Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of January 7, 2018

January 15, 2018 by Amy Gold

During the week of January 7, 2018, fans bade a final farewell to Moody Blues co-founder Ray Thomas, who served as the band's flutist, and famed blues and soul singer Denise LaSalle, who had a Top 10 hit in 1971 with "Trapped By A Thing Called Love."

Also that week, it was announced that Neil Diamond, The Meters, Queen, and Tina Turner are among those who will receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2018. They will be honored at a ceremony and concert to take place sometime this summer.

Dionne Warwick released a new archival album titled "Odds & Ends: Scepter Records Rarities" featuring lesser-known songs from her time with that record label. A new archival album by The Remains titled "Live 1969" was also released that captures a 1969 reunion concert by the legendary Boston-based garage band at the city's Boston Tea Party ballroom. A previously unreleased early demo of David Bowie's 1983 hit, "Let's Dance," was released as a digital single in commemoration of what would have been the late rock legend's 71st birthday.

A vinyl reissue of "ABBA: The Album" by the famed Swedish pop group will be coming out on January 26, 2018 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its original release. A rare song by The Monkees from 1968," As We Go Along," is part of the soundtrack to the Golden Globe-winning "Lady Bird" which was released digitally earlier this month and is due out on CD February 23, 2018 and on vinyl March 16. Also, a new CD/DVD set titled "Free Spirit - Celebrating The Music Of Free" as performed by Free ex-frontman Paul Rogers at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 28, 2017 will be coming out sometime this spring.

James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt announced a joint U.S. tour beginning January 26, 2018 in Albany, NY, with 17 shows confirmed so far. The Beach Boys and Foreigner are among the many featured performers at the upcoming Universal Orlando's 2018 Mardi Gras concert series which will take place February 3-April 7. Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers announced a co-headlining U.S. tour with over 35 shows dubbed "The Summer Of Living Dangerously" that kicks off on May 10 in Charlotte, NC. Earth, Wind & Fire and Billy Idol are among those to perform at the 2018 BottleRock Napa Valley festival in Napa, CA to take place May 25-27. Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper announced a joint North American 22-date summer tour beginning June 25 in Hollywood, CA. The Eagles added four new U.S. show dates to their previously-announced 2018 tour, which will now extend to September 8. Roger Daltrey of The Who also added some new show dates to his previously-announced solo U.S. tour.

Also that week, it was announced that Mavis Staples is among the nominees for this year's Blues Music Awards, to be presented May 10, 2018 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Also, "David Bowie Is," the expansive exhibition focusing on the legendary late rocker's career, will make its U.S. debut on March 2 at NYC's Brooklyn Museum and will run through July 15.

Finally, January 13, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Johnny Cash's historic shows at Folsom Prison where he recorded "At Folsom Prison," one of the best-selling albums of all time.

(For more information about the above-listed news items, please see below for a list of sources with links.)

January 8, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the Otis Redding classic, "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of the Bay."