Prince Remembered: Gifted genius the 'Purple One' artist dead at 57

Prince performing at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles in
April 1997.  Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

What is it about 2016? David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey, Sir George Martin, Keith Emerson, Merle Haggard, Paul Kantner...and today Prince. Only 57, he was found dead inside his recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Ironic, that Prince's death followed the recent death of Vanity (a Prince protege), who died at the age of 57 on Feb. 15, 2016.

A gifted singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor, the Minneapolis native (born Prince Rogers Nelson) loomed far larger than his 5 foot, 2 inch high frame. He blended funk, Hendrix-infused psychedelic rock, soul and other styles into his dozens of album releases (including 1999, Purple Rain, Sign O’ the Times, Graffiti Bridge and The Black Album). I also wanted to share the statement on Prince from Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The Recording Academy.

The Recording Academy^® Statement Re: Prince
April 21, 2016

Our GRAMMY^® family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape. Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators, and all who have been impacted by his incredible work.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

Here are a number of links where you can read more about Prince:

Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-prince-20160421-story.html

The Orange County Register
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/prince-713023-age-kamerud.html

CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/21/entertainment/prince-estate-death/index.html

Robert Kinsler

R.I.P. Glenn Frey

Glenn Frey performing at the Forum in Los Angeles in 2014.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

January 2016 is proving to be a difficult one for music fans. While the world continues to mourn the death of David Bowie last week, we are now just as suddenly and sadly impacted with the tragic news that Eagles guitarist-singer Glenn Frey has died. He was only 67.

Frey was an original and founding member of the band, and co-wrote beloved hits including "Take It Easy" and "Hotel California."

"Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia," according to a statement on the band's official Web site.

"Glenn was the one who started it all," wrote Eagles bandmate Don Henley. The two met in 1970 and went on to form one of rock's most popular and enduring groups. "He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn't quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven."


I first caught the musical troupe in concert in 1994 during the band's highly-anticipated "Hell Freezes Over" reunion tour that included a stop in Irvine, CA, and then caught the Eagles again when they performed at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA in May 2008. I will continue to update this post as more news and reaction comes in from the musical community:

Ringo Starr (via his Twitter feed): "God bless Glenn Frey peace and love to all his family and friends"  

 – Travis Tritt has released a statement regarding the passing of his longtime friend, founding member and guitarist of the Eagles, Glenn Frey.

Tritt commented, "Glenn Frey and the music he created alone and with The Eagles have been such an inspiration to me. We first met at the video shoot for my version of ‘Take It Easy’ in 1993. He always went out of his way to acknowledge and encourage me ever since. I'm a better person, better musician and a better songwriter having met him. I still can't believe he is gone!"

Tritt’s 1993 release of Eagles’ “Take It Easy” led to a reunion of the famously acrimonious band as they came together to appear in the music video.  The meeting led to reconciliation and the band put aside their differences, eventually reuniting for their 1994 Hell Freezes Over tour.

The Recording Academy^® re: Glenn Frey
Jan. 18, 2016
As a founding member of the Eagles, Glenn Frey was an integral part of one of the most storied bands in pop history. His songwriting, especially with bandmate Don Henley, resulted in some of the biggest hits and standards of the ’70s, including songs like "Desperado," "One Of These Nights," "Lyin’ Eyes," and "Hotel California." The latter two earned the Eagles two of their six GRAMMY Awards. Desperado and the milestone album Hotel California, along with its title track, have been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall OF Fame. The band’s Their Greatest Hits: 1971-1975 remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, a testament to the enduring music that Glenn played a significant role in creating. Glenn’s untimely passing is a huge loss for the music community, and we offer our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and fans.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy
Robert Kinsler

Inbox Update: The Eagles, Peter Banks, Quincy Jones and more

Tons of news today...

HISTORY OF THE EAGLES TO BE RELEASED ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

ON APRIL 30 THROUGH CAPITOL RECORDS

PRE-ORDER THROUGH AMAZON AND EAGLESBAND.COM BEGINS TODAY, MARCH 12

THREE-DISC SET INCLUDES ACCLAIMED TWO-PARTDOCUMENTARY FILM AND PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED LIVE

CONCERT FOOTAGE FROM THE1977 HOTEL CALIFORNIA TOUR

Capitol Records has acquired the exclusive DVD/Blu-ray rights to History of the Eagles, the iconic band’s acclaimed documentary, which is set for release on Tuesday, April 30.   This exceptional three-disc set includes History of the Eagles Part One and History of the Eagles Part Two, as well as Eagles Live At The Capital Centre - March 1977, featuring never-before-released performances from the Eagles’ two-night stand at Washington, D.C.’s Capital Center during the legendary Hotel California tour.  

