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Fitness icon Richard Simmons, who passed away on July 13 at the age of 76, died from complications due to recent falls, with heart disease as a contributing factor, according to his brother, Lenny Simmons.
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The cause of death was confirmed by the LA Coroner’s office in a call to Lenny on Aug. 21, as detailed in a statement released to People by the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey.
“This morning, Richard Simmons’ brother Lenny received a call from the LA Coroner’s office. The Coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor. The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed. The Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss,” Estey said.
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Simmons was found unresponsive at his Hollywood Hills home by his longtime housekeeper, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. Although there was no initial suspicion of foul play, the cause of death was deferred pending additional tests, which have now confirmed the circumstances.
Known for his flamboyant personality and relentless positivity, Simmons built a multi-faceted fitness empire that included 12 books, 10 CDs, and 22 DVDs.
Among his most famous works was his 1982 platinum album Reach, which spent 40 weeks on the Billboard 200. The album featured motivational songs like “What Are You Waiting For?,” “You Can Do It,” and “Wake Up.”
Reach was part of the early ’80s fitness craze, debuting on the Billboard 200 in the week ending June 5, 1982, just one week after Jane Fonda’s Workout Record debuted. Simmons’ colorful and energetic approach to fitness, combined with the era’s enthusiasm for getting fit, made him a beloved pop culture figure.
Simmons’ television career further solidified his place in the spotlight. He hosted The Richard Simmons Show from 1980 to 1984, which focused on personal health, fitness, and healthy cooking.
He also made frequent guest appearances on popular programs like Late Night with David Letterman and General Hospital.
The pop culture icon always seemed to be in on the joke, whether it was during his guest spots or in interviews, famously saying in a 2012 Men’s Health interview, “When the king gets depressed, he doesn’t call for his wife or the cook. He turns to the little man with the pointed hat and says to the court jester, ‘make me laugh.’ And I am that court jester.”
Simmons’ fitness journey began after he moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, where he opened an exercise studio called the Anatomy Asylum, later renamed Slimmons. His dedication to health helped him lose over 100 pounds, a feat he proudly maintained for over four decades.
His influence extended beyond fitness as he produced more than 50 workout videos, including the iconic Sweatin’ to the Oldies series, which sold over 22 million copies.
In recent years, Simmons retreated from public life, sparking rumors and concern from his fans.
Despite his absence, he remained active on social media, sharing messages of positivity. Earlier this year, he was portrayed by actor Pauly Shore in a short film called The Court Jester, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. However, Simmons made it clear he had not authorized the film, writing in a post, “I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
Reflecting on his brother’s legacy, Lenny Simmons told People, “I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives.”
Sabrina Carpenter has cranked up the anticipation for her upcoming single “Taste” by releasing a teaser for its music video, featuring a dramatic encounter with Wednesday star Jenna Ortega.
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The clip, shared on the “Please Please Please” singer’s social media on Aug. 21, immediately sent fans into a frenzy.
In the teaser, the 25-year-old pop star, dressed in dark attire, selects a knife from a bed filled with ominous weapons. The tension mounts as she prowls through a dimly lit house, building up to a tense confrontation with Ortega, who is caught in a compromising shower scene.
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Just as Carpenter rips back the shower curtain to see Ortega and an unnamed man canoodling, the screen cuts to black, leaving viewers on edge. The teaser wraps with Carpenter coolly using the knife as a mirror to adjust her lipstick, uttering the chilling line, “Oh, I leave quite an impression.”
“Taste” is the third single from Carpenter’s highly anticipated sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet, which drops on Aug. 23.
Carpenter co-wrote “Taste” with songwriting powerhouses Julia Michaels and Amy Allen, with production handled by John Ryan and Ian Kirkpatrick.
The track dives into complex relationship dynamics, a theme Carpenter doesn’t shy away from. “I will write any song. It doesn’t mean I’ll put it out, but I’ll write it,” the singer revealed in a recent interview with Paper magazine
“I think the series of unfortunate events I’ve encountered in relationships are no secret to people who know me or think they know me.”
