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BRITNEY SPEARS GIVES BIRTH TO SECOND SON

Access Hollywood confirmed with Britney Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, that Britney has given birth to her second child.

The proud grandfather says he has already seen the baby.

Britney reportedly delivered a 6-pound, 11-ounce baby boy, via C-section, just before 2 a.m. this morning.

Federline reportedly took her to the hospital last night to prepare for her C-section surgery. Sean Preston was also born via C-section, almost a year ago.

According to reports, Kevin was joined at Britney’s bedside by Britney’s mom, Lynne, and her sister, Jamie Lynne. No one from Kevin’s family was present.

 

 

InfoSpace Kicks Off CTIA With Exciting New Product and Partnership Announcements

 Sept. 12, 2006 Leading mobile media and technology company InfoSpace, Inc. (NASDAQ:INSP), today issued four announcements introducing important new products and partnerships to fuel the growth of its mobile initiatives. The announcements, made on the first day of CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2006 in Los Angeles, include: -0-

    --  InfoSpace and Tony Hawk, Inc. Announce an Exclusive         Partnership to Take the Tony Hawk Brand to Mobile Phones         Establishing a Base for the Ultimate Action Sports Mecca          The world's most successful and iconic action sports brand and         InfoSpace announced a partnership to bring Tony Hawk and the         actions sports lifestyle to the mobile universe. Beginning         today, Tony Hawk's(R) Mobile Dissent(TM) goes live on the Web         (http://www.tonyhawkdissent.com) as the first and only mobile portal         to the action sports lifestyle personified by the undisputed         ruler of the action sports community, Tony Hawk.      --  Major Upgrade of "InfoSpace Find It!" Debuts at CTIA          In this new version, InfoSpace has added spoken turn-by-turn         directions, integrated performance-based advertising and 15         million points of interest to InfoSpace Find It!, the first         comprehensive location-based application which helps consumers         easily and quickly find everything from nearby restaurants and         movie times to maps and driving directions.      --  InfoSpace Signs Mobile Gaming Agreement with Activision          InfoSpace announced that it has signed an agreement to create         mobile versions of several top Activision games, including the         two most recent titles from the legendary action sports         superstar Tony Hawk, as well as mobile versions of "GUN," a         Western-style action game, and a selection of Anthology         Classic 2600 titles, which include classic games that were         first designed for the Atari 2600.      --  InfoSpace Announces Partnerships with Classic Media and         Bagdasarian Productions to Bring Iconic Characters to Mobile         Devices          InfoSpace has signed deals with Classic Media and Bagdasarian         Productions to bring some of the world's most famous classic         movie and TV stars to mobile, including Rocky & Bullwinkle,         Lassie, The Lone Ranger, Alvin & the Chipmunks, and a host of         others. 

About InfoSpace, Inc.

A leading mobile media and technology company, InfoSpace, Inc. (NASDAQ:INSP) develops and distributes content, products and services that are creating a robust mobile marketplace and make it easy for consumers to discover, personalize and enjoy their experiences. Founded in 1996, InfoSpace leverages its online and mobile assets to potentially reach more than 90 percent of mobile subscribers in North America through partnerships with operators such as Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and Virgin Mobile and through its direct to consumer channel Moviso(R) (Moviso.com). The company's mobile portal services are also available to more than 60 percent of the U.S. market. Online, the company showcases its leading metasearch technology though Web sites such as Dogpile(R) (Dogpile.com) and its comprehensive directory listings in such properties as Switchboard(R) (Switchboard.com). For more information, please visit http://www.infospaceinc.com.

Cautionary Note about Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding InfoSpace's launch of the Tony Hawk's Mobile Dissent mobile channel and products; the upgrade of InfoSpace Find It!; InfoSpace's agreement with Activision; and InfoSpace's agreements with Classic Media and Bagdasarian Productions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could affect InfoSpace's actual results include the scope and timing of consumer adoption, carrier adoption and implementation, and market acceptance of the products involved. A more detailed description of certain factors that could affect actual results include, but are not limited to, those discussed in InfoSpace's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed from time to time, in the section entitled "Risk Factors." Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. InfoSpace undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 Sept 12, 2006

VH1 Classic Presents 'KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977'

Monumental 6 Hour 2-DVD Box Set Chronicles the Rise of KISS From New York's Baddest Glam Rockers To Hottest Band In The Land with Never-Before-Seen Footage, 70+ Live Performances, Four Full Concerts & More

First Installment of Definitive KISS Live DVD Collection In Stores October 31, 2006

Where other bands have fan clubs, KISS has a full-fledged Army of the most rabid and loyal true believers in the world. For more than three decades, the KISS Army has wanted and demanded nothing less than the best from their band and across all those years, that's exactly what KISS has always delivered.

The biggest, baddest, most triumphant show band in rock & roll history, KISS has weathered and transcended the fads, follies and delusions of an industry based on the quick buck and the passing fancy.

In the past thirty years, a thousand musical trends and genres have come and gone and come again -- sensitive singer-songwriters, glam, metal, punk, alternative, garage, roots, new wave, goth, hardcore, grunge, industrial, techno, retro, hip-hop, teenybop pop, boy bands, girl groups, etc. etc. -- and through it all, there has always been KISS.

KISS endures because the band is archetypal, iconic, larger-than-life and louder than thunder. The band, the brand, the blood, the fire and fireworks, the spectacle, the shock and awe and wonder of it all. KISS has always given its Army the Best Rock in the World and neither side has ever settled for less. And, for all the flash and arena-sized theatricality, the core of KISS is really the music, as potent and powerful and connected to the true heart of rock & roll as any band or artist or performer of the past century.

For the KISS Army, the release this Halloween of "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" marks the arrival of nothing less than a Holy Grail: 6 solid hours of vintage KISS going all the way back to the deep early roots of the band's classic line-up -- Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss -- captured and re-mastered on 2 state-of-the-art DVDs featuring more than 70 live performances and four full concerts bundled along with unreleased tracks and never-before-seen footage.

The mind-boggling first volume of a definitive three part collection (Volumes Two and Three are being readied for release in 2007) presented by VH1 Classic, "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" is a showcase of pristine digitally-restored video coupled with a 5.1 audio mix to provide both stunning visual quality and powerhouse finely-detailed sound designed to meet the approval of the most demanding KISSmaniac.

"KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" goes all the way back one of the band's earliest live performances in the New York pre-punk glam rock bar scene of the early 1970s before tracing the rocket-paced transformation of KISS into international rock gods who filled the world's largest arenas as the undisputed hottest band in the land by 1977.

A dream come true for the KISS Army, "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977," contains seldom seen high points of KISStory including significant never- before-available material drawn from the band's own personal video vaults. In addition to four full concerts from the peak of the band's first golden era, the DVD set also features notorious television interviews, early KISS music videos and rare unreleased tracks. Included in the lavish "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" package are spell-binding eyewitness liner notes penned by the members of KISS themselves.

Disc One of "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1976" takes a look back at an early bar-band KISS (freshly risen from the shards of Wicked Lester) already thinking much bigger than any of their contemporaries. 1974 is covered with a live concert in Long Beach as well as KISS's televised appearances on ABC's "In Concert" and an interview/performance on "The Mike Douglas Show." By 1975, KISS was playing San Francisco's fabled Winterland, headlining NBC's "Midnight Special" and making videos for "C'mon & Love Me" and their signature "Rock and Roll All Night," all included on "KISSology." In 1976, KISS came to Detroit for an incendiary concert at the Motor City's Cobo Hall, captured on Disc One of "KISSology."

Disc Two of "KISSology" picks up the threads of 1976 with the band's interview and performance of "Black Diamond" on "So It Goes," a must-see and much-discussed interview and performance of "King of the Nighttime World" on "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special," and personal band footage from May 1976. The 1977 material on Disc Two captures the band at the pinnacle of its international fame, performing to tens of thousands of fans at the legendary Budokan Hall in Tokyo in April '77 and, a little more than a month later, headlining "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert." Disc Two closes with scorching concert footage from The Summit in Houston, Texas on September 2, 1977, showing KISS laying down the creed that still beats at the heart of the band: Rock & Roll All Night and Party Every Day!!!

KISS has recorded more gold records than any other American band in history and has sold 80+ million records throughout their career. The group has earned more than 55 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards since receiving its first gold record for "KISS Alive!" in 1975. KISS has performed more than 3500 concerts in front of nearly eighty million fans in virtually every country on planet earth.

"KISSology Volume One 1974-1977" provides ample evidence of why KISS has lasted so long and continues to mean so much to so many millions of people. KISS is 100% dedicated to the heart and soul and power of ROCK and when the house lights go down, KISS is still the hottest band in any land.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more. Learn more at www.vh1classic.com.

 

Family Favorite Sitcom 'According to Jim' Hits National Syndication September 18, 2006

Buena Vista Television Rolls Out Hit Jim Belushi Laugher Nationwide

"According to Jim" won the affection -- and belly laughs -- of audiences nationwide when it debuted on ABC in 2001. And now -- in the midst of its primetime popularity -- this breakout family comedy will launch into national syndication five days a week on Monday, September 18.

Multi-talented film, television and stage actor Jim Belushi stars as a loving family man. He is the all-American guy, fiercely devoted to his beautiful wife Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith) and their three down-to-earth kids. He has it all, but still sometimes wrestles with the former wild teenager not-so-dormant within. While supporting his family as a contractor in a design firm with his younger, architect brother-in-law Andy (Larry Joe Campbell), Jim still finds time to pursue his other passion, playing the blues with his six-man garage band.

Cheryl is gorgeous, smart, and has Jim's number. She calls him on his antics but enjoys the playful banter and appreciates his passion, honesty and steadfast loyalty to her and the kids. Though Cheryl always seeks perfection and control in what she does, she's grateful to Jim when he coaxes her playful side out into the open. She's champagne and strawberries to Jim's beer nuts and bratwurst, yet somehow love conquers all.

Dana (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) is Cheryl's sister. She's strong-willed and pretty, but emotionally shortsighted and self-centered. Hot on the trail of the perfect guy, the men she chooses all seem to have commitment issues like getting past the first date. Dana fills up her life by enjoying her two nieces and nephew, and verbally sparring with Jim.

Andy is loving yet neurotic, and on the prowl for the lady of his dreams. Although he is a brilliant ball of creative energy, his sensitive nature is a great foil for sister Dana and brother-in-law Jim.

"According to Jim" also stars Taylor Atelian, Billi Bruno, Connor Sullivan, Garret Sullivan and Conner Rayburn.

From Touchstone Television in association with Brad Grey Television, "According to Jim" is entering its sixth season on ABC. Buena Vista Television is the domestic television distribution division of The Walt Disney Company.

Web site: http://www.watchjim.tv/

 

 

Andre Agassi Announces Addition of Ellen DeGeneres and a Special Acoustic Performance by John Mayer to Grand Slam Benefit Concert

Andre Agassi announced the addition of Ellen DeGeneres and a special acoustic performance by John Mayer to the all-star line-up for his 11th Annual Grand Slam for Children benefit concert for at-risk youth in Las Vegas.

