballad, while Emily Ann Roberts teams with Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs for a sterling track from her new project.

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Megan Moroney feat. Mackenzie Carpenter, “Nothin’ Crazy”

These two strong female singer-songwriters mesh their talents on this quirky tale of a woman enamored with a new lover. While she tells her potential suitor that she’s playing it cool, little does he know that she’s secretly got a Pinterest board filled with wedding ideas. She’s imagining him popping the question and she’s already picking out baby names — ya know, nothing too out there.

Moroney’s debut album Lucky is filled with clever turns of phrases and well thought-out songcraft, and the trio of new songs she adds to her deluxe version of the album (including this one) further her reputation as one of country music’s fastest-growing new artists.

Sam Barber, “Til I Return”

Barber’s emotionally tactile brand of music has steadily been garnering attention, thanks to songs including “Straight and Narrow.” “I’d be an awful company man/ He’s gettin’ rich while I get callused hands,” Barber sings on his new melancholy, fiddle-spiked track, oscillating between eviscerating greedy corporations and championing wanderlust and blue-collar work. Still, the song leans more toward personal than political, and is included on Barber’s debut EP, Million Eyes.

Lady A, “Love You Back”

This mandolin-inflected ballad oozes regret and wistfulness as they work to eschew the past, realizing the detrimental impact focusing on the best memories of a long-dissolved relationship has on the present. The honey-voiced Scott and soulful singer Kelley trade off lead vocals, infusing the song with the hope of creating a new set of memories. “Love You Back” was written by James McNair, Lindsay Rimes and Emily Weisband.

Emily Ann Roberts, “Still Searching”

The teardrop twang in Tennessee native Roberts’s plangent voice is reminiscent of Lee Ann Womack on this elegantly brooding track about searching for love. This gorgeous ballad brims with aching fiddle and is slathered in steel guitar, while her collaborators — Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs — are no slouches, either. The song is found on Roberts’s new project, Can’t Hide Country, which offers an amalgam of retro-country, bluegrass and folk leanings and contemporary songwriting.

Wyatt Flores, “West of Tulsa”

Oklahoma native Flores is one in a surge of new artists making unvarnished singer-songwriter fare, counter-culture to the polished, pop-informed country music mainstream.

“Maybe she’s just here because I sang some f–king song,” Flores sings, his grainy and soulful voice conveying the highs, lows and insecurities of chasing love on the road. He wrote this gem with Nashville mainstay writers Billy Montana and Chris Gelbuda.

25 Sep 2023

Taylor Swift Leaves With Travis Kelce After Kansas City Chiefs Game: Watch

Was Sunday a fairy tale and Travis Kelce the prince? Taylor Swift didn’t just spend Sept. 24 cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end from his suite alongside his mom, Donna, as the team played the Chicago Bears. According to Jarrett Payton, sports reporter for WGN and co-host of GN Sports, the pop superstar and NFL player left Arrowhead Stadium together after the match, which the Chiefs won 10-41.

In a video clip Payton shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Kelce and the 12-time Grammy winner are walking by him shoulder to shoulder. The NFL star nods in greeting to the anchor and asks, “How you doin’” as Tay flashes Payton a smile and says, “Heeeeey!”

“Talk about being at the right place at the right time!” Payton captioned the quick clip of the two stars together post game. “Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce leaving Arrowhead together after the game. #Bears #ChiefsKingdom #NFL.”

In the short video, Swift is wearing a red-and-white Chiefs jacket tied around her waist. But she wasn’t the only one wearing the swag of a rumored love interest. Kelce wore what looked like the “1989 Bedroom Painting Set” by Kid Super. The two-piece set includes a cream and light blue denim jacket ($295) and matching pants ($285); both items are currently marked “low in stock.”

After walking out of the stadium, the twosome were spotted riding off together in his convertible, according to photos acquired by TMZ.

