Industry News
RECORD LABELS
Barbra Streisand Barbra Streisand Re-Signs With Columbia Records, Will Celebrate 50 Years
February 22, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Retail
Barbra Streisand will remain on Columbia Records, the Sony Music-owned label has announced today, with only Tony Bennett having been on the label for a longer period of time. » Full Story
Pierre Juneau, Champion of Canadian Music Talent, Juno Awards Namesake, Dead at 89
February 22, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels | Legal & Management | TV & Film
Pierre Juneau, for whom Canada’s national Juno Awards is named and formerly the head of the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) from 1968 to 1975, died Tuesday at the age of 89. Juneau is credited with the promoting Canadian artists and bringing international respect to the country’s domestic talent. » Full Story
A2IM A2IM To Produce First Ever Independent Music Awards
February 22, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Publishing | Indies | Digital & Mobile | Branding
The A2IM Libera Awards, or "Libbies," are the first awards to be for independents as voted by independents, and will cap off the organization's Indie Week 2012 June 21 with honors such as the Indie Light Bulb and Road Warrior of the Year. » Full Story
Party of Me Katy Perry.png Katy Perry's 'Part of Me' Debuts Atop Action-Packed Hot 100
February 22, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Katy Perry's 'Part of Me' debuts atop Hot 100 while Adele, Whitney Houston, Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown add to an action-packed top 10. » Full Story
Whitney Houston Has No. 2 Album, Grammys Push Big Gains On Billboard 200
February 22, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop | Chart Alert | R&B/Hip-Hop
Whitney Houston's "Whitney: The Greatest Hits," climbs from No. 6 to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in the first full week after the singer's death on Feb. 11. The album sold 175,000 for a 174% gain. » Full Story
EU Suspends ACTA Copyright Treaty Ratification
February 22, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Global | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile
The European Commission, facing steep opposition, is suspending efforts to ratify an international anti-counterfeiting agreement and instead referring it to Europe's highest court to see whether it violates EU rights. » Full Story
Megaupload Founder Kim Dotcom Released on Bail
February 22, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Global | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile
The founder of the file-sharing website Megaupload was released on bail Wednesday after a New Zealand judge decided Kim Dotcom lacked means to flee because his funds had been seized. » Full Story
Entertainment, Other Stocks End Flat After Dow Exceeds Milestone
February 22, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Digital & Mobile | Branding
U.S. stocks, including shares of entertainment conglomerates, finished Tuesday's trading day flattish after initial gains pushed the Dow Jones Industrial Average index above 13,000 for the first time since May 2008. » Full Story
Adele's '21' Hits 21st Week at No. 1; Sells 730,000 Post-Grammys
February 21, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
Adele's "21" album hits a number of major milestones this week on the Billboard 200 chart, as it basks in the glow of the British diva's multiple Grammy Award wins on Feb. 12. The album sold 730,000 copies in the U.S. last week (ending Feb. 19) according to Nielsen SoundScan -- up a whopping 207%. It spends a 21st week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. » Full Story
BRIT Awards 2012: Adele, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay Win Big
February 21, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | TV & Film
On top of the six Grammy Awards that the "Someone Like You" singer picked up earlier this month, Adele took home two of the biggest prizes at the 2012 Brit Awards, held tonight (Feb. 21) at London's O2 Arena. » Full Story
lemmy motorhead Motorhead 'Outraged' Over $600 Box Set, Urge Fans Not to Buy
February 21, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop
Motörhead are incensed about a new box set that he says is gouging fans for upwards of $600. "The band hopes fans will choose these new releases over this outrageously expensive box set," a post on the group's website says. » Full Story
Pirate Bay Business Matters: Pirate Bay Could Get Blocked in U.K., Grooveshark May Be Out in Denmark
February 21, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Legal & Management | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile | Retail
The Pirate Bay could be forced out of the U.K. after a court ruling Monday declared that the site was going "beyond merely enabling or assisting" in sharing copyrighted content. Germany has also kicked Skyload.net out of the country, while Denmark may be doing the same to Grooveshark. Elsewhere, Shazam keeps expanding its user base, while ThingLink launches on Facebook. » Full Story
