Relive groundbreaking hitmakers of the 1950s and '60s via 'Ed Sullivan's Rock & Roll Classics'

Title: Ed Sullivan's Rock & Roll Classics (Time Life)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Four Tops, The Animals, Fats Domino, Janis Joplin, classic rock and soul music

Tell me more: Watching the enthralling 10-disc collector's set of Ed Sullivan's Rock & Roll Classics is to be immersed in the groundbreaking sounds of a wide-ranging lineup of groundbreaking artists who made their collective mark on the charts in the 1950s, '60s and early '70s. The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, The Jackson 5, The Rolling Stones, Fats Domino, The Supremes, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Stevie Wonder and Creedence Clearwater Revival are among the many notables who are seen via 128 live and uncut performances on the stellar collection. 

Long celebrated for his uncanny ability to recognize up-and-coming music greats, Sullivan brought icons including Presley, Holly, The Beatles, Bee Gees, The Supremes and The Rolling Stones to his Sunday Night prime-time variety show early in their careers. This deluxe collection (which retails for $119.96) allows modern-day audiences to fully appreciate The Ed Sullivan Show's unique role in history as a showcase for several generations of popular music legends. Among this writer's favorite performances on the 10-disc set are The Four Tops' medley of 1965 hits ("It's the Same Old Song/Something About You/I Can't Help Myself"), The Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You Believe in Magic," The Animals' rocking "Don't Bring Me Down," The Rolling Stones' rousing "Paint It, Black," and Holly's "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day," as well as the thrilling turns from Presley, The Band, The Byrds and The Beatles. Throughout the years, the studio sets and production values of the performances grew more ambitious as evidenced by the cosmic-styled medley of The 5th Dimension's "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" filmed in May 1969, and the Ike and Tina Turner Revue's explosive version of the Creedence Clearwater Revival hit "Proud Mary" in January 1970.

In addition to the performances, there are bonus interviews and brief newsreel-aided segments that shed light on the cultural and historic highlights of the times in which these performances were captured. A 36-page "Collector's Book" that features liner notes, trivia and wonderful photos enhances the title.

The best of popular music from the 1950s, '60s and early '70s is truly captured across Ed Sullivan's Rock & Roll Classics. 

Information: www.timelife.com.

New Music: Lisa Gerrard and Jules Maxwell, Alan Jackson, Amy Winehouse, 'Winston-Salem Sound'

Four must-hear titles are featured in my column this week.

Artist: Lisa Gerrard and Jules Maxwell

Title: Burn (Atlantic Curve)

You might like if you enjoy: Dead Can Dance, Sigur Rós, Howard Shore's "Lord of the Rings" soundtracks, Moby

Tell me more: The new full-length collaboration from Dead Can Dance's Lisa Gerrard and Jules Maxwell titled Burn is a beautiful listen, seamlessly blending sounds spanning the globe and time itself. Gerrard – one of the world's great singers – has joined forces with Maxwell and English producer James Chapman (also known by his moniker "Maps") to craft seven intoxicating compositions that truly immerse the listener. Choral, symphonic and electronica soundscapes converge on the marvelous opener "Heleali (The Sea Will Rise)," with several layers of Gerrard's vocals layered around her primary vocal track. The driving "Aldavyeem (A Time To Dance)" recalls the art rock of Radiohead, while the soaring "Orion (The Weary Huntsman)" somehow spans opera and Neo-classical on its magnificent trajectory. On the title track Gerrard and Maxwell both sing, their triumphant tandem voices artfully dueling with another line sung by Gerrard alone. This is a opulent and sumptuous listening experience from start to finish. Information: https://orcd.co/lisajulesburn.

Artist: Alan Jackson

Title: Where Have You Gone? (UMG Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard, George Jones

Tell me more: Armed with one of country music's best voices, Alan Jackson brings his signature vocals to the expansive 21-track collection Where Have You Gone? – an album collectively celebrating authentic country music with a master's touch. Indeed, on the opening cut "Where Have You Gone," Jackson sings: "Sweet country music, where have you gone? / Sweet country music, please come back home" with emotional authenticity and a timely aim. Elsewhere his rich baritone mines love (the tender "I Can Be That Something," joyful fiddle- and piano-adorned "Where the Cottonwood Grows," the rowdy "Livin' On Empty"), drinking ("Wishful Drinkin'," "Beer:10") and a fusion of those matters (the lovely "Way Down In My Whiskey," literate "The Boot," touching "So Late So Soon" and "I Was Tequila"). On "Things On Matter," he addresses the fragility of life with a particularly affecting touch, while a father's love is expressed on the beautiful "You'll Always Be My Baby." Other great tracks on the collection include the rip-roaring "Back," bonus track "That's The Way Love Goes (A Tribute to Merle Haggard)" and confessional "The Older I Get." Information: AlanJackson.com.