Mayer, currently on tour with a brand new album entitled Continuum, and DeGeneres will complement the existing superstar roster which includes Counting Crows, Sarah McLachlan, legendary rocker Phil Collins and Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster, who will be serving as musical director for the 11th time. The talented performers will take the stage at 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The celebrity fundraising show is one of the biggest events of the year in Las Vegas.

Tickets priced at $90, $70 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are now on sale at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Tickets also will be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Tower Records/WOW!, select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Robinsons-May stores and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser, presented by Genworth Financial, benefits the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF), a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to assist at-risk youth in Las Vegas, where Agassi was raised. More than 85,000 fans and VIP guests have attended 10 Grand Slam events, raising $52.3 million for charity.

Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser include the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas; Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation School Bell; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; Child Haven; Class! Publications; Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; I Have A Dream Foundation; Las Vegas Inner-City Games; Las Vegas Philharmonic's Youth Concert Series; Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp; and YMCA of Southern Nevada.

Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of top entertainers including Barbra Streisand, Sir Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Robin Williams, Carlos Santana, Don Henley, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Ray Romano, Jamie Foxx, Jay Leno, Stevie Nicks, Seal, Tim McGraw, India.Arie, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Dennis Miller, Brian McKnight, Tears for Fears, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Groban and others.

For more information, please contact the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation at 702.227.5700.

About the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

The AACF, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity, was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth is a leading insurance holding company, serving the lifestyle protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more than 15 million customers, and has operations in 24 countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and 17 other European countries. For more information, visit www.genworth.com.

Source: Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

 

 

Apple Announces iTunes 7 With Amazing New Features

Disney, Pixar, Touchstone & Miramax Movies Now Available on the iTunes Store

Apple(R) today announced iTunes(R) 7, the most significant enhancement to the world's most popular music jukebox and online music and video store since it debuted in 2001. iTunes 7 delivers stunning new features such as the new album and Cover Flow views of music, TV shows and movies, enabling users to quickly find titles in their library as well as casually browse through and re-discover titles they already own. In addition, the iTunes Store ( www.itunes.com ) is now offering over 75 movies from Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films, that customers can purchase and download to watch on their computers and iPods, and soon on their flat screen televisions with Apple's upcoming iTV* player. Movies will become available on the iTunes Store the same day they are released on DVD, with new releases priced at $12.99 when pre-ordered and during their first week of availability, and $14.99 thereafter, and library titles available for just $9.99 every day.

"Here we go again! First music, then TV shows, and now movies," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "In less than one year we've grown from offering just five TV shows to offering over 220 TV shows, and we hope to do the same with movies. iTunes is selling over one million videos a week, and we hope to match this with movies in less than a year."

"ABC and Disney Channel were the first networks to offer television programming on iTunes, and we're once again breaking new ground as The Walt Disney Studios becomes the first to debut feature films on the iTunes platform," said Robert Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. "Disney is committed to providing innovative ways for audiences to enjoy their favorite entertainment content, and our association with Apple is yet another example of how we continue to reach consumers on their terms, regardless the time, location or device."

"Steve Jobs and Apple have consistently demonstrated that they have their finger on the pulse of today's audience with regard to legal downloads of music and television shows, and our presence on iTunes will now allow us to deliver Disney's films in this popular and convenient format," said Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. "Not only are we proud to be expanding our association with Apple, but we feel that this new venture meets a growing demand for movie viewing that will ultimately expand the market for our films."

The iTunes Store has quickly become the world's most popular video download store, selling over one million videos per week. The iTunes Store began selling TV shows with five shows from ABC/Disney less than a year ago, in October 2005, and rapidly expanded its library to over 220 television shows from over 40 networks today. The iTunes Store also features the world's largest catalog of online music with over 3.5 million songs and has sold a stunning 1.5 billion songs, making it the world's most popular digital music store.

The iTunes Store now features great new releases and library titles from Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films, such as "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," "Shakespeare in Love," "The Princess Diaries," "The Incredibles," "National Treasure," "Toy Story," "The Rock" and "The Rookie." Customers can purchase and download movies from iTunes the same day they become available on DVD, or pre-order upcoming movies which are automatically downloaded when they become available. Customers get the same great one-click download experience for movies that they enjoy with music and TV shows.

With iTunes 7, all videos purchased from the iTunes Store are downloaded in near-DVD quality at a resolution of 640x480 (up to 480, depending on the aspect ratio), which is four times higher than before. Downloaded videos can be played on computers and iPods. iTunes 7 also includes new features to better organize and enjoy digital music and video, including expanded parental controls, an iTunes video playback window with on-screen controls, and the new Cover Flow view that lets you visually browse your entire video collection by cover artwork.

The iTunes Store now also offers downloads of popular video games for fifth generation iPods, including "Tetris," "Mahjong" and "Mini Golf" from Electronic Arts Inc.; "Pac-Man" from Namco Networks America Inc.; "Cubis 2" from FreshGames, LLC; "Bejeweled" and "Zuma" from PopCap Games, Inc.; "Texas Hold'em" and "Vortex" developed by Apple, all available beginning today for $4.99 each.

With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod(R) and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac(R) and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online.

Pricing & Availability

iTunes 7 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Store and is available as a free download immediately from www.itunes.com . Purchase and download of content from the iTunes Store for Mac or Windows requires a valid credit card with a billing address in the country of purchase. Television shows and feature films are available in the US only, and video availability varies by country. Games are available for download in the 21 countries in which iTunes operates and play on the fifth generation iPod. New release feature films are $14.99 (US) each and other feature-length films are $9.99 (US) each, television shows are $1.99 (US) per episode, music videos and short films are $1.99 (US) each and games are $4.99 (US) each.

* iTV is the project's internal code name and will not be the final product name.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award- winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iTunes and iPod are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Apple

 

 

 

NFL & Apple Offer 2006 NFL Highlights on the iTunes Store

Highlights of All Regular Season NFL Games & NFL GameDay from NFL Network Available for $1.99 Each

The National Football League (NFL) and Apple(R) today announced that they will bring 2006 NFL regular season action to the iTunes(R) Store ( www.itunes.com ), offering video downloads of highlights from individual NFL games the day after they are played. For the first time ever, football fans will be able to download highlights of each NFL regular season game for $1.99 per game. Fans may purchase a "Follow Your Team" Season Pass for $24.99 and have game clips from their favorite teams delivered automatically as they become available for viewing on a computer or iPod(R).

NFL fans will also be able to download NFL Network's NFL GameDay, hosted by Rich Eisen with Steve Mariucci and Deion Sanders. This all-inclusive Sunday night wrap-up show offers the most comprehensive NFL coverage on television, with highlights from every NFL game plus post-game reaction and expert analysis, all for $1.99 per show or $19.99 for a full season.

"We are dedicated to bringing the best of NFL action to NFL fans wherever they are," said Brian Rolapp, NFL vice president of media strategy. "We're convinced offering NFL highlights produced by Emmy Award-winning NFL Films and NFL Network's GameDay on iTunes is a great way for fans to not only follow their team but also experience the NFL as they never have before."

"We're thrilled to bring all the top action from the 2006 NFL season to football fans via iTunes," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "With approximately ten minutes of game highlights from every NFL game, NFL fans will be able to download exclusive highlights that give a unique perspective of each game."

Beginning September 18 and on each Monday thereafter during the regular season, fans will be able to download extensive action from Sunday games on iTunes for $1.99 per game, with Monday night games available on Tuesday. The $24.99 "Follow Your Team" Season Pass allows fans to select any of the 32 NFL teams and have game highlights from each of their 16 games automatically downloaded when they become available the following day. All Week 1 NFL game downloads become available on iTunes on September 18.

The iTunes Store now features over 3.5 million songs, 65,000 podcasts, 20,000 audiobooks, over 5,000 music videos and 220 television shows. With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac(R) and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award- winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the first television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/home .

Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPod and iTunes are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Apple

 

Apple Introduces the New iPod

Hollywood Movies, Games & New Lower Price

Apple(R) today introduced the new iPod(R), the best digital music player and most popular portable video player in the world. The new iPod features a 60 percent brighter and more vibrant 2.5-inch color display perfect for watching TV shows and now Hollywood movies right in the palm of your hand. The new iPod features seamless integration with iTunes(R) 7 and the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) which now includes over 75 Hollywood movies, 220 television shows and popular video games designed specifically for the fifth generation iPod. The new iPod is available in a 30GB model at the new low price of $249 and an 80GB model, which holds up to 20,000 songs or 100 hours of video, for $349.

"The world's best digital music player has evolved into the world's most popular portable video player too," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "The new iPod's brighter and more vibrant display and longer battery life make it perfect for watching Hollywood movies and TV shows right in the palm of your hand."

The new iPod features Apple's patented Click Wheel for precise, one-handed navigation, and is seamlessly integrated with iTunes 7, which now features gapless playback for enjoying albums the way they were intended to be listened to. iPod's new Search and Quick Scroll feature makes it even easier for music fans to find exactly what they are looking for and Apple's patent pending Auto-Sync technology automatically downloads digital music, podcasts, photos, audiobooks, movies, music videos and popular TV shows onto the iPod and keeps them up-to-date whenever the iPod is plugged into a Mac(R) or Windows com- puter.

With its stunning high-resolution color display, iPod allows users to view album art and photo slideshows while playing music, or watch video and play games in full color. Popular video games designed specifically for the fifth generation iPod include: "Bejeweled," "Cubis 2," "Mahjong," "Mini Golf," "Pac-Man," "Tetris," "Texas Hold'em," "Vortex" and "Zuma," and are available for purchase on the iTunes Store.

The 30GB model features up to 14 hours of battery life for music playback and up to three and a half hours of video playback, and the 80GB model fea- tures up to 20 hours of battery life for music playback and six and a half hours of video playback.* The new iPod features brightness control allowing users to easily change the brightness.

Pricing & Availability

The new iPod models are available worldwide through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The new 30GB iPod model in white or black is available for $249 (US), and the new 80GB model in white or black is available for $349 (US). All iPod models include redesigned earbud headphones providing superior comfort, fit and sound qual- ity, and a USB 2.0 cable.

Optional accessories for the new iPod include: Universal Dock for $39 (US), Apple Remote for $29 (US), Apple iPod AV cable for $19 (US), the iPod Camera Connector for $29 (US) and a new incredibly compact iPod USB power adapter for $29 (US) which at almost half the size of the previous USB power adapter, is perfect for charging your iPod while traveling.

iPod requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS(R) X version 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 7.0 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4), Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 2) and iTunes 7.0 or later. Internet access is required and a broadband connection is recommended.

* Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information. Music capacity is based on four minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; actual capacity varies by content. Photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes. Video playback based on 640X480 iTunes video content.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPod, iTunes and Apple Store are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Apple Computer, Inc.

