'Country' Joe McDonald, '60s rock star, proud protest counterculture icon, dies at 84
NEW YORK (AP) — “Country” Joe McDonald, a hippie rock star of the 1960s whose “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag” was a four-lettered rebuke to the Vietnam War that became an anthem for protesters and a highlight of the Woodstock music festival, died Sunday at 84. His death from complications of Parkinson’s disease was reported by his wife of 43 years, Kathy McDonald. The performer was a longtime presence in the Bay Area music scene, where peers included the Grateful Dead, the Jefferson Airplane and his onetime girlfriend, Janis Joplin. He wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs, from psychedelic jams to soul-influenced rockers, and released dozens of albums.
Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’ bounds to No. 1 as Warner Bros.' ‘The Bride!’ is on life support
Disney and Pixar’s new film “Hoppers” is leading the North American box office with a strong debut, while Warner Bros.’ “The Bride!” is stumbling. Studio estimates on Sunday show “Hoppers” made $46 million in its first weekend domestically and $88 million globally after adding in international receipts. In the same weekend, “The Bride!” opened with about $7.3 million in North America and a total of $13.6 million globally, despite a big production budget. “Hoppers” is a boost for original Pixar movies after “Elio” failed to connect with audiences. Reviews and audience scores also favor “Hoppers.” Meanwhile “The Bride!” is collecting mixed reactions from audiences and critics.
What to Stream: 'Zootopia 2,' Oscars, Kim Gordon, 'One Piece' and 'Scarpetta'
Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western family drama series “The Madison” debuting on Paramount+ and the animated movie smash “Zootopia 2” landing on Disney+ are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of March 9 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: The Academy Awards streaming on Hulu, Nicole Kidman bringing crime writer Patricia Cornwell’s famed forensic pathologist character Kay Scarpetta to life in a new series and Kim Gordon’s third solo album, “Play Me.”
Fox News apologizes for showing old video of a hatless Donald Trump at a dignified transfer ceremony
Fox News has apologized for airing old video of a hatless President Donald Trump at a dignified transfer ceremony as part of its coverage. In polarized times, online critics suggested that Fox was trying to make Trump look better with pictures that suggested he wasn't wearing a baseball cap on Saturday during the ceremony for the return of the remains of six service members killed in the Middle East war. Fox insisted this wasn't so, that a staff member inadvertently called up video of an old ceremony when preparing the story. Fox News anchor Johnny “Joey” Jones said he believed it was an honest mistake, “but that doesn't mean it was an acceptable one.”
Urban salsa music pioneer Willie Colón to be remembered at New York funeral
NEW YORK (AP) — Family, friends and fans are gathering for the funeral of urban salsa music pioneer Willie Colón. A public Mass is set for Monday morning at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City after a weekend of private and public visitations. Colón was 75 when he died on Feb. 21 at a suburban New York hospital. The trombonist, composer, arranger and singer produced more than 40 albums that sold more than 30 million copies worldwide and collaborated with a wide variety of artists. He also was a community leader who fought for civil rights and was a special assistant to two New York mayors.
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J Balvin remade Van Halen's 'Jump' as Coca-Cola's World Cup anthem. He says it was 'a puzzle'
NEW YORK (AP) — In need of a global superstar for a sports anthem? Colombian singer J Balvin is the man for the job. He’s one-fourth of Coca-Cola’s anthem for FIFA World Cup 2026. It is a reimagination of Van Halen’s “Jump” that also features drummer Travis Barker, R&B singer Amber Mark and guitarist Steve Vai. Joshua Burke is the head of global music and culture marketing at The Coca-Cola Company and approached Balvin with the idea. The singer says he initially felt trepidation. But after adding a new, Spanish-language rap verse and changing the original, he was on board. He says he hopes listeners connect to the energy of the song and consider it a real fútbol anthem.
Federal judge rules Trump administration's actions to dismantle Voice of America are illegal
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration's actions to dismantle the Voice of America over the past year are illegal. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth said that Kari Lake, President Donald Trump's choice to lead the federal agency overseeing Voice of America, did not have authority under the law to take her actions. He ruled Saturday on a lawsuit filed by three journalists laid off by Lake, the former Arizona broadcaster-turned-politician who has been overseeing the U.S. Agency for Global Media. Lake called it a bogus ruling by an activist judge that will be appealed. The journalists say they feel vindicated.
Woman sues author Amy Griffin, saying her memoir 'The Tell' stole stories of sexual abuse
A woman has sued memoir author Amy Griffin, saying Griffin stole descriptions of childhood sexual abuse from incidents in her life. The woman who goes by Jane Doe in the lawsuit filed it in a Los Angeles court Wednesday. Griffin’s memoir, “The Tell,” says therapy with the psychedelic drug MDMA brought back memories of abuse by a teacher in Texas. Jane Doe says key scenes match her assaults by a different teacher and that Griffin had reason to know. Griffin’s lawyer calls the claims absurd and meritless. The New York Times stands by reporting that questioned the memoir.
Daryl Hannah issues scathing response to portrayal of her on TV series about Kennedy and Bessette
Daryl Hannah has issued a scathing response to the new TV series about John F. Kennedy Jr. and wife Carolyn Bessette. The actor says the way she’s been portrayed in the new FX and Hulu show is false, damaging and misogynistic. “How Can ‘Love Story’ Get Away With This?” was the headline of her guest essay in the New York Times. “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” is a romantic look at the famously stylish couple, who died in 1999. Hannah dated Kennedy before he met and married Bessette. She says her character on the show “is not even a remotely accurate representation of my life.”
Music Review: Harry Styles’ ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally’ swings, sweats and surprises
Harry Styles has released his fourth solo full-length album, titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” It follows 2022’s critically acclaimed synth pop “Harry’s House,” which won album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. It is a remarkably consistent album dead-set on evoking mood without sacrificing music, while referencing dance-punk bands like LCD Soundsystem as well as Berlin nightclub culture. That is not a simple goal for a performer whose live show has been likened to a true communal experience, The Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman argues in her review. She says spirited experimentation carries throughout the album, in particular, in its stellar back half.
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