Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of November 18, 2018

November 26, 2018 by Amy Gold

During the week of November 18, 2018, the United States Postal Service announced a new commemorative "Forever Stamp" for 2019 featuring the late Motown legend, Marvin Gaye. Another "Forever Stamp" also due out next year will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Woodstock music festival.

Also that week, "The White Album" by The Beatles made a return at #6 to the Billboard 200 in the wake of its recent 50th anniversary reissue. Also, Queen's 1976 smash hit, "Bohemian Rhapsody," returned to the Billboard Hot 100 at #33, making it this rock classic's third entry into this chart.

Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith of The Monkees announced a 12-date U.S. tour beginning March 1, 2019 in Medford, MA and ending March 16 in St Charles, MO, also covering several Northern and Northeastern states. In addition, Nesmith will give a series of six special solo headlining concerts starting January 17 in Seattle, WA and ending January 26 in Mill Valley, CA, with stops in other cities in California and Grants Pass, OR. Also, The Rolling Stones announced a 2019 U.S. tour with 13 dates confirmed so far beginning April 20 in Miami Gardens, FL and ending June 21 in Chicago, also covering Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington State, and Washington, D.C.

Also that week, New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art announced an upcoming exhibition dedicated to instruments used by rock musicians in concert. "Play It Loud: Instruments Of Rock And Roll," which will open on April 8, 2019, will feature instruments played by The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and other rock legends.

Finally, fans bade a final farewell to famed songwriter Scott English (January 10, 1937 - November 16, 2018) who co-wrote Barry Manilow's 1974 smash hit, "Mandy," plus other oldies classics that included The American Breed's "Bend Me, Shape Me" (1967) and "Help Me Girl" which became a Top 40 hit in 1966 for both The Animals and The Outsiders.

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

Below is a glimpse into the making of "The White Album" by The Beatles which reached its half-century mark on November 22, 2018.