The Weeknd Supports MusiCares with Big Donation
The Weeknd has given back to the members of the music community with a $500k donation to MusiCares to aid those afflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Recording Academy and Musi- Cares established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in the music industry affected by the Coronavirus disease outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events.
Capitol Records Remembers Mickey Diage
Capitol Records’ former longtime Director of Advertising, Mary “Mickey” Diage, passed away from pulmonary fibrosis on May 21. Mickey was known as a woman of unimpeachable integrity and honesty and gained advertising acumen through successful campaigns with The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and several other stars. She’s pictured here (left) at the Capitol offices in the '70s with Paul McCartney and his wife Linda.
13-Year-Old Rodriguez Keeps the Ball Rolling
Alexander James Rodriguez hasn’t let Coronavirus slow his roll toward be- coming the next teen music sensation. Rodriguez has gone to work since the shutdown, recording three singles in May before turning 13 the next month. His latest single, “My Crew” was spearheaded by record producer and Laney Stewart, who has worked on records with Alessia Cara and Madonna, and written by Alex Jacke, who has written for Jason Derulo, Madison Beer, and Kanye West. Check out his website, iamajrodriguez.com.
Gibson Launches Search for Missing Ledgers
Gibson has recently announced that they are launching a global search for missing shipping ledgers from 1959-1960. The ledgers contain the shipping records of all the Gibson guitars created that year, and documents an important period in Gibson’s 126-year-old history. The Gibson family is asking for assistance in recovering the missing ledgers and upon validation of the ledger’s authenticity, the person or persons who safely return the books will receive a $59,000 cash reward.
Rock Legends Celebrate Hartless's Graduation
Several rock legends recently got together via a YouTube compilation to congratulate drumming phenom Jason Hartless on graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Hartless is currently a touring/session drummer for Ted Nugent, Joe Lynn Turner, and Mitch Ryder. He saw virtual congratulations from members of KISS, STYX, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper Band, Blue Oyster Cult and many more.
NEA Supports Guitars in the Classroom
San Diego-based national nonprofit, Guitars and Uses in the Classroom has been awarded a generous grant of $30,000 to provide free educator training by the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant, announced in June, will be utilized to train special educators, support staff and teachers, and to facilitate student learning through making music adaptively so all learners can participate.
David Lyn Makes Noise with Timely Video
R&B singer-rapper David Lyn recently released a powerful one-shot music video for his single “Can’t Breathe,” in an effort to continue bringing awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement. Lyn was recently signed by Spirit Music Group, and the video for “Can’t Breathe” has amassed almost 50,000 views on YouTube