How Madonna's Second 'MDNA' Single 'Girls Gone Wild' Came Together
February 21, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop | Dance
With talented Ultra Records producers Benny and Ale Benassi and writer Jensen Vaughan on board, a look at how Madonna may have found the formula for a chart-topping success. » Full Story
Web Trends: A$AP Rocky Preaches Equality For Everyone
February 21, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Rock & Pop | Dance | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
A$AP Rocky preaches equality, Rihanna and Chris Brown reveal new controversial collaborations, Tyler the Creator is a centaur in Odd Future's new music video, and more...see what else is trending in music today. » Full Story
The Cloud Is Running Out of Room: Here's How It Affects Spotify, Pandora and Others
February 21, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail
The digital world is moving toward the cloud, but music and movies won't be following any time soon. The world is running out of wireless bandwith, and in order to survive, streaming services like Spotify and Pandora will need to rely on offline playback. » Full Story
Fiona Apple Announces Tour Dates After SXSW
February 21, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels
Fiona Apple's six-date tour will begin days after the singer-songwriter's performance at SXSW on Mar. 15. » Full Story
Kobalt Music Group Snags Pete Dodge As General Manager/VP, Artist & Label Services
February 21, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Global | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Executive Turntable
Kobalt Music Group continues moving forward with their planned restructuring and expansion, as today Founder/CEO Willard Ahdritz announced that Pete Dodge would become its new General Manager/Vice President of Artist and Label Services. » Full Story
Cooperative Music Lures Spunk Records From EMI
February 21, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Publishing | Global
Australian hipster label Spunk, with a roster that includes My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, Spoon and Sufjan Stevens, has left the EMI stable to strike a worldwide deal with Cooperative Music. » Full Story
Backbeat: Steve Aoki, Lil' Jon Bring The Beat; Ultra And Deckstar Execs Hang Backstage At Roseland
February 21, 2012 – Touring | Backbeat | Record Labels | Retail | Dance
Steve Aoki, with friend and collaborator Lil' Jon in tow, brought his Deadmeat tour into New York's Roseland Friday night, performing for a rabid fan base and Ultra execs Samantha Mobarek and David Waxman, as well as manager Matt Colon. » Full Story
Bruce Springsteen to Unveil Songs From New LP Daily
February 21, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop
Bruce Springsteen is giving fans an early listen to his 17th studio album, Wrecking Ball, by unveiling a song per day through March 2 on Backstreets.com. » Full Story
Universal Music Group Universal Music Formally Requests EU Approval to Purchase EMI's Labels
February 20, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Legal & Management
Universal Music Group today formally requested European Union regulators’ approval to buy EMI's recorded-music division. In a related development, the New York Post reported today that UMG CEO Lucian Grainge guaranteed current EMI owner Citigroup its reported $1.9 billion purchase price even if regulators quash the deal. » Full Story
whitney houston church sign Whitney Houston Funeral: Family, Friends, Fans Gather to Celebrate Singer
February 18, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Clapping hands and swaying to gospel hymns in the church where Whitney Houston's powerful voice once wowed her congregation, the biggest names in entertainment sang along with the choir to remember the pop superstar at her hometown funeral Saturday. » Full Story
Video: Clive Davis' Eulogy at Whitney Houston's Funeral
February 18, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop
Clive Davis is Sony Music's chief creative officer and also Whitney Houston's longtime mentor, advisor and friend and his comments at Newark's New Hope Baptist Church reflected that closeness. Read his eulogy in its entirety. » Full Story
Adele's '21' Bump Getting Bigger: Now Aiming for 650-680,000 Sales Week
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
The Grammy champ's album will notch its best sales week yet. Presently, Adele's "21" is now projected to sell somewhere in the range of 650,000 to 680,000 by week's end on Sunday, Feb. 19, according to industry sources. That's up from the half-million-plus forecast that Billboard reported on Thursday morning (Feb. 16). » Full Story
Thrillcall logo Business Matters: Thrillcall's New iPhone App Has Your Live Music Daily Deals
February 17, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Retail
Live music event aggregator Thrillcall launched an iPhone app this week that focuses on exclusive tickets and packages. The app may give music fans daily deals, but Thrillcall is no Groupon. Also, there was a bit of a dustup this week after ReDigi accused Capitol Records of forcing Rdio to disable the 30-second streams and album art the subscription service was providing to ReDigi. And music industry trade groups RIAA and IFPI are considering bringing a lawsuit against Google for its role in digital piracy. » Full Story