Artist: Amy Winehouse

Title: At The BBC (Island/UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Amy Winehouse, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Tell me more: Featuring the late British singer Amy Winehouse at the height of her vocal powers, the three-disc At The BBC (available on audio CD and vinyl) features more than three dozen tracks recorded between 2003 and 2007. The soulful "Stronger Than Me" (captured on a Jools Holland TV appearance in 2003) kicks off the far-flung set. That powerhouse performance proves to be the first of many with Winehouse's signature contralto impressing on each track of the collection. The dynamic "Take The Box" (from 2004's Mercury Prize Awards) with her vocals spanning from the lower to higher reaches of her vocal register, jazzy "Teach Me Tonight" (from a 2004 appearance on Jools Holland) and blues-styled "Rehab" (from a 2006 performance) are early high marks. The magic displayed on the essential collection continues courtesy on the buoyant jazz offering "Tears Dry On Their Own," a bewitching cover of the '60s Motown standard "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Don't Go To Strangers" (a duet with Paul Weller), the rhythm and blues foray "October Song," reggae-tinged "Just Friends" and lavish "Love Is a Losing Hand" and "I Should Care." Sadly, Winehouse joined the so-called "27 Club" with her death of alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011. "At The BBC" is an amazing salute to her remarkable talent. Information: AmyWinehouse.com.

Artists: Chris Stamey, Mitch Easter, Don Dixon, Peter Holsapple, more

Title: Yesterday's Tomorrow: Celebrating the Winston-Salem Sound (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Let's Active, early R.E.M., dB's

Tell me more: It's great when an album immediately reminds you how much fun rock and roll can be. A new titled Yesterday's Tomorrow: Celebrating the Winston-Salem Sound does just that. The album was recorded live at the Ramkat on May 12, 2018 and documents a one-time celebration of a relatively small city in North Carolina and its tremendous impact on indie rock. To be sure the performances by indie heroes Chris Stamey (the dB's), Mitch Easter (Let's Active), Don Dixon, Peter Holsapple (the dB's), Will Rigby (the dB's), Lynn Blakey and many others on the disc are inspired and will lead listeners to pursue more exploration of under-the-radar acts such as Sacred Irony, Rittenhouse Square, Little Diesel and Sneakers. But this album is no mere stepping stone; it bristles and shines with nearly two dozen stellar performances. The propulsive rocker "Hot Smoke & Sassafras" dazzles with its garage rock attack and Baroque instrumental guitar break; "Reptilian Disaster" is just as powerful with Easter unleashing a creative flurry of lead guitar work. Just listen to the fiery "Yesterday's Tomorrow" (amazing with its mix of incredible lead guitar, strong lead vocals from Doug Davis and rollicking attack from the rhythm section). Various styles are highlighted on the disc, albeit with a decidedly indie approach; hard rock ("Black Death"), jangly power pop ("S'il Vous Plait," "Condition Red," "Ruby"), indie alt-rock ("Every Word Means No," "Kissy Boys"), blues ("Think") and classic rock (takes on the Beatles' "Got to Get You Into My Life" and Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," both featuring Dixon) are all magnificent. The package contains detailed liner notes by Stamey and a 24-page color history booklet with rare photos and details about the 2018 event and artists celebrated on the wonderful title. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Stagecoach 2019 lineup announced: Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Jason Aldean, more!

The lineup for Stagecoach 2019 has been announced, and it looks to be another great one for fans of modern and classic country music, as well as lovers of roots and country rock. 

In addition to bona fide modern country favorites (Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Jason Aldean), there are always a wide-ranging field of interesting names on the bill including Tom Jones and Bret Michaels! The festival will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA, Friday-Sunday, April 26-28, 2019.

Passes for the three-day festival go on sale on Friday, October 19. For more information, visit stagecoach.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 16, 2018 – Welcome to Stagecoach Country: where the party is in full swing, the grill is sizzling and your friends come together to dance. STAGECOACH returns this 2019 on Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28 for its 13^th year at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, CA. American Idol judge Luke Bryan headlines Friday of the festival while constant chart-topper Sam Hunt leads Saturday and current three-time CMA nomineeJason Aldean closes out the party on Sunday. 

“I am so proud to present the Stagecoach 2019 lineup following our record breaking show last year,” says festival Talent Buyer Stacy Vee. “This line up is gigantic! Guy Fieri is coming back! We are going to make the site look even more incredible. The whole team is already working overtime to deliver an unforgettable experience from top to bottom.”

The 3-day event will also feature performances by Cole Swindell, Luke Combs, Old Dominion, Kane Brown, CAM, Lauren Alaina, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bret Michaels, Tom Jones and more. (Full lineup as of October 16 is below).

