Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film 'The Harder They Come,' dead at 81
NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached defiance, joy and endurance in such classics as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get it If You Really Want” and “Vietnam” and starred in the landmark movie “The Harder They Come,” has died at 81. Cliff was a native Jamaican with a spirited tenor and a gift for topical lyrics who joined Kingston’s emerging music scene in his teens and helped lead a movement in the 1960s that included such future stars as Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert and Peter Tosh.
6 notable songs from Jimmy Cliff, the reggae star who has died at 81
NEW YORK (AP) — The story of Jimmy Cliff, who has died at age 81, is in part the story of reggae itself. He moved to Kingston in the early 1960s and joined a rising musical movement that would help give voice to the country's independence from Great Britain. A decade later, he helped reggae ascend to the international stage with his starring role in the cult favorite “The Harder They Come” and his featured place on the film's classic soundtrack. In the years following, his songs were covered by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to UB40 and confirmed the music's power to inspire or just get you dancing.
Celebrate the holidays with new albums from Brad Paisley, the 'Peanuts' gang and more
NEW YORK (AP) — ’Tis the season to put on some holiday music. The best way to get festive is to sing along to Christmas classics new and old. But don’t know what to press play on? We’ve got you covered. In honor of the most wonderful time of the year, The Associated Press has selected some of the best new holiday releases for the 2025 season. So, grab a loved one, a cup of eggnog and get to listening. The list includes new releases from Brad Paisley, Trisha Yearwood, Pentatonix, LeAnn Rimes and Mickey Guyton.
Dharmendra, iconic Bollywood actor and Indian cinema’s ‘He-Man,’ dies at 89
NEW DELHI (AP) — Dharmendra, a beloved star of Indian cinema, has died at 89. Known for his versatile roles in the 1970s and 1980s, he became a defining presence in Bollywood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling him an iconic film personality. Dharmendra's performances in films like "Sholay" and "Chupke Chupke" made him a household name. His on-screen chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, whom he later married, was legendary. Despite a personal life marked by controversy, his career spanned over six decades with more than 300 films. Dharmendra received the Padma Bhushan award in 2012.
‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' co-hosts are Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough and Rita Ora
NEW YORK (AP) — Ryan Seacrest will have some star-studded company for "Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" to usher in 2026. ABC announced Monday that Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough, and Rita Ora have signed on. Seacrest and Ora will host from New York City's Times Square. Chance the Rapper will be in Chicago, while Gronkowski and Hough will broadcast from Las Vegas. Details for a Puerto Rico celebration are coming soon. Seacrest has been part of the show since 2006. The event airs live on ABC on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. EST, and the next day on Hulu. More performers will be announced later.
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Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson and 'KPop Demon Hunters' at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. What to know
NEW YORK (AP) — The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features Labubu and “KPop Demon Hunters” this year, filling New York's sky and streets. The parade starts on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square. It includes 32 balloons, 27 floats, and 11 marching bands, all leading to Santa Claus. It airs on NBC and streams on Peacock and Telemundo. Performers include Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Ciara and Busta Rhymes. New balloons feature Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man, while new floats include Labubu and “Stranger Things.” Marching bands come from various states and Panama.
AP and Trump administration argue access case before federal appeals court
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press and the Trump administration went back before a federal appeals court in their fight over media access. The AP is arguing that a news outlet should not be punished for its point of view and the White House is insisting that the president should determine who can question him in the Oval Office. AP sued three Trump administration officials in February after its reporters were barred from the “pool” of journalists who follow the president. The administration’s action was, it said, in response to an institutional decision by AP to continue using the term “Gulf of Mexico” as its style after Trump renamed it the “Gulf of America.”
'Bel-Air' cast reflects on series, building its own legacy and identity entering final season
LOS ANGELES (AP) — With “Bel-Air” entering its fourth and final season on Monday, the cast reflects on how the ambitious Peacock drama expanded the possibilities for Black-led prestige television. The series, inspired by a viral reimagining of the ’90s sitcom, built its own identity through deeper emotional storytelling and high-end production values rarely afforded to a young Black ensemble. While reports cited its high production costs as a factor in its ending, the actors say the show is concluding exactly how the creative team intended. The new season pushes the Banks family into pivotal crossroads as the series reaches its planned finale.
‘Wicked: For Good’ is even more popular than the first, soaring to a $226 million global debut
Universal Pictures' "Wicked: For Good" has taken the box office by storm, earning an estimated $150 million in North America and $226 million globally in its opening weekend. It's the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing the first film's $112 million launch, and the second biggest of the year. Released earlier this week, the film played in 4,115 North American locations by Friday, with IMAX showings contributing $15.5 million. Women made up 71% of ticket buyers. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande, the film's success is crucial for the exhibition industry as the year ends.
Donald Glover says he had a stroke
Donald Glover has revealed he suffered a stroke last year, which forced him to cancel his tour. Speaking at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, Glover shared that a doctor diagnosed him after he experienced severe head pain during a show in Louisiana. Despite the pain, he performed but later sought medical attention in Houston. Glover also disclosed he had two surgeries for a heart condition. He expressed gratitude for his life and career, saying, "You got one life, guys, and I gotta be honest, the life I’ve lived with you guys has been such a blessing."
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