Whitney Houston Funeral Service Live Streamed Here Sat. 2/18 at 12:00 p.m. ET (Watch)
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Whitney Houston's loved ones will gather tomorrow (Feb. 18) for a private funeral service at Newark, N.J.'s New Hope Baptist Church. But fans worldwide will be able to mourn and remember the life and legacy of the superstar via an online video broadcast of the memorial, which Billboard.biz will carry live right here. Expected guests include Aretha Franklin, Clive Davis, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Kevin Kostner and Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown.   » Full Story
Katy Perry 3.jpg Download Derby: Katy Perry Leads Pack of Digital Debuts
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Chart Alert
Next week's Billboard Digital Songs and Hot 100 charts will be brimming with massive debuts, surging sales and some intriguing newcomers, with Katy Perry, Adele, Whitney Houston and Nicki Minaj all poised to have big weeks. » Full Story
Hugh Masekela: How the Listen 2 Africa Label Is Hooking Up a 73-Year Old Jazz & World Music Heritage Artist
February 17, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Global | Indies | TV & Film | Branding | Jazz
Hugh Masekela, the legendary South African flugelhorn and coronet player, has just released "Jubulani," a new album featuring traditional South African wedding songs. The question is, how does a 73-year-old jazz and world music icon reach an international audience in the digital age? Enter Dave Love's new Listen 2 Africa label. » Full Story
Whitney Houston Web Trends: Whitney's Funeral
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Rock & Pop | Dance | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
Whitney Houston's funeral arrangements, Chris Brown/Rihanna drama, and more...see what else is trending in music today. » Full Story
Whitney Houston's Colleagues Remember: Don Ienner, Roy Lott, Sylvia Rhone, Wyclef Jean & More
February 17, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | TV & Film | Branding | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
When Whitney Houston passed on Feb. 11 in Beverly Hills, Calif at the age of 48, she left behind a classic body of work that showcased her powerhouse vocals and included seven mullti-platinum albums. Here, Billboard got in touch with many of the music executives and artists who worked with Houston -- including Don Ienner, Roy Lott, Sylvia Rhone, Wyclef Jean, Melani Rogers  & others -- who shared their fondest memories of the late great singer. » Full Story
Lady Gaga-Affiliated Backplane Raises $4.5 Million in Series A Funding
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Branding | Rock & Pop
Backplane, the social media startup based on common interests has raised $4.5 million in fresh funding from prominent Silicon Valley investors, according to reports. The first project out of the gate will be Lady Gaga’s Backplane-powered LittleMonsters.com. Gaga's manager Troy Carter, a Backplane's co-founder,  will be a judge at Backplane's SXSW  “hackathon” along with Scooter Braun (Justin Bieber's manager) and Roc Nation president Jay Brown. » Full Story
Shakira Shakira, Prince Royce Win Big At Premio Lo Nuestro Awards
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Latin
With four awards each, Shakira and Prince Royce were the top winners on Thursday's Premio Lo Nuestro, although the Colombian star was not there during the evening, which was full of colorful performances but not both awards. » Full Story
Domino Catalog, Including Arctic Monkeys and Animal Collective, Back On eMusic
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Digital & Mobile | Retail
Domino Records, after departing along with Merge and Beggars Group in 2010, has signed back on to have their catalog sold and streamed on web retailer eMusic. » Full Story
AEI Media Inks Deal With Verse Music Group To Publish Drum 'N' Bass
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Global | Legal & Management | Dance
AEI Media, a U.K.-based music-and-media company specializing in developing acts for the British-originated urban genre called Drum 'n' Bass, has linked up with New York-based independent publisher Verse Music Group to launch a publishing joint venture called AEI Music Publishing. » Full Story
Apple's New Mountain Lion OS for Mac to Have iPhone Features
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Branding
Mountain Lion, the name for Apple's next generation operating system for Mac, will make their computers more like the mobile devices which now make up the bulk of Apple's sales. » Full Story
Janet Jackson in Preliminary Talks to Join 'The X Factor'
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | TV & Film | Branding | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
