17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Party Celebrating the Academy Awards Raises Nearly $4 Million Feb. 23, 2009 – It was another triumphant year for Elton John and partner David Furnish as they raised over $ 4 million at the 17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party. The huge event was hosted right after the Oscar show.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has been a constant in raising awareness and funds for the cause.
The guest list this year included: Victoria Beckham and John Walters in addition to Hollywood luminaries such as Sir Ben Kingsley, Claire Danes & Hugh Dancy, Gerard Butler, Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor, Quincy Jones, Keifer Sutherland, Whoopi Goldberg, Sharon Stone, Eva Longoria Parker, Kate Beckinsale, Carrie Underwood, Natasha Bedingfield, Chace Crawford, Olivia Wilde, Rosanna Arquette, Josh Groban, Elle Macpherson, Gordon Ramsey, Eric McCormack, Tim Allen, Rashida Jones, Molly Sims, Russell Simmons, Dita Von Teese, Zac Posen, Natasha Henstridge, Terrell Owens, Chris O'Donnell, Paz Vega, Chris Noth, Taye Diggs and Ricki Lake.
As in previous years the gala featured a huge auction including an opportunity to dance with Ellen DeGeneras on her talk show, that went for $20,000 and two jewel encrusted 10th Anniversary Elton John AIDS Foundation collection watches designed by Chopard went for $250,000 each.
The Elton John Aids Foundation was founded in 1992. So far they have raised over $150 million. – by Kari Graham - Story Courtesy of Rock History Book.com
Billy Joel Itching to Tour Again With Elton John Oct. 29, 2008 – Billy Joel had this great idea for special shows, ‘Master Classes’ a few years ago. He would talk as much as sing. The concert series which are widely available via bootlegs had Joel answering any question the audience threw at him. He did his first Master Class show in years last night at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. At the charity event he talked about the differences between Beethoven and Mozart, did impressions of Robert Plant, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and even Chris Rock. He also said that he and Elton John would soon tour again. The duos famous ‘Face to Face” tours were hugely successful. Imagine both on one stage plus the pair performing each others songs. We saw them in Vancouver years ago – amazing.
Billy Joel confirms rumours he'll tour with Elton John again. Though the pair has not toured together since 2002, Joel says the live spectacle will come back in 2009. No specific dates have been released. – by John Beaudin
Elton John Say’s Sorry to His Ex-Wife June 30, 2008 – Oh, this was the stuff made for movies. Elton John, who most people in the industry knew was gay, marries a woman. It was only a matter of time before everyone knew the whole thing was a sham. Elton hooked up with sound engineer Renate Blauel in Sydney in 1984 and he now says he’s really sorry for putting his wife through that whole thing. He told VH1, "She is the classiest woman I have ever met and I do love her desperately, but it wasn't to be. I was living a lie. I'm not exactly proud of that, to say the least." Blauel is now a recluse in Surrey, UK but no one knows if she’s in hiding because of the failed relationship. She was the sound engineer on Human League’s album ‘Hysteria.’ The couple had no children. – By John Beaudin
Elton John Wants to Help Lily Allen June 11, 2008 – They don’t call him Captain Fantastic for nothing! Elton John likes to help people. Like many recovered substance abusers he hasn’t forgotten how to give back and that’s exactly what he and his Canadian life-partner David Furnish want to do with singer Lily Allen. Furnish met up with Allen at a Royal Academy of Arts VIP private view on Wednesday and then she was carried out of the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. The pair believes that Allen just needs to clean up and first she needs to stay out of the public eye so they’ve invited her to stay at their house.
Allen has woken up in some peculiar situation not remembering how she got there or where her purse is. Rumour now has it that she will take them up on their offer.
Elton has a reputation of also helping celebrities even when they might not ask for it. A few years ago Elton kidnapped Robbie Williams and threw him in rehab. He has also been trying to help two singers who really need it, Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse. – by John Beaudin
Elvis Cosello and Elton John Create “Spectacle” Together April 2, 2008 – Elvis Costello looked pretty good when he filled in for Letterman in 2003 so it looks like he’s building on that with the announcement this week of his new show "Spectacle: Elvis Costello With ...," to be produced by Elton John’s Rocket Pictures production company. "I'm not interested in extracting some dark secret," Costello says of the show. "I'd rather hear about a bright secret, a deep love or a curiosity that might be otherwise obscured by fame. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk in complete thoughts about music, movies, art or even vaudeville, then frame it with unique and illustrative performances." Part of the proceeds for the show will be donated to the Global Fund's work on AIDS relief in Africa. Costello also has a new CD to released on April 22 called "Momofuku."
