Songwriters: Celebs Rumors

The Weeknd up for a Nobel Prize for literature.A new study showing a steep decline in songwriting skills over the last 40 years used folk crooner Bob Dylan’s award from the sainted Swedish institution of an example of how much music has changed. To draw their conclusions, a team of researchers from Europe pored over the words to roughly 12,000 songs in English across a variety of genres from rap to rock to R&B, written between 1980 and 2020, The Guardian reported.Their findings were exactly as anyone over the age of 40 might have suspected — lyrics have become simpler, more repetitive, angrier and more self-obsessed.“What we have also been witnessing in the last 40 years is a drastic change in the music landscape — from how music is sold to how music is produced,” said senior study author Eva Zangerle, recommendations systems expert at the University of Innsbruck.The study declined to name and shame any newer artists, but instead spoke of how lyrics can be a “mirror of society,” reflecting a culture’s shifting values and preoccupations.The study, published in Scientific Reports, concentrated on emotions expressed, repetitiveness and word choice, particularly to see how often difficult or unusual words were used.

“The Sound of Silence” — the chart-topping classic that had Simon & Garfunkel making all kinds of noise after their 1964 debut.“I used to go into the bathroom of my parents’ house. There was tile on the wall, and I’d turn the water on,” recalls Paul Simon — who wrote the duo’s first hit — in the two-part documentary “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon,” which premieres on MGM+ Sunday and continues on March 24.“And the tile made the echo, and the water was like a white noise sound.

“I’m Just Ken” might actually win Best Original Song over “What Was I Made For?” — Billie Eilish’s far superior “Barbie” tune.After all, another Oscar win would make Eilish, 22, and her producer brother, Finneas, 26, the youngest two-time Academy Award winners in history after their victory in 2022 for the Bond theme song “No Time To Die.”Perhaps with some voters thinking “too much, too soon,” an upset seemed to be brewing.But now the siblings are in the history books — as they should be.Sometimes it’s just as simple as real recognizing real — whether it’s at the Oscars or the Grammys.And when Eilish got a standing O from Hollywood’s finest after performing “What Was I Made For?” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night, it was an acknowledgement of just how far ahead she was of the other Best Original Song nominees.To be honest, it wasn’t even as hauntingly heartbreaking as her performance of the tune just before it took Song of the Year at the Grammys last month.But it was still real artistry on raw display that was all the chills and feels.“What Was I Made For?” also became only the 10th song in history to win both the Grammy for Song of the Year and the Oscar for Best Original Song.That puts it in some pretty prestigious company, with the likes of “Moon River” (from 1961’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”) “The Way We Were” (from 1973’s “The Way We Were”), “Evergreen” (from 1976’s “A Star Is Born”), “You Light Up My Life” (from 1977’s “You Light Up My Life”), “A Whole New World” (from 1992’s “Aladdin”) and “My Heart Will Go On” (from 1997’s “Titanic”).Bravo, Billie and Finneas.

Paul McCartney still longs for “Yesterday.”Indeed, Macca remains haunted by a regretful remark he made to his late mother Mary — a lament that lives on in a legendary line from The Beatles’ 1965 No. 1 single.While “Yesterday” — which was ostensibly a McCartney solo song, with the singer strumming acoustic guitar over a sorrowful string arrangement — has always been considered a breakup ballad, the classic lyric “I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday” is actually a mea culpa to his mother.It was inspired by “feeling very embarrassed because I’d embarrassed my mom,” the 81-year-old Beatle reveals in the latest episode of his songwriter podcast “McCartney: A Life in Lyrics.”That embarrassment goes back to Macca’s mother having what he describes as a very “posh” accent.“She was of Irish origin and she was a nurse, so she was above street level,” he explains about his mom, who died from breast-cancer complications in 1956 — when the Beatle was just 14.

and so are we — but Mitski sure isn’t.Fans of the wistful indie icon will be pleased to hear that she’s added 15 August and September shows featuring special guests Laufey, Lamp, Alvvays, Arlo Parks, Ethel Cain and Wyatt Flores on select dates to her 2024 ‘The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We Tour.’On the first leg of the tour, Tamino, Sunny War, Julia Jacklin and Sarah Kinsley will serve as Mitski’s support acts.With the addition of the second North American leg of the tour, the 33-year-old singer-songwriter now has 51 U.S. concerts lined up this year; that includes seven consecutive New York City and Brooklyn gigs at the Beacon and Kings Theatre this February.“In our efforts to make the show experience extra special, we found beautiful, seated theaters to play over multiple nights, rather than one giant venue per city, in the hopes of offering a more intimate experience to the audience,” Mitski shared on Instagram.And if you’d like to hear her 2023 album “The Land Is Inhospitable And So Are We” as well as favorites like “Nobody,” “Washing Machine Heart” and more in intimate settings live, you can grab tickets for all 50+ Mitski shows as soon as today.Although inventory isn’t available for the newly announced August and September concerts on Ticketmaster until Friday, Jan.

Taylor Swift had on “1989” — including “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” “Style,” “Bad Blood” and “Wildest Dreams” — it’s tough to see how she could have any good stuff left over from that era.But with Friday’s release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” — her re-recording of her fifth studio LP, which won the Album of the Year Grammy in 2016 — Swift is the gift that keeps on giving with bonus material from the “1989” sessions.Here, we rank the five previously unreleased vault tracks, from worst to best.With her eternally girlish persona, Swift has never really given us a grown-and-sexy vibe. And wholesomeness is her whole brand.

she would be inducted in the performer category alongside Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and the Spinners.As a girl growing up in Kennett, Mo., with singer-songwriter dreams, Crow was inspired by Bush and her alt-pop artistry. “The two albums of hers that I had, I wore out,” she recalls.

The Julia Show that she fought to keep the pivotal phrase “fame f—er” in the chorus of her new hit single “Vampire,” while co-writer Dan Nigro pushed her to take it out. “Some people said, ‘It kind of isolates you from people, you can’t really say things like that in song, it’s not relatable’ —yada, yada, yada,” Rodrigo revealed.However, the “Drivers License” singer took the wheel in the end.The song, which took a bite out of the Billboard Hot 100 after being released on June 30, centers around an ex-boyfriend bleeding Rodrigo dry of her star status and using the relationship to their advantage.

statement to TMZ. “My mother, Cynthia Weil, was the greatest mother, grandmother and wife our family could ever ask for,” she wrote.

Queen’s famous 1975 hit, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” was almost named “Mongolian Rhapsody” when frontman Freddie Mercury first wrote it.The inside intel comes from a new auction exhibition at Sotheby’s Auction House in London, “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own,” which shows some of his private collection and belongings.Some of Mercury’s songwriting drafts will be on display, including a draft of “Bohemian Rhapsody” scribbled on a piece of stationery from the now-defunct airline, British Midland Airways.The draft spans 15 pages and appears that he crossed out the word “Mongolian” and replaced it with the lyrics “Bohemian Rhapsody,” written in black and blue ballpoint pen and pencil.On the pieces of paper, it also shows that he changed the lyrics of the nearly six-minute-long song’s famous second verse – initially reading, “Mama, there’s a war began, I’ve got to leave tonight.”The final version of the song’s lyrics read, “Mama, just killed a man.”The Post reached out to Sotheby’s for further comment.The manuscript of “Bohemian Rhapsody” is estimated to be auctioned between $100,000 and $150,000,000.Mercury was the lead singer in the popular band “Queen,” and was also their songwriter.He wrote and composed many hits, including “Love of My Life,” “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon” and “Seaside Rendezvous.”The talented artist died on November 24, 1991, after a battle with AIDS – just one day after he announced his diagnosis publicly, according to the band’s website.The song “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a clear chart-topper, and has been sold or streamed more than 10 million times in the United States, according to People.During a rare 1982 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Mercury spoke more about his musical process and artistic

queen of rock ‘n’ roll and her ex-husband Ike Turner’s abusive relationship in their 2013 hit, “Drunk in Love.”Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, died at 83 on Wednesday in her Switzerland home.The news of her death led to the resurfaced lyrics of Beyoncé, 41, and Jay-Z’s song, “Drunk in Love,” perhaps the couple’s most iconic track together.“Beat the box up, like Mike in ’97, I bite,” Jay-Z, 53, raps.“I’m Ike Turner, turn up baby, no, I don’t play. Now eat the cake, Anna Mae said, ‘Eat the cake, Anna Mae.'”The “Empire State of Mind” rapper’s lyrics reference a notorious moment in the Turner’s relationship when the “Proud Mary” singer, who went by Anna Mae at the time, was in a diner with Ike and fans asked her for an autograph instead of him.Ike was displeased with the fan’s lack of interest in him, so he attacked Tina by forcing cake in her mouth, saying, “Eat the cake, Anna Mae!”When “Drunk in Love” debuted in 2013, the verse rubbed many people the wrong way, many of whom criticized the Carters for trying to profit off Tina’s abusive relationship.The Post has contacted Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s reps for comment about the lyrics.Ten years later, Turner lovers are still disgruntled by the lyrics, especially after Beyoncé shared a tribute post to her “inspiration,” Tina Turner, on Instagram and Twitter.“My beloved queen.

Affirmation, the band’s second album, and it proved to be just as musically delicious as the first.The follow-up CD landed in music stores at the end of 1999. To date, the two albums have sold a combined total of approximately 23 million copies worldwide.And then, just like that, it was over.

facing legal woes in a copyright infringement trial over his 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud.”The 32-year-old, who admitted he would be “done” if the trial doesn’t go his way, has also opened up about a “horrible month” that devastated him in February 2022.While still reeling from his wife Cherry’s cancer diagnosis, he was then shattered by the death of his best friend, British music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, who helped launch his career.  “I don’t think I’ll ever get to February and be like, ‘This is a great month,’ ” says the “Shape of You” singer-songwriter in “Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All,” a four-part Disney+ docuseries that premieres on Wednesday. “That was a horrible, horrible month.

“Paper Doll” at a concert at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on April 8, where he looked back on the song he allegedly penned about ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift.According to a video that has been making the rounds on social media, Mayer said as he played the guitar: “I wonder if people don’t like it because it sounds a little pissed off.”“I don’t really like ‘pissed off’ as a song,” he continued, adding that “there’s something about it that’s a little bitchy.”He further went on to describe how he makes an effort “not to give bitchiness” in his songs.However, the Connecticut native confessed that it does happen “sometimes,” deeming “Paper Doll” as having some “sarcastic bitch” feelings. “I guess it is sort of a little bit blah,” he said onstage.Rumors have swirled for about a decade, saying that the tune is a response to Swift’s 2010 hit “Dear John.”The “Look What You Made Me Do” songstress and Mayer dated in 2009 and it has been alleged that “Dear John” was inspired by him.There have been some comparisons between the lyrics of both songs.

Cut 4 Me.Her unique sound, which blends elements of R&B, electronic, and alternative music, has earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. She makes tunes that are weird, lovely, and worth checking out if you’re searching for something unlike anything you’ve heard before.She recently released her sophomore album Raven to rave (get it?) reviews.Fans are thrilled to have her back after a six-year-long break from sharing full-lengths, and now is the time for others to discover her talent.1. Genre-Defying SoundKelela’s music is known for its fusion of traditional R&B with futuristic electronic and alternative sounds.

posted to Buddy Holly’s Facebook page on Monday. “JI was a musician ahead of his time, and undoubtedly his energy, ideas and exceptional skill contributed to both The Crickets, and rock n’ roll itself, becoming such a success,” the announcement read.“Buddy is often heralded as the original singer-songwriter, but JI, too, wrote and inspired so many of the songs that would go on to be eternal classics.”“There’s more to be said and posted here in the coming days.

according to a statement.The documentary will be directed by award-winning filmmaker Alison Ellwood and is being made in partnership with the “Time After Time” singer. “Like many people, I assumed when Cyndi Lauper burst onto the music scene in the early ’80s that she was another young star experiencing a meteoric rise to fame and success thanks to MTV,” Ellwood said.“But as it turns out, her story is one of hard knocks, hard work and dogged determination. Cyndi wanted her voice not just to be listened to, but a voice to be heard.“The documentary will be a full portrait of Cyndi Lauper – her true colors shining through,” the director added, a reference to her 1986 hit song.The New York native holds titles as singer-songwriter, actress, activist and best-selling musical composer.

Dallas Frazier was a hit-making country music songwriter known for writing “Elvira,” which was a hit for the Oak Ridge Boys.  Dallas Frazier was a legendary country music songwriter who wrote number one hit songs for the Oak Ridge Boys and Emmylou Harris. He was still a teenager when he started working with country music icon Ferlin Husky and released his first single, “Space Command,” at the age of 14.

James Mtume was a legendary jazz and R&B percussionist, producer, and composer known for the hit single ‘Juicy Fruit.’    James Mtume (born James Heath) was an influential jazz and R&B percussionist, composer, and producer. He was the son of legendary jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath but was raised by his stepfather, jazz pianist James Forman.

Marilyn Bergman was a songwriter who won three Academy Awards for her work.Bergman worked with her husband, Alan Bergman, to write songs for TV, movies, and stage productions. They married and began working together in the late 1950s, with early compositions including songs for Frank Sinatra (1915–1998) and Dean Martin (1917–1995).

Joanne Shenandoah was a singer and songwriter celebrated as “Native America’s musical matriarch.”Shenandoah was a member of the Oneida Indian Nation and grew up on the Oneida Reservation in New York. She was a direct descendant of the 18th-century tribal chief Skenandoa.

Dave Frishberg was a pianist and songwriter who composed “I’m Just a Bill” and other songs for “Schoolhouse Rock.”Frishberg got his start in the music world as a jazz pianist, playing solo as well as performing with jazz greats including Gene Krupa (1909–1973) and Anita O’Day (1919–2006). He became better known as a songwriter who sometimes also performed his songs, including “My Attorney Bernie,” “I’m Hip,” and “Van Lingle Mungo.” Some of Frishberg’s songs were hits for other artists, including Blossom Dearie’s (1924–2009) rendition of “Peel Me a Grape.” But his best-known song remains “I’m Just a Bill,” sung by Jack Sheldon (1931–2019) in 1976 for the “Schoolhouse Rock” series of educational musical cartoons.

Andrea Martin was an R&B singer and songwriter who wrote hits for artists including Toni Braxton, Monica, and En Vogue.Martin was best known for her songwriting, with hits including “I Love Me Some Him” for Toni Braxton and “Before you Walk Out of My Life” for Monica. Often working with her writing partner, Ivan Matias, Martin also wrote En Vogue’s Soul Train Award-winning single “Don’t Let Go (Love)” as well as Angie Stone’s “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and Leona Lewis’ “Better in Time.” Also a recording artist, Martin had moderate success with her own singles, “Let Me Return the Favor” and “Share the Love” in the late 1990s.

his uber-successful Verzuz series with Swizz Beatz remains popular, Timbaland steps into a new venture called Beatclub, an online beat-selling marketplace. It’s a digital platform for music makers to connect with musicians, producers, songwriters, music publishers and record labels.Through Beatclub, Timbaland looks to become a liaison between the unknown and the very well-known.“I know what it’s like being a kid sitting in a room, don’t know if you got talent.