One week after news broke that Whitney Houston was under consideration for a judge’s seat on the show, reports have surfaced that Janet Jackson could be joining the show following the recent ousters of judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones. » Full Story
Twitter & American Express.png Twitter Unveils Self-Service Advertising System
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Branding
Buying ads on Twitter is about to get easier for small businesses as the online messaging service adds a key piece to its moneymaking model. Twitter is unveiling a long-awaited automated system that will enable advertisers to manage their marketing campaigns and budgets without having to deal with sales representatives. » Full Story
'Spin' to Roll Out Larger Format Magazine, Drop Frequency to Six Times a Year
February 17, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Digital & Mobile | Branding
Following a sharp decline in ad pages, music magazine Spin will now only publish six times a year, but increase its paper size and focus each issue on a single theme. » Full Story
Chart Moves: Madonna's Super Bowl Wrap-Up, 'Twilight's' 204% Increase, Calvin Harris' New Single Debuts
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
It wasn't exactly a quiet week on the Billboard 200 this week as Adele rocked the top of the tally, spending a 20th week at No. 1 with "21." And a busy week on the Billboard Hot 100 included Kelly Clarkson leading for a second week with "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You). Click through for more of this week's chart highlights. » Full Story
Business Matters: A Venture Capitalist's Approach to Fighting Piracy
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Digital & Mobile | Retail
Fred Wilson's blog is such an important gathering spot that the startup Engagio was birthed out of a conversion in the comments section between Wilson and entrepreneur William Mougayar. So when he offers an alternative to two failed pieces of anti-piracy legislation -- SOPA and PIPA -- it’s worth taking a look. Also, the digital album to get the biggest Grammy bump was the Civil Wars’ “Barton Hallow,” which jumped 320%, according to Nielsen Soundscan. And after more than 16 years at Universal, senior VP Kim Garner has decided to leave the company. » Full Story
Publishing Briefs: Bicycle Acquires Interest In Billie Holliday Catalog, Downtown Signs Admin Deal With MRI
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Retail
Bicycle Music Company has acquired a substantial interest in Billie Holiday publishing catalog as well as her master recordings, name, likeness and image rights. Her catalog spans over 50 album titles. Elsewhere, Peermusic signed Tyrese Gibson, UMPG snapped up Taylor Swift's producer Nathan Chapman, and other publishing notes. » Full Story
Adele's '21' Set for 21st Week at No. 1 With Sales of Half-Million or More
February 16, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
Adele's "21" album is going to celebrate its first year on the Billboard 200 chart in grand style. Fresh off her six Grammy Award wins on Sunday (Feb. 12) night, "21" is on course to sell between 500,000 to 600,000 copies by week's end. » Full Story
Rihanna, Chris Brown Reunite On 'Birthday Cake' Remix (Report)
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail
Chris Brown reportedly sings on the "Birthday Cake" remix and will appear in the music video out next week. » Full Story
Nicki Minaj 200.jpg Web Trends: Nicki Minaj Talks Grammy Performance, Says It's Part of Her Movie
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | TV & Film | Rock & Pop | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
See what else is trending today in music including Nicki Minaj's reaction to her Grammy Performance, John Mayer's Tumblr teaser, Adele's new Billboard Record, and Kraftwerk's exciting residency. » Full Story
Whitney Houston's Funeral: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder to Perform; Clive Davis to Speak
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder will perform at Whitney Houston's funeral, while record label executive and the singer's mentor Clive Davis will speak, a rep has confirmed. » Full Story
Roger Daltrey Cancels Australian Tour, Sherbert's Clive Shakespeare Dies
February 16, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Global | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
Roger Daltrey's Australian tour has been cancelled due to "unforeseen scheduling conflicts," the Aussie government has reportedly held secret meetings to discuss piracy, and more from the Australian music biz. » Full Story
U.K. Music Market Slips 3.4% Despite 25% Growth In Digital, Says BPI
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Digital & Mobile | Retail
Digital sales and subscription services both experienced a significant growth in the U.K. in 2011, despite the overall market slipping 3.4%. BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor called the trend "highly encouraging for the long-term prospects of the industry." » Full Story
U.K.'s SOCA Shuts Down RnBXclusive Music Blog, Threatens Users With 10 Years Jail
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | R&B/Hip-Hop
