Announcements - 2020

December 27, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of December 20, 2020
During the week of December 20, 2020, the Recording Academy announced its list of 2021 inductees into the Grammy Hall of Fame that consists of recordings at least 25 years old considered to be of lasting qualitative or historical significance. Among the honorees are Irma Thomas' "Time Is On My Side," Betty Wright's "Clean Up Woman," The Village People's "Y.M.C.A.," and Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler."

December 20, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of December 13, 2020
During the week of December 13, 2020, Jose Feliciano's Christmas classic, "Feliz Navidad," originally released in 1970, made the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the very first time.

December 13, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of December 6, 2020
During the week of December 6, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to pioneering country star Charley Pride (March 18, 1934 - December 12, 2020) who died from complications related to COVID-19. Famous for such classics as "Kiss An Angel Good Morning" and "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone," his numerous honors and accolades included three Grammys along with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2020, he became the first black performing artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 6, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of November 29, 2020
During the week of November 29, 2020, several oldies artists dominated Billboard's year-end charts for 2020. In the Top Rock Album tally, Queen's "Greatest Hits" took the top spot, followed by Elton John's "Diamonds" (no. 2), Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" (no. 3), Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Chronicle - The 20 Greatest Hits" (no. 4), and The Beatles' "Abbey Road" (no. 5). In the Top Rock Artists chart, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Queen, and Elton John came in at nos. 3, 4, 6, and 9, respectively.

November 29, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of November 22, 2020
During the week of November 22, 2020, the Recording Academy announced that Paul McCartney, Prince, Mavis Staples, and James Taylor are among the nominees for the 2021 Grammy Awards. Other nominees include "Linda Ronstadt - The Sound Of My Voice" and ZZ Top's "That Little Ol' Band From Texas" for Best Music Film. The awards ceremonies will air January 31, 2021 on CBS.

November 22, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of November 15, 2020
During the week of November 15, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Jim Tucker (d. November 12, 2020, age 74), a founding member of The Turtles who served as the band's rhythm guitarist through 1967. He can be heard on such hits as "Happy Together," "She'd Rather Be With Me," and "It Ain't Me Babe."

November 15, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of November 8, 2020
During the week of November 8, 2020, country star Charley Pride was honored with the 2020 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th annual CMA Awards which aired November 11 on ABC. In addition, The Doobie Brothers and T. Rex were among those to be officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

November 8, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of November 1, 2020
During the week of November 1, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to 1960s pop sensation Len Barry (June 12, 1942 - November 5, 2020) and Ken Hensley (August 24, 1945 - November 4, 2020) of Uriah Heep.

November 1, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of October 25, 2020
During the week of October 25, 2020, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame released an official trailer for the upcoming 2020 induction ceremonies. This year's program, to air November 7 on HBO and HBO Max, will include a tribute in concert to the late Eddie Van Halen. Among the many artists to make guest appearances are Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Don Henley of The Eagles, and Nancy Wilson of Heart.

October 25, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of October 18, 2020
During the week of October 18, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to famed veteran rocker Spencer Davis (July 17, 1939 - October 19, 2020) and "Mr. Bojangles" songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker (March 16, 1942 - October 23, 2020).

October 19, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of October 11, 2020
During the week of October 11, 2020, it was announced that the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis, who recently turned 85, will be honored at a celebration to take place October 27 as a virtual live stream event accessible via JerryLeeLewis.com, YouTube, and other websites. Special guests will include Elton John, Tom Jones, Willie Nelson, Joe Walsh, former President Bill Clinton, and more.

October 11, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of October 4, 2020
During the week of October 4, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Johnny Nash (August 19, 1940 - October 6, 2020) and Van Halen co-founder Eddie Van Halen (January 26, 1955 - October 6, 2020).

October 4, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of September 27, 2020
During the week of September 27, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to two iconic 1970s hitmakers - Helen Reddy (October 25, 1941 - September 29, 2020) and Mac Davis (January 21, 1942 - September 29, 2020).

September 28, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of September 20, 2020
During the week of September 20, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to four oldies music icons - Pamela Hutchinson of The Emotions (ca. 1958 - September 18, 2020), original Four Seasons member Tommy DeVito (June 19, 1928 - September 21, 2020), 1960s singer Roy Head (January 9, 1941 - September 21, 2020) of "Treat Her Right" fame, and Johnny Cash drummer W. S. "Fluke" Holland (April 22, 1935 - September 23, 2020).