Brian Travers was a founding member, saxophonist, and contributing songwriter for the British reggae/pop band UB40.Brian Travers and his school friends started the reggae influenced pop band UB40 in Birmingham, England, in the 1970s. They named the band after the unemployment benefit form 40.

just sold out his first tour. For a few lucky musicians, showing off their talents on the app has led to building up a fanbase, releasing singles and booking TV appearances.Below, more up-and-coming virtuosos who are making the leap from TikTok to stardom.The 21-year-old from North Carolina is a music sensation on the app, where he’s amassed 1 million followers.

Patsy Bruce was a country music songwriter who co-wrote “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” with her then-husband, Ed Bruce (1949–2021).Bruce and her husband co-wrote “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” in 1975. She was responsible for the song’s iconic title: Ed had been working on a song called “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Guitar Players,” when Patsy suggested a tweak that made it work.

Jim Steinman was a songwriter whose hit compositions include Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”Steinman’s songwriting career took off after he wrote Meat Loaf’s 1977 debut album, “Bat Out of Hell.” It included the iconic “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” as well as the No. 11 hit single “Two out of Three Ain’t Bad.” It took Steinman and Meat Loaf years to find a record label that would take on the sprawling, operatic album that was a reworking of Steinman’s earlier musical, “Neverland.” But when they finally found a home for their vision, the record became a classic.

TMZ has confirmed. His death comes after an undisclosed medical emergency occurring 3:30 AM on Sunday, according to the state’s medical examiner.Steinman’s “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” and other songs made up the bulk of Meat Loaf’s 1977 blockbuster record “Bat Out of Hell,” which went on to become one of the best selling albums of all time.

Bill Owens was a country music songwriter who was Dolly Parton’s uncle and mentor.Owens wrote songs for many top country musicians, including Loretta Lynn, Porter Wagoner (1927–2007), and Kris Kristofferson. He was also a guitarist who toured extensively with musicians including his niece, Parton.

Waylon Jennings (1937–2002), released their version in 1978 and it was a number one smash and won a Grammy. Bruce finally had his own coutnry number one song in 1982 with “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had.” He also acted, co-starring with James Garner in the Maverick revival TV series “Bret Maverick,” which ran for one season in 1981.“It was a top 15 record for me.

Monday’s announcement that Dylan had sold the rights to his six-decade trove of tunes to Universal Music in a deal that is believed to be the biggest ever of its kind: Sources told Bloomberg it was more than $200 million, while the New York Times reported that it could be more than $300 million.This news came just a few days after Nicks sold 80 percent of her stake in her publishing rights — for both her Fleetwood Mac and solo work — to music publisher Primary Wave for $100 million, according to the Wall Street Journal.While each deal is different, selling your copyrights typically allows the purchaser to use your songs for any marketing purpose (such as a TV commercial) and, in some cases, entitles them to your songwriting royalties.

Mac Davis was a singer-songwriter who had a No. 1 hit in 1972 with “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me” and wrote hit songs for other artists including Elvis Presley’s (1935 – 1977) “In the Ghetto.”Davis had success as a songwriter before his recording career took off.

Entertainer Mac Davis, the man behind several of Elvis Presley’s hits including “In The Ghetto,” “A Little Less Conversation,” “Memories” and “Don’t Cry, Daddy,” has died Tuesday at 78.Davis’ manager confirmed the news, according to an announcement by the Country Music Association, adding that the singer had become “critically ill” after undergoing heart surgery in Nashville.Davis, from Lubbock, Texas, who penned a number of songs in the late ’60s and ’70s for the King, went on to top the charts under his own name with 1972’s “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” and “Stop and Smell the Roses” two years later.

#RIP Roy C. Hammond 9-16-20 "Morning Train, Rock Me Allnight" Infidelity,Georgia"were some of his most loved songs.

Ronald Bell was a musician who co-founded Kool & the Gang and wrote and composed songs including their 1980 No. 1 hit, “Celebration.”Also known as Khalis Bayyan, Bell co-founded Kool & the Gang along with his brother, Robert “Kool” Bell, and several neighborhood friends in 1964.