Headlines for July 2, 2009
By: Roisin Bonner
New Harrison Songs to be Released
Quiet Beatle George Harrison, who passed away in 2001, is set to grace the music scene once again. According to The Guardian, Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra and the Traveling Wilburys) will produce an album of songs Harrison was working on when he died. Lynne has previous Fab-Four experience as the mastermind behind 1995's Free As A Bird, which layered vocals from a 1977 recording of John Lennon over music by the remaining three band members. The new Harrison songs, in various forms of completion, will also be produced by Harrison's son Dhani.
Jackson's Will Leaves Kids to Diana Ross
After much speculation about the existence and validity of Michael Jackson's last will and testament, the document has been filed in a Los Angeles court. While details are scant, one surprising point has emerged. As reported by Rolling Stone, Jackson left custody of his three children, Prince Michael, Paris, and Prince Michael II (aka Blanket), to his mother, Katherine Jackson. However, the will stipulates that if Jackson's mother is unwilling or unable to take the children, former Supremes singer Diana Ross is to be granted custody.
Vibe Mag Closes Up Shop
Pitchfork.com reports that Vibe Magazine, the hip-hop/R&B publication established by music legend Quincy Jones, has been forced to fold. Launched in 1993, the magazine has been credited as one of the few sources for serious critical treatment of the genre. Falling advertising revenues are alleged to be the reason behind the shutdown.