 

 

 

International Superstar Andrea Bocelli Announces Fall Tour Dates for November and December

Andrea Bocelli: Under The Desert Sky to be Released on Decca/Sugar November 7th

** Includes DVD Concert Footage and Live Audio CD from Lake Las Vegas **

International superstar Andrea Bocelli returns to the U.S. for select concert dates beginning November 30th at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City. This not-to-be-missed show will feature the tenor performing some of the world's most famous opera arias as well as love songs from his platinum-selling smash Amore. The CD marked Bocelli's highest debut ever and has remained on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and the top of the Classical Crossover chart since its release in January. On November 7th, the highly anticipated follow-up to Amore, Andrea Bocelli: Under The Desert Sky, will be released on Decca/Sugar.

Just in time for the holidays, Under The Desert Sky features live performances from Amore as well as bonus tracks including Neil Diamond's "September Morn" and a duet with Tony Award(R)-winner Heather Headley on "The Prayer." Other highlights include the classic "Besame Mucho," the inspiring "Because We Believe" and a heartfelt duet with Katharine McPhee on "Can't Help Falling In Love." The beautiful Lake Las Vegas Resort was the backdrop for the concert which was also recorded as part of PBS Great Performance series.

The media has embraced Bocelli as well as affirming his position as one of the most romantic voices in the world. The Los Angeles Times stated Amore is a "romantic bonbon" with a "dreamy delivery" while the New York Post concurred giving the album a "4 star" review. Surrounding the release of Amore, Andrea sang for millions in a massive TV campaign that included two nights alongside Grammy-winning Amore producer David Foster on American Idol, an unprecedented three segments on the Today Show, and performances at the Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics and the NBA All Star Weekend.

Look for Andrea Bocelli on tour.

Thurs., November 30th New York, NY Madison Square Garden

Sat., December 2nd Portland, OR Rose Garden

Sun., December 3rd Seattle, WA Key Arena

Tues., December 5th Mexico City, MX Auditorio National

Wed., December 6th Monterey, MX Arena de Monterrey

Sat., December 9th Denver, CO Pepsi Arena

Sun., December 10th Anaheim, CA Arrowhead Pond

Source: Universal Music Classics Group

Web site: http://www.iclassics.com/

Bill Anderson and Little Jimmy Dickens Share Insights with Some of Today's Hottest Artists CMA Announces the Newest Members of the Country Music Hall of Fame

 

Bill Anderson and Little Jimmy Dickens Share Insights with Some of Today's Hottest Artists
By Peter Cronin

 

© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

In 2003, CMA created the Artist Relations Committee as part of an ongoing effort to educate and involve the artists in all that the organization does on behalf of Country Music. Chaired by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn and Co-chaired by ASCAP Senior VP Connie Bradley, the committee agreed that while CMA is rightly concerned with moving forward, it should never lose touch with Country's colorful past and with the rich history that points the way to the future.

There are great members in the artist community that can provide insight into where CMA has been and where it needs to go. The May CMA Board meetings in Dallas presented the perfect opportunity for a cross-generational artists "summit." Moderated by CMA Close Up Editor Peter Cronin, the panel brought together some of today's hottest Country artists - Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn; Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry; Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts; and John Rich of Big & Rich - with living legends and Country Music Hall of Fame members "Whispering" Bill Anderson and Little Jimmy Dickens. The conversation quickly took on a life of its own as panelists tackled a number of Country Music-related topics. Following are some excerpts from this lively and historic panel.

SONGWRITING

ANDERSON: "When I got [to Nashville] in 1960, I think there were three or four publishing companies. It was the beginning of the artist/songwriter thing with myself, Mel Tillis, Roger Miller, Tom T. Hall and people like that. There weren't many people making a living writing songs, and there was very little co-writing. You went into your room at night, pulled down the shades, tried to get in a mournful mood and wrote a sad song. For years I thought that was the way you had to do it. And then about 10 years ago I discovered this great thing called co-writing, and boy it sure is a lot more fun that way."

BROOKS: "Didn't Roger Miller once say, 'I don't really get the co-writing thing; Picasso didn't co-paint did he?' I spent 10 years writing for a living before Ronnie [Dunn] and I started. I can't think of a higher-pressure job for a person starting out in the business. There are a handful of guys that make their living at songwriting, but there's only a few slots out there. It's really challenging."

RICH: "Your ears are more important than your mouth when you're writing songs. We saw Gretchen Wilson go from being a bartender to selling 4 and a half million records. We were at my house watching CMT. She's sitting there in a T-shirt and sweatpants and flip-flops, a Bud Light in one hand, a lit cigarette and a Copenhagen dip in the other. Two or three videos roll by with female artists and she goes, 'I can't look like that, I can't sound like that, and I can't say what they're saying, 'Cause that's not me.' I said, 'Well, what do you want to sing?' She said, 'I'm just a redneck woman standing in the front yard with a baby on one hip.' She was saying the lyrics of the song right then! We wrote that song in about 60 to 70 minutes, and that's what opened my mind up to finding out what's unique about an artist and creating the song about what is unique about them. As soon as I started incorporating that into my songwriting, everything went to another level."

ANDERSON: "You never get tired of hearing somebody record one of your songs, and I'm just as excited about it happening today as when I found out Ray Price had cut 'City Lights' back in 1958."

DICKENS: "I was riding in Minnie Pearl's airplane with Hank Williams and he said, 'Tater, you need a hit.' And I said, 'Who doesn't?' Hank said, 'I'm gonna write you one. He started quoting the lines to 'Hey Good Lookin' and he wrote it in 20 minutes. He said, 'You record that, it'll make you a hit.' I said, 'First thing I do when I get home, I'll record it.' A week later, I met Hank in the radio station, and he said, 'Tater, I cut your song today!'"

TOURING

ANDERSON: "In the early '60s, the Wilburn Brothers asked me if I would do a private show for the employees of the Eastman-Kodak company. They said, 'We'll pay you $35 to ride to Rochester, N.Y., in the back of our Cadillac, do a show on the stage, tear down, go down in the basement, do a dance, get in the car and go back home. Well, I'd been making $50 a week as a disc jockey and I thought, '$35 a day! There's not that much money in the world!' This was in the days before interstates; it would take you seven or eight hours to drive to Cincinnati and another three hours to drive through Cincinnati. You finally end up in Rochester, a few hours before the show. We took showers, set the equipment up, did a two-and-a-half hour concert, tore everything down, went into basement, set it all up again, and played a two-hour dance. When the night was over, we packed up our stuff in the car and started right back to Nashville. That'll take something out of you. If you've never ridden in a Chevy coupe with five musicians and a bass fiddle, you haven't lived. But I wouldn't take anything for those days."

GENTRY: "Eddie and I do the same thing, but not in that extreme. Playing clubs around Kentucky growing up, instead of having the bass on top, we were in my Camaro with the hatchback popped open with speakers hanging out, and guitar straps and cords going every which way in the wind. That makes me appreciate what I have today, being able to drive on tour buses, the bigger crowds and everything else. But I still don't forget."

DICKENS: "It hasn't all been fun. I had a manager one time who booked me into a phone booth on New Year's Eve. Standing room only."

BROOKS: "If you don't have great songs and some hits, you don't get to have all that fun."

RECORDING

ANDERSON: "When I came along it was a singles oriented business. You'd cut singles, you'd try to get hit records and then it would be on the radio. A regular record session was normally three hours, four songs, and you'd cut your next two singles. If your singles did well, they'd put out an album. We did not go in and cut album projects.

DEMARCUS: "It has changed sonically and I think for the better. I love the process of being in the studio, and I love hearing my songs on the radio. That's what pumps me up."

RICH: "I'm recording stuff on John Anderson right now. I just love him. He's got one of those voices that's never going to be duplicated. John Anderson - bring it on!"

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND EVOLVING FORMATS

GENTRY: "If I can go and pick up the one or two good songs from an album for two bucks, why would I go out and spend $18 on an album I'm never going to listen to? The generation growing up is seeing that."

DEMARCUS: "I don't know . we had a pretty good first week about a month ago, and I think people still like to hold that jacket in their hands and look at the lyrics. It still matters to a lot of people more than we think."

BROOKS: "When I started getting into music, when I was into an artist, the single was cool, but once the dance was over I wanted to hear the other music they made. Knowing those obscure cuts on an album is all part of the cool factor of being a fan. Word of mouth is still very much a part of music culture. My kids are like that. There's still the real music fan who wants all of it."

DICKENS: "I think that's because they like the artist. When people buy music today, they go looking for that one artist, and whatever is on that album they're going to buy it, 'cause they like that person."

IMAGE AND CAREER BUILDING

RICH: "These two guys have nicknames - 'Whispering' Bill Anderson, 'Little' Jimmy Dickens. I look at the MuzikMafia as my version of the Rat Pack, the camaraderie and supporting each other. Gretchen Wilson, who's she? She's the 'Redneck Woman.' 'Big and Rich,' what's that? That's Country Music without prejudice. 'Big' Kenny, 'Two Foot' Fred, 'Cowboy' Troy and on and on. I think Country Music is going back to that. Rascal Flatts has a total identity. Montgomery Gentry, that chain microphone, your whole thing, there's a character going on there. And I think if Country Music starts focusing on that character, as Mr. Dickens said, they're buying that character. Kenny Chesney has now officially replaced Jimmy Buffett as the biggest island guy in the world. But it all starts with the song, down at the creative level at the bottom building it up."

ANDERSON: "You guys have got one thing we didn't have, that helps you get that identity, and that's the music videos. When I came along, you had to put out record after record for people that never associated a name with an artist. Today you've got that video in their living room and they can see what's different about Rascal Flatts and Brooks & Dunn."

RICH: "People can decide they don't like you a lot faster too!"

ANDERSON: "When we came along, if you sounded like anybody else, it was, 'We'll see you later.' You had to be unique in the way you sounded; you probably don't have to be that different today."

DICKENS: "One time, Marty Robbins said I want to thank Little Jimmy Dickens for helping me with my career and getting me into this business, because I figured if he could make it, anybody could."

RICH: "The cookie-cutter method in Nashville is unhealthy. I think you ought to use different players, different studios, different engineers, different tactics; you ought to mix it up to give that particular artist a fighting chance to have their own sound. I've learned that lesson, and thank goodness, had some success at it."

COUNTRY MUSIC FANS

ANDERSON: "I learned from people like Little Jimmy Dickens and the Wilburn Brothers. If you made a fan in those days, you made a fan for life and they would accept you through the lean years as well as the good years. The relationship between the artist and the fan was really close in those days."

BROOKS: "They are the people that give us jobs and allow us to do what we do every night. Once you forget that and don't take the time to give back to them a little bit - a few moments to hug or sign an autograph - you're hunting down the wrong path."

THE CURRENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

RICH: "I think [the labels] are taking some big chances. They certainly took a chance with us, Big & Rich."

GENTRY: "We were definitely left of what was being played on mainstream radio at the time we got signed."

ANDERSON: "The Opry is bigger than any one artist. The most exciting nights at the Opry are when there's just the right mix of veteran artists and new people. My fans, the ladies with the blue hair, are cheering for Big & Rich and Brooks & Dunn. And then the young kids come down to take my picture. When it works, it's total magic.