Directed by Dave Meyers, known for his work on iconic videos like Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” and Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.,” the “Taste” video is set to elevate the song’s drama with his trademark cinematic flair.
Sabrina has made a strong impact on the Billboard charts of late, with her single “Please Please Please” reaching No. 1 on June 29. “Espresso” also performed well, peaking at No. 3 on June 22. Earlier hits like “Feather” and “Skin” reached No. 21 and No. 48, respectively.
Short n’ Sweet is set to showcase Carpenter’s growth as an artist, with tracks like “Good Graces,” “Sharpest Tools,” and “Juno” exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Check out the teaser video for “Taste” below.
Singer-songwriter beabadoobee scores her first top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart as her latest studio album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, bows at No. 6 on the Aug. 24-dated chart. The set, her third full-length studio effort, launches with her best sales week ever – selling nearly 9,000 copies in the U.S. in the week ending Aug. 15, according to Luminate.
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Also in the top 10 of the latest Top Album Sales chart, Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess hits a new peak, climbing 7-3; while King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard’s Flight b741 debuts at No. 7 and Logic’s Ultra 85 arrives at No. 8.
Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count information from SoundScan, now Luminate. Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album units and streaming equivalent album units. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.
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Of the nearly 9,000 copies sold of This Is How Tomorrow Moves in its opening week, vinyl sales comprised the majority of that figure – 5,000 sold. The album was available across six different editions (color variants and a picture disc). The set also premieres at No. 5 on the Vinyl Albums sales chart.
Tomorrow also arrives in the top 10 on a host of other Billboard album charts: Indie Store Album Sales (No. 2), Top Alternative Albums (No. 5), Independent Albums (No. 6), Top Rock Albums (No. 7) and Top Rock & Alternative Albums (No. 10). The set also launches at No. 34 on the overall Billboard 200 – her first top 40-charting effort on that tally.
Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums and rank, respectively, the week’s most popular rock and alternative, rock, and alternative albums by equivalent album units. Indie Store Album Sales measures the top-selling titles at independent and small chain record stores. Independent Albums ranks the most popular independently released albums of the week, by units.
At No. 1 on Top Album Sales, Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department captures an eighth non-consecutive weeks atop the list, selling 28,000 copies (down 67%). Stray Kids’ chart-topping ATE rises 3-2 with 18,000 (down 29%), Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess jumps 7-3 (a new peak) with 14,000 (up 71%), ENHYPEN’s former leader Romance: Untold is a non-mover at No. 4 with 10,000 (down 16%) and Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft is stationary at No. 5 with nearly 10,000 (down 8%).
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard’s Flight b741 flies in at No. 7 on Top Album Sales, scoring the act its fourth top 10, and matches the band’s highest rank on the tally. The new studio album sold nearly 8,500 copies in its first week, largely from vinyl sales. Its two variants combined to sell 7,000 – enough for its No. 2 debut on the Vinyl Albums chart.
Logic logs his 10th top 10-charting set on the Top Album Sales ranking as Ultra 85 bows at No. 8 with nearly 7,000 sold. About 5,500 of that sum was from vinyl album purchases (across four variants), and the set launches at No. 4 on the Vinyl Albums chart. The album was only available to purchase as a vinyl LP or as a digital download.
Rounding out the top 10 on Top Album Sales: Charli XCX’s Brat bounces 12-9 with 6,000 sold (up 2%) and Twisters: The Album climbs 17-10 with nearly 5,500 sold (up 9%).
The Democratic National Convention continued on Wednesday night (Aug. 21) at Chicago’s United Center for the evening’s “A Fight for Our Freedoms” theme, and more music stars performed onstage to celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris‘ presidential nomination. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Maren Morris delivered her protest […]
Dame Dash is back at it again.
The Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder went on Instagram Live to talk about selling his shares of the legendary rap label and wondered just how much Jay-Z is willing to pay. “I don’t expect anyone, just some average person, to come buy it — or a third of it, my third. I don’t wanna get sued again,” he says at the beginning of the clip. “I know, for some reason, nobody wants me to sell it, but I’m ready to just move on, do my thing. I had a lawsuit, I had a judgement, and I’m like, ‘Yo, that’s 800 grand. Go get it from over there. They not paying me neither,” he said in regards to the Aug. 29 auction that’s taking place in order to satisfy the $823,000 he owes to movie producer Josh Weber.
Dame then brought up the fact that Jay has the option to block potential buyers and brought up the emergency meeting he and Biggs had to stop him from selling his shares. “I’m sure there’s a little twist they put on things. I don’t know why. I do know why, but I don’t know why. I don’t know why about one thing, but I do know why about the other,” he said cryptically. “[Jay-Z] has the first right of refusal. They had some bum-ass board meeting and all of a sudden he gets first right of refusal. I don’t really care. It don’t slow nothing down for me.” Adding, “Now I don’t know how deep homie’s pockets is. I’m curious if he’s gonna match that. I put an offer on the table, lemme see if he’ll match it. But it was from other people.”
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Earlier this month, Billboard reported that although Jay and Biggs’ last minute attempt to change the company’s by-laws are unenforceable, there are still some stipulations. “Whomever buys Dame’s stake in Roc-A-Fella will be a minority owner without authority over any decision-making,” the source tells Billboard. “They won’t have the ability to sell the copyright or borrow against the master as all decisions require majority vote.”
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There’s also the fact that Roc-A-Fella Inc.’s crown jewel Reasonable Doubt will revert back to Jay-Z in 2031 because copyright’s termination right allows him to control the rights of the album 35 years after its initial release in 1996. “There’s also an expiration date on the master ownership for the company, which means revenue and the only asset doesn’t have many years left,” the source also told Billboard.
Dame has recently been in the news for offering up an original Roc-A-Fella chain to anyone who bids over $10 million for his third of the company. “So if you do wanna buy one-third of Roc-A-Fella Inc., you are gonna have to bring some bread,” he said. “And anything over $10 million, I’m gonna sweeten the pot: you get an original Roc-A-Fella chain from off my neck.”
Thursday, Aug. 29 is going to be a crazy day on Rap Twitter.
Taylor Swift officially wrapped the European leg of her Eras Tour on Tuesday (Aug. 20), and the superstar took to Instagram the day after to reflect on the special run, as well as break her silence on the canceled Vienna shows due to a terror threat.
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“We have officially wrapped the European leg of The Eras Tour. With it came the most passionate crowds I’ve ever played for, new traditions in the show, and an entirely new era added in. It was a more hectic pace than we’d done before, and I’m so proud of my crew/fellow performers for being able to physically perform that show and build our massive stage, take it apart, and make magic with so few days in between for recovery and travel. They’re the most impressive people I know and I’m so lucky they gave The Eras Tour their time, their energy, and their expertise,” she wrote.
She added that walking on stage at London’s Wembley Stadium was “a rollercoaster of emotions” after the “devastating” news that her Vienna shows were canceled. “The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows,” she shared. “But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives. I was heartened by the love and unity I saw in the fans who banded together. I decided that all of my energy had to go toward helping to protect the nearly half a million people I had coming to see the shows in London. My team and I worked hand in hand with stadium staff and British authorities every day in pursuit of that goal, and I want to thank them for everything they did for us.”
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Swift also explained her reasoning for not speaking out until now. “Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows,” she wrote. “In cases like this one, ‘silence’ is actually showing restraint, and waiting to express yourself at a time when it’s right to. My priority was finishing our European tour safely, and it is with great relief that I can say we did that. And then London felt like a beautiful dream sequence. All five crowds at Wembley Stadium were bursting with passion, joy, and exuberance. The energy in that stadium was like the most giant bear hug from 92,000 people each night, and it brought me back to a place of carefree calm up there.”