History of the Eagles will be released in both DVD and Blu-ray three-disc configurations – all with 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo audio – beautifully packaged in a six-panel digipak with accompanying photographic booklet.  A Super Deluxe Box Set will be released as a limited edition, complete with three Blu-ray discs; a 40-page casebound book featuring still photos from the films; 10 archival-quality photographs of the band from throughout its storied history; and a specially created lithograph of the band’s desert-bleached skull icon.  All elements in this limited edition deluxe set will be packaged in a specially designed foil-stamped and embossed box, with a Native American blanket-inspired liner, beautifully wrapped in a leather tie, and fastened with a bone button.

All three versions of History of the Eagles will be available for preorder beginning today, March 12 through Amazon.com  and the Eagles website (http://eaglesband.com).

Seeking to provide an unprecedented and intimate look into the history of the band and the legacy of its music, the Eagles partnered with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) to produce the film.  Directed by Alison Ellwood (Magic Trip: Ken Kesey’s Search for a Kool Place), History of the Eagles is a meticulous creation featuring rare archival material, concert footage, and never-before-seen home movies that explore the evolution and enduring popularity of one of the world’s biggest-selling and culturally significant American bands.

History of the Eagles made its television broadcast debut on Showtime last month, earning the network its highest ratings for a music documentary in eight years.  Part One premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January to great acclaim.

History of the Eagles Part One dedicates two hours to the chronicling of the band’s creation and rise to fame in the 1970’s through its breakup in 1980.  More than 25 new and exclusive interviews were conducted with all current band members -- Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit - as well as former members Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder.  Also featured are new and exclusive interviews with Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Irving Azoff and many other seminal artists and band contemporaries who have been closely involved with the Eagles’ history. 

While personal stories from band members, managers, and music industry luminaries frame the narrative, it’s the unexpected moments—recording sessions, backstage interactions, and even a whimsical sequence from the Desperado cover shoot—that convey the extraordinary bond linking the artists, their music, and the times (an era when country-tinged rock and finely-honed harmonies spoke to a nation still reeling from unrest).

Additionally, the documentary features previously unreleased home movies and archival footage.  Personal photos, video and memorabilia amassed by the Eagles over the course of their career will also be seen for the very first time.

History of the Eagles Part Two reveals the personal and professional struggles members faced while the band was apart, and chronicles the group’s dramatic reunion in 1994, as well as its resurgence in recording and performing throughout the next two decades.  Among the band’s many achievements since reforming are its triumphant Hell Freezes Over tour, the 2007 release of Long Road Out of Eden (which sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide and earned two GRAMMY® Awards), and its ongoing ascendance as an international supergroup.

Eagles Live at the Capital Centre - March 1977 features previously unreleased concert performances of “Hotel California,” “New Kid In Town,” “Take It To The Limit,” “One Of These Nights,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Rocky Mountain Way,” “Best Of My Love” and “Take It Easy,” all captured during the band’s two-night stand in Washington, D.C. during its historic Hotel California world tour. 

Directed by Alison Ellwood and produced by Alex Gibney, History of the Eagles was created with a select crew of filmmakers including: Blair Foster, Executive Producer; Alison Ellwood and Ben Sozanski, Editors; Karim Karmi, Co-Producer; and Erin Edeiken, Line Producer.

The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earned five No. 1 U.S. singles and six GRAMMY® Awards.  Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the best-selling album of all time, exceeding sales of 29 million units.  The band’s Hotel California and Eagles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 have sold more than 16 million and 11 million albums, respectively.  The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.  For more information, visit the band’s website at www.eaglesband.com. 

Guitar Legend Peter Banks Passes – July 15, 1947 – March 8, 2013

London, UK - Best known for his innovative and unique guitar work with YES and Flash, as well as his own critically acclaimed solo albums, guitar legend Peter Banks passed away at his home in London on March 8, 2013. Banks, a founding member of the ground breaking progressive rock group YES, performed on the band's first two albums, 'Yes' and 'Time And A Word'. He would go on to form Flash and release 3 well-received albums (Flash, In The Can, Out Of Our Hands), along with several successful tours of Europe and the US, culminating in an appearance on the widely watched late night American TV show 'The Midnight Special'. With an admitted fondness for improvisation, music critics touted Banks as a cross between Pete Townshend and Wes Montgomery. Even Pete Townshend, one night after witnessing a YES performance, walked up to Banks, slapped him on the back and said, “You're great!”

