July 16, 2012 by Amy Gold
During the week of July 8, 2012, The Rolling Stones officially reached the 50-year mark since they gave their first-ever live concert.
Also this week, the world mourned the passing of Maria Cole, the widow of Nat "King" Cole, Helen Reddy announced the end of her retirement, and fans celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the birth of famed folk singer Woody Guthrie.
July 8, 2012: Ringo Starr Celebrates His 72nd Birthday With A Moment of Peace And Love
Ringo Starr celebrated his 72nd birthday on July 7, 2012 by holding a "peace and love" moment at noon. Fans and fellow musicians, including Joe Walsh, joined Starr at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville, TN, shouting "peace and love" and making peace signs. The former Beatle asked people worldwide to also observe a moment of "peace and love" at 12 PM in their time zones. Since 2008, Starr has been holding similar events on his birthday in various major cities.
Source: Former Beatle Ringo Starr marks 72nd birthday with peace, love | Fox News
July 9, 2012: Paul McCartney Is Working On New Music For A Video Game
Paul McCartney is working on new music with Bungie, the creators of the popular video game, "Halo."
Source: Paul McCartney Working on New Music With 'Halo' Creators | Music News | Rolling Stone
July 11, 2012: Widow Of Nat "King" Cole Passes Away
On July 10, Maria Hawkins Cole died at age 89 after a short battle with cancer at a Boca Raton, FL hospice with family members present. She was the mother of singer Natalie Cole and widow of the famed Nat "King" Cole, to whom she had been married since 1948. Maria Cole also had a singing career and had performed with her husband on tour throughout the 1950s. After her husband passed away in 1965, she founded the Cole Cancer Foundation. Maria Cole is survived by her children Natalie, Timolin, and Casey Cole.
Source: Widow of Nat 'King' Cole dies of cancer at 89 - Obituaries - MiamiHerald.com
July 12 2012: The Rolling Stones Celebrate Their 50th Anniversary
It was 50 years ago on July 12, 1962 when the Rolling Stones gave their first-ever live concert. This historic event took place at the Marquee Club in London. The Stones will be celebrating their half decade together as one of the world's top rock bands with the publication of "Rolling Stones 50," a book that chronicles the band's 50 year history. Also, a new Rolling Stones documentary film is slated to be released this November.
Source: The Rolling Stones celebrate 50th anniversary of their first concert | The Rolling Stones
July 13, 2012: Helen Reddy Comes Out Of Retirement
After 10 years away from the music business, Helen Reddy announced that she will be coming out of retirement. The Australian-born singer obtain a degree in clinical hypnotherapy and has been living in Sidney. Although her classic feminist anthem, "I Am Woman," will be a part of her shows, Reddy will not be performing mostly old hits but plans to branch out into new material.
Source: Singer Helen Reddy comes out of retirement but leaves the old hits behind - The Washington Post
July 13, 2012: Woody Guthrie's 100th Birthday Is Celebrated In Okemah, OK, At Annual Festival
The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival has been held annually for the past 15 years in Okemah, OK, where Woody Guthie was born. This year's festival (July 11-15, 2012) celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the birth of this famed folk singer, songwriter and political activist. Guest artists included Judy Collins, British folk singer Billy Bragg, and son Arlo Guthrie, who performed on the opening night. Best known for his song, "This Land Is Your Land," Woody Guthrie inspired Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and many other politically-minded folk singers.
July 12, 2012: Fleetwood Mac To Reunite In 2013
Stevie Nicks announced that Fleetwood Mac is planning to reunite in 2013. Nicks is currently on tour and will also be performing with Rod Stewart later this summer.
Source: Fleetwood Mac to Reunite in 2013 | Music News | Rolling Stone