It's
A Busy Day For Elton John November
9, 2004 - It's like Christmas for true Elton John fans. Captain Fantastic is set to release both a new CD and DVD today. The album
"Peachtree Road" is John's follow up to the critically acclaimed, "Songs
From The West Coast." Like the last album it features two band members who
were an integral part of the Elton John sound from almost the beginning of his
career, guitarist Davey Johnstone and Drummer Nigel Olsson. "Peachtree Road"
is also the first self produced album for Sir. Elton. The DVD is comprehensive!
"Dreamticket" is a 4 disc set available exclusively at Best Buy in the
U.S. and Future Shop in Canada. Recorded primarily in New York City, London and
Ephesus, Turkey in the last four years, the set also includes vintage concert
footage from as far back as the 70's.
Elton
John Wants to Apologize to Madonna October
28, 2004 - Start your P.R. engines. Elton John says he wants to apologize to Madonna for accusing her of lip-synching. He tells
Entertainment Weekly ``It was something that was said in the heat of the moment,
and probably should not have been said.'' Elton added the comments were made over
a "very drunken lunch.'' Liz Rosenberg, Madonna spokesperson says Madonna
did not take his comments seriously anyway. Of course she didn't. Why would she
it's a common fact that anyone wearing a pointy bra, dancing a hundred miles an
hour on stage can easily sing in tune without gasping for air. Just ask Ashlee
Simpson. Elton John's new album "Peachtree Road" will be released Nov.
8.
Elton
John Debuts The Red Piano In Vegas February
13, 2004 - Elton John has a new three year engagement in Vegas and he's promising
to be well dressed for the occasion. The legendary singer debuted "The Red
Piano" tonight and says he had fun shopping for a whole new wardrobe for
the gigs. Elton told fans to expect a huge production and promises a return to
his roots. The singer says he hasn't done a production show since the seventies.
"The Red Piano" is the second production at the new Colosseum at Caesars
Palace. Celine Dion's show "A New Day"
debuted in March of 2003 and will alternate concert dates with John. John has
a contract for 75 shows over the three year period with ticket priced between
100 and 250 dollars U.S. a piece.
Krall,
Costello & Elton to Perform at Fundraiser January
19, 2004 - You can categorize this under the "ultimate dinner music"
file. Diana
Krall and new husband Elvis Costello along with Elton
John will sing at a dinner on March 5th in Vancouver to raise funds to battle
Leukemia. Krall lost her mother to cancer in 2002. Her mother was treated at the
Vancouver General Hospital and Krall says she's grateful for the care her mom
got at V-G-H, adding the fundraising concert is about celebrating life and love.
The event will specifically raise funds for the V-G-H leukemia-bone transplant
program. Previous fundraisers from Krall have raised over $500,000 which has helped
buy medical equipment and assist out of town patients. Krall and Costello were
married at Elton John's Castle in England
last December. The pair also has a home there as well as on Vancouver Island.
Elton
John, Annie Lennox, Sting Nominated for Golden Globes December
19, 2003 - The Golden Globe nominations were released today and two artist associated
with Smooth Jazz radio are in the running. Annie
Lennox and Sting were both nominated
in the "Original Song Category." Lennox' for "Into The West"
from "Lord Of The Rings - Return Of The King" co written by Howard Shore
and Fran Walsh. Sting's nomination was for "You Will Be My And True Love"
from the movie "Cold Mountain." Elton
John and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin were also nominated for
Best Original Song for "The Heart of Every Girl" from the Julie Roberts
film "Mona Lisa Smile." Read all the
nominations.
Elton
John & Bruce Hornsby Recording Together December
16, 2003 - The next Bruce Hornsby album is shaping up to have a few Rock'n Roll
superstars. While Hornsby was in England a few months ago he recorded four songs
with Eric Clapton, now Hornsby is working with one of all time musical heroes Elton
John. The two pianists worked together on the ballad "Dreamland."