See her full statement here.
In a statement on Wednesday (Aug. 7), Barracuda Music, the concert promoters for the Austrian shows said, “With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety. All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.”
The person identified as the main plotter reportedly quit his job and “conspicuously changed his appearance and adapted to IS [Islamic State] propaganda,” despite his North Macedonian roots. Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, Austria’s head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, said the suspect wanted to use knives or homemade explosives to attack Swifties outside the stadium at the event, which was expected to draw more than 195,000 fans.
Authorities also said that I.S. and al-Qaida materials were found at the home of a second, 17-year-old Austrian suspect, who was reportedly recently hired by a company that provides services at the venue. Both suspects are currently in custody.
Lady Gaga is promoting her song with the help of her adorable new puppy . The superstar took to TikTok to share a video in which she’s seen singing along to her freshly released Bruno Mars collab, “Die With a Smile.” In the clip, Gaga has a bright blue eye makeup look as she sweetly […]
Don McLean does not want a slice of “American Pie” if it comes topped with “woke bullsh–” — something he spoke at length about in a new interview with Metro published this week.
When asked about his iconic 1971 hit, the 78-year-old singer/songwriter said he feels the eight-minute-plus track predicted the current state of the U.S. “The song really does open up a whole historical question about what happened in the ’60s and assassinations and the history that forms the backbone of the song as it moves forward,” he began. “This song talks about the fact that things are going somewhat in the wrong direction, and I think that they’re still going in the wrong direction. I think most people looking at America now kind of think that too.
“I mean, we certainly have a wonderful country, and we do wonderful things, but we also are in the middle of all this woke bullsh–,” he continued. “All this other stuff that there is absolutely no point to, as far as I can see, other than to undermine people’s beliefs in the country. That’s very bad.
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“There’s so much anger out there,” McLean added. “So many of these college students have been given everything, and they’re just angry. They don’t know why they’re angry. They don’t even know what to be angry about. It’s really a symptom of the fact that they’re frustrated. They don’t have a path that they can tread in life that leads to a better life.”
Before Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021, “American Pie” was the longest song to ever reach No. 1 on the singles chart, where it stayed for four weeks. After the song’s record was broken, McLean told Billboard, “If I had to lose it to somebody, I sure am glad it was another great singer/songwriter such as Taylor.”
The “Anti-Hero” singer then sent the folk rock star a bouquet of flowers and a sweet note reading, “Don, I will never forget that I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. Your music has been so important to me. Sending love one writer of LONG SONGS to another. Your fan, Taylor.”
McLean has remained a fan of Swift’s in the three years since. In another interview this week, he described her as a “monster star, the size of the galaxy” and a “person who is an example of what talent and really hard work can accomplish.”
“She’s working all of the time, and she does everything that she does better than everybody else, whether it’s a video or a performance or songwriting or records or whatever,” he continued to The Standard. “The only thing is that she stays happy.”
Eleven years after its release, the video for Swedish House Mafia‘s “Don’t You Worry Child” is still making history. On Wednesday (Aug. 21), YouTube announced that the video has surpassed 1 billion views on the platform, the first clip by the trio to join this elite group. Released on Sept. 14, 2012, “Don’t You Worry […]
After Jason Isbell and Mickey Guyton lit up the opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a pair of soulful Grammy-winning performers graced the United Center stage: Oscar-winning rapper Common and “Godmother of Soul,” Ms. Patti LaBelle.
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LaBelle delivered a stirring rendition of her 1978 hit “You Are My Friend” — which peaked at No. 61 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – for the night’s in memoriam segment. The emotional performance marked a notable return to the DNC for the icon, who previously covered Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” at the 2004 convention, when John Kerry was voted the party’s presidential nominee. The soul legend has also thrown her music support behind the Biden administration, performing on the White House South Lawn for the President’s Juneteenth concert earlier this summer (June 10).
