Clarence Carter, soul singer known for 'Patches' and 'Strokin',' dies at 90
NEW YORK (AP) — Clarence Carter, the blues and soul singer-songwriter known for hits like “Patches” and “Strokin’,” has died at age 90. Carter, born blind in Montgomery, Alabama, taught himself guitar and majored in music at Alabama State College. His biggest hit, “Patches,” came in 1970. It tells the story of a poor country boy who must take over the family farm. Carter was also known for raunchy songs like “Slip Away” and “Back Door Santa.” He recorded many hits at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Carter and fellow singer Candi Staton were briefly married in the 1970s.
After the Kendrick Lamar beef, can Drake come back with 'Iceman'?
NEW YORK (AP) — A new album from Drake is nearly here. “Iceman” releases Friday. It's his first since his extravagant loss in a very public feud with Kendrick Lamar and experts say it's pivotal. They commend Drake for an innovative album promotion cycle that included a massive ice installation in downtown Toronto. However, they theorize that since he lost the rap beef with Lamar, he needs to release an album of some critical merit with some hits. If not, it may still top the charts, but it won't further bolster his reputation in hip-hop.
Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Chaka Khan and Vince Gill enter National Recording Registry
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, and The Go-Go’s are joining America’s audio canon. The National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress on Thursday announced the induction of Swift’s 2014 album “1989,” Beyoncé’s 2008 anthem “Single Ladies,” Khan’s hit “I Feel for You,” and The Go-Go’s debut album “Beauty and the Beat.” Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Newlen announced the 25 recordings. They were chosen for their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance. Other inductees include Ray Charles’ album “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” and the soundtrack to the 1993 video game “Doom.”
A Vienna cafe offers a welcome for Israel supporters as tensions brew at the Eurovision Song Contest
VIENNA (AP) — Vienna's coffeehouses have embraced the Eurovision Song Contest, but tensions over Israel’s participation have surfaced. Initially, Israel was left out of Vienna's "Eurofan cafes” project to welcome fans from competing countries. MQ Kantine stepped in, offering Israeli food and decor. Security is tight across the city, with five countries boycotting the contest due to Israel's involvement. Pro-Palestinian activists are planning protests before Saturday’s final. Despite the tensions, the mood at MQ Kantine remains supportive. Israeli singer Noam Bettan faced mixed reactions but secured a spot in the final. Some fans feel reassured by the security, while others say the tensions over Israel have divided the Eurovision community.
'The Fast and the Furious' and Vin Diesel roll into Cannes for 25th anniversary
CANNES, France (AP) — The cast of “The Fast and the Furious” rolled into the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday for a 25th anniversary celebration of the nitrous-boosting franchise. This year’s Cannes is largely bereft of Hollywood films. But to help cover the blockbuster-sized hole in this year’s lineup, the French festival will host a midnight screening of the first release in the 10-movie series. On Wednesday, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster posed for photographers in Cannes. They were joined by Meadow Walker, the 27-year-old daughter of actor Paul Walker. In 2013, Walker died in a Los Angeles car crash.
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Princess of Wales' Italy visit highlights progressive preschool approach that shuns standardization
REGGIO EMILIA, Italy (AP) — The Princess of Wales’ visit to Italy highlights the Reggio Approach, an educational model that values a child’s curiosity and potential. Used in Reggio Emilia, this method involves teachers as facilitators and engages parents and the community. Princess Catherine, who focuses on early development, is spending two days exploring it. The Reggio Approach, influenced by Montessori, contrasts with models emphasizing standardization. It emerged post-World War II as a community effort. The approach has spread, but its adoption in Italy depends on local investment. Catherine’s visit is significant for Britain, where Reggio isn’t widely recognized.
Giuliani returns to his show after viral pneumonia hospitalization
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has returned to his show after being hospitalized for viral pneumonia. On Wednesday, he assured his audience that he is on the mend, though not fully recovered. Earlier in May, he was in critical condition and placed on a ventilator in Palm Beach, Florida. Giuliani, a longtime adviser to President Donald Trump, was involved in the 2020 election fraud claims. He recently faced legal issues but reached a settlement to retain his assets.
Drug counselor who delivered 'Friends' star Matthew Perry ketamine that killed him gets 2 years
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A licensed drug addiction counselor who delivered the ketamine that killed “Friends” star Matthew Perry has been sentenced to two years. Erik Fleming received the sentence in a Los Angeles federal court on Wednesday. He had pleaded guilty to distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Fleming connected Perry with drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, who was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison. Fleming cooperated with authorities and gave up Sangha, leading to a lighter sentence. Fleming became the fourth person sentenced of the five who have pleaded guilty.
Harvey Weinstein back in court after feeling ill as jury deliberates in his rape retrial
NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein has returned to court in his rape retrial a day after he reported chest pains while in the courthouse. The 74-year-old former movie tycoon looked pale but alert as he was brought into court Thursday in the wheelchair he has used for years. He said he felt fine. His health problem came Wednesday while he was in a courthouse holding area, waiting out jury deliberations. They resumed Thursday. He's charged with raping a woman in a New York hotel in 2013. His lawyers say the encounter was consensual.
Grammy-nominated Jordin Sparks selected to sing the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Grammy-nominated Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem at next week’s Indianapolis 500. The singer, songwriter and actress also performed the anthem before the 2015 and 2024 races. This year’s race is scheduled for May 24 and track officials have announced the estimated 275,000 reserved seats are sold out. Sparks became the youngest winner of “American Idol” in the television show’s sixth season. Since then, her singles have generated more than 10 million digital tracks sales in the U.S. Sparks also co-wrote Ariana Grande’s smash single, “The Way.”

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