Showing posts with label obituaries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obituaries. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Raul Malo Remembered

Raul Malo performing at The Coach House in
San Juan Capistrano on March 24, 2013.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift


Like so many music lovers, I was deeply saddened to hear the news yesterday morning that Mavericks lead singer-guitarist Raul Malo passed away at the age of 60 on Monday, December 8. I first caught Malo at a sold-out concert in Santa Ana on Feb. 27, 1995 with The Mavericks, a performance at the Galaxy Concert Theatre that came on the heels of the release of the band's outstanding 1994 album What a Crying Shame. I was an instant fan of the group and over the years I was fortunate to catch Malo with that American troupe (including their celebrated reunion show at the Stagecoach Festival in 2012) as well as when he performed solo. I credit The Mavericks as one of the seminal artists to introduce me to roots and Americana music 30+ years ago.

One of my most memorable appearances by Malo was when The Mavericks tore the roof off at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on March 24, 2013. Check out my review of that show HERE


In a statement on the band's social media, The Mavericks wrote: "Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul's orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself."


Raul Malo performing at The Coach House in 2019.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz


You can read NPR's coverage of the passing of Malo HERE.



Below is what noted music writer/author Cary Baker ("Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music") wrote and posted on Facebook following the passing of Malo yesterday:


Raul Malo, left, with Cary Baker at the Acrisure
Arena in Palm Desert, CA on July 12, 2025.
Photo courtesy of Cary Baker

"While not a surprise, we were devastated—as were so many—to awaken to the news of Raul Malo's passing. The Miami-born singer, songwriter and guitarist in The Mavericks, Raul was gifted with a resounding voice like no other. The Mavericks will always be noted for their genre-blending alchemy—mixing country, Tex-Mex, rock ’n’ roll, and Latin rhythms into a singular, borderless sound that broadened the horizons of modern Americana.
Since July 2024, Raul had battled Stage 4 colon cancer, and later developed a rare complication called Leptomeningeal disease.
I was privileged to work media for Raul and The Mavericks on most of their albums and tours from about 2010 until 2022 (including a Raul solo album). Raul and I had some great adventures together, a highlight of which was walking him and his fellow Mavs down the Grammy red carpet in 2017 when their album 'A Brand New Day' was nominated. Raul performed at the SXSW day party I co-sponsored. During AmericanaFest 2024, I ran into him; his wife, Betty; and son, Dino, outside a memorial for Mojo Nixon in East Nashville. And this past July 12th, we had the pleasure of seeing The Mavericks on a bill with Dwight Yoakam at Palm Desert's Acrisure Arena. By then, we knew of his health struggles, yet Raul was nothing short of rock-star-like. It was great to see him in peak form a final time, and to say hi backstage (Raul in green shirt and red glasses below). We prayed it wouldn't be the last time.
This past weekend, we watched both nights of the Mavericks' all-star benefit tribute to Raul at the Ryman Auditorium via livestream. It was a joyous celebration of some of the best music of our time. At the same time, it was sad, knowing that Raul and his most incredible band would never play together again. I hope Raul was able to glean a final pleasure in all the heartfelt tributes—spoken and musical—from some of the titans of Americana, including estranged Maverick Rob Reynolds. (I highly recommend viewing it...download the Nugs app.)
My heart goes out to his fellow charter Mavericks (Paul Deakin, Jerry Dale McFadden and Eddie Perez), to his devoted wife Betty, and his three sons (of whom I got to know Dino a bit).
Raul left so much great music and so many great memories behind. Still processing this morning's news. I suspect I will for a while. I love you Raul Malo!"


Robert Kinsler



Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Mike Peters Remembered

Posted by Robert Kinsler

I was so sorry to wake today to the news that singer-songwriter great Mike Peters has passed away after a long battle fighting cancer. He was only 66.


Mike Peters performing at The
Coach House in 2013.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

I first caught Peters back in June 1983 when The Alarm opened for U2. I was blown away and immediately went out and purchased the band's then-newly released EP. A few years later The Alarm actually headlined a show at Cal State University where I caught them as well.


