Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lawmakers honor the late Paul Newman
WASHINGTON — Paul Newman, the late actor and 10-time Academy Award nominee, has been honored by lawmakers as a screen legend and humanitarian.
Newman died Sept. 26, 2008, at age 83 after a long battle with cancer. The House on Tuesday night approved a resolution recognizing Newman’s achievements on and off screen.
The Hollywood star won one Oscar and took home two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including “Cool Hand Luke,” “Exodus,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Verdict,” “The Sting” and “Absence of Malice.”
Singer-guitarist leaves Barenaked Ladies
TORONTO — Singer-guitarist Steven Page has left the Barenaked Ladies. The news comes several months after drug charges against Page were dropped in the U.S. His arrest came after the band, known for its clean-cut image and whimsical lyrics, released an album of children’s songs titled “Snacktime.”
The band’s Web site said Wednesday that Page will pursue solo projects, including theatrical opportunities.
Page, his girlfriend and her roommate were charged with drug possession in July after police found cocaine at an apartment in New York state. In late October, all three secured a deal to have charges dropped if they stayed out of trouble for six months.
Blues legend Taj Mahal earns spot in Hall of Fame
NEW YORK — Taj Mahal, 66, the blues legend whose vibrant, worldly music encompassed African-rooted sounds of all kinds, will be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Mahal, whose real name is Henry St. Clair Fredericks, has been selected along with New Orleans soul singer Irma Thomas, Chicago bluesman Son Seals and ragtime guitar player the Rev. Gary Davis to join the Blues Hall in Memphis, Tenn. They will be inducted in a ceremony on May 6.
Mahal’s music has for four decades dug deeply into sounds of many places, particularly Africa, the Caribbean and Hawaii. The breadth of Mahal’s influences came partly from his heritage and partly from a nurtured openness.
Today’s birthdays
Singer Fats Domino is 81. Guitarist Paul Cotton of Poco is 66. Singer Mitch Ryder is 64. Singer Michael Bolton is 56. Singer Erykah Badu is 38. Singer Corinne Bailey Rae is 30.
2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.