RICH: "We're something totally oddball, and that's what turns me on about what's going on in Nashville right now. There's so much undiscovered knowledge and wisdom out there and bridges to be built. I think we could triple our business around the world, and I don't think that's a pipe dream."

On the Web:
Bill Anderson - www.billanderson.com
Big & Rich - www.big&rich.com
Brooks & Dunn - www.brooks-dunn.com
Montgomery Gentry - www.montgomerygentry.com
Rascal Flatts - www.rascalflatts.com

 

CMA Announces the Newest Members of the Country Music Hall of Fame
By Wendy Pearl and Scott Stem

Harold Bradley, Sonny James and George Strait to be Formally Inducted During "The 40th Annual CMA Awards" Nov. 6 on the ABC Television Network

© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

The Country Music Association has announced that influential musician/producer Harold Bradley, legendary singer Sonny James and multi-award-winning entertainer George Strait, will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame. Formal induction for the artists will take place during "The 40th Annual CMA Awards," on Monday, Nov. 6.

Bradley will be inducted in the "Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the "Career Achieved National Prominence Prior to World War II" and "Non-Performer" categories. James will be inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Between World War II and 1975" category. Strait will be the second artist inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present" category, which was created last year.

All inductees are chosen by CMA's Hall of Fame Panel of Electors, consisting of more than 300 anonymous voters appointed by the CMA Board of Directors. Bradley, James and Strait will increase membership in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame from 95 to 98 inductees.

"The highest musical honor achievable for a Country Music artist and musician is to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and these are all outstanding and highly deserving individuals," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "Harold Bradley has been instrumental in creating 'The Nashville Sound' since 1946, becoming the most recorded guitar player in history. Sonny James recorded an incredible streak of hit records for more than 25 years. And George Strait, whom nearly every Country artist on the charts today cites as a major influence, continues to create great music, having placed at least one single in the Top 10 every year since 1981.

"It is with great pride that CMA will induct these three exceptional artists and musicians into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where they will join an intimate yet influential group of performers and industry veterans who have made lasting contributions to Country Music over the last century."

Harold Bradley

A Nashville native born Jan. 2, 1926, Bradley and his older brother Owen (who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1974) grew up to become instrumental in both Country Music and Nashville's music history.

Fascinated early on with the banjo, Bradley took his brother's advice and began learning guitar. He became so skilled with the guitar that he toured with Ernest Tubb and the Texas Troubadours during the summer between his junior and senior years in high school.

After graduation and service with the U.S. Navy, Bradley studied music at George Peabody College in Nashville while playing guitar for artists on the Grand Ole Opry. His first Country Music recording session was in Chicago in 1946 with Pee Wee King and the Golden West Cowboys. As recording increased in Nashville, Bradley grew to become one of the busiest studio musicians in town, playing rhythm, lead and/or bass guitar as well as banjo. He was known for creating the "tic-tac" style of muting bass notes for the bass guitar.

In the late 1940s, Bradley and his brother Owen built Nashville's first recording facility, Castle Recording Studio. This studio lasted until 1955 when the brothers built a larger facility capable of stereo recordings known as the Bradley Film and Recording Studios on Sixteenth Avenue South in Nashville. This was the first music studio on what would eventually be known as "Music Row." Because so many Country and pop hits were being recorded at the Bradley Studio, Columbia Records eventually bought it in 1962 and built their record label around it.

Through the years, Bradley became the most recorded guitar player in history and would come to be known as "the Dean of Nashville Session Guitarists." As one of the original "A Team" studio musicians of Nashville, his musical talents were heard on such recordings as "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" (Red Foley); "Do the Hokey Pokey" (Ray Anthony); "Ballad of New Orleans" (Johnny Horton); "Jingle Bell Rock" (Bobby Helms); "I'm Sorry" (Brenda Lee); "Crazy" (Patsy Cline); "Only the Lonely" (Roy Orbison); "King of the Road" (Roger Miller); "Big Bad John" (Jimmy Dean); "Make The World Go Away" (Eddy Arnold); "Harper Valley PTA" (Jeannie C. Riley); "Stand By Your Man" (Tammy Wynette); "Coal Miner's Daughter" (Loretta Lynn); and "Swingin'" (John Anderson), among hundreds more. His performances can also be heard on recordings by Joan Baez, Perry Como, Buddy Holly, Burl Ives, George Morgan, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Conway Twitty, Gene Watson, Hank Williams and more. In addition, he recorded three solo albums of instrumentals. He also performed on a variety of film soundtracks, including "A Walk in the Spring Rain," "Clambake," "Coal Miner's Daughter," "The Fastest Guitar Alive," "Kissin' Cousins," "Six Pack," "Smokey and the Bandit II," "Stay Away Joe," "The Sugarland Express," "Sweet Dreams" and ".tick.tick.tick."

Bradley was also prolific as a producer, working with Eddy Arnold and other artists. In 1999, artist Mandy Barnett turned to Bradley to finish producing her album I've Got a Right to Cry after his brother Owen (who was in the midst of producing the project) passed away.

The busy Bradley also co-produced 39 half-hour episodes of the late 1950s television series "Country Style, USA," which featured many Grand Ole Opry artists. He appeared briefly in Robert Altman's 1975 award-winning movie "Nashville" and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) named him music director for their fundraising telethon, "Legends of Country Music" in 1985.

Taking an industry leadership role, Bradley served as the first President of the Nashville chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). He has served as the President of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) in Nashville since 1991, and was named the AFM International Vice President in 1999. In his position with the AFM, he has also established a musicians' union presence in Branson, Mo.

Bradley is one of 12 musicians inducted into the Studio Musicians Hall of Fame at RCA's Studio B, now a museum operated by the Country Music Foundation. He also received the NARAS Superpicker Award for six consecutive years (1974-1979).

Sonny James

Born James Hugh Loden on May 1, 1929 in Hackleburg, Ala., (95 miles northwest of Birmingham), the boy who would grow up to be known as "The Southern Gentleman" was raised on a 300-acre farm. Between 1960 and 1979, his singles spent an incredible 57 weeks in the No. 1 position - more than any other Country artist. Both of his parents were musicians, and his older sister Thelma was a singer and guitarist. With such a musical household, the family regularly performed together on Saturday nights at the homes of friends, incorporating the young boy at age 3 by teaching him to sing and play a homemade mandolin made from a molasses bucket.

In 1933, the Loden Family began performing on the radio each Saturday on WMSD/ Muscle Shoals, Ala. The family also won a Mid South Champion Band contest, with the top prize being a two week performance stint on WAPI/Birmingham, Ala. Kate Smith, who was the headlining artist for the contest, held the young Loden backstage, giving him a silver dollar while telling him he would have a bright future in the entertainment business. This proved to be wise words from one entertainment legend to a young child who would grow up to become one himself.

The Loden Family (who by now had added young Ruby Palmer on vocals and bass) performed around the South, building a reputation in the region. They became regular performers on KLCN/Blytheville, Ark., before moving on to stations in Greenwood and Columbus, Miss. After a stint at WJDX/Jackson, Miss., they moved to WNOX/ Knoxville, Tenn., in the mid-1940s to perform on the daily "Midday Merry-Go-Round" and Saturday night "Tennessee Barn Dance" radio shows. At WNOX, the Loden Family was part of a talent roster that at various times included Chet Atkins, Archie Campbell, Bill and Cliff Carlisle, Lost John Miller (and his banjo player Earl Scruggs) and Johnny Wright. In 1946, the Loden Family moved to WPTF/Raleigh, N.C., (where James roomed with Atkins); in 1949 they moved briefly to WSGN/Birmingham, Ala., before heading to WMPS/Memphis, Tenn. After Thelma and Ruby both left the band to get married, the family retired from performing and moved back to Hackleburg to open a clothing store.

Loden joined the National Guard and finished high school before briefly performing with a friend on WHBQ/Memphis, Tenn. In September 1950, he was called up to become a member of the First National Guard troops sent to Korea for the Korean Conflict. While there, Loden began seriously writing songs while playing both the guitar and fiddle. After two years overseas, Loden returned home and moved to Nashville where he looked up his former roommate Atkins who had become an established recording artist and session musician.

Atkins later secured an audition for Loden with Capitol Records' producer Ken Nelson, leading to a recording contract, a new stage name of Sonny James (based on Loden's teenage nickname) and a new tagline - "The Southern Gentleman."

In 1953, his single "That's Me Without You" hit No. 9 on the Billboard Country chart. James began appearing on important radio shows including the "Louisiana Hayride" and the "Saturday Night Shindig" before joining the "Big 'D' Jamboree" on KRLD/Dallas, Texas. He also began hosting the first 30 minute slot on every third episode of the influential "Ozark Jubilee" television show. The other rotating hosts for that segment were Webb Pierce and Porter Wagoner, with Red Foley hosting the final hour each week, putting James in great company.

James continued having hits with "She Done Give Her Heart to Me," "For Rent (One Empty Heart)," "Twenty Feet of Muddy Water" and "The Cat Came Back" among others. The combination of his vocals and guitar playing created a distinct sound. In 1956, he released "Young Love," which became his biggest hit and signature song. The song spent nine weeks at No. 1 during 1956-57 and crossed over to top the pop charts. For the next several years, James charted songs including "First Date, First Kiss, First Love" on both the Country and pop charts.

Moving to Nashville with his wife Doris (whom he married in 1957), James joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. Two years later, he hit No. 1 on the Country charts with "You're the Only World I Know." This began his domination of the Country charts for the next eight years, with 21 of his next 25 singles reaching No.1. During the five years between 1967 and 1971, he had 16 consecutive No. 1 singles. Among his hits were "Take Good Care of Her," "I'll Never Find Another You," "A World of Our Own," "Born to Be With You," "Bright Lights, Big City," "My Love," "Running Bear," "It's the Little Things" and "Only the Lonely" among others. Backed by his band, the Southern Gentlemen, James toured the U.S. and overseas, as well as making frequent television appearances on national shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Bob Hope Show" and "The Andy Williams Show." He also appeared in movies such as "Las Vegas Hillbillies," "Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar" and "Nashville Rebel."

In 1967, James and Bobbie Gentry co-hosted the first CMA Awards, setting the bar for all future hosts of "Country Music's Biggest Night." James received five CMA nominations throughout his career including Entertainer (1967); Male Vocalist (1967; 1969); and Album of the Year (1967 for The Best of Sonny James; 1976 for 200 Years of Country Music).

Honors and awards were plentiful. In 1961, he became the first Country Music artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Billboard named him the No. 1 Country Artist of 1969. On Jan. 31, 1971, the Apollo 14 moon flight (commanded by astronaut Alan Shepard) took a program James recorded exclusively for them into space - a first for a Country artist. In appreciation, the crew presented him with a flag they had carried to the moon. In 1977, Record World Magazine named him the Country Music's Male Artist of the Decade.

