October 1, 2012 by Amy Gold
During the week of September 23, 2012, the world bade a sad farewell to two oldies music icons: Andy Williams and Frank Wilson. Andy Williams had a long string of hits from 1956-1976 and a hugely popular TV variety show in the 1960s. Frank Wilson was a highly acclaimed Motown producer who wrote and produced many of the greatest hits of The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and other top Motown acts.
Also this week, The Who announced their opening act for their upcoming North American tour.
September 23, 2012: Springsteen Celebrates Birthday With Mom Onstage
At his concert in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, Bruce Springsteen was joined onstage by his mom, Adele Springsteen, who performed alongside her son. Other festivities included the cutting of a large birthday cake in the shape of a guitar by the 63-year old Springsteen, who passed out slices to audience members.
Source: Springsteen celebrates 63rd birthday with mom onstage during concert in NJ | Fox News
September 25, 2012: Lynyrd Skynyrd To Keep Confederate Flag
Performing onstage with the Confederate flag has long been a tradition for Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Southern rock band had announced that they would no longer be using this prop as they did not want to be lumped together with any racist groups who also use this flag. This prompted outrage from fans, so Lynyrd Skynyrd decide to reverse their decision and keep the Confederate flag as part of their act.
Source: Fans' outrage prompts Lynyrd Skynyrd to keep Confederate flag - Houston Chronicle
September 26, 2012: Famed Croooner Andy Williams Passes Away
On September 25, 2012, beloved crooner Andy Williams died at age 84 at his home in Branson, MO, after a year-long battle with bladder cancer. Williams had a long string of hits starting in 1956 that lasted two decades and a long-running TV variety show in the 1960s that launched the Osmonds and other acts. He had 18 gold and 3 platinum records and was nominated for 5 Grammy awards. Among his many hits were movies themes such as "Moon River," "Love Story" and "Days of Wine and Roses," for which he became famous. In the early 1990s, he settled in Branson, MO, and built his own theater, where he had been performing ever since. Williams is survived by his wife, Debbie, and three children from his previous marriage to Claudine Longet.
Source: Andy Williams, 'Moon River' Crooner, Dies | Billboard
September 26, 2012: Stevie Wonder Extortion Case Ends in Jail Time for Suspects
A man who posed as Wonder's nephew and his girlfriend attempted to extort $5 million from the singer by threatening to sell false information about him. The two scumbags received a 292-day jail sentence and pleaded no contest to the charge. They were released for time served and ordered to stay away from Wonder, his family and his co-workers while on probation.
Source: Stevie Wonder Extortion Case Ends in Jail Time for Suspects | Music News | Rolling Stone
September 26, 2012: Barbra Streisand Books Son For New Duets Album
Musical talent oftens runs in families, and this is definitely true for Barbra Streisand and her son, Jason Gould. Streisand has invited her son to join her on an upcoming duets album. Gould, who is an actor, writer and director, will be making his live singing debut this October in Brooklyn alongside his mom.
September 27, 2012: Beatles Remasters To Be Re-released On Vinyl
14 Beatles' albums will be re-released to vinyl and will go on sale this November. These albums will be available both individually and also as a limited-edition box set.
Source: Beatles Remasters to See Vinyl Release | Music News | Rolling Stone
September 28, 2012: Fans Petition Mike Love To Reinstate Original Beach Boys Members
The Beach Boys 50th anniversay reunion tour ended in London on September 28, 2012. Mike Love announced that the band will continue on without Brian Wilson, Alan Jardine and David Marks. Disappointed fans have launched an online petition urging Love to reinstate Wilson, Jardine, and Marks. To date, 7,000 signatures have been gathered.
Source: Beach Boys 50th anniversary reunion tour closing on discordant note - latimes.com
September 29, 2012: Legendary Motown Producer Frank Wilson Passes Away
Legendary Motown producer Frank Wilson died at the age of 71 after a long battle with prostate cancer. He wrote and produced hit songs for many top Motown acts, including The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and John Legend. Wilson is survived by his wife, Bunny, and their six children.
Source: Legendary Motown Producer Frank Wilson Dies at 71 - The Hollywood Reporter
September 29, 2012: The Who Announces Opening Band For Upcoming US Tour
The Who will be starting a lengthy tour in North America this fall. The first part is to begin on November 1, 2012 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL and continues through December 9, 2012 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For this part of the tour, Vintage Trouble, an LA-based band, will open for The Who.
Source: The Who Announces Opening Band For U.S. Tour