Last night, her performance set the stage for a fiery line-up that included a heartwarming address from Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and a pair of rousing speeches from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
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Now in the seventh decade of her illustrious career, Ms. LaBelle continues to enrapture audiences with her powerful voice, as evidenced by the packed arena leaping to their feet the minute she appeared on the stage. This election cycle, the Democrats have been notably forward-looking in their incorporation of music — but by tapping LaBelle to usher in the DNC’s second night, they made sure to honor the classics, and showcase some true soul.
Billboard caught up with the Godmother of Soul for a brief conversation about her DNC performance, what she loves about Vice President Kamala Harris, and the status of her upcoming 8025 album.
When did you first get asked to perform at the DNC?
About last Tuesday. My son said, “Mom, what are you doing on Tuesday? Would [you] be interested in doing something for the DNC?” I said, “Of course, I would do anything to being there!” They wanted me to do “You Are My Friend,” and I said, “Wonderful!” So, that’s what happened. I would do anything for Biden — and always did — and for Kamala [Harris], because we have to keep peace alive and keep hope alive.
How did you feel about the performance?
Well, guess what? The band started very soon, and they just told me to walk out after the band started. When I got to my position, I said, “Oh my God, what line did I miss?” When I got to my mic, I missed a few words and then I had to catch up but I think I did [it]! [Laughs.] It’s nerve-wracking! That’s your one and only time, and you’re in front of everybody and you don’t want to make a mistake. So, I caught up with myself and I felt good when I finished.
And nobody knew it was me coming out, because he forgot to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, Patti LaBelle.” When I didn’t hear the intro, I said, “Oh Lord, I’m stuck like Chuck, but whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen. I can’t change anything now.” It’s an honor just being asked to do something for something as wonderful and important as this. Anytime they call me for anything, I’m available!
What did you think about the energy in the arena last night? Did it bring up any memories of past election cycles for you?
No, it was so much energy from Michelle Obama and her husband. The people were so excited to hear anything about [Kamala]. And to hear Obama and Michelle talk their talk? They’re gangster! I said, “Y’all better talk!” It was heaven. It was a blessed day. It’s gonna be a blessed life after [Kamala’s] where she should be.
If you were running for president, what would your campaign song be?
“California Love.” It’ll be something gangster.
Would songs inspire hope or freedom for you?
Well, some things that I sing. “Oh, People” is one of my songs that [inspire those feelings for me]. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” I love [Beyoncé’s] “Freedom” song that she’s using in the campaign. There is a lot of hope in those songs.
Give me one word to describe Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
I think she’s… what they call “brat” or whatever, I call it “gangster.” She’s a throwback girl. She’s a wonderful woman who has all aspects of gangster, political, brilliant. Whatever she wants to be, she is. And she does it well because they have that little clip of her from Trump’s campaign with her doing a crip walk or whatever little dance. I love her because she smiles, she laughs, she’s joyful, and those kinds of things you don’t see in some politicians. It’s important for us to find somebody like that who will bring us a little joy and a little hope It would be a Christmas present to everybody when she becomes president. I don’t think it’s “if,” it’s “when.”
What issue is most heavy on your heart right now going into the election?
The way the world is with homeless people, people who have nothing, just trying to get something for those who’ve never had anything. That’s in my heart. That’s more important than anything. Also, getting a better climate of people looking at each other, laughing with each other and praying together and staying together. The childlike hate that [Trump’s] spewing is not necessary. Even if we’re broke, that joy brings you something.
I think once [Kamala’s] in there, everybody’s going to see a better life. She’s working hard still as Vice President, her job is heavy and she’s doing it with a smile and with confidence because she knows she got everything right. She’s not a half-stepper.
I know you have this 8025 album that you’ve been working on. Are there any updates on that?
I’ve done about 10 songs right. I can’t tell you anything yet, but it’s going to be out, hopefully, before this year is out. That’ll be my Christmas present to me. [Laughs]. It’s been 20 years since [I did] an R&B album!