Famed DJ Richard Blade posted the following a few minutes ago on his Facebook page:

"So so sad to learn this morning that our dear friend Mike Peters of The Alarm has passed away. Krista and I spent so many happy times with him, his lovely wife Jules and their children. From concerts to backstage, to hotel rooms, dinner, breakfast, laughs, movies and shared tears over his incredibly brave struggle during his three decades of fearlessly battling cancer, he was one of a kind. To know Mike was to love him. He will be missed by so many as we remember his Strength and pray that he is Marching On."


Geoffrey Downes, left, with Mike Peters
in 2024. Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Downes.


Keyboardist-songwriter Geoffrey Downes of ASIA and YES fame just posted the following on X:

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Mike Peters. A lovely man and a very talented musician who I had the pleasure to meet last summer at one of his gigs in Tenby, South Wales."


Guitarist Billy Duffy of The Cult (seen in the photo on the right with Peters) posted the following earlier today on X:

"No words today can be enough 💔 A light has gone out in the world. Sending love to Jules, the boys and all the family.   #RIP Mike"


Peter Hook of New Order posted the following on X today:

"So sad to hear about Mike Peters. The Alarm was a great band & Mike was a great, proud Welshman who loved this crazy business and appreciated that it was all about the fans. God bless you mate. Love Hooky. X RIP X"




Below are links to read some of my articles focusing on Peters, including a memorable 2015 solo show at The Coach House, and a 2013 concert where Peters fronted Big Country.


Mike Peters solo concert at The Coach House in June 2015. Read it HERE


Big Country 2013 concert review. Read it HERE


Review of The Alarm's 2023 album Forwards. Read it HERE


Review of The Alarm's 2018 album Equals. Read it HERE


Finally, here is the official media release from the artist's publicist Rey Roldan about Peters' passing:


Mike Peters,
frontman of The Alarm,
loses his battle with cancer

APRIL 29, 2025 -- Welsh music icon, Mike Peters MBE, the charismatic frontman of legendary '80s rock band The Alarm and a tireless global advocate for blood cancer patients, has died at the age of 66 following a 30-year battle with the disease.

A voice of defiance and hope both on and off the stage, Peters first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with The Alarm, whose powerful anthems like "68 Guns" and "Strength" helped define a generation of alternative rock. Known for their rallying cries and heartfelt lyrics, The Alarm garnered a devoted international following, with Peters' raw vocals and commanding stage presence at the heart of it all. During a music career that spanned five decades, Peters performed with some of music’s greatest artists and bands including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and U2.

Diagnosed with lymphoma in 1995 and later with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Peters refused to let his illness silence him. Instead, he turned his fight into a mission to help others.

Alongside his wife Jules, he co-founded Love Hope Strength, a music-driven cancer charity that revolutionized awareness and action around stem cell donation. Through its innovative “Get On The List” campaigns—often hosted at rock concerts and even atop mountains—the charity has added over 250,000 people to the global stem cell registry and helped secure thousands of potential life-saving matches for patients worldwide.

Last April, just before embarking on a 50-date US tour, he was diagnosed with Richter’s Syndrome, an aggressive form of lymphoma, and despite extensive treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, including a clinical trial and innovative CAR-T therapy, doctors were unable to prevent the cancer progressing.

Mike Peters: 1959-2025
Link: https://youtu.be/XxwcL7Qj20c?si=bcX9Xp5yj7k7de2U

Peters’ journey was one of resilience. He continued to tour and record music through multiple relapses, undergoing experimental treatments while using his platform to raise awareness and funds to help others affected by cancer. His passion for life and belief in the healing power of music inspired countless fans and fellow musicians.

Born in Prestatyn, North Wales, Peters never forgot his roots, often performing in support of Welsh causes and championing the community spirit of his homeland. His story and voice transcended music, touching lives far beyond the stage.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years and partner in purpose, Jules (58), and their sons, Dylan (20) and Evan (18).