James changed record labels from Capitol to Columbia Records in 1972; towards the end of the decade he moved again to Monument Records. He remained a strong force in Country Music through 1983, scoring hits with "Only Love Can Break a Heart," "That's Why I Love You Like I Do," "When the Snow is On the Roses," "Is it Wrong (For Loving You)," "A Mi Esposa con Amor (To My Wife with Love)," "A Little Bit South of Saskatoon," "Little Band of Gold" and "What in the World's Come Over You" among others. A man of many talents, James expanded his career by producing other artists and entering music publishing in the early '70s. He produced three albums for Marie Osmond, including her hit single "Paper Roses." He also continued to perform concerts, appear on national television shows such as "Hee Haw" and participate regularly in Fan Fair, now CMA Music Festival. In 1983, James retired from performing to raise cattle in Alabama. He currently lives in Nashville.

George Strait

Born May 18, 1952 in Poteet, Texas, and raised in nearby Pearsall, Strait was the son of a junior high school teacher, who owned and operated a ranch that had been in his family for nearly 100 years. Growing up he spent his weekdays in town and his weekends on the ranch outside Big Wells, Texas. Although he joined a garage rock band as a teenager, his musical preference was traditional Country. After graduating high school in the late '60s and briefly attending college, Strait married his high school sweetheart Norma. Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1971, he moved to Hawaii two years later where he began playing Country Music with an Army-sponsored group called Rambling Country, which also played some dates off-base under the name Santee.

After leaving the Army in 1975, Strait returned to Texas and enrolled in Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, where he graduated in 1979 with a degree in agriculture. While there he formed his Country band, Ace in the Hole. The band recorded a few albums for an independent label in Dallas in the late '70s, but had little success. In 1979, Strait became friends with Erv Woolsey, a Texas club owner and former MCA Records employee. Woolsey invited MCA executives to watch Strait perform and in 1980 Strait was signed to MCA Records with Woolsey as his manager.

Strait's debut single "Unwound" from his first album Strait Country was released in 1981 and became a Top 10 hit. Astonishingly, Strait has had at least one single hit the Top 10 every year since. With songs including "If You're Thinking You Want a Stranger (There's One Coming Home)," "Fool Hearted Memory," "Amarillo By Morning," "You Look So Good in Love," "The Fireman," "The Chair," "Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her," "Ocean Front Property," "All My Ex's Live in Texas," "You Know Me Better Than That," "If I Know Me" and "Love Without End, Amen," among others, Strait established a reputation for consistently recording songs influenced by honkytonk and Western swing traditions. He also began co-producing his albums from 1984 onward, starting with his fourth album, Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind.

Strait maintained his family's ranching traditions as well as his love of team roping by launching the George Strait Team Roping Classic in 1983. The annual event has grown to become among the largest and most prestigious open ropings on the circuit, regularly hosting the most prestigious names in the sport. Strait, who is a card-carrying member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, remains an avid outdoorsman and an expert horseman.

In 1992, Strait landed the lead role of the movie "Pure Country," which brought him attention from new audiences. His first box set, the four-disc Strait Out of the Box, was released in 1995 and within a year had become one of the five biggest-selling box sets in popular music history. He continued to record hit songs including "I Cross My Heart," "Carrying Your Love With Me," "Blue Clear Sky," "I Just Want to Dance With You," "Check Yes or No," "Write This Down," "She'll Leave You With a Smile," "The Best Day" and many more. 50 Number One Hits was released in 2004, compiling the rare achievement of his first 50 No. 1 songs (as well as his 51st, "I Hate Everything") on two CDs. The project was a strong seller, eventually certified as six-time multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

In addition to conquering radio and sales charts, Strait became one of Country Music's top concert attractions of all time, with his appearances selling out auditoriums and frequently setting new attendance records. From 1997 to 2001, he assembled the "George Strait Country Music Festival," a day-long musical event, which packed stadiums around the nation. Each year featured an amazing line up of Country Music artists taking the stage throughout the day before Strait closed the show each night, including Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and more. The huge and enthusiastic crowds served as a launching pad for the young artists who later headlined tours of their own. Strait continues to tour annually, selling out venues and thrilling audiences nationwide.

As of 2006, 25 years after releasing his debut single, Strait remains a dominant force in Country Music with sales exceeding 62 million albums. The RIAA has certified Strait with 13 multi-Platinum, 30 Platinum and 33 Gold albums. According to the RIAA, he has received more Gold albums than any other artist in Country Music, and is currently tied with Frank Sinatra in eighth place for the most Gold albums of any artist in any musical genre. Strait has received 16 CMA Awards, including two consecutive Entertainer of the Year nods (1989, 1990); five Male Vocalist of the Year Awards (1985, 1986, 1996, 1997, 1998); and three Album of the Year Awards (1985 - Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind; 1996 - Blue Clear Sky; 1997 - Carrying Your Love With Me). His most recent CMA Award was in 2005 for Musical Event of the Year for his performance with Lee Ann Womack on the song "Good News, Bad News."

REACTION FROM 2006 COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:

Harold Bradley - Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980

"For the past 60 years I've been focused on playing the guitar in the Nashville recording studios. I never thought about being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame because it seemed to be reserved for famous artists. And I want to thank the Country Music Association for putting studio musicians on the ballot, and I want to accept this honor on behalf of the pioneer studio musicians, the A-team studio musicians and all recording musicians everywhere, because they're all in my hall of fame. Somewhere my brother Owen is smiling."

Sonny James - Career Achieved Between World War II and 1975

"It's a great honor to join many of my friends in the Hall of Fame."

George Strait - Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present

"I'm very honored of course, to say the least. I've tried to think of something good to say. So many things have happened in my career. I get asked sometimes 'What's the highlight of my career?' because I've been doing it for so long, and I always have a hard time coming up with something, because so many good things have happened. But I think this is, without a doubt, the most special thing that's ever happened and I don't know how anything could top getting put in the Hall of Fame. It's just the very highest honor that you can get in this business."

"After I hung up after talking with [CMA Chief Strategic Officer] Ed [Benson], I did kind of have to chuckle because I'm thinking, 'Well, don't people usually get this after their career's over?' I'm hoping this is no sign of that because I still feel like I've got a lot of good years left in me. I still enjoy everything and I've got a new record that's going to come out in October that I feel like is the best record I've ever done since 1981, so I'm really looking forward to that coming out. And I've already got tour dates set for next year so I'm still rolling."

"Actually, I was surprised. I don't see how anybody could not be surprised. Early in my career it never crossed my mind actually. I guess later on in your career you start thinking about it and wondering if you could get in, but I don't see how anybody could just figure they're going to get in. It's just too special an honor. Of course, I wanted it, but you just can't expect it. It's an overwhelming honor. It's like nothing else that's happened to me in my 20 some odd years in the business."

On the Web: www.CMAawards.com
Harold Bradley - www.nashvillesound.net/harold_bradley.htm
Sonny James - www.sonnyjames.com
George Strait - www.georgestrait.com

 

 

 

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AT&T and MobiTV Launch Live TV Subscription Service For Broadband

AT&T Broadband TV Delivers Live MobiTV Content to Consumers Through Wired- and Wireless-Based Broadband Connections; Provides Convenient Window to News, Sports and Entertainment

Sept. 12 Tuning in to popular TV programming while at home or on the go is now as simple -- and ubiquitous -- as powering up a broadband connection.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and MobiTV, Inc., the global leader in television and music services for all things mobile and broadband, today announced an agreement to offer a mobile television service to broadband users in the United States, including AT&T Yahoo!(R) High Speed Internet and AT&T WorldNet subscribers. The browser-based service, which will be called AT&T Broadband TV, will enable subscribers to use a computer to access a wealth of live programming while at home, at work, or on the go using wired and wireless broadband technologies.

Through the deal, AT&T becomes the first U.S. broadband provider to offer a live TV subscription service with MobiTV to consumers through any broadband connection. The service expands upon an earlier agreement that enables AT&T to offer MobiTV to customers who use thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots.

The AT&T Broadband TV service will initially have approximately 20 channels of live and made-for-broadband television content spanning national news, sports, entertainment and full-length music videos from top artists. Among the channels included in the initial channel lineup is Fox News,* Bloomberg, Oxygen, History Channel, Comedy Time, Toonworld, Maxx Sports and the Weather Channel.

The industry-leading, browser-based service features desktop integration for easy access, fast channel-changing, full-screen functionality and quality video playback. Subscribers can quickly access AT&T Broadband TV through a hyperlink or desktop shortcut.

Users will have access to a comprehensive channel lineup for a flat monthly subscription of $19.99. And soon, additional television channels will be offered to ensure that AT&T customers have access to the broadest range of entertainment content. The subscription can be used with nearly any broadband connection, at home, work or on the road.

Consumers can test-drive and order the new service at http://att.mobitv.com/. The companies will also market the AT&T Broadband TV offering on the AT&T WorldNet portal at www.att.net.

"The AT&T Broadband TV service offers our customers the ability to watch live television programming beyond the TV screen, increasing our capabilities to provide compelling content to consumers who are seeking information and entertainment when, where and on the device they desire," said Scott Helbing, executive vice president, AT&T Entertainment Services. "The deal helps further enhance AT&T's broadband service and three-screen initiative by offering differentiated broadband-enabled content that consumers are increasingly demanding."

"Television is officially available on the PC now and will reach television fans in their home, office, college dorm, at the airport or anywhere they happen to be," said Dr. Phillip Alvelda, CEO, chairman and co- founder of MobiTV. "MobiTV and AT&T will deliver premium quality content seamlessly across all broadband networks, making entertainment, wireless and technology history."

Through this agreement, AT&T, the nation's largest high speed DSL Internet provider with more than 7.8 million DSL lines in service, will give its customers and other broadband users a new avenue for entertainment and information, enabling them to take control of their viewing options. In addition, the company recently launched AT&T Homezone, a groundbreaking new service that integrates AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet, AT&T | DISH Network satellite television and AT&T Home Networking services via a single device.

The new AT&T Homezone service provides Internet-based video with satellite TV programming in a seamless in-home experience, giving consumers a powerful new way to extend the best of the Internet beyond the desktop to bring entertainment content to their TV screens and stereos. It features digital videorecording, movies on demand, photo- and music-sharing, storage for both, and it whets the anytime/anywhere generation's appetite with remote, Web-based access to the system.

* Fox News is available to AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet subscribers

only.

Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is one of the world's largest telecommunications holding companies and is the largest in the United States. Operating globally under the AT&T brand, AT&T companies are recognized as the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to business and as leading U.S. providers of high speed DSL Internet, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. AT&T Inc. holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which is the No. 1 U.S. wireless services provider with 57.3 million wireless customers. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and AT&T products and services is available at www.att.com.

About MobiTV

MobiTV, Inc. (www.mobitv.com) is leading the convergence of television, film and music content across the mobile and personal computing markets. The Emmy(R) Award winning service has more than one million subscribers and offers popular TV and digital radio channels from top labels, networks and cable providers. The MobiTV(R) service is available in; the US through AT&T, Sprint, Cingular, Alltel; the UK through 3UK and Orange; in Canada through Bell Canada, Rogers and TELUS Mobility; in Latin America through America Movil, Claro and Telcel; and other regional carriers internationally. Founded in 1999, MobiTV is a privately-held company headquartered in Emeryville, CA.

Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand. MobiTV and the MobiTV logo are trademarks, service marks, and/or registered trademarks of MobiTV, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, service marks, and product names used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Source: AT&T Inc.

 

Web site: http://www.att.com/
http://www.mobitv.com/

 

Doubleday Entertainment's Newest and Tenth International Book-of-the-Month(R) Selection is Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale

One of the most talked about novels this fall is Diane Setterfield's debut The Thirteenth Tale (Atria, Publication date: September 12, 2006), a gothic novel of suspense that tells the story of the Angelfield family as set forth by their biographer, the lovely Margaret Lea, a romantic young woman who works in her father's bookshop while hiding a devastating family secret. Doubleday Entertainment(TM) has chosen Setterfield's classic ghost story as its newest and tenth International Book-of-the-Month(R) (IBOM) selection because of its compelling voice and outstanding story. The Thirteenth Tale illuminates a world of secrets, confused identities, lies, and half-truths, with a spellbinding and atmospheric style -- just the type of novel that makes a perfect International Book-of-the-Month(R).

The International Book-of-the-Month(R) (IBOM) is the now established global marketing program of Bertelsmann's DirectGroup. The book clubs' publishers and senior editors choose titles by focusing on the authors and books with the potential to become international bestsellers, and then about 3 times a year on the average, a single title is chosen. By selecting one book as the International Book-of-the-Month(R), the book clubs shine a spotlight on a book that they feel readers around the world will enjoy and that will cross international borders.

The Thirteenth Tale is being offered to over 22 million readers in 12 countries: CANADA, UK, AUSTRALIA, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, NETHERLANDS, THE CZECH REPUBLIC, SPAIN, UKRAINE, FRANCE, and POLAND; and in the U.S.A. through Doubleday Book Club(R), The Literary Guild(R), Book-of-the-Month Club/Smart Readers Rewards(R), Doubleday Large Print Book Club(R), The Mystery Guild(R), Rhapsody Book Club(R), and via http://www.zooba.com/.

THE THIRTEENTH TALE

It was from growing up roaming the stacks of her beloved father's bookshop that lovely Margaret Lea developed her powerful devotion to literature and writing. Still, she is taken aback when she is summoned to the estate of aging author Vida Winter -- a woman whose name is legend, yet of whom little is known -- to pen her biography. You see, Margaret is well aware the reclusive Miss Winter, renowned for her storytelling prowess, is notorious for regaling those who dare to ask about her history with fantastic reminiscences, none of which has proven to be real. But Margaret makes it clear she will not be manipulated; she will settle for nothing less than the truth, however shocking it may be ...

Remarkably, The Thirteenth Tale is Diane Setterfield's haunting debut, yet it is written with the sure hand of a seasoned writer adept at luring you in. For as Margaret delves into Vida Winter's past -- to her seductive mother, her debauched uncle, and the rest of the aristocratic, but doomed Angelfield family -- she finds a connection to her own painful secret ... and we find a book that holds us captive until the stunning end.

List of Doubleday Entertainment's IBOMs to date:

(September 2006) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

(May 2006) Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger

(October 2005) Immoral by Brian Freeman

(July 2005) The Traveler by John TwelveHawks

(May 2005) Saffron Skies by Lesley Lokko

(September 2004) Suspect by Michael Robotham

(January 2004) Retribution by Jilliane Hoffman

(November 2003) A Blade of Grass by Lewis De Soto

(August 2003) A Faint, Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter

(March 2003) No Second Chance, Harlan Coben

PRAISE FOR DIANE SETTERFIELD'S THE THIRTEENTH TALE:

"Setterfield has provided a rarity: a beautifully written novel with a swift plot, atmospheric setting and witty dialogue that combine to provide a read that will leave any book lover well satisfied."

- BookPage

"... graceful storytelling ..." - Publishers Weekly

"[The Thirteenth Tale] is a gothic novel . . . [that] grabs the reader with

its damp, icy fingers and doesn't let go until the last shocking secret has

been revealed ... Setterfield's first novel is equally suited to a rainy

afternoon on the couch or a summer day on the beach."

- Library Journal

"Setterfield has crafted an homage to the romantic heroines of du Maurier,

Collins and the Brontes ... enchanting Goth for the 21st century."

- Kirkus Reviews

About Diane Setterfield:

Diane Setterfield is a former academic, specializing in 20th century French literature, particularly the works of Andre Gide. She lives in Yorkshire, England. The Thirteenth Tale is her first novel.

About DOUBLEDAY ENTERTAINMENT(TM):

Doubleday Entertainment(TM) is the preeminent marketer of books and merchandise via direct mail and e-commerce in the U.S., with over 7 million members and including over 35 book clubs, such as Doubleday Book Club(R), Literary Guild(R), Book-of-the-Month Club(R) and special interest and lifestyle clubs like One Spirit(R) and The Good Cook(R). A wholly owned subsidiary of BOOKSPAN, Doubleday Entertainment and its predecessors (Book-of-the-Month Club and Doubleday Book Club) have been recognized as leaders in the direct marketing business for over 70 years.

Source: Doubleday Entertainment

 

Web site: http://www.zooba.com/

 

 

Emmy(R) Award Winner John Leguizamo to Star in Spike TV's Gripping New Original Scripted Eight-Hour Drama Event, 'The Kill Pit'

Lionsgate and Mandeville to Produce Event for Summer 2007 Premiere

 Spike TV has announced a fast-paced, thrilling new original scripted eight-hour drama event, "The Kill Pit," starring Emmy(R) Award-winning actor John Leguizamo. Produced by Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) , the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, in association with Mandeville, the drama follows a bank heist that goes terribly awry and the hostage negotiations that ensue. "The Kill Pit" goes into production during the first quarter of next year for a summer 2007 premiere.

Written by James DeMonaco ("The Negotiator," "Assault on Precinct 13") and executive produced by David Hoberman ("Monk") and Todd Lieberman ("Eight Below," "Bringing Down the House") of Mandeville and DeMonaco, "The Kill Pit" revolves around a midtown bank robbery by a team of American Iraqi-War veterans led by Leguizamo. More than a dozen hostages from all walks of life are taken, ranging from the daughter of a business tycoon to an adulterous couple.

"It's a great cat and mouse game with lots of action and suspense and will surely resonate with our guy audience," said Pancho Mansfield, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, Spike TV. "John Leguizamo is the ideal actor to bring edginess and intensity to the lead role."

"We were immediately drawn to this project by the caliber of the writing and the creative team involved," said Kevin Beggs, President of Programming and Production, Lionsgate. "We're excited to be working with David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, James DeMonaco and John Leguizamo and forging a new relationship with Spike TV on our first production for the network."

Throughout the eight-hour event, viewers will follow the escalating action as the volatile soldiers plot their way out, the negotiator anticipates their moves and the hostages desperately try to survive. Time is critical and the game intensifies with surprising twists at every turn.

An acclaimed stage and screen star, John Leguizamo received an Emmy(R) Award for the Spike Lee-directed presentation of his Tony-nominated Broadway solo show, "Freak," for HBO. His numerous other accolades include a Golden Globe nomination for his comic turn in "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar," and a SAG Award nomination for his work in Baz Luhrmann's Academy Award-nominated "Moulin Rouge." Leguizamo's other credits include "Carlito's Way" for director Brian De Palma, Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo & Juliet," "Empire," Spike Lee's "Summer of Sam," "Undefeated," which he also directed, and the animated hit "Ice Age" and its sequel. The actor was recently seen in a recurring role on the hit series "ER."

Bill McGoldrick is Spike TV's Executive in Charge of Production.

Lionsgate is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, winning this year's Best Picture Academy Award(R) for Crash, generating two consecutive years of $300 million-plus domestic theatrical box office, operating a $500 million-plus home entertainment business and producing a broad slate of prime time television series for fiscal 2007. It is a premier producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of more than 7,800 titles is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

Spike TV is available in 90 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc.

Source: Spike TV

 

Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/

 

 

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition To Open in Cincinnati at the Museum Center at Union Terminal

 RMS Titanic, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRXI) , has entered into an agreement to bring the enormously successful Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition to the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. The Exhibition is scheduled to open to the public on November 4, 2006 for a limited engagement.

Returning, by popular demand, the new version of this blockbuster Exhibition, now viewed by more than 17 million visitors, will include more than 300 artifacts not previously seen in Cincinnati, along with stunning room re-creations and a hands-on replica iceberg.

"In our previous short run in Cincinnati the Exhibition was viewed by more than 100,000 attendees and we look forward to dramatically increasing those numbers during the upcoming full run," states Arnie Geller, President and CEO of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. "Our strong partnership with the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal alongside these not before seen elements will provide visitors with an entirely new and original experience."

RMS Titanic, Inc. is the only company permitted by law to recover objects from the wreck of the Titanic. The Company was granted Salvor-in-possession rights to the wreck of Titanic by a United States federal court in 1994 and has conducted seven research and recovery expeditions to Titanic's debris field which recovered approximately 5,500 artifacts.

Premier Exhibitions, Inc. is a major provider of museum quality touring exhibitions throughout the world.

Certain of the above statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events, based on the information currently available to it. The forward-looking statements include statements relating to the Company's anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new developments, new strategies and similar matters. The following important factors, in addition to those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2006, especially in the Risk Factors and the Management's Discussion and Analysis sections, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K (each of which is available upon request from the Company), may affect the future results of the Company and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements; material adverse changes in the economic conditions in the Company's markets, including terrorist attacks, competition from others, how much capital the Company may or may not receive from required financings, and whether or not, and to what extent, the Company consummates its planned leases to place exhibitions. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward- looking statements.

 

Web site: http://www.prxi.com/

 

 

In Her Debut Album with Global Appeal, Teenage Singer Marjorie Dawson Gives New Meaning to the Phrase 'Sweet 16'

Marjorie Dawson is only 16 years old, but you'd never know it from listening to her recent debut album, "A Foreign American Song." Like the tracks on her CD that reflect worldliness, Dawson's voice belies her age.

With tracks that include "L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle," you'd never guess that Dawson's first language is English. In fact, most of the tracks are sung in Spanish. Dawson also sings two Judeo-Sephardic songs in Ladino, "Si La Mar Fuera de Leche" and "Adio Querida."

Produced by Mark Sinko under the Thleudron Record Label, "A Foreign American Song" was recorded with a full orchestra, with the collaboration of veteran San Antonio musicians including violinist Sebastian Campesi. A violinist with the San Antonio Symphony for two decades, Campesi blends Italian and Gypsy folk traditions.

"A Foreign American Song," recorded at San Antonio's Salmon Peak Recording Studio, is the high school student's first professional foray - and the culmination of four months of studio rehearsals. Her previous musical experience is limited to a country and blues demo she recorded at age 14 with Dr. Beltram Roberts.

While Dawson's CD is rich in cultural overtones, it also reveals a wide range of musical genres. Dawson masters everything from a sultry tango to a Broadway show tune ("All That Jazz") to an operatic number and a world- renowned inspirational piece ("Ave Maria").

For more information and to hear audio clips, visit http://www.thleudron.com/. "A Foreign American Song" is available online at http://www.cdbaby.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/.