September 21, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of September 13, 2020
During the week of September 13, 2020, PBS announced its upcoming "Great Performances - GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends," a TV special airing October 16 that will honor Chicago, Roberta Flack, the late Isaac Hayes, and others who received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2020. Among the featured performers to pay tribute in concert are Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire and Sam Moore of Sam & Dave.

September 14, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of September 6, 2020
During the week of September 6, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to four oldies music icons - Kool & The Gang co-founder Ronald Bell (November 1, 1951 - September 9, 2020), reggae pioneer Toots Hibbert (December 8, 1942 - September 11, 2020), veteran R&B saxophonist and bandleader Hal Singer (October 8, 1919 - August 18, 2020), and Honey Cone lead singer Edna Wright (ca. 1944 - September 12, 2020).

September 6, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of August 30, 2020
During the week of August 30, 2020, Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted into the Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Hall Of Fame along with the late Tammy Wynette, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, and author Margaret Walker. Jerry Lee Lewis III accepted the honors on behalf of the 84-year-old rock & roll legend who was unable to attend the ceremony.

August 31, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of August 23, 2020
During the week of August 23, 2020, it was announced that a new John Lennon box set, "Gimme Some Truth - The Ultimate Mixes," will be coming out on October 9 in tribute to what would have been the late rock legend's 80th birthday. That same week, Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman, who was sentenced to 20 years to life after shooting him outside his apartment on December 8, 1980, was denied parole for the 11th time.

August 23, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of August 16, 2020
During the week of August 16, 2020, two former U.S. presidents made the news in the world of oldies music. Barack Obama released this year's edition of his annual summer playlist which includes songs by such veteran artists as Bob Dylan, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Otis Redding, War, and Stevie Wonder. Also, "Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President," a new documentary about how he integrated his love of music with his political career, will premiere September 9 in theaters and virtual cinemas and released as a home video on October 9.

August 17, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of August 9, 2020
During the week of August 9, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Trini Lopez (May 13, 1937 - August 11, 2020) who died from complications of COVID-19. Born in Dallas, TX to Mexican parents, the famed veteran folk rock singer had a Top 5 hit in 1963 with his upbeat rendition of "If I Had A Hammer," and his many other hits included covers of "Kansas City" (1963) and "Lemon Tree" (1965).

August 9, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of August 2, 2020
During the week of August 2, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Wayne Fontana (October 28, 1945 - August 6, 2020), a British Invasion pop sensation who topped the charts in 1965 with "Game Of Love" with his band, The Mindbenders. The group's other hits included the 1966 smash, "A Groovy Kind Of Love."

August 3, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of July 26, 2020
During the week of July 26, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Bent Fabric (December 7, 1924 - July 28, 2020) who became famous worldwide for the Grammy-winning 1962 smash, "Alley Cat." Born Bent Fabricius-Bjerre in Frederiksberg, Denmark, the famed jazz pianist and composer released a long string of albums and wrote numerous film and TV scores over his long career. He also founded a label in 1950, Metronome Records, which was later sold to Warner Music Group.

July 26, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of July 19, 2020
During the week of July 19, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green (October 29, 1946 - July 25, 2020) and 1970s singer-songwriter Emitt Rhodes (February 25, 1950 - July 19, 2020).

July 19, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of July 12, 2020
During the week of July 12, 2020, news about a viral video of Billy Joel playing a piano that had been abandoned on a sidewalk in Huntington, NY on Long Island helped brighten the spirits of many during the COVID-19 pandemic. An onlooker captured the Piano Man giving this impromptu roadside concert sometime late last month and uploaded the video to YouTube where it has been viewed almost 400,000 times so far.

July 12, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of July 5, 2020
During the week of July 5, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to three music icons - Southern rock legend Charlie Daniels (October 28, 1936 - July 6, 2020), famed jazz percussionist Joe Porcaro (April 29, 1930 - July 6, 2020), and celebrated film music composer Ennio Morricone (November 10, 1928 - July 6, 2020).

July 6, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of June 28, 2020
During the week of June 28, 2020, Bob Dylan's latest album, "Rough And Rowdy Ways," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, making him the first-ever artist to have at least one Top 40 album on this chart in every decade from the 1960s to the 2020s. "Rough And Rowdy Ways" is Dylan's 23rd album to date to break into the Billboard 200 Top 10 and his 50th to make the Top 40.