Neither the singer-songwriter nor pro football player have confirmed whether they’re dating — though his brother Jason Kelce, a fellow NFL player, has certainly been having fun teasing the rumored romance in various interviews. Travis himself has previously shared his interest in the star. In July, after attending The Eras Tour — also at Arrowhead Stadium — Travis revealed during an appearance on the New Heights podcast that he had tried to slip her his phone number via a friendship bracelet, but failed. “I was a little butt-hurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her,” he admitted at the time.

Then on Thursday (Sept. 21), the tight end revealed that he had invited Swift to one of his games. “I threw the ball in her court,” he said on The Pat McAfee Show. “I told her, ‘I’ve seen you rock the stage in Arrowhead, you might have to come see me rock the stage in Arrowhead.’ We’ll see what happens in the near future.”

Watch Payton’s clip of Swift and Kelce leaving Arrowhead together after his game Sunday:

25 Sep 2023

Doja Cat’s Paints the U.K. Chart ‘Red’ For the Third Straight Week

Doja Cat is unmoved from the U.K. singles chart crest, where “Paint the Town Red” (via Ministry of Sound) enters a third week at No. 1.

Lifted from the U.S. singer, rapper and producer’s fourth studio album Scarlet, which dropped last Friday, Sept. 22, “Paint the Town Red” was the U.K.’s most-streamed song during the latest cycle, with 6.2 million plays, the Official Charts Company reports.

The leader at the midweek stage, “Paint the Town Red” holds off Olivia Rodrigo’s former leader “Vampire” (Geffen), which is unchanged at No. 2.

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Meanwhile, South Africa-born, U.K.-raised singer, songwriter and producer Kenya Grace is rising fast with “Strangers,” up 12-3 in its third week on the tally, published late Friday. “Strangers” is Grace’s major label debut, via Warner Music sublabel FFRR, and first single to impact the Official U.K. Singles Chart.

Tate McRae has the highest debut this week with her viral number “Greedy” (Ministry of Sound). It’s new at No. 8, for the Canadian artist’s third U.K. top 10 single. Previously, McRae landed at No. 3 with 2020’s “You Broke Me First” and at No. 8 with 2022 Tiësto collaboration “10:35”.

Also completing a top 10 start is Drake and SZA’s collab “Slime You Out” (OVO/Republic/RCA), new at No. 10. Taken from Drake’s forthcoming eight studio album For All the Dogs, “Slime You Out” is Drake’s 41st U.K. top 10 single, and SZA’s fourth. It’s one of two SZA songs in the top 40; “Snooze” (RCA/Top Dawg) leaps 48-18, a new peak, following the release of a new acoustic cut with Justin Bieber.

Johannesburg, South Africa-born Afrobeats artist Tyla makes a splash on the U.K. top 40 for the first time with “Water” (Epic/Fax), rising 55-24.

Finally, drum ‘n’ bass veterans Chase & Status bag a new top 40 entry with “Liquor & Cigarettes” (EMI), a team-up with English producer Hedex and rapper ArrDee. It’s new at No. 31 for Hedex’s first-ever top 40 placing, ArrDee’s ninth, and Chase & Status’s 11th.

25 Sep 2023

Terry Kirkman, Frontman and Co-Founder of the Association, Dies at 83

Terry Kirkman, the singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Association, a band that, during its heyday in the 1960s, landed major hits with “Windy,” “Cherish” and more, died Saturday (Sept. 23) at his home in Montclair, CA. He was 83.

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“We’re saddened to report that Terry Kirkman passed away last night, RIP Terry,” reads a post on the Association’s official social channels. “He will live on in our hearts and in the music he so brilliantly wrote. Sending hugs and lots of love to Heidi and Sasha!”

Born in Salina, Kansas, Kirkman and his friend Jules Alexander relocated to Los Angles in the early ’60s, where the seeds for the Association were planted.

Early in his California journey, Kirkman played with Frank Zappa, before the late bandleader went on to form the Mothers of Invention.

Kirkman and Alexander were founders in the Men, which would disband, and from it the Association was formed in 1964. The folk-rock group peaked two years later with a string of recordings that also included “Along Comes Mary,” “Never My Love” and “Everything That Touches You.”