Note to editors: Album credits and track listing follow.

Executive Director: Alma Aguado, M.D.

Sound Engineer: Mark Sinko

Mastered by Billy Stull at Sonic Solutions

CD Design & Graphics: NationWide Color

Musicians:

Violin: Sebastian Campesi, San Antonio, TX

Piano: Anthony Bazzan, San Antonio, TX

String Bass: Jim Kalson, San Antonio, TX

Trombone: Ron Wilkins, San Antonio, TX

Accordion: Mark Rubenstein, San Antonio, TX

Nylon String Guitar: Joe Gonzales, San Antonio, TX

12-string Guitar: Mark Sinko, San Antonio, TX

Drums: Kyle Thompson, Austin, TX

Hand Percussion: Gabriel Herrera, San Antonio, TX

Castanets: Jackie Rodriguez, San Antonio, TX

Tracks:

1. La Tarara

Writer: Federico Garcia Lorca

2. La Violetera

Writer: Jose Padilla

3. Si La Mar Fuera De Leche

Traditional Judeo-Sephardic

4. Granada

Writer: Agustin Lara

5. La Cumparsita

Writers: G.H. Matos Rodriguez, E.P. Maroni, P. Contursi

6. All That Jazz

Writers: Fred Ebb, John Kander

7. Por Una Cabeza

Writers: Carlos Gardel, Alfredo Le Pera

8. Adio Querida

Traditional Judeo-Sephardic

9. Vergin Tutto Amor

Writer: Francesco Durante

10. L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera from 'Carmen': Act I)

Writer: Georges Bizet

11. Wie Melodien Mieht Es Mir Op. 105, No. 1

Writers: Johannes Brahms, Klaus Groth

12. Ave Maria

Writer: Franz Schubert

 

 

Web site: http://www.thleudron.com/

 

 

ACIDplanet.com Launches Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy's 'Fashionista' Track Remix Contest

The Winning Remix of the Fashion Anthem 'Fashionista' to Be Played On the Catwalk During L.A. Fashion Week in October 2006

-- Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy, along with ACIDplanet.com(R), one of the Internet's premier sites for user-generated music and video content and computer-based recording and remixing tools, have launched a new remix contest. Aspiring musicians can now add their own musical flavor to Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy's fashion runway anthem, "Fashionista." By hosting this remix contest, ACIDplanet.com is helping produce the soundtrack for the next L.A. Fashion Week in October 2006.

Singer-songwriter Kevin Cahoon is also known for his rock-star performances in Hedwig & The Angry Inch, The Rocky Horror Show, The Who's Tommy, and the current Broadway smash, The Wedding Singer. With his band, Ghetto Cowboy, he delivers a unique brand of distorted, gritty rock and glam combined with pistol power performances and raw theatrics. Through their raucous live shows, the group has quickly become one of the most buzzed about new arrivals on New York City's downtown music scene.

Following the release of its debut CD DOLL earlier this year, Ghetto Cowboy received four nominations at the 2006 OutMusic Awards and Kevin Cahoon walked away with the Outstanding Debut Recording-male award; The Onion (NY) and Pabst Blue Ribbon selected Ghetto Cowboy as band of the week in their "Live and Local" Campaign; the band charted in the top 50 on Sirius Satellite Radio's Mid-Year Music Survey; and "Fashionista" was featured on several runways during the last two Fashion Weeks in NYC.

This ACIDplanet.com contest is the first experience that Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy have had with being part of a remix contest. "It's incredible because the listener gets to be part of the artistic process," says Cahoon. "They can add their own experience and their own take to the track. It really opens up your audience to so many avenues that you would never have before and it opens up the experience of the song as well."

Cahoon, who will help pick out the winning track, says that he looks forward to the winning remix of "Fashionista" becoming an anthem for next season's runway. "I think what I'm looking for is for the remix to sort of put us on the runway," says Cahoon. "I think the track should have a real urban feel to it. It should feel like New York and feel like Downtown."

Users must upload their remix of "Fashionista" to ACIDplanet.com by Tuesday, September 19, 2006 in order to be eligible for the contest. One grand prize winner will receive $100 American Express Gift Card from Kevin Cahoon, ACID Pro software, five Sony Sound Series(TM) Standard Collection libraries, and the chance for the winning remix to be used during L.A. Fashion Week.

ACIDplanet.com is a growing online community of individual digital musicians. Users can create and upload their own music and videos for the world to experience or listen to music created by others, and check out the most popular videos. In addition to sharing original creations, users participate in regularly scheduled remix contests featuring several notable musicians. Some other artists, including Beck, De La Soul and Nine Inch Nails, have contributed music to past remix contests at ACIDplanet.com.

For more information and complete contest rules, please visit: http://www.acidplanet.com/

About Sony Media Software

Sony Media Software manages the following media creation titles: ACID(R) Pro, ACID Music Studio(TM), ACID XMC(TM), CD Architect(TM), DVD Architect(TM), Jam Trax(TM), Sound Forge(R), Sound Forge Audio Studio(TM), Super Duper Music Looper(R), Vegas(R), Vegas Movie Studio(TM)+DVD, and Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software. Sony Media Software produces The Seminar Series(TM) product training DVDs, Sony Sound Series(TM) music and sound effects libraries, Sony Vision Series(TM) graphics, animations and stock footage libraries, and Noise Reduction(TM) plug-in. The team also runs ACIDplanet.com(R), a worldwide community for progressive musicians. For additional product information, please visit www.sony.com/mediasoftware.

ACID, Beatmapper, CD Architect, DVD Architect, Jam Trax, LooperVision, Noise Reduction, Sound Forge, Sound Series, Super Duper Music Looper, Vegas, and Vision Series are trademarks or registered trademarks of Madison Media Software, Inc., a Sony Corporation of America subsidiary, or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners in the United States and other countries.

Source: Sony Media Software

 

Web site: http://www.acidplanet.com/

Web site: http://www.sony.com/mediasoftware

 

 

Teen Puppet Pals Jump from TurboNick Shorts to New Nickelodeon Comedy Series, Mr. Meaty, Premiering September 22 at 8:30 p.m.

Mr. Meaty Sizzles Online with 2.3 Million Unique Visits, 6.2 Million Page-Views and 326,000 Podcast Downloads on Nick.com Restaurant Mini-site

-- Nickelodeon's absurd new buddy comedy/puppet series Mr. Meaty, premiering Friday, September 22 (8:30 p.m. ET/PT), serves up super-sized laughs from the mall food court bunker tended by teen "odd couple" Josh Redgrove and Parker Dinkelman, who geek out and concoct life-changing plans to escape the monotony of minimum wage. And the best pals work in the mall that has it all: love, ambition, aliens, zombies and ample parking. The series developed from Nickelodeon's TurboNick broadband platform on nick.com -- where it appeared first as a series of shorts -- is a co-production of Nickelodeon Television and 3Js Productions. Jack Lenz serves as executive producer; creator-puppeteers Jason Hopley and Jamie Shannon write and direct.

"Mr. Meaty is a truly original comedy," says Tom Ascheim, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Nickelodeon Digital Television, of the series spiced with two 11-minute adventures per episode. "You literally feel the unique voice of its creators in every grease-stained puppet moment. In Josh and Parker, our slightly challenged burger flipping duo, they've given us a great new buddy tandem in the comedic tradition of Laurel and Hardy, Drake and Josh and SpongeBob and Patrick."

Hopley and Shannon (Whoopi's Littleburg, Nanalan'), who've partnered in puppetry for 15 years, point to the unique appeal of the medium and Mr. Meaty. "These puppets are rubbery, three-dimensional cartoons with an awkward, raw style," says Hopley, admitting the unabashedly dorky Parker on his arm "is me." Shannon, who brings Josh to life, savors the show's satire, affirming, "We've recreated a whole world in 3-D -- from hot dogs to walls and escalators, people and even monsters -- to magnify kids' mall-centric social lives and to make fun of suburban monotony, bad food and too much meat."

Kids first got a taste of Mr. Meaty shortly after TurboNick launched in July 2005. Tempting samples sizzled throughout the summer, when Mr. Meaty re-emerged on TurboNick in May with a steady stream of bloopers and shorts and arrived with free video podcasts on iTunes and www.nick.com/meaty, as well as on all of the kid channel's Video on Demand (VOD) partners and its wireless carriers. And while the series hasn't yet premiered, the chockfull Mr. Meaty restaurant website is burning up at nick.com with 2.3 million unique visitors, 3.2 million visits and 6.2 million page-views to date and nearly 326,000 podcast downloads. It features training videos with Josh and Parker, print-up menus, mall employee of the week profiles, Mr. Meaty job applications, games, sneak peek clips, a message board and character profiles. Following the on-air series premiere, complete Mr. Meaty episodes will be offered on TurboNick.

Behind the flashy facade of the vast Mr. Meaty franchise beats the heart of angst-ridden, self-absorbed Josh and Parker who unleash disaster at every turn. At 16, newly cool cashier Josh pursues as many girls as possible, often to the annoyance of geeky cook Parker, who at 15 still lives in childish fantasies. They're opposites, but Josh can't help but like his longtime pal, and Parker is undyingly loyal to his best friend and Mr. Meaty sidekick. Josh's under-developed shoulders are weighed down at times by Parker's emotional outbursts in the kitchen behind him, the voracious customers in front and the Mr. Meaty Head Office watching from a surveillance camera mounted on the wall above. As the unofficial, unaware champions of the underdog in a world that relies on the veneer of a perfect customer service experience, the awkward duo endure one of the most soulless jobs on earth in order to save enough money to someday produce their breakthrough sci-fi horror movie: Ninja Zombies.

Decoding girl missions, meat explosions and Parker's fantasy transformations into a unicorn are just part of the pals' shift at Mr. Meaty, and the call of the mall pulls them into a glistening haven of pop-teen madness. Venturing there, they find denizens like Goth Girl, Josh's chalky crush who works as a candy girl at Sparkle City Movie Theatre and has given up on mainstream society; and ex-paintball champ/cop Doug, a mountain of a man who keeps the peace and comes to Josh and Parker's rescue. Teen trio Ashley, Brittany and Ashley 2 indulge in a free-for-all frenzy of lipstick testing and perfume bathing while mercilessly gossiping at Pantosphere's make-up counter. There's also Melissa the vegetarian who works in the food court at Soy What. And hanging out at the fountain are Jocks, Skaters -- and Master Kindu, dispenser of interstellar wisdom. All visit Mr. Meaty and suffer Josh and Parker's actions.

Lifelong puppeteers/fantasy fanatics Hopley and Shannon met in sixth grade at Toronto's Claude Watson School for the Arts. In 1993, they launched their career in puppetry by creating the Grogs and gained popularity with the puppet troupe on Canada's YTV, then segueing to CBC, TVO, Showcase -- and Nickelodeon. The duo honed their skills as creature-makers, creators, writers and puppeteers for numerous specials, shorts and commercials. In 2004, Hopley snagged a stint as art director/puppet designer/lead puppeteer on Nick Jr.'s Whoopi's Littleburg specials. And he and Shannon created Michael's Island, a series of puppet shorts for Nick Jr. After five years of incubating ideas and style for the Grogs brand, Hopley and Shannon launched Grogs, Inc. under the banner of Jack Lenz's Lenz Entertainment, which evolved into the trio's current production company, 3 Js. Their two-time Gemini Award-winning CBC pre-school series Nanalan' (2004-06) also aired as interstitials on Nick Jr.

