Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of May 13, 2018

May 21, 2018 by Amy Gold

During the week of May 13, 2018, Elton John was the featured performer at the lunchtime reception that followed the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle which took place on Saturday, May 19. He reportedly took the stage after Prince Harry asked his guests, "Does anyone here know how to play the piano?" The pop legend then serenaded the newlyweds with "Your Song," "Circle Of Life," "I'm Still Standing," and "Tiny Dancer."

A new album by Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier titled "Reimagination" will be coming out on May 25, 2018 that features new arrangements of "Reach Out, I'll Be There," "Baby I Need Your Loving," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," and other classics Dozier co-wrote with Brian and Eddie Holland. Three David Bowie recordings that were offered on Record Store Day last April will be coming out again on June 29 in various formats: "Welcome To The Blackout (Live London '78)," Bowie's 1981 soundtrack to the movie, "Christiane F. -- Wir Kinder von Bahnoff Zoo," and "David Bowie In Bertolt Brecht's Baal." Also due out on that day is "Chicago II: Live On Soundstage" which captures a recent performance by Chicago of its self-titled 1970 album during a taping for the PBS series, "Soundstage."

The Average White Band, Art Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, and The Manhattan Transfer are among the featured performers at this year's Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City which will take place over the entire month of June. Neil Young announced six new U.S. concerts beginning June 28 in St. Louis, MO and ending July 12 in Boston, MA, with stops in Chicago and Detroit. Stevie Wonder will play five shows at the Park MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to take place August 3-11. Also, Kansas will commemorate its 1977 album, "Point Of Know Return," with a 40th anniversary 24-date tour which kicks off on September 28 in Atlanta, GA and ends on December 15 show in Fort Lauderdale, FL, covering many states across the country.

Also that week, ABC announced an upcoming TV special titled "The Last Days Of Michael Jackson" which will air on May 24, 2018. This program, which covers the late King of Pop's life and legacy, will feature rare interviews and never-before-seen footage.

Finally, a John Lennon "Forever Stamp" will be issued on September 7, 2018 by the United States Postal Service. This new commemorative stamp features photos of the legendary late Beatle from the early 1970s taken by rock photographer Bob Gruen.