Known for their sharp sense of style and smooth harmonies, the Association opened the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, recognized as the first commercial American rock festival, with a bill including Jimi Hendrix and the Who, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, the Byrds, Canned Heat, and many more. They held their own among the legends of rock, onlookers noted at the time.

Kirkman wrote several hits for the Association, including “Cherish”, “Everything That Touches You”, and “Six Man Band,” and played a variety of wind, brass and percussion instruments on their recordings.

Kirkman left the Association at the end of 1972, following the release of seven albums, led by their 1966 debut And Then… Along Comes the Association. He returned to the fold in 1979, splitting once more in 1984 – having had enough of relentless touring.

That earlier ‘80s reunion included recording sessions which followed an appearance on the HBO special Then and Now. The Association did release a couple of singles for Elektra around that time — including “Dreamer,” which hit No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981.

Over the years, the Association was nominated for six Grammy Awards, and earned a Golden Globe nomination in 1970 for best original song, with “Goodbye Columbus.”

Various incarnations of the band continue to perform, and their albums have achieved three platinum and six gold RIAA certifications, according to the Association’s official site, with its Greatest Hits (via Warner Brothers) now double platinum.

Kirkman dies 20 years following the Association’s induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, in 2003. Bandmate Russ Giguere told his side of the band’s story in 2020’s Along Comes The Association: Beyond Folk Rock and Three-Piece Suits.

The artist died of congestive heart failure following a long illness, his wife Heidi Berinstein Kirkman confirmed to the Los Angeles Times.

24 Sep 2023

Busted Beats Olivia Rodrigo on U.K. Albums Chart

Busted blast to a first-ever U.K. No. 1 with Greatest Hits 2.0 (via Juno Music).

The British pop-punk trio, comprising James Bourne, Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis, debuts at No. 1 with their career retrospective, released more than two decades after their self-titled debut.

Greatest Hits 2.0 goes one better than the lads’ previous best. Indeed, Busted has hit No. 2 on three separate occasions (2002’s Busted, 2003’s A Present for Everyone and 2019’s Half Way There) but, until now, never visited the chart penthouse.

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The new collection is the best seller on vinyl and downloads with physical sales accounting for 78% of its total, the Official Charts Company reports.

The leader at the midweek stage, Greatest Hits 2.0 includes a “Guest Features Edition,” with cuts reworked by the likes of Jonas Brothers, All Time Low, Simple Plan, Dashboard Confessional, Hanson and You Me At Six.

With Busted bowing at No. 1, Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album Guts (Geffen) is relegated to second place. Guts dips 1-2 in its second-week, but remains the U.K. most-streamed LP during the latest cycle, the OCC reports. It’s one of two Rodrigo albums in the top 5; the U.S. pop phenomenon chart-topping debut from 2021, Sour, lifts 8-5.

The Weeknd’s The Highlights (Republic Records/XO) improves 4-3 in its 137th week on the chart.

Also new to the top tier is Mitski’s The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We (Dead Oceans), new at No. 4. That’s a career best chart position for the U.S. artist, beating the No. 6 peak for her 2022 effort Laurel Hell.

Meanwhile, veteran Northern Irish rock act Ash collects a highest charting title in almost 20 years with Race the Night (Fierce Panda), new at No. 14. It’s the indie band’s ninth top 40 appearance on the Official U.K. Albums Chart and best since 2004’s Meltdown hit No. 5.

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor earns a second solo top 20 album with CMF2 (BMG), new at No. 17. It’s the followup to 2020 CMFT, which peaked at No. 11. As a member of Slipknot, Taylor has three U.K. No. 1 albums: 2001’s Iowa, 2019’s We Are Not Your Kind and 2022’s The End So Far.

Also on the latest tally, published Friday, Sept. 22, new releases from Thirty Seconds to Mars (It’s the End of the World But It’s a Beautiful Day at No. 20 via Concord), the Pretenders (Relentless at No. 25 via Parlophone); Madison Beer (Silence Between Songs at No. 28 via RCA) and Sleepy Hallow (Boy Meets World at No. 32 via Columbia) debut in the top 40.