A popular British music blog containing links to unlicensed music files has been shut down by the U.K. police agency SOCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency) and  te users of the urban music site threatened with up to ten years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. » Full Story
Whitney Houston's Funeral To Be Live Streamed
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
They won't be there in person, but singer Whitney Houston's millions of fans worldwide will be able to share in her homecoming service Saturday as they watch her private funeral on the Internet. » Full Story
FCC Plans To Nix National Wireless Network
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile
Federal officials plan to kill a proposal by LightSquared to build a new national high-speed wireless network that was seen as a way to accommodate growing consumer demand for movies, music and games on mobile device. The FCC concluded the network in some cases would jam personal-navigation and other GPS devices. » Full Story
Diamanda Galas Slams Clive Davis Over Handling of Whitney Houston's Career; Rep Calls Comments 'Inaccurate and Offensive'
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop
Singer Diamanda Galas went after Clive Davis on her Facebook page yesterday over the executive’s handling of the late Whitney Houston’s career. A rep for Davis called her post "wholly inaccurate and offensive." » Full Story
Carly Simon To Be Honored by ASCAP
February 16, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Rock & Pop
Carly Simon will receive the ASCAP Founders Award during the performing rights organization’s 29th annual Pop Music Awards on April 18. Past honorees include Ashford & Simpson, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits and Neil Young. » Full Story
Inside Whitney Houston's Last Recording Session, Days Before Her Death
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Producer Harvey Mason Jr. says that the superstar singer was "upbeat" and "excited" about her future when they last worked together on February 7.  » Full Story
Whitney Houston Returns to Hot 100's Top 10
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Kelly Clarkson remains atop the tally, while fun.'s Super Bowl sales spike continues. » Full Story
madonna super bowl Madonna Scores Record-Extending 38th Hot 100 Top 10
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
On this week's Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, her latest single, "Give Me All Your Luvin'," bounds 13-10 in its second chart week. The first single from Madonna's 12th studio album, "MDNA," becomes her 38th Hot 100 top 10, pushing her further ahead of runners-up the Beatles (34). » Full Story
Business Matters: Are Advances Hurting Digital Music?
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Digital & Mobile | Retail
Are the advances paid to rights owners by music startups hurting digital music or limiting rights owners’ exposure? One view of advances is the one espoused by Larry Marcus of Walden Venture Capital. Also, Roku users who also subscribe to Rdio now get an improved experience of listening to music through their TV. And could the future of music retail involve community ownership? It’s one interesting option being considered by independent bookstore Kepler’s 2020. » Full Story
Grammy Sales Bumps: Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Coldplay Among 20 Grammy-Related Titles in Top 50
February 15, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels | TV & Film | Retail | Branding | Rock & Pop | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
While Nielsen SoundScan's tracking week ended at the close of business on Sunday night, Feb. 12 -- the same day as the Grammy Awards -- the Billboard 200 chart still got shaken up by the annual ceremony. Adele, Rihanna, Jason Aldean, Jay-Z and Kanye West, Civil Wars, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars and Lady Antebellum are among the many artists whose album sales jumped following the telecast. » Full Story
Photos: Katy Perry, David Guetta, Robyn, Roger Faxon Rock EMI's Carnival-Themed Grammy After Party
February 15, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Global | Rock & Pop | Dance | R&B/Hip-Hop
EMI’s circus-themed Grammy after party harked back record parties of old in the best possibl way: There was a ferris wheel, ring toss, cotton candy, food trucks and multiple Patron-sponsored bars on site as well as » Full Story
Epic Records Officially Names Julia Savoca Senior Vice President, Sales
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Retail | Executive Turntable
Julia Savoca has been named the Senior Vice President of Sales at Epic Records today, in yet another executive-level announcement for the L.A. Reid-helmed record label. » Full Story
Whitney Houston Clive Davis Monica Brandy Bobbi.png Video: Whitney Houston With Clive Davis, Brandy, Monica During Grammy Rehearsals Thursday
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop
This brief video captures a nice moment, apparently during interviews around Grammy rehearsals last Thursday, where Whitney is saying a quick goodbye to Brandy, Monica and her mentor, Sony’s Clive Davis. » Full Story