After Flash, Peter Banks would form the band Empire in the mid '70s and eventually release 3 albums 'Mark I' 'Mark II' and 'Mark III'. During his career, Banks would release 5 solo albums (Two Sides Of..., Instinct, Self-Contained, Reduction, Can I Play You Something?) and had been active in recent times working with acts such as Harmony and Diversity, Prog Collective, ANT-BEE and Days Between Stations. Banks first solo album 'Two Sides Of Peter Banks' has been considered by many as one of the great 'prog' records of all time and features an all-star line-up of Jan Akkerman, Phil Collins and John Wetton. In the early 2000's Banks wrote his autobiography 'Beyond & Before' published by Golden Treasures publishing in the US. Peter was putting on the final touches of the log awaited live recording 'FLASH - IN PUBLIC' CD set for release on Cleopatra Records at the time of his passing.

"I loved working with Peter on the many records I have produced over the years, he always delivered amazing stuff, creative, inspires and always with that classic original YES flavor that came with his playing. He will be missed by me and many many other fans of his music and playing." - Billy Sherwood

Peter Banks will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of progressive rock guitar and will be missed by musicians worldwide.

Peter Banks - July 15, 1947 - March 8, 2013

AXS TV JOINS POWER OF LOVE AS EXCLUSIVE BROADCAST PARTNER OF QUINCY JONES & SIR MICHAEL CAINE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS

Star-Studded Gala Benefiting Cleveland Clinic

Features Music and Film Luminaries

AXS TV has joined Keep Memory Alive’s Power of Love Gala honoring Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine’s 80^th birthday as the exclusive broadcast partner. The music network will air the special LIVE from MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 13, 2013.

The 17^th annual Power of Love Gala raises funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and its fight against neurodegenerative brain disease such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, ALS and memory disorders of all kinds.

Celestial twins, born in the same year, same month, same hour and within minutes of each other, one in Chicago, the other in London, Jones and Caine met decades ago and have since been great friends. This glittering star-studded gala, the third time these two icons have joined forces to celebrate their birthday, will bring together the world’s celebrities of music and film to mark this milestone year for these two entertainment marvels. Among the star-studded celebrity guests expected to make appearances with special performances and tributes are Bebe Winans, Bono, Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Chris Tucker, Herbie Hancock, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Scarlett Johansson, Terrence Howard, Patti Austin, Stevie Wonder, as well as the expected attendance by superstar Barbra Streisand.

“There are no two greater living icons with a larger influence on the worlds of music and pop culture than Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine. Joining the celebration of their 80^th birthdays with the Power of Love Gala as the broadcast partner underscores AXS TV’s commitment to being the foremost live destination on television for fans of music and pop culture events,” said Mark Cuban, AXS TV’s chairman and founder.

"We are committed to improving the lives of patients and their families as they face the many challenges associated with brain diseases," said Larry Ruvo, Founder and Chairman of Keep Memory Alive. "We put together an exciting show and are thrilled that the mission of Keep Memory Alive will be shared and supported by the viewers of the live broadcast."

As part of AXS TV’s celebration of Quincy Jones and promotion of Keep Memory Alive and Power of Love Gala, Jones will appear live on the network’s nightly music program, AXSLive, tonight Tuesday, March 12.

Named by TIME magazine as one of the six most influential jazz artists of the 20^th century, legendary music producer Quincy Jones has spent more than 60 years in the entertainment industry working with America’s greatest musicians, including Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, among many others.  Jones is one of the most decorated entertainers of his time, garnering 27 GRAMMY Awards, a record 79 GRAMMY nominations, seven Academy Award nominations, a Tony Award nomination and an Emmy Award.

Sir Michael Caine is an English actor and is most noted for his roles in Cider House Rules, Miss Congeniality and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. (Jones and Caine share a birthday and the Power of Love Gala will be the third time they have joined forces to celebrate.

For information regarding this unique celebration, please visit Keep Memory Alive’s website at www.keepmemoryalive.org or call (702) 263-9797. Fans can support Keep Memory Alive and Power of Love’s brain health research efforts by texting “MEMORY” to 80888 to donate $10.

For additional details and to interact with the LIVE event, use #AXSVegas.

Power of Love: Quincy Jones & Sir Michael Caine’s 80^th Birthday Celebration Live From Las Vegas

EXCLUSIVELY on AXS TV

Saturday, April 13, 2013

12am ET (Sunday) / 9pm PT

DIRECTV Channel 340

DISH Network Channel 362

AT&T U-Verse Channel 1106

Verizon FiOS Channel 569

For additional affiliate and distributor channel information including Charter, Comcast Xfinity, Suddenlink and others please visit: www.axs.tv/subscribe