Bob Dylan Sells Recorded-Music Catalog to Sony Music

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorCountry artist Mickey Guyton will sing the National Anthem, R&B singer Jhene Aiko will perform “America the Beautiful,” and gospel act Mary Mary will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” accompanied by the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, as part of the pre-game ceremonies for the Super Bowl on Feb. 13, the NFL announced on Tuesday.Also, actress Sandra Mae Frank will perform the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful in American sign language on behalf of the National Association of the Deaf, and veteran DJ-producer Zedd will act as the official pregame DJ during player warmups.The choices speak to the NFL’s recent moves toward greater diversity, announced when it first teamed up with Roc Nation as an entertainment consultant in 2019.

Sam Lay, a Chicago blues drummer and vocalist who played with Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, has died at age 86. Lay died Saturday of natural causes in Chicago, Alligator Records said Monday. Sam Lay, a Chicago blues drummer and vocalist who played with Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, has died at age 86.

Hargus “Pig” Robbins was a country music session pianist who played on hits including Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” and on Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde” album.Blind since childhood, Robbins learned to play piano while attending the Nashville School for the blind. He began playing for Nashville’s greatest musicians in the 1950s, his first big hit coming with George Jones’ (1931–2013) “White Lightning” in 1959.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSony Music Publishing has announced Songwriter Assistance, a new program that will provide its global roster of songwriters and composers with access to free, confidential counseling services and wellness resources.According to the announcement, starting February 1, Songwriter Assistance will offer 24/7 counseling support via global hotlines, as well as ongoing counseling services for emotional health matters such as stress, anxiety, depression, and family/relationship challenges.SMP songwriters will also have unlimited access to customized resources for tackling daily responsibilities such as researching childcare and eldercare options, navigating life transitions, co-parenting, budgeting for major life events, and more.In a letter to songwriters and composers announcing the program, Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Publishing said, “We are committed to providing you with services that matter. The importance of wellness cannot be overstated, and with Songwriter Assistance, we look forward to offering a whole new level of care and support.”Amy Cranford, SMP senior VP of publishing administration, said, “We are passionate about taking care of Sony Music Publishing’s songwriters and composers and providing them with the best level of support.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorIsland Records has named Mike Alexander general manager, it was announced by new label co-CEOs Imran Majid and Justin Eshak. Alexander will continue to be based in New York and report jointly to Majid and Eshak.A nearly two-decade veteran of Island’s parent company Universal Music Group, Alexander has for the past year been an executive VP at Island, overseeing the operations for the label including releases by Shawn Mendes, the Killers, Demi Lovato and others. He previously served as executive vice president of international for UMG, a position that jointly encompassed Island Records, Def Jam Recordings and Republic Records.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorPrimary Wave Music has expanded its partnership with long-running British group and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Def Leppard.The deal will see the company acquire an additional stake in the band’s music publishing catalog as well as master royalty income stream.Terms of the deal were not disclosed; many of the band’s biggest hits are included in deal, such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph.”The band’s repertoire includes 11 studio albums, which have sold more than 110 million copies globally.The relationship between Primary Wave and Def Leppard began in 2009 with a deal to market and administer the band’s catalog of songs. Over the years the songs have been synced on a number of television shows, including “Cobra Kai,” “Hit the Floor,” “The Simpsons Guy,” “American Horror Story 1984” and more.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorOneOf has formed a preferred partnership with Warner Music Group that will see the company create exclusive NFTs for a range of artists across WMG’s catalog of music.A Green Web3 company, OneOf’s NFT platform creates NFTs that are significantly times more energy efficient than its competitors and are specifically designed with the music community in mind, offering NFTs from collectible and generative PFPs, to music royalties and experiences, according to the announcement.In December, a previously unreleased recording made when Whitney Houston was 17 years old was sold in a 24-hour auction on the OneOf NFT platform. The winning bid was for $1 million, the highest priced NFT auction item on the Tezos (XTZ) blockchain.

Chris Willman Music WriterHargus “Pig” Robbins, a Country Music Hall of Fame member who played piano on thousands of Nashville sessions and was renowned to Bob Dylan fans for his work on “Blonde on Blonde,” has died at age 84.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and a blizzard that dropped nearly a foot of snow on New York certainly could have put a major damper on the War on Drugs’ biggest-ever concert in the five boroughs — but despite those obstacles, an impressive crowd witnessed the group’s debut at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.Indeed, the Philadelphia band’s 18-song, 130-minute performance in many ways offered a refreshing snapshot of the state of arena rock circa 2022. Aside from drummer Charlie Hall’s snazzy patterned shit and windblown hair and a tasteful light show, there was little, if any, flash.