Hornsby spoke about the session that took place in Atlanta on his website www.brucehornsby.com "Elton is amazing in that he can wake up in the morning and not even have
to warm up his voice. And it's all there, right away. The rest of us phlegmatic
flounderers can only look on in admiration."
Rod
Stewart Takes Swipe at McCartney, Sting, Elton October
29, 2003 - Seems Rod Stewart has just about had enough of being criticized for
dating a younger woman. The 58 year old rocker is currently seeing 32 year old
model Penny Lancaster says while he gets dumped on for the age difference fellow
rockers in the same boat are left alone. "What pisses me off is they never
have a go at Paul McCartney for marrying a younger woman ... but they kill me
because of Penny," he said. Read
more.
Elton
John Hit's Number One with 24 Year Old Song
Sept
2, 2003 - Well, better late than never. Elton John has just hit #1 on the British
Charts with a song he originally released in 1979. "Are You Ready For Love"
was a flop when first released but recently the song gained new interest when
it was featured this summer in a commercial for a news organization's soccer coverage.
Originally from the EP "Thom Bell Session" "Ready For Love"
stalled at #42 on the charts in 1979. The five song album did feature one big
hit "Mama Can't Buy Your Love." "Thom Bell Session" as with
all of Elton's early releases is still available in stores.
Elton
John Talks Safe Sex June
20, 2003 - Many artists have gone the extra mile to help various charities but
Elton John's work with his AIDS Foundation has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Elton doesn't only put his name on letterheads he has donated his time and money
to the fund raiser including donating memorabilia for auction worth thousands.
Last week Sir Elton was telling young people in Britain to practice safe sex.
While opening a memorial garden for two former patients at a hospital clinic for
people with AIDS and HIV he spoke bluntly about the dangers of unprotected sex.
The singer told the crowd that they'd be, "throwing away their lives"
if they ignored new figures that indicate an increase in STDs in the UK. Check
out the foundations official website. http://www.ejaf.org/
Elton
John Plays Private Gig
June
12, 2003 - It must be nice to be rich! Robert Kraft the owner of the New England
Patriots recently hired Elton John to play for his private party. The shin-dig
celebrating he and his wife's 40th wedding anniversary was a big production. Elton
John played for 90 minutes before 600 guests on the field at Gillette Stadium
in Foxborough, Massachusetts. We're sure his wife Myra was very impressed. No
word on what the whole thing cost.
Elton
John and Bernie Taupin tackle Vampires May
13, 2003 - They have been writing together since the late sixties and in that
time they've covered every imaginable subject from Love to Cowboys, Marilyn Monroe
to Princess Di but they have never written about Vampires. Elton
John and Bernie Taupin say their next project will a musical based on Anne
Rice's vampire chronicles. Elton partnered with Tim Rice for ``The Lion King''
but this will be the first time John and Taupin have worked on a musical together.
John and Taupin say the musical will be dramatic, sexy and dark -- not campy.
The music will be more classical than pop. The project is scheduled to hit the
stage in 2005.
Read More
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line, they've already sold theirs. - John Beaudin, President,
Smooth Jazz Now.com
Sacramento Loses Their Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. More
Now 3 Chances to Win “Classic Smooth Jazz 6 Packs” February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history. More
In Conversation with U-NAM on his latest CD ‘Unanimity’ February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. More
Sade Is Queen Again February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. More
Record Numbers of Votes Registered for the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” More
In Conversation with Paula Atherton February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer. Read the interview
Feb. 23, 2009 – It was another triumphant year for Elton John and partner David Furnish as they raised over $ 4 million at the 17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party. The huge event was hosted right after the Oscar show. 
Oct. 29, 2008 – 
June 11, 2008 – They don’t call him Captain Fantastic for nothing! Elton John likes to help people. Like many recovered substance abusers he hasn’t forgotten how to give back and that’s exactly what he and his Canadian life-partner David Furnish want to do with singer Lily Allen. Furnish met up with Allen at a Royal Academy of Arts VIP private view on Wednesday and then she was carried out of the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. The pair believes that Allen just needs to clean up and first she needs to stay out of the public eye so they’ve invited her to stay at their house.
March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. 
February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history
February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. 
February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. 
February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” 
February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer.