NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

NBA Finals Game 5 draws best rating since 2004

NEW YORK

The NBA Finals Game 5 has drawn its highest television rating in more than a decade.

The Golden State Warriors’ 104-91 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night to take a 3-2 series lead averaged an 11.6 rating on ABC. That’s the best since the Pistons-Lakers Game 5 in 2004; that was a clincher, which traditionally draws larger audiences.

ESPN said Monday that the more than 20.5 million viewers were up 15 percent from the nearly 17.9 million for last year’s matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, which also was a clinching game.

Singer Jim Ed Brown remembered for faith, friendships

NASHVILLE, Tenn

Nashville stars, friends and fans remembered longtime Grand Ole Opry member Jim Ed Brown for his faith and friendships at a music-filled memorial service Monday in Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Brown was known for his 1959 No. 1 hit “The Three Bells,” which he recorded with his sisters as part of the trio The Browns. He later had solo hits with “Pop-A-Top,” “Morning” and “Southern Loving.”

Fellow singer Brenda Lee, who in March announced that Brown and his sisters would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, called the group “true pioneering legends.”

“They were my road family early in my career, and watched over me like I was their kid sister,” she said.

Lee was one of several speakers who talked about Brown’s Christian faith, saying that when she visited him at the hospital, he showed no fear of death. Lee said Brown even told her he had a vision of Jesus in his hospital room.

Brown died of cancer Thursday at age 81.

Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson to return for ‘Pitch Perfect 3’

NEW YORK

“Pitch Perfect” is coming back for an encore: A third installment of the musical franchise will hit theaters in July 2017.

Universal Pictures announced the plans for “Pitch Perfect 3” on Monday. Stars Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson will return for the sequel.

“Pitch Perfect” is about a college all-girls a cappella singing group. It has grown into a powerful box-office force. The 2012 original made $115 million worldwide. “Pitch Perfect 2” has taken in $260 million globally since opening last month.

Associated Press