‘You Light Up My Life’ writer faces rape charge
‘You Light Up My Life’ writer faces rape charge
NEW YORK — Joseph Brooks, 71, the songwriter and director behind “You Light Up My Life,” has been indicted on charges of raping or sexually assaulting women who answered audition ads on Craigslist.
Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau says nine of the 11 victims answered an ad seeking women to audition for acting roles.
Brooks won the Oscar for Best Original Song for the 1977 ballad “You Light Up My Life.”
He also wrote and directed the “You Light Up My Life” movie. It’s about a comedian who has a one-night stand with a director.
Brooks’ attorney, Jeff Hoffman, says “there will be lengthy arguments” during the arraignment.
Pro football players form ‘heavy’ band
DALLAS — NFL offensive linemen bang heads all the time. A trio of Dallas Cowboys linemen are now professional head-bangers, too.
Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo and Cory Procter have signed a recording contract as part of a heavy-metal band called Free Reign. Their debut album for Australia’s Riot Entertainment will be released this fall.
Considering all three players weigh over 300 pounds, it only makes sense they are being referred to as “heavier than metal.”
“Free Reign is a band with massive potential,” Riot owner John Howarth said in a news release Tuesday. “There has been an enormous buzz surrounding them since they appeared on the scene a few months ago. Free Reign has already been flooded with endorsements. Their marketing potential is limitless. These guys are already huge sports stars, but they have shown they have the talent to diversify.”
Today’s birthdays
Actor Al Molinaro (“Happy Days”) is 90. Guitarist Jeff Beck is 65. Drummer Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac is 62. Actor Joe Penny (“Jake and the Fatman”) is 53. Actress Danielle Spencer (“What’s Happening”) is 44. Actress Sherry Stringfield (“ER”) is 42. Actress Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) is 30.