Anyone wishing to donate to the Love Hope Strength Foundation can do so via this link Love Hope Strength Foundation - JustGiving



 
About Love Hope Strength Foundation
 
Love Hope Strength was co-founded in 2006 by the internationally acclaimed musician and healthcare campaigner Mike Peters after he was diagnosed with leukemia, his fellow musician and wife Jules, who has since undergone treatment for breast cancer, and their friend James Chippendale who had received a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
 
Led by volunteers, fueled by music and camaraderie, and propelled by a desire to give back and create positive change, Love Hope Strength strives to provide people affected by blood cancer a lifeline.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

R.I.P. Eric Carmen



I am in shock. It has just been announced that Eric Carmen passed away over the weekend. I was a tremendous fan of singer-songwriter Carmen, and especially of his work with the Raspberries. In particular, I consider that band's "Go All the Way" one of my all-time favorite songs; in fact I discussed the song on a video episode of "Top 100 Songs of All Time" on TJR's popular YouTube channel you can view HERE. Other gems from that power pop band included "Overnight Sensation," "Tonight" and "Let's Pretend." His solo hits included "All By Myself" and "Hungry Eyes." Only 74, Carmen's death has been announced by his wife Amy Carmen. Read a wonderful appreciation of the artist written by John M. Borack HERE. Learn more about Carmen's life and passing HERE...Robert Kinler


Monday, March 11, 2024

R.I.P. Karl Wallinger

I was so sorry to hear this news moments ago. I was a big fan of Karl Wallinger's work with The Waterboys and World Party...Robert Kinsler

Karl Wallinger, the Welsh-born musician and composer better known as the singular force behind World Party, died Sunday March 10. Presciently ahead of his time with songs such as “Ship Of Fools”, “Put The Message In The Box” and "Is It Like Today?", in addition to the magic of “She’s The One” and the Waterboys' “Whole Of The Moon”, Wallinger was 66.


Karl leaves behind a loving family including wife Suzie Zamit, son Louis Wallinger, daughter Nancy Zamit and two grandchildren. The family invites Karl’s friends and fans to share their thoughts on his Facebook page or Instagram.

Karl Wallinger image courtesy of World Party

Friday, October 28, 2022

Jerry Lee Lewis Remembered; review of his March 1, 2000 concert at the Galaxy Concert Theatre

Sadly, Jerry Lee Lewis passed away today at the age of 87. TJR and yours truly pay tribute to "The Killer" in a new episode available HERE

Below is my March 3, 2000 review of Jerry Lee Lewis' March 1, 2000 concert at the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana originally published in the Orange County Register. A special "Thank You" to Kelly A. Swift for her photo taken at the concert...Robert Kinsler 


Jerry Lee Lewis performing at the Galaxy Concert
Theatre in Santa Ana on March 1, 2000.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

JERRY LEE LEWIS, HELLBOUND HAYRIDE

Where: Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana

When: Wednesday night, March 1, 2000


REVIEW: Legendary pianist's spirited Galaxy performance is a lesson in Rock History 101.


By ROBERT KINSLER

Special to the Register


Although rock music is somewhere under age 50, its pioneers are mostly gone. The voices of Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran and Roy Orbison live on only through the magic of recordings. However, one of rock's true survivors proved to be alive and well in an hour-long performance at the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana on Wednesday night. Jerry Lee Lewis may walk  and talk  like a senior citizen being satirized, but get him behind a grand piano and he is transported back in time to the birth of rock 'n' roll.

Such was the case throughout his 16-song set before a capacity crowd at the Galaxy, where  backed by a solid three-man band  the so-called "Killer" displayed plenty of fire.

Although Lewis didn't perform standing up, climb all over his instrument like he has for much of his career, the music-making itself provided plenty of opportunities to celebrate his living legacy.

The Louisiana native launched things with a roaring version of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven," his vocals confident and fingers nimble as he fired off the boogie-woogie style that has been imitated by countless blues and rock players since the mid-1950s. 

There was a slow and sparse rendering of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," a runaway take on the classic "Sweet Little Sixteen" and his own classic "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On."