Guy’s Stagecoach Smokehouse is back this year with a new cast of the nation’s finest pit bosses alongside the most celebrated restaurants and BBQ vendors. Guy and friends will be showcasing their pits and rigs and offering taste tests to fans throughout the weekend with live demos. Stay tuned for the full food lineup.

“Just like everybody stands by waiting to hear the lineup for Stagecoach,” Fieri says in a quote to Entertainment Weekly about last year’s Stagecoach, “I want them standing by waiting to hear the lineup on who the barbecue badasses are, and that’s what we’re doing.” 

Returning to the festival this year is the SiriusXM Spotlight Stage, which will once again highlight today’s rising stars like Tyler Rich, Travis Denning, Mitchell Tenpenny and more. The Honkytonk Dance Hall also makes its return alongside the latest fan-favorite, Nikki Lane's Stage Stop Marketplace. 

High Class Hillbilly, owner and singer Nikki Lane hosts the Stage Stop Marketplace which highlights carefully curated artisans, vintage fashion and unique one-of-a-kind western wear. Cool down with a cocktail and a taste of Nashville while watching singers, songwriters and special guests on the allnew Stage Stop Horseshoe Stage. 

Car camping returns for 2019 with the added option to purchase Companion Camping Parking for additional vehicles. Revisit The Resort this season with full amenities like the internet café, charging stations, General Store, Supermarket Shuttles and on-site pedal cabs. These options and more will be available for purchase, with Travel Packages, Shuttles and the all new Safari Camping Experience available via Valley Music Travel.

Festival passes go on sale Friday, October 19 at 11 AM PDT at stagecoachfestival.com. 

Pass Prices:

3-Day General Admission $349

3-Day General Admission/Shuttle Combo $409

3-Day Corral Standing Pit $1,399

3-Day Corral C1 Reserved Seating $1,399

3-Day Corral C2 Reserved Seating $899

**Prices as of the October 19 sale

All taxes, domestic shipping and fees are included in listed ticket prices. Pay in full or choose the Stagecoach Payment Plan to pay up to four equal payments from October 19 through January.

Stagecoach:


Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

The STAGECOACH 2019 line up (as of October 16^th) is as follows:

Abby Anderson

Adam Hambrick

Ashley Monroe

Aubrie Sellers

Becca Mancari

Brandon Lay

Bret Michaels

CAM

Carlton Anderson

Charley Crockett

Cody Johnson

Cole Swindell

Cordovas

Danielle Bradbery

Dan Tyminski

Dawn Landes

Devin Dawson

Filmore

Jason Aldean

Jessie James Decker

Jimmie Allen

Joe Diffie

Jon Langston

Jordan Davis

Kane Brown

King Leg

LANCO

Lauren Alaina

Luke Bryan

Luke Combs

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Mark Chesnutt

Michael Ray

Mitchell Tenpenny

Old Dominion

Parker Millsap

Rachel Wammack

Rita Wilson

Ross Ellis

Ruby Boots

Russell Dickerson

Sam Hunt

Sammy Kershaw

Scotty McCreery

Smithfield

Terri Clark

The Wild Feathers

Tom Jones

Travis Denning

Tyler Rich

Whiskey Myers

Whitey Morgan

William Prince

STAGECOACH is produced by Goldenvoice.

57th Annual Grammy Awards update: performances set

COLLABORATIONS AND SPECIAL SEGMENTS SET THE STAGE FOR INCREDIBLE GRAMMY^® MOMENTS ON THE 57TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS^®

PROMISING UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCES ARE GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING NOMINEES TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA; NOMINEES HOZIER AND GRAMMY WINNER ANNIE LENNOX; NOMINEE JESSIE J AND GRAMMY WINNER TOM JONES; AND GRAMMY WINNERS ADAM LEVINE AND GWEN STEFANI

Music's Biggest Night^® — Hosted By LL COOL J — Airs Live On CBS, Feb. 8, 2015

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) — The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® continues its tradition of producing standout musical collaborations, universally known as "GRAMMY^® Moments." This year's series of unique pairings includes current nominees Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, a musical couple whose respective songbooks have entertained audiences for a combined 70-plus years; nominees Hozier and Annie Lennox; nominee Jessie J and vocal legend Tom Jones; and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine with singer/songwriter Gwen Stefani in a never-before-seen performance. They join previously announced performers AC/DC, Eric Church, Common with John Legend, Ariana Grande, Miranda Lambert, Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Usher, and Pharrell Williams. Entertainment icon and two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J returns as host. Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Music's Biggest Night^® will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). 

"Throughout the years, the GRAMMY Awards has paired musical icons with new, upcoming artists to give fans remarkable performances that can only be seen on our stage," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "This year is no different and, once again, promises to bring together unique musical worlds in innovative ways that blend genres and create new artistic boundaries."