Michael Buble‘s new album is coming out so soon!

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe late rapper XXXTentacion left behind a complicated legacy after he was murdered during a robbery in June of 2018 — dozens of platinum or gold-certified and influential songs amid charges of domestic abuse and violence. A pioneer in the SoundCloud emo-rap genre, nearly four years after his death, the Florida rapper’s earliest songs on the platform are finally seeing official release via Columbia beginning today (Jan.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorMoon Projects, former TikTok music chief Mary Rahmani’s joint venture with Republic Records, has unveiled its first signing: Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Em Beihold, whose song “Groundhog Day” became a viral smash last year.Today she’s released the single and video “Numb Little Bug,” which she first teased on TikTok a few months back.“I try to write happy sing along pop about sad topics,” Beihold, 23, says. “I go for the lyrics or chords you wouldn’t necessarily expect.”She adds about the song, “Last year, all of my dreams were coming true. Everything I wanted was happening, but somehow I didn’t feel anything.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor300 Entertainment — the label home of Megan Thee Stallion and Young Thug, which was acquired by Warner Music earlier this month for $400 million —has launched a content and film division, 300 Studios. Its debut project, “RACE: Bubba Wallace,” is a docuseries that will be released on Netflix next month.300 Studios is headed by Kevin Liles, who is chairman/ CEO of both 300 Entertainment and Elektra Music Group, with former Viacom executives Kelly Griffin as head of creative strategy and Nolan Baynes as GM. According to the announcement, the studio “is primed to develop multi-format, feature, and episodic content through a cultural point of view.”According to the announcement, 300 Studios has over 20 projects in production, including film, music-lifestyle series, episodic content, and podcast initiatives.

Michael Bublé is back with new music.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorAriana Grande, Silk Sonic, Doja Cat featuring SZA, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo and the Kid Laroi are among the top nominees for the 2022 “iHeartRadio Music Awards,” airing live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 22, on Fox and on iHeartMedia radio stations.Now in its ninth year, the iHeartRadio Music Awards will celebrate the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2021, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2022, according to the announcement.“The 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards will once again celebrate the great artists and songs we’ve featured on iHeartRadio stations throughout the past year,” said Tom Poleman, President and Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “We can’t wait to celebrate the year in music with iconic performances and never-before-seen collaborations.” Artists receiving multiple nominations include Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Giveon, Lil Nas X, Silk Sonic, The Kid LAROI, SZA, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Megan Thee Stallion, Måneskin, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Billie Eilish, BTS, David Guetta, Tate McRae, Ariana Grande, Daniel Caesar, The Weeknd, Five Finger Death Punch, Cardi B, Joel Corry, AJR, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, The Pretty Reckless, All Time Low, twenty one pilots, Mammoth WVH, blackbear, Machine Gun Kelly, Imagine Dragons, Moneybagg Yo, H.E.R., Foo Fighters, Jazmine Sullivan, Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga, Pop Smoke, Coi Leray, Bad Bunny, Regard, Rauw Alejandro, Farruko, KAROL G, Calibre 50, Dua Lipa and La Arrolladora Banda El Limón De René Camacho.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorWasting no time in the wake of Neil Young’s decision to remove his music from Spotify to protest the anti-vaccine views expressed on Joe Rogan’s podcast on the service, SiriusXM has relaunched Neil Young Radio, a satellite and streaming music channel featuring music and exclusive stories from Neil Young.Following its launch in December as a limited-run channel, Neil Young Radio now returns to its limited engagement slot on SiriusXM’s Deep Tracks, channel 27, for 7 days starting today, and for a month streaming on the SXM App.SiriusXM hosts multiple conservative radio shows that espouse views similar to or more outspoken than Rogan’s — particularly on SiriusXM Patriot channel, which features Sean Hannity, Breitbart News, Andrew Wilkow and others — however, satellite radio is covered by different broadcast licenses than streaming services and a rights-holder would not be able to prevent its music from being broadcast. Streaming services host content at the discretion of the rights holder; since Warner Music holds the rights to Young’s music, he had to request the company remove his catalog from Spotify.