And "Great Balls of Fire" remains an exuberant celebration of youth, even in the dancing hands of the 64-year-old Lewis.

Opening act Hellhound Hayride came to the stage armed with a heavy brew of rockabilly and blues. The quartet may never be able to escape completely out of te shadow of te '50s artists who developed early rock, but like te Reverend Horton Heat, an energetic dose of punk thrown in with roots-rock structures can go a long way in able hands.

The bluesy "Sad Romance" and blistering "Hot Rod Soul" (dedicated to Social Distortion guitarist Dennis Danell, who died this week) were standouts.

Sunday, March 27, 2022

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss legacy of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins

Taylor Hawkins in February 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Watch Robert Kinsler and TJR discuss the legacy of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins on a new episode. View the episode HERE.

Monday, July 20, 2020

R.I.P.: Emitt Rhodes, 1950-2020

This year continues to be a challenging one on all fronts. The latest blow comes with the news that the world has lost the gifted Emitt Rhodes. A talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, his songs were covered by artists ranging from The Bangles and Fairport Convention to Linda Ronstadt and Tift Merritt. Read my review of his welcome, long-awaited return with Omnivore RecordingsRainbow Ends that was published in 2016 here. You can read an appreciation of Rhodes, who passed away at the age of 70, here. Brooklyn Vegan also has a nice article found here.  



Thursday, April 02, 2020

COVID-19 claims the life of Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger

When I learned of the death of Adam Schlesinger yesterday afternoon at the hands of COVID-19, I was too upset to immediately write anything (he reportedly passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020). Although I only caught his band Fountains of Wayne once in concert (you can read my glowing review of the band's January 2009 performance at The Coach House here), I have since explored most of the band's rich discography and have appreciated Schlesinger's top-tier skills as a songwriter and producer. Although he had already enjoyed a long and successful career (he was an Emmy and Grammy winner, and earned an Academy Award nomination for his “That Thing You Do!,” the title track to the 1996 Tom Hanks-directed film), he was only 52. He is survived by his two children, making his early death additionally heartbreaking.


Fountains of Wayne, from left, guitarist-singer Jody Porter, drummer Brian Young,
singer-guitarist Chris Collingwood and bassist-singer Adam Schlesinger.
Photo: Courtesy of Fountains of Wayne
As fine as the song "That Thing That You Do" and the 2003 FOW hit "Stacy's Mom" are, I really encourage music lovers to explore his other work with the New Jersey-spawned power-pop band and some of his work as an album producer (especially his role on the Monkees' 2016 wonderful comeback Good Times! and 2018's equally-stellar Christmas Party; he produced and wrote songs on both discs) and as a songwriter across television (Sesame Street, Big Time Rush, Crank Yankees and more).


The album artwork for 'Sky Full of Holes'
My favorite FOW album is the 2011 masterwork Sky Full of Holes. Almost every music fan has certain albums that connect with them in deep and intangible ways. As a life-long musician and music fan, I have many albums that connect with me that way to be sure. But I count Sky Full of Holes with its perfect blend of melody and melancholy, shimmering song craft and emotional punch as a perfect album. But that is not the band's only great album; the band's self-titled 1996 LP, 1999's concept album Utopia Parkway, 2003's Welcome Interstate Managers and 2007's Traffic and Weather are all outstanding and sound as great today as on their respective release dates.

John Brodeur of Bird Streets wrote on Twitter on April 1: "I am in shock. Devastated. Adam was a good and generous friend. We had planned to write together before this all started. It meant so much to me that he was interested. I hoped and prayed he would beat this, and I want badly for it to not be true."


From left, the Monkees' Peter Tonk and Micky Dolenz with
Adam Schlesinger. Photo: Rhino Records
John Hughes, Rhino Records' Senior Vice President of Fan Engagement wrote: "Adam Schlesinger's kindness and blazing talent were unmistakable. I will miss my friend, and the world will miss his musical spark."