Backbeat: Lil Wayne, Drake, Busta Rhymes @ Cash Money Pre-Grammy Party
February 15, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | R&B/Hip-Hop
Like all Grammy-related parties on Saturday night, the Cash Money extravaganza on the Paramount lot had a dark cloud cast over it by the death of Whitney Houston. However, the festivities went on, and artists in the house included Lil Wayne, Drake, Busta Rhymes, DJ Khaled, Mystikal, Cory Gunz, Jay Sean and others; execs included label founders Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan "Birdman" Williams, manager Cortez Bryant, Universal’s Barry Weiss and more. » Full Story
Photos: Rev Run, RZA, DJ Khaled Talk Songwriting @ BMI 'How I Wrote That Song' Panel
February 15, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Publishing | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Some of music’s biggest names - including Rev Run, RZA, Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte and DJ Khaled - attended BMI’s “How I Wrote That Song” and give the attendees insights into what it takes to make music that resonates with fans. » Full Story
Photos: EMI's Jon Platt Honored @ SESAC's Pre-Grammy Brunch
February 15, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Publishing | Retail
The SESAC pre-Grammy brunch brought out a myriad of artists, songwriters and execs to honor EMI Publishing President, North America Creative Jon Platt for outstanding achievements in music. » Full Story
Usher Web Trends: Meet The Coaches for Australian Version of "The Voice," Hear A New Usher/Diplo Track
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | TV & Film | Rock & Pop | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
See what else is trending today in music including a new Usher/Diplo collaboration, Dave Matthews Band touring/album news, new albums from Cee Lo Green, and Kraftwerk's exciting residency. » Full Story
Grammys Help Adele's '21' Hit 20th Week At No. 1, Van Halen Debuts At No. 2
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Retail | Rock & Pop | Chart Alert
Thanks to a Grammy Awards-fueled gain, Adele's "21" album beats out Van Halen's new "A Different Kind of Truth" for the No. 1 slot on the Billboard 200. » Full Story
Whitney Houston Re-enters Top 10 on Billboard 200, Surges on Digital Songs Chart
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Global | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Following the death of Whitney Houston on Feb. 11, the diva's "Whitney: The Greatest Hits" album re-enters the Billboard 200 chart at No. 6. It sold 64,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan, in the tracking week that ended on Feb. 12 -- reflecting only one full day of sales after her passing. There were more Houston albums purchased in the last week (101,000 -- up 5,994% from 2,000 the week previous) than had been sold in all of 2011 and 2012 combined until her death (97,000). » Full Story
Billboard, THR To Provide Music and Entertainment Content To Associated Press
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Global | Legal & Management | Branding
Sister publications Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter announced today they are making their content available for worldwide use on digital platforms to customers of The Associated Press. » Full Story
sesac SESAC for Sale, Owners Seeking $500 Million: Report
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing
SESAC's owners, which include investment bank Allen & Co. and hedge fund Och-Ziff, are reportedly seeking approximately $500 million for performing-rights organization. Warner Music is said to be among the interested parties.  » Full Story
Dave matthews Dave Matthews Band Returns to the Road
February 15, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Rock & Pop
Dave Matthews Band, one of the most successful touring bands in history, will embark on a full-blown North American summer tour after taking 2011 off the road save for four regional DMB-curated festivals known as Caravans. » Full Story
RIAJ Japan's 2011 Physical Music Sales Drop
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
Despite hopeful signs for growth in the early part of 2011, the Record Industry Association of Japan  (RIAJ) final 2011 physical music shipment figures showed a continuing, if slowed, decline. International repertoire numbers improved thanks in part to albums by Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and K-pop acts. » Full Story
whitney houston Whitney Houston Mourners Face Dearth of Places to Grieve
February 15, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | R&B/Hip-Hop
In Whitney Houston's hometown, her family plans a private church service, with no public memorial set. In Los Angeles, where she died, there's not even a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame for fans to pile flowers. So for the legion of music lovers mourning a global superstar, where do broken hearts go? » Full Story
Kodak Logo Business Matters: Lessons For Music Biz In Kodak's Chapter 11?
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Digital & Mobile | Retail
Kodak’s financial problems will appear familiar to people in the music business. Music companies are still trying to stabilize after a decade of layoffs, an altered retail landscape and the emergence of new ways of delivering music digitally. Also, a letter from American Association of Independent Music to the Office of the United States Trade Representative shows that piracy matters to small music companies, too. And the Orchard’s Marketplace has added a slew of new services, including Act Local, DIY Music and SoundOut. » Full Story
Whitney Houston U.K. Price Hike a 'Mistake,' Sony Statement Says
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Retail | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
After two days of silence, Sony has issued a statement in response to the furor over the company’s U.K. office’s decision to raise the price of two Whitney Houston titles, “The Ultimate Collection” and “Greatest Hits,” in the hours immediately following her death.The statement said the price-hike was the "result of an employee error" and apologized "for any offense caused." » Full Story
Web Trends: Listen to Nicki Minaj's New Single
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Rock & Pop | Dance | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
Check out what else is trending in music today, Feb 14. Nicki Minaj shows fans love by releasing a new song entitled "Starships" on Valentine's Day. The song is the lead single for her upcoming album "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded." » Full Story
How Ana Free Became A YouTube Phenom, Topped Charts, Opened For Shakira Without Label or Mgmt
February 14, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Legal & Management | Indies | Digital & Mobile | Branding
Ana Free is a YouTube phenomenon. Without label, manager, booking agent or publisher, this young, entrepreneurial, Anglo-Portuguese artist's online videos have led to chart-topping singles, sold out gigs at clubs in the U.K. and opening for Shakira. And, she has a crowd-sourced debut coming out this spring. » Full Story
Photos: Warner Music's Grammy Party, With Bruno Mars, Neil Young, Skrillex, Lyor Cohen, Julie Greenwald, More
February 14, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | TV & Film
Warner Music threw an exclusive party after the Grammys at the legendary Chateau Marmont in Hollywood that had a staggering guest list of over 300 invitees, including Elvis Costello, Metallica, Victor Cruz, Lana Del Rey and many more. » Full Story
Spanish Court Dismisses Case Against Major P2P Site
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile
A Spanish court has dismissed the case against popular peer-to-peer movie download site Cinetube citing legal precedents and concluding that redirecting online traffic is not illegal per se, even if it is to copyrighted content, according to the verdict disclosed yesterday. » Full Story
Bonnaroo 2012 Lineup Announced: Radiohead, Phish, Red Hot Chili Peppers Headlining
February 14, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels
The Bonnaroo 2012 lineup was announced today, with Radiohead, Phish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers on board as headliners, and the reunited Beach Boys joining Grammy winners Skrillex and Bon Iver on board. » Full Story
CBC Music.png Canadian Broadcasting Corp Launches CBC Digital Music Streaming Service
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Digital & Mobile | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
CBC Radio draws more than 6.1 million listeners a weekWeeks after the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) reached the country’s first negotiated collective license deal with Audio-Video Licensing Agency (AVLA), the country’s oldest public broadcasting network officially launched CBC Music, a free digital music streaming service. » Full Story
Google Motorola.png Google Wins U.S., EU Approval For $12.5 Billion Motorola Bid
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Digital & Mobile | Branding
Google's $12.5 billion bid to buy cellphone maker Motorola Mobility has won approvals from U.S. and European antitrust regulators, moving Google a major step closer to completing the biggest deal in its 13-year history.  If the deal is completed, Google stands to control Motorola's 17,000 patents which could greatly enhance its ability to compete with Apple, Microsoft and others tech companies. » Full Story
Backbeat: Jorge Celedon, Jimmy Zambrano Ignite Colombian Patriotism in Miami
February 14, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Global | Latin
Colombian stars Jorge Celedón and Jimmy Zambrano performed to 5,000 patriotic fans in Miami Feb. 11 following a reception hosted by the Colombian consulate, which saw appearances by Carlos Perez and Sergio Rozenblat from The Entity, among others. » Full Story
Licensing Talk With TuneCore, BMI, SoundExchange Gets Fiery at SF MusicTech
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Retail
A heated debate on licensing and payments overshadowed the SF MusicTech summit, with execs from TuneCore, Music Reports, SoundExchange and BMI arguing over the future of payments for rightsholders. » Full Story
sylvia rhone la reid tour It's Official: Sylvia Rhone to Run New Label Through Epic
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels
It looks like L.A. Reid's appearance at Essence magazine's tribute to Sylvia Rhone last week was the crowning touch that many expected it to be: As predicted for months, Rhone will be getting her own label under Reid's Epic Records, a label rep confirmed to Billboard.biz. » Full Story