June 28, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of June 21, 2020
During the week of June 21, 2020, PBS announced that John Fogerty, Patti LaBelle, and The Temptations will be joining the lineup of this station's 40th annual "A Capitol Fourth" TV special to be broadcast on July 4 at 8 PM EST. This show will also be viewable on the Armed Forces Network and will stream on Facebook, YouTube, and PBS.org, and will be available as on demand until July 18. Instead of airing live from Washington, D.C. as in previous years, this year's "A Capitol Fourth" will feature pre-taped performances from across the U.S. due to COVID-19 concerns.

June 21, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of June 14, 2020
During the week of June 14, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Vera Lynn (March 20, 1917 - June 18, 2020), England's most popular and beloved singer during World War II who was famous for helping to keep spirits up among the armed forces and civilians alike with her many live performances and radio broadcasts. She remained popular worldwide after the war with such hits as "We'll Meet Again" (1954), "My Son, My Son" (1954), and "Auf Wiederseh'n, Sweetheart" (1952), the latter of which became the first song by a British performing artist to top the U.S. charts.

June 15, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of June 7, 2020
During the week of June 7, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Bonnie Pointer (July 11, 1950 - June 8, 2020) of The Pointer Sisters and early 1960s rocker Bobby Lewis (February 9, 1925 - April 28, 2020).

June 7, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of May 31, 2020
During the week of May 31, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Steve Priest (February 23, 1948 - June 4, 2020), co-founder of the British glam rock band, Sweet, who served as bassist and backing vocalist. He co-wrote many songs with his bandmates that included the 1975 hits, "Fox On The Run" and "Action." With lead singer Brian Connolly, Priest helped create Sweet's signature frenzied, breathless sound with his distinctive high-pitched vocals.

June 1, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of May 24, 2020
During the week of May 24, 2020, the Recording Academy announced its upcoming "United We Sing - A Grammy Salute To The Unsung Heroes," a TV special commemorating those on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19 set to air June 21 on CBS. John Fogerty and Irma Thomas are among the many featured performers.

May 24, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of May 17, 2020
During the week of May 17, 2020, AARP announced its upcoming Spotify playlist, "Songs of Hope & Happiness," a collection of nearly 90 oldies and other classic songs designed to lift people's spirits. Among the featured listings are The Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby," The Beatles' "Here Comes The Sun," and Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

May 18, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of May 10, 2020
During the week of May 10, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to soul legend Betty Wright, 1960s-1970s hit songwriter Mark Barkan, and early Beatles photographer Astrid Kirchherr.

May 10, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of May 3, 2020
During the week of May 3, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to rock & roll pioneer Little Richard, "My Boy Lollipop" singer Millie Small, and Florian Schneider-Esleben of Kraftwerk.

May 3, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of April 26, 2020
During the week of April 26, 2020, The Rolling Stones' latest single, "Living In A Ghost Town," debuted on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart at No. 3 and on the Hot Rock Songs tally at No. 30. Released on April 23, this song marks the 7th decade that the legendary band has had a charting song on a Billboard chart.

April 27, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of April 19, 2020
During the week of April 19, 2020, The Rolling Stones topped iTunes with "Living In A Ghost Town," a newly-released single that reflects the mood of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This somewhat somber, reggae-styled song is the band's first No. 1 hit in 40 years.

April 19, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of April 12, 2020
During the week of April 12, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to singer, songwriter, and guitarist Steve Farmer (December 31, 1948 - April 7, 2020) of The Amboy Dukes. With bandmate Ted Nugent, he co-wrote the 1968 psychedelic rock classic, "Journey To The Center Of The Mind," as well as many of the band's other songs.

April 12, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of April 5, 2020
During the week of April 5, 2020, Bob Dylan topped the Billboard charts for the very first time with his latest song, "Murder Most Foul," a 17-minute-long epic about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Released on March 27, this song reached No. 1 on Billboard's Rock Digital Song Sales chart and was also the folk-rock legend's first-ever entry on that chart.

April 6, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of March 29, 2020
During the week of March 29, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to soul legend Bill Withers (July 4, 1938 - March 30, 2020) who died from heart complications. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer became famous during the early 1970s for such era-defining classics as "Ain't No Sunshine" (1971) and "Lean On Me" (1972).

