Allbutforgottenoldies.net Music News Digest: Week Of May 24, 2020

June 1, 2020 by Amy Gold

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.

Cher, Kenny Loggins, Carole King, Rod Stewart, and Barbra Streisand are among the many celebrities that have teamed up to support the Call for Code climate change and COVID-19 awareness campaign. This initiative is calling for open source solutions that could provide immediate aid to those suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or climate change. Submissions are open through July 31, 2020. Visit CallforCode.org for more info.

Several veteran artists will partake in a series of Rock Fantasy Camp-sponsored "Masterclass" tutorials running from June 1-7, 2020. Among the participants are Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, and Simon Kirke of Bad Company and Free who will share tips, tell stories about their careers, and answer questions. Visit RockCamp.com for more info.

Badfinger teamed up with Matthew Sweet to re-record their 1971 smash, "Baby Blue," which has been released as a digital single and via streaming services. The new version features lead vocals by the band's sole surviving original member, Joey Molland, with Sweet providing backing vocals and guitar.

Also that week, Epix announced Part II of the series, "Laurel Canyon," to be shown on June 7, 2020. This 2-part documentary, which premiered on May 31, covers the thriving music scene centered around the same-named Los Angeles neighborhood during the late 1960s and early 1970s with both new and archival interviews. Featured bands and artists include Jackson Browne, Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Doors, The Eagles, Love, The Mamas & The Papas, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, Linda Ronstadt, and The Turtles.

Finally, fans bade a final farewell to Bob Kulick (January 16, 1950 - May 28, 2020), an acclaimed veteran guitarist and producer best known for his work with KISS. Over his long career, he also performed and recorded with numerous other acts that included Meat Loaf, Lou Reed, Diana Ross, and Edgar Winter.

Newly-Announced Recordings:
(Band/Artist - Title - Format - Release Date)

Canceled & Postponed Events:
(Band/Artist - Event(s) - Location - Original Dates - Rescheduled Dates)

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