Nickelodeon, now in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number- one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

 

Web site: http://www.nick.com/meaty
http://www.nick.com/

 

Tween Leader TEENick Expels Back-To-School Blahs, Invites Laughter With Winning Trio of All-New Primetime Fall-Season Premieres, Sunday, September 24

Drake & Josh Gears Up for Oprah Encounter in Season Starter; Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide Offers New Grade Resolutions and Tips; Zoey 101 Reveals Romantic Resolution

 A mighty trio of TEENick hit comedies -- Drake & Josh, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Zoey 101 -- conquers back-to-school blahs, Sunday, September 24 with all-new fall season primetime premieres. It's back-to-back, must-see TV when the top- rated live-action series for kids and tweens, Kids' Choice Award-winning Drake & Josh, kicks off the night -- and a fourth season -- at 7 p.m., followed by third season openers of blockbuster series Ned's Declassified at 7:30 p.m. and Zoey 101 starring Kids' Choice Award winner Jamie Lynn Spears at 8 p.m. (all times ET/PT).

Turnabouts, curveballs and a boatload of laughs rock the season premieres. In Drake & Josh/"Josh Runs into Oprah" Josh (Josh Peck) is jazzed at the prospect of meeting his TV idol when Drake (Kids' Choice winner for Favorite TV Actor, Drake Bell) gets tickets to "Oprah" for his birthday, but delight turns to dismay in the studio parking lot. As school bells ring on Ned's Declassified/"A New Grade" & "Dodgeball," the title tipster (Devon Werkheiser) enters the new world of eighth grade and resolves to conquer it, but best laid plans go raucously awry and Ned becomes an accidental bully. Zoey 101/"Surprise" finds take-charge Zoey (Jamie Lynn Spears) embarking on new adventures at Pacific Coast Academy with a new roommate -- and reeling from a romantic revelation.

Tween leader Nickelodeon has been number one with that demo (kids 9-14) in total day ratings for 14 years, and TEENick shows continue to dominate the TV landscape. Instant hits since they debuted, Drake & Josh, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Zoey 101 account for three of the top five regularly scheduled live-action series on cable (total day) in 2Q 2006 with tweens (9- 14); Drake & Josh was tops followed by Ned's (#3) and Zoey (#4). Drake & Josh, which first broke records as Nick's highest rated series premiere in almost 10 years and started stripping M-F at 5:30 p.m. in February, has ranked as the number-one regularly scheduled live-action show with kids 2-11 and 9-14 for two consecutive quarters. Year-to-date, Nick averages a 2.56 Tween 9-14 rating, besting its competition by double digits.

Post-season premieres, TEENick's regular lineup on Sundays next season will include Romeo! (6 p.m.), The Amanda Show (6:30 p.m.), Drake & Josh (7 p.m.), Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (7:30 p.m.), Zoey 101 (8 p.m.) and Unfabulous (8:30 p.m.).

As Zoey 101 heads back to the books amid ocean breezes, Zoey and Lola (Victoria Justice) find they have a new roommate, Quinn (Erin Sanders). This season the outnumbered girls still strive to survive and thrive at the newly co-ed boarding school, despite detractors like Logan (Matthew Underwood), and with the help of pals Chase (Sean Flynn) and Michael (Christopher Massey). In the season premiere, "Surprise," Lola and Quinn predict that Chase is going to profess his love to Zoey, but the truth is, he has a bigger surprise. Meanwhile, it looks like Logan and Michael just might fight to the finish to get the top bunk this year. Creator/executive producer is Dan Schneider (All That, The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, What I Like about You).

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide continues to chronicle the wacky adventures of Ned Bigby (Devon Werkheiser) and his best pals Moze (Lindsey Shaw) and Cookie (Daniel Curtis Lee) at James K. Polk Middle School, as "every-kid" Ned shatters the fourth wall to share tips and tricks on jumping school hurdles. Each episode features two 11-minute romps. In the third-season premiere, "A New Grade" and "Dodgeball," new eighth grader Ned vows to be tougher and accidentally becomes the new bully -- swatting at a swarm of flies and unintentionally KO'ing nearby classmates; Moze vows to be nicer but copes with an I-teacher who's a monster in a monitor. And sans braces, Cookie pursues the new no-braces, non-sniffling Lisa Zemo. In "Dodgeball" team captain Ned must battle bully Loomer and his secret weapon Cookie, and he must do it without ace player Moze. Upcoming Survival Guides offer tips in dealing with pitfalls and problems of art class, popularity, social studies, the school play, revenge, bad hair days and much more. Scott Fellows (The Fairly OddParents) is creator/executive producer.

Drake & Josh's odd couple of teen stepbrothers, Drake Parker and Josh Nichols (Drake Bell and Josh Peck), share shenanigans that cement a brotherly bond. And it is singer-musician/ladies' man Drake who pulls responsible Josh into the high jinks. Miranda Cosgrove (School of Rock) hoodwinks them both as little sis Megan. In the season premiere, "Josh Runs into Oprah," after Drake forgets Josh's birthday -- and throws a big surprise party for his "girlfriend" of five days -- the guilt-racked teen atones by getting his brother tickets to Oprah. However, delight turns to dismay in the studio lot when the guys argue over parking and distracted driver Josh accidentally runs into his idol. Drake and Josh hightail it to the hospital to make amends -- and maybe meet Oprah -- but two huge bodyguards, a horde of reporters and a farcical scheme add up to another fiasco. This season, too, a Drake & Josh TV movie is on tap. Bell, who penned the show's theme song, continues to perform his original music. Creator/executive producer is Dan Schneider.

Nickelodeon, now in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number- one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

 

Web site: http://www.nick.com/

 

MTV2 Proudly Announces 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS'

Fresh Off Winning the Fan-Driven MTV2 Award at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, 30 Seconds to Mars to Give Back to Their Family of Friends and Fans and Invite Them to Experience One of the Hottest Tours of the Year for $2

Green Tour With All Touring Vehicles Using Bio-Diesel Fuel Dubbed by Mars 'ENVIRONMENTOUR'

MTV2 announced today 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS.' The biggest MTV2 $2Bill tour ever hits 30 cities beginning October 17th and ends on November 25th with dates in major markets across the country including Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Boston and New York, among others. Head Automatica and Cobra Starship will serve as the opening acts for 30 Seconds To Mars during the tour. In addition, Pink Spiders, Rock Kills Kid, The Receiving End Of Sirens, Envy on the Coast and Men, Women and Children will be joining the tour for select tour dates. This is an all-ages tour and a limited amount of tickets per city will be made available for $2 each while they last in a special internet pre-sale sponsored by MTV2 and 30STM beginning at noon ET/PT on Sept 16th at Ticketmaster.com. There will be a 4 ticket limit per order for the pre-sale. Sales for General Tickets will begin the following week on September 23rd. Fans should be sure to check 30Secondstomars.com and tours.mtv2.com for complete tour and ticket information and access to tons of unique content for 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS'.

Said singer Jared Leto, "This is an amazing time of celebration for us all and we are very excited to join forces with the unique and creative individuals at MTV2 to present what we hope will be one of the most exciting tours of the fall... 'WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE.' With a powerful line up of phenomenally talented opening bands and having an environmentally acceptable 'green' tour, we are looking forward to yet another chance for us to share something unique with our family of fans that have supported us so passionately and also invite and introduce many others to the world of 30 SECONDS TO MARS. Taking this approach gives us the opportunity to set an example and share with others the possibilities of real alternatives for a safer, cleaner world. We will see you all very soon for what will be an exciting, chaotic circus of insanity, and an unforgettable tour!!!"

30 Seconds To Mars released the certified gold record A Beautiful Lie on August 30, 2005 to critical acclaim. Alternative Press said, "... they just might be rock's best-kept secret." "The Kill," which is the second single from their album, has become a top three hit at Modern Rock Radio while the video has just won the MTV2 Award at the 2006 VMAs after being nominated for two - "Best Rock Video" and the MTV2 Award. Continuing to tour through the end of 2006, they recently completed their first ever headlining tour which sold out across the country; they also played Bamboozle, Lollapalooza, and this summer's Warped Tour. In addition to 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS' the band will play Bamboozle West as well as the KROQ Inland Invasion show.

In support of the 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS', 30 Seconds To Mars will be hosting a week of MTV2's T-MINUS ROCK, MTV2 will air an UNLEASHED video premiere and a Makes a Video on Monday October 16th for their new single "Attack," air a 1/2 hour original video based special featuring the bands touring alongside 30 Seconds to Mars, MTV Overdrive will feature a 30 Seconds to Mars tour diary featuring 2 -3 minute video clips of band's experiences and much more.

Dates for 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS' as follows:

Show Date Venue

Tuesday, October 17th The Myth

Minneapolis, MN

Wednesday, October 18th Eagles Ballroom

Milwaukee, WI

Friday, October 20th Congress

Chicago, IL

Saturday, October 21st Egyptian

Indianapolis, IN

Sunday, October 22nd State Theater

Detroit, MI

Tuesday, October 24th Promo West Pavilion

Columbus, OH

Friday, October 27th Roseland

New York, NY

Saturday, October 28th Avalon

Boston, MA

Sunday, October 29th Lupo's

Providence, RI

Monday, October 30th Ritacco Center

Toms River, NJ

Tuesday, October 31st Electric Factory

Philadelphia, PA

Thursday, November 2nd Tabernacle

Atlanta, GA

Friday, November 3rd House of Blues

North Myrtle Beach, SC

Saturday, November 4th Hard Rock

Orlando, FL

Monday, November 6th Revolution

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Tuesday, November 7th Jannus Landing

St. Petersburg, FL

Thursday, November 9th Verizon

Houston, TX

Friday, November 10th Sunset Station

San Antonio, TX

Saturday, November 11th Ridlea Theater

Fort Worth, TX

Monday, November 13th Pageant

St. Louis, MO

Wednesday, November 15th Fillmore Theater

Denver, CO

Thursday, November 16th Salt Air

Salt Lake City, UT

Saturday, November 18th Roseland Theater

Portland, OR

Sunday, November 19th The Premier

Seattle, WA

Wednesday, November 22nd Warfield

San Francisco, CA

Friday, November 24th SOMA

San Diego, CA

Saturday, November 25th Wiltern

Los Angeles, CA

Presenting a series of inexpensive concerts for music fans around the country, MTV2's $2Bill has attracted a diverse mix of music acts and artists including Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, the Beastie Boys, Radiohead, DMX, Linkin Park, Coldplay, Fat Joe, The Foo Fighters, The Roots, Musiq, Nas, The Vines, The Strokes, Secret Machines, Kanye West, System of a Down, Daddy Yankee and most recently, My Chemical Romance.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of