March 30, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of March 22, 2020
During the week of March 22, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to jazz and funk saxophonist Manu Dibango (December 12, 1933 - March 24, 2020) and bluegrass musician Eric Weissberg (August 16, 1939 - March 22, 2020). Best known for the 1973 disco smash, "Soul Makossa," Dibango died after contracting COVID-19. Weissberg, who passed away after a five-year battle with Alzheimer's, was best known for the instrumental hit, "Dueling Banjos," which was used as the theme to the 1972 movie, "Deliverance."

March 22, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of March 15, 2020
During the week of March 15, 2020, fans bade a final farewell to Kenny Rogers (August 21, 1938 - March 20, 2020) who passed away at home while under hospice care. His very long string of hits on multiple charts through the 2000s included his signature Grammy-winning smash, "The Gambler," which was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. Over his six-decades career, the celebrated country-pop superstar was the recipient of numerous awards and honors that included being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

March 15, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of March 8, 2020
During the week of March 8, 2020, James Taylor made Billboard chart history as the first artist to score at least one Top 10 album in each of the last six decades. His latest album, "American Standard," debuted at no. 4 on the Billboard 200 album chart, making this his 13th Top 10 album to date.

March 9, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of March 1, 2020
During the week of March 1, 2020, TIME magazine announced its list of "100 Women of the Year" made up of one women representing each year from 1920 through 2019. Late soul legend Aretha Franklin was chosen for 1968 because of the three albums she released that year which were "a salve for a torn nation" mourning the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

March 2, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of February 23, 2020
During the week of February 23, 2020, it was announced that Paul Williams will be presented with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Induction & Awards dinner taking place June 11 in New York City. Williams' numerous songwriting credits include The Carpenters' "We've Only Just Begun," Barbra Streisand's "Evergreen" (from "A Star Is Born"), and Three Dog Night's "An Old Fashioned Love Song."

February 24, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of February 16, 2020
During the week of February 16, 2020, Jerry Lee Lewis announced his return to music after recovering from a stroke he suffered last year. The 84-year-old rock & roll legend also recently completed a new album of gospel standards covers.

February 17, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of February 9, 2020
During the week of February 9, 2020, Elton John took home his second Oscar for Best Original Song at the 92nd Academy Awards. He shares this honor with longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again," the end credits song from "Rocketman." Elton John was awarded his first Oscar in 1995 for "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" from "The Lion King."

February 10, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of February 2, 2020
During the week of February 2, 2020, PBS announced a new special, "Chuck Berry - Brown Eyed Handsome Man," which pays tribute in concert to the late rock & roll pioneer. This upcoming event, which features archival footage of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Lynne of ELO, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Springsteen, and Berry himself, will premiere February 29 on select stations across the country.

February 3, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of January 26, 2020
During the week of January 26, 2020, it was announced that Aerosmith will be featured in a new commercial promoting an updated slogan for Las Vegas. The ad shows the band onstage with lead singer Steven Tyler yelling "What happens here!" who then thrusts his microphone out to audience members who yell back "Only happens here!"

January 27, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of January 19, 2020
During the week of January 19, 2020, Neil Young officially became a United States citizen. The Canadian-born folk rock legend, who still retains citizenship in his home country, has resided in the U.S. since around the mid 1960s when he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career.

January 20, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of January 12, 2020
During the week of January 12, 2020, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced this year's inductees that include The Doobie Brothers, T. Rex, and Whitney Houston. Also, Irving Azoff and Jon Landau, longtime managers of The Eagles and Bruce Springsteen, respectively, will be inducted as recipients of the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The awards ceremonies, to take place May 2, 2020 in Cleveland, OH, will air live on HBO.

January 13, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of January 5, 2020
During the week of January 5, 2020, Elton John and longtime songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, won the Golden Globe award for Best Original Song for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." This song is played over the opening credits in the biopic, "Rocketman," which received additional honors at the Golden Globes when Taron Egerton was named Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his portrayal of Elton John.

January 6, 2020 - Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of December 29, 2019
During the week of December 29, 2019, Madison Square Garden announced that Billy Joel will continue his record-breaking monthly residency with his 76th consecutive show to take place May 2, 2020. In total, this upcoming concert will mark Joel's 122nd lifetime performance since his first show at the famous venue in December 1978.