MADONNA: Set to direct another movie
Madonna's work as a movie director hasn't been received quite as well as her music, but she's not letting that stop her from taking another shot.
Madonna will climb into the director's chair this summer for a film adaptation of Taking Flight, a memoir by Michaela DePrince, who grew up a war orphan in Africa and settled in the U.S., where she became a world-famous ballerina.
Madonna tells Billboard, “Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity. We have a unique opportunity to shed light on Sierra Leone and let Michaela be the voice for all the orphaned children she grew up beside. I am honored to bring her story to life.”
Her previous directing efforts include Filth and Wisdom and W.E., both of which were less than successful at the box office.
GLEN CAMPBELL: Widow is suing his estate
Glen Campbell's widow, Kim , is suing his estate for more than a half-million dollars for reimbursement for his care while he was being treated for Alzheimer's.
According to the filing, she's asking for money for assisted living and related costs, legal fees and a security fence.
The suit also includes a claim for $14,246 for money the insurance company paid for repairs on their California home. She says it should have been paid to a family trust, but was paid to the estate instead.
Glen's finances were placed in a conservatorship in 2015, well before his death. (Tennessean)
ELTON JOHN: Tribute coming to CBS in April
This past January's tribute to Elton John, captured at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, will air on CBS on April 10th.
Elton John: I'm Still Standing – A Grammy Salute features performances by Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and others, with Elton closing out the night.
- "The Bitch Is Back" — Miley Cyrus
- "Candle in the Wind" — Ed Sheeran
- "Daniel" — Sam Smith
- "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" — Alessia Cara
- "Your Song" — Lady Gaga
- "Rocket Man" — Little Big Town
- "Border Song" — Christopher Jackson & Valerie Simpson
- "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" — SZA & Shawn Mendes
- "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" — Maren Morris
- "We All Fall in Love Sometimes" — Chris Martin
- "My Father's Gun" — Miranda Lambert
- "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" — Kesha
- "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" — John Legend
- "Bennie and the Jets" — Elton John
- "Philadelphia Freedom" — Elton John
- "I'm Still Standing" — Elton John & Ensemble
Elton's "Madman Across the Water" is featured on the soundtrack to This Is Us Season 2, which was released Tuesday. It also features songs by Cat Stevens and The Little River Band.
Bruce Springsteen’s reading of his memoir, Born to Run, is a finalist at The Audie Awards, which recognize distinction in audio books and spoken word entertainment. The winners will be announced on May 31st.
Vintage Austin City Limits performances by Sir Douglas Quintet and leader Doug Sahm will be released on vinyl for the first time as part of New West’s Live From Austin, Texas series. The Sahm solo session is from 1975. The Sir Douglas show is from a 1981 reunion of the “Mendocino” and “She’s About a Mover” group.
Otis Redding’s final sessions are being readied for release. The 12-song Dock of the Bay Sessions will be out on CD and vinyl May 18th to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Redding’s biggest hit.
Rita Coolidge has a new album, Safe in the Arms of Time, coming on May 4th.