newsmakers

newsmakers

‘Stand By Me’ singer Ben E. King dies at 76

NEW YORK

Ben E. King, singer of such classics as “Stand By Me,” “There Goes My Baby” and “Spanish Harlem,” has died.

King died Thursday at age 76, publicist Phil Brown told The Associated Press. Brown did not immediately have other details.

As a member of the Drifters, King co-wrote and sang lead on “There Goes My Baby.” The band had a string of hits featuring King, including “Save the Last Dance for Me” and “This Magic Moment,” before he left in a contract dispute.

The 1961 ballad “Spanish Harlem” gave King his first solo hit. “Stand By Me,” written with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, was chosen one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Blues legend B.B. King in hospice care at home

LAS VEGAS

Blues legend B.B. King is telling fans he’s in hospice care at home in Las Vegas.

The 89-year-old musician posted thanks to fans on his official website Friday for well-wishes and prayers.

Las Vegas police Officer Jesse Roybal says an ambulance was summoned Thursday to King’s address, and a person was hospitalized after what was characterized as a dispute over medical care.

The hospitalization was the second in a month for King, who was diagnosed with diabetes decades ago.

In October, he canceled the final shows of his 2014 tour after falling ill in Chicago.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has released more than 50 albums and sold millions of records worldwide.

Telethon that Jerry Lewis ran pulls plug

NEW YORK

The Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon is ending its annual Labor Day telethon, a television tradition for decades that has slowly disappeared from view since the sudden end of Jerry Lewis’ role as host after the 2010 show.

The telethon was a relic from a different age, a tuxedoed Lewis oozing show- biz schmaltz and hosting stars from Frank Sinatra to Jennifer Lopez over 45 years, pushing through his exhaustion to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as a tote board rang up millions of dollars in donations.

From 211/2 hours in Lewis’ final year, the show had been reduced two hours the last two years on ABC.

“It’s not a 21-hour world anymore,” said Steve Ford, MDA executive vice president, Friday.

‘Duck Commander’ in Vegas to end May 17

LAS VEGAS

A flying duck in West Monroe, La., might have a longer life than the “Duck Commander Musical,” which debuted in Las Vegas two weeks ago.

A spokeswoman confirmed Friday that the 90-minute Broadway-style musical that told the story of the Louisiana family behind the “Duck Dynasty” reality show will end May 17.

The same Broadway company behind “Jersey Boys” renovated a 680-seat theater inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino for the show.

A statement from the production leaves open the possibility of traveling to other interested cities or a national tour.

Associated Press