“There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do!” Tom Hanks wrote following the death of the artist. Hanks also was stricked by the coronavirus last month. “He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today.”

Robert Kinsler


Monday, January 13, 2020

Celebrate Neil Peart's legacy via stellar titles

Neil Peart of Rush performs on a rotating drum kit at Honda Center in
Anaheim, CA on Nov. 17, 2012. Photo courtesy of Rod Veal
The classic rock world was shocked and saddened last week with the announcement that Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart had died on Jan. 7, 2020, in Santa Monica, CA. He was only 67. Peart passed away after a three-and-a-half year battle with Glioblastoma, the same aggressive form of brain cancer that killed senators John McCain and Edward Kennedy. Along with singer-bassist-keyboardist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson, Peart created an incredible legacy that included Rush being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. In this column I feature several far-flung titles that provide a deeper look at Peart's unique talents as both virtuoso drummer and gifted writer.



Title: Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road
Author: Neil Peart
Publisher: ECW Press
Hardcover: 460 pages
Tell me more: News of Neil Peart's passing hit me hard; I was a long-time fan of Rush and had seen the Canadian trio a number of times in concert dating back to the mid-1980s. Yet, I had never read any of Peart's acclaimed books until this past weekend when I immersed myself in Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road. The compelling book chronicles Peart's 55,000-mile solo motorcycle ride following the death of his 19-year-old daughter Selena Taylor in August 1997 and common-law wife of 23 years, Jacqueline Taylor in June 1998. Peart stepped away from Rush to take the 14-month solo ride and subsequently wrote the book chronicling his marathon journey that took him from Quebec to Alaska, then down the Canadian and American coasts and south to Belize before he returned to his home in Canada. Peart, notoriously shy throughout his career, opens up about loss and his life throughout the fast-moving travelogue. I found myself gaining a far greater appreciation of Peart the person, and was fully moved by his ambitious journey that ultimately led him to return to Rush in 2001 despite the immense sense of grief that fueled his odyssey. Those moved by Peart's literate lyrics featured on countless Rush masterworks will want to read this captivating book first published on July 5, 2002. Information: ecwpress.com.



Artist: Rush
Title: R40 Live (Rounder)

Tell me more: Released via several different configurations in November 2015, R40 is an audio-visual keepsake of the highest order. The collection (I have the version that includes three audio CDs and one DVD) is truly a celebration of more than 40 years of top-tier progressive rock. With the 2015 R40 Tour marking the Canadian band's farewell tour, R40 is an excellent showcase for a troupe captured while still at the top of their game. The centerpiece is how the stage is given the "de-evolution" treatment as the band performs their most recent material on a more dazzling set; as the band performs increasingly-older songs, the stage is stripped down courtesy of stagehands who recast Rush's surroundings artfully during the performance.  What's more, the audio and video quality across the audio/video discs is amazing. Recorded over two nights in the hometown of Lee, Lifeson and Peart, the concert film was captured via 14 cameras and really immerses the viewer in the moment. Peart shines across the performance, and his drum solo is outstanding. Information: amazon.com.



Artist: Rush
Title: Clockwork Angels (Roadrunner Records)

Tell me more: While many classic rock fans have to be content with their heroes touring courtesy of nostalgia alone, Rush continued to challenge themselves and their listeners with sharp and searing prog rock until the end. Clockwork Angels, the band's final studio album, was released in June 2012 and is a concept album about a young man’s search to follow his dreams. It doesn't hurt that the probing tale was supported by one of the trio’s most accessible and compelling collections since the 1976 album release 2112. Information: Rush.com.