Video: Jennifer Lopez denies taking offence to Ben Affleck's comments about Jennifer Garner (Cover Video)IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Cardi B wins defamation lawsuit against YouTuberIN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Damon Albarn apologises to Taylor Swift over songwriting commentsDaniel Craig completes interview while bleeding from foreheadPeter Dinklage criticises 'backwards' Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remakeCelebrities Attend Los Angeles Clippers vs New York Knicks GameTiffany Haddish addresses driving under the influence arrestDamon Albarn apologises to Taylor Swift over songwriting commentsEric Clapton claims people vaccinated against Covid-19 are under 'hypnosis'Cardi B wins defamation lawsuit against YouTuberMarilyn Manson denies sexually assaulting Evan Rachel Wood on music video setParis Hilton found going to therapy with mother Kathy 'really healing'Lin-Manuel Miranda isn't interested in hosting OscarsRegina King's son alluded on social media of mental health prior to suicideKim Kardashian pays tribute to 'magic' friend Thierry MuglerSony Music buys Bob Dylan's recorded music catalogLizzo, H. E.

Video: NEWS OF THE WEEK: Britney Spears calls out Diane Sawyer over 2003 interview (Cover Video)IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Cardi B wins defamation lawsuit against YouTuberIN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Damon Albarn apologises to Taylor Swift over songwriting commentsDaniel Craig completes interview while bleeding from foreheadPeter Dinklage criticises 'backwards' Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remakeCelebrities Attend Los Angeles Clippers vs New York Knicks GameTiffany Haddish addresses driving under the influence arrestDamon Albarn apologises to Taylor Swift over songwriting commentsEric Clapton claims people vaccinated against Covid-19 are under 'hypnosis'Cardi B wins defamation lawsuit against YouTuberMarilyn Manson denies sexually assaulting Evan Rachel Wood on music video setParis Hilton found going to therapy with mother Kathy 'really healing'Lin-Manuel Miranda isn't interested in hosting OscarsRegina King's son alluded on social media of mental health prior to suicideKim Kardashian pays tribute to 'magic' friend Thierry MuglerSony Music buys Bob Dylan's recorded music catalogLizzo, H. E.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSpotify will remove Neil Young’s music from its platform, per his request, following his objections to Joe Rogan’s statements about the Covid-19 vaccine on his Spotify-hosted show. The music is expected to be removed later Wednesday.A rep for Spotify said in a statement to Variety: “We want all the world’s music and audio content to be available to Spotify users.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe full list appears below, but highlights include Cassandra Jenkins (New York), Coogie (South Korea), Ian Sweet (Los Angeles), Kosha Dillz (New York), La Doña (San Francisco), Moonchild Sanelly (South Africa), Pom Pom Squad (New York), Sloppy Jane (Los Angeles), Wet Leg (England), Wolf Eyes (Detroit) and dozens more.According to the announcement, SXSW continues to plan for a hybrid event (in-person with online viewing and participation options). The festival has updated its Covid-19 guidelines and will continue to coordinate with both the City of Austin and Austin Public Health — more details on SXSW’s Covid protocols are available on the SXSW website.All SXSW Music registrants receive primary access to Music and Convergence Conference programming, including Keynotes and Featured Speakers, Music Festival showcases, the Comedy Festival, exhibitions, networking Meet Ups, the Flatstock Poster Show, Registrant Lounge, the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake concerts, and the closing BBQ & softball tournament.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorRihanna is putting $15 million behind her belief that climate change is a social justice issue by making that sizable donation to the movement through her Clara Lionel Foundation.On Tuesday the singer announced that the money will be distributed between 18 climate justice organizations working in seven Caribbean nations and the United States, including the Climate Justice Alliance, the Indigenous Environmental Network, and the Movement for Black Lives, according to the Associated Press.“Climate disasters, which are growing in frequency and intensity, do not impact all communities equally, with communities of color and island nations facing the brunt of climate change,” Rihanna said in a statement. The grants, which were made in partnership with Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall fund, are focused on groups with female, LGBTQ and Black and indigenous leaders because their communities are at the greatest risk.“Funders must build partnerships with grassroots organizations, acknowledging their deep understanding of what is necessary to achieve climate justice in their own communities,” said Justine Lucas, Clara Lionel Foundation’s executive director.During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Rihanna and Dorsey together donated $15 million to mental-health services as well as $2.1 million each to aid victims of domestic violence in Los Angeles.Earlier this week, Rihanna’s  Savage X Fenty lingerie line announced a new funding round of $125 million led by Neuberger Berman.Rihanna was officially named a billionaire last year when Forbes estimated her net worth at $1.7 billion.