"Musical collaborations have become a GRAMMY staple, and the best part is that artists now suggest many of these duets themselves," said executive producer Ken Ehrlich of AEG Ehrlich Ventures. "I'm very excited about this year's special segments, and believe they'll be talked about for a long time to come."

Sixteen-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Tony Bennett and five-time GRAMMY winner Lady Gaga are nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Cheek To Cheek.

Hozier is up for Song Of The Year for "Take Me To Church."

Jessie J is up for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Bang Bang" (with Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj).

Four-time GRAMMY winner Annie Lennox is nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Nostalgia.

The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy^® is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visitwww.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Google+, Instagram,Tumblr and YouTube.

Bob Dylan to be honored as 2015 MusiCares® Person of the Year

This press release just came in this morning...

TEN-TIME GRAMMY^® WINNER BOB DYLAN
TO BE HONORED AS 
2015 MUSICARES^® PERSON OF THE YEAR AT
 25TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE
 
Performers Include Beck; the Black Keys; Crosby, Stills & Nash; John Doe; Norah Jones; 
Tom Jones; Los Lobos; John Mellencamp; Willie Nelson; Bonnie Raitt; Eddie Vedder; 
Jack White; and Neil Young

Annual Gala Benefiting The MusiCares Foundation^® and Its Health and Human Services Programs for Music People Will Be Held During GRAMMY^® Week 
on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2014) — Bob Dylan will be honored as the 2015 MusiCares^® Person of the Year on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, it was announced today by Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the MusiCares Foundation^® and The Recording Academy^®, and Bill Silva, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board. Proceeds from the 25th annual benefit gala dinner and concert — to be held in Los Angeles during GRAMMY Week two nights prior to the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® — will provide essential support for MusiCares (www.musicares.org), which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Performers at the tribute concert include GRAMMY winners Beck; the Black Keys;
Crosby, Stills & Nash; Norah Jones; Tom Jones; Los Lobos; John Mellencamp; Willie Nelson; Bonnie Raitt; Eddie Vedder; Jack White; and Neil Young; as well as singer/songwriter John Doe. Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer and recent Emmy^®winner Don Was will be the evening's musical director. Additional performers will be announced shortly.

"In celebrating the 25th anniversary of our MusiCares Person of the Year tribute, it is most fitting that we are honoring Bob Dylan, whose body of creative work has contributed to America's culture, as well as that of the entire world, in genuinely deep and lasting ways," said Portnow.

"Bob Dylan's songwriting ability is unmatched, and it will be an extraordinary evening to hear his work showcased by such a remarkable group of artists," said Silva.

The 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception and silent auction will be followed by a dinner, the award presentation and a tribute concert by renowned musicians. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. The celebration culminates with the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The MusiCares Foundation^® offers programs and services to members of the music community, including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities and car payments; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills; psychotherapy; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis C, and other critical illnesses. MusiCares offers nationwide educational workshopscovering a variety of subjects, including financial, legal, medical, and substance abuse issues, and programs in collaboration with health care professionals that provide services such as flu shots, hearing tests, and medical/dental screenings. The MusiCares MAP Fund allows access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community. Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, MusiCaresSafe Harbor Rooms, supported by the Bohemian Foundation, offer a support network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events. MusiCares holds weekly addiction support groups for people to discuss how to best cope with the issues surrounding the recovery process. The MusiCaresSober Touring Network is a database of individuals across the United States who can take music people to recovery support meetings while on the road.

Established more than 20 years ago by The Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit www.musicares.org. For breaking news and exclusive content, please like "MusiCares" on Facebook, follow @MusiCares on Twitterand Instagram.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

For information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, please contact Dana Tomarkenat MusiCares, 310.392.3777.

Inbox Update: Morrissey and Tom Jones, Natalie Merchant, R.E.M., Beck, Ralph Waite

Happy Friday everybody! This being Valentine's Day, there is lots of sonic love in the air.

Morrissey at Hyundai Pavilion in Devore, CA in 2004. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The Orange County Register's Ben Wener has an in-depth post about the upcoming Los Angeles concert date featuring the one-and-only Morrissey and opener Tom Jones (yes, that Tom Jones). Read his post here.

George A. Paul has posted a wealth of details about the release of Natalie Merchant's next solo album, which is scheduled to land via Nonesuch Records this spring. Click here to read more.

Wondering what the ex-members of R.E.M. are up too? Here is a pretty entertaining update on Stereogum. 

Beck is returning to Saturday Night Live. He will likely be featuring songs off his forthcoming release Morning Phase. Read more on Rolling Stone by clicking here.

Finally, sad news about the death of actor Ralph Waite. You can read more about the late actor (of The Waltons fame) via a nice article posted on the USA Today site here.