Artist: Rush
Title: Feedback (Atlantic Records)

Tell me more: A fun detour in the history of Rush was 2004's Feedback, an eight-track EP of rock 'n' roll classics that Rush covered with obvious zeal. In the album's liner notes, Peart notes: "It was April of 2004, but Geddy, Alex, and I were channeling back to 1966 and 1967, when we were thirteen- and fourteen-year-old beginners. We thought it would be a fitting symbol to commemorate our thirty years together if we returned to our roots and paid tribute to those we had learned from and were inspired by...The music celebrates a good time in our lives, and we had a good time celebrating it." Indeed, the songs here explode anew in the capable hands of Rush. "Summertime Blues" kicks off the exciting set, with Rush offering up a shimmering remake of Blue Cheer's hard rock cover (the song was written by Eddie Cochran and his manager Jerry Capehart in 1958). Other notable offerings include fiery takes on The Who's "The Seeker," Neil Young's "Mr. Soul" and Cream's blues rocker "Crossroads." The nuanced take on Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" also amazes. This is truly a side of Rush never heard before. Information: Rush.com.



Neil Peart / Photo courtesy of Drum Workshop Inc.

You can read my review of Rush's concert staged at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA on Nov. 17, 2012 here. You can read my review of Rush's July 31, 2015 performance at Irvine Meadows here.


Robert Kinsler

Thursday, October 03, 2019

R.I.P. Kim Shattuck of The Muffs

R.I.P. Kim Shattuck...

The legendary artist has passed away and there are heartfelt remembrances across social media. 






"All of us at Omnivore Recordings are devastated by the loss of our friend Kim Shattuck of The Muffs. We’re thinking about all her friends and fans, especially her family and bandmates. Her creative fire will endure and inspire artists of tomorrow. We’re so grateful to have been in the audience and to have played a small part in getting more of her music out into the world."
—Omnivore Recordings statement
"We are very sorry to announce the passing of our bandmate and dear friend Kim Shattuck. Besides being a brilliant songwriter, rocking guitarist and singer/screamer extrordinaire, Kim was a true force of nature. While battling ALS, Kim produced our last album, overseeing every part of the record from tracking to artwork. She was our best friend and playing her songs was an honor. Goodbye Kimba. We love you more than we could ever say." Roy McDonald & Ronnie Barnett of The Muffs

The Muffs' final album, No Holiday,out October 18, 2019 on Omnivore Recordings. The album features 18 new tracks from the groundbreaking band.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Since You're Gone: The Cars' Ric Ocasek Remembered

TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate the life and legacy of The Cars' Ric Ocasek; the pioneering artist and producer died in his home in Manhattan on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019.

Watch the episode here.





Friday, August 17, 2018

Aretha Franklin remembered

The outpouring of tributes and heartfelt remembrances to Aretha Franklin following her death on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018 is no surprise. The "Queen of Soul" is widely regarded as one of the best gospel and soul singers of the past 100 years.

After learning of the loss of Franklin, Robert Kinsler and TJR filmed a tribute to the icon that you can view here:



Here are some other notable tributes to Franklin worth sharing...



RECORDING ACADEMY™ STATEMENT: 
ARETHA FRANKLIN 
AUG. 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin was an incomparable artist who came to be recognized as one of the most profound voices in music. Known universally as the Queen of Soul, she solidified her legendary status in the late 1960s with chart-topping recordings that included "Respect," "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)," and "Think." During her six-decade career Aretha earned 44 GRAMMY® nominations, 18 GRAMMY Awards, and was recognized by the Recording Academy™ on several occasions for her remarkable accomplishments as an artist and philanthropist. We were privileged to honor her with the Recording Academy's GRAMMY Legend Award in 1991, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994, and as the 2008 MusiCares® Person of the Year for her extraordinary artistic achievements and charitable efforts. Her distinctive sound, unforgettable recordings, and giving spirit will continue to be celebrated worldwide. Aretha will be dearly missed, and our thoughts go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.  


Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy 



Warner Music Group Statement

"There are great artists and there are transcendent artists - artists who break new barriers and take us to places we never imagined. Aretha elevated soul from genre to high art. She defied musical categorization, bringing her phenomenal talent to R&B, pop, blues, gospel, rock, jazz, and classical music. Aretha's influence on music, culture, and history is incalculable. We will be forever grateful for everything that she accomplished as an artist, a woman, and a beacon of humanity." 

-Max Lousada, CEO, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group


SiriusXM To Pay Tribute to Aretha Franklin Across Multiple Music and Talk Channels
SiriusXM has announced that it will pay tribute to Aretha Franklin. The life and music of the Queen of Soul will be celebrated across multiple music and talk channels.
SiriusXM Soul Town (channel 49) will become The Aretha Franklin Tribute Channel in honor of her contribution to popular music. The channel features music from her iconic career, live listener calls, as well as archival interviews and tributes from fellow artists and fans.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio (channel 310) will highlight her music and air reflections from fellow artists each hour throughout the week.
SiriusXM VOLUME (channel 106) will discuss her life, music and legacy during their live broadcasts.
With her music and legacy spanning multiple decades and genres, Aretha Franklin's music can also be heard across many SiriusXM channels, including Heart & Soul (channel 48), 60s on 6 (channel 6) and 70s on 7 (channel 7) and 80s on 8 (channel 8).

Source: SiriusXM


URBAN ONE HONORS THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE QUEEN OF SOUL, ARETHA FRANKLIN

Urban One Celebrates the Life, Legacy and Impact of Music Icon and Civil Rights Champion with Special Primetime Programming Encores and Tribute on TV One, Interactive One Digital Sites and Across all REACH Media/Radio One Markets


PHOTO CREDIT: Nicholas Hunt/WireImage (Courtesy of TV One)
SILVER SPRING, MD - As the world mourns the tremendous loss of American treasure Aretha Franklin, the music legend, Civil Rights champion and renowned 'Queen of Soul,' Urban One announces plans to honor her life, legacy and impact on humanity with special encore presentations of interviews and news specials on TV One, special digital content across Interactive One sites and all REACH Media and Radio One stations, hosts, shows and sites.


Below is the TV One programming lineup for Aretha Franklin's tribute that aired yesterday (August 16, 2018) and will see an encore showing on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018

TV One on One: Aretha Franklin (11 a.m. ET/10 C)
Join Urban One Founder Cathy Hughes as she talks with "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin about her life and journey throughout her amazing career.
Aretha:  Frankly Speaking (12 p.m. ET/11 C)
Chronicles the professional and personal life of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The one-hour special also features exclusive behind-the-scenes stories of iconic songs like "Respect," "Natural Woman," "Precious Lord" and "Pink Cadillac" as told through Franklin's trusted inner circle, her musical team, and her very own words.



URBAN ONE FOUNDER AND CHAIRPERSON CATHY HUGHES HONORS AND REMEMBERS THE LEGACY OF HER FRIEND, ARETHA FRANKLIN


Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc., Cathy Hughes, a radio legend and close friend to Aretha Franklin who worked with and interviewed Franklin many times over the years, issued a statement of her sincerest condolences to Franklin's family, friends and colleagues upon receiving  news of Franklin's passing.  Below are excerpts from Hughes' statement, click here to view in it's entirety.


(From Left to Right) Media maven, Cathy Hughes and the "Queen Of Soul"
Aretha Franklin during the taping of TV One On One. (Courtesy of TV One)
"Today I join my community, my industry and the world in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of my dear sister, friend, and ally, Aretha Franklin. I send my love and offer prayers of grace and peace to the members of her family, her friends and colleagues who walked alongside her and shared her with tens of millions of fans around the world.
I have so many fond memories of Aretha. Throughout her career, I was blessed to share her music and her iconic story. I am humbled to have been a part of her journey and to have served as an eyewitness to the evolution of her artistry and the formation of her legacy. 
Like many of our musicians, Aretha's musical roots are embedded in the black church, and gospel music was at her core. Her talent transcended genres and not only earned her the title of the "Queen of Soul" but also the distinction of being the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And while many will remember her for all of the titles she has received, I  
believe, Aretha Franklin, in her own words, said it best,'being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that.' 
And Aretha Franklin, so are we. Rest in peace my sister."

TV One continues its commitment to honoring the legacy of notable African Americans. The network will honor the musical genius by sharing top responses from social media on its website (www.tvone.tv). TV One viewers can join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using #RIPARETHAFRANKLIN and #REPRESENT