Grammys Embrace of Chris Brown Draws Criticism
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | TV & Film | R&B/Hip-Hop
The Grammy Awards' warm embrace of Chris Brown three years after his assault of Rihanna has drawn the ire of viewers who claim the controversial R&B star shouldn't have been rewarded with such attention. » Full Story
Indie Labels Win 34 Grammys, Says A2IM
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Retail | Jazz | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Led by Bon Iver’s two Grammy wins, the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) says 34 independent labels won Grammy awards including Best New Artist, Best Country Song, and Best Album awards in ten categories. » Full Story
60,000 Germans Protest ACTA Anti-Piracy Legislation
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Global | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile
An estimated 60,000 people demonstrated over the weekend in more than 50 German cities against the international anti-piracy treaty ACTA. In Berlin alone there were over 10,000 protestors and 6,000 in Munich.  » Full Story
Christina Milian Signs to Young Money
February 14, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Branding | R&B/Hip-Hop
Christina Milian is joining Lil Wayne's Young Money crew. The R&B singer (and "The Voice" social media correspondent) announced the news on Twitter on Sunday. » Full Story
Photos: Lana Del Rey, Jessie J, Irving Azoff, Scooter Braun, More at Lucian Grainge's Grammy-Night Party
February 13, 2012 – Touring | Backbeat | Record Labels | Publishing | Global | Rock & Pop | Country
Far from the proverbial madding crowds on Grammy night, Universal an intimate party for executives and artists at CEO Lucian Grainge’s residence. In attendance were Lana Del Rey, Jessie J, Robbie Williams and a large percentage of Billboard's "Power 100," including Irving Azoff, Michael Rapino, Jimmy Iovine, Eddy Cue, Barry Weiss, Monte Lipman, Daniel Ek and more. » Full Story
Photos: Adele's Post-Grammy Party, With Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Howard Stringer, Doug Morris, More
February 13, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Christian/Gospel | Global | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
After winning six Grammys at the ceremony, Adele celebrated with her Sony Music family at Cecconi's in West Hollywood. Attendees included artists Kelly Clarkson, Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Marsha Ambrosius and Kirk Franklin; executives included Sir Howard Stringer, Doug Morris, Peter Edge, Tom Corson and Joe Riccitelli. » Full Story
Warner Music's Digital Distribution Going to Sony DADC: Sources
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail
The Warner Music Group’s digital delivery of music to digital service providers will now be handled by Sony DADC, sources tell Billboard.biz. The move had been misinterpreted by some to mean that WMG would sign a distribution deal with a different major. » Full Story
Myspace Business Matters: MySpace Adds 1 Million Users, Now at 25 Million
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile
MySpace has picked up over a million new registered users since it debuted a new music player December 19, and is reaping the benefits of venturing into both Internet radio and Facebook integration. Elsewhere, Mobile Backstage aims to blow up to 1 million users by the end of 2012, and a hack by the Echo Nest tries to predict the Grammys better than Billboard - with interesting results. » Full Story
'True Blood,' 'Girl With Dragon Tattoo,' '50/50' Among Guild of Music Supervisor Award Honorees
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Indies | TV & Film
Music supervisors responsible for the music placed in films such as "50/50," "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" and "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and TV shows "American Idol," "True Blood" and "Friday Night Lights" were honored Sunday at the second annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards. » Full Story
Grammys Spawn Record Levels of 'Social TV' Activity, Led By Adele, Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile | Branding | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Not only did people tune into Sunday night Grammys telecast, they created a record number of social media comments about the event. Last night's show saw social media peaks during Adele, Chris Brown and Jennifer Hudson's tribute to Whitney Houston as "social TV" grew tremendously over the last year. » Full Story
Backbeat: Rihanna, Deadmau5 Play Roc Nation/Three Six Zero Grammy Afterparty; Execs Get Down
February 13, 2012 – Touring | Backbeat | Record Labels | Dance | R&B/Hip-Hop
Rihanna kept it blonde and Deadmau5 took off his head at the packed the Roc Nation-Three Six Zero Group's Grammy afterparty at Hollywood's House of Blues to benefit the Children's Hospital of L.A. Despite the philanthropic nature of the event, several music execs such as IDJ's Gabe Tesoriero appeared to be getting their freak on -- not that there's ever anything wrong with that. » Full Story
Photos: ?uestlove and DJ Cassidy Spin For Skylar Grey, Lonely Island @ Vevo Post-Grammy Party
February 13, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Branding
Vevo hosted a post-Grammy party in L.A. Sunday night featuring guest DJs ?uestlove and DJ Cassidy spinning for stars such as Skylar Grey, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer from The Lonely Island, and Vevo General Manager Fred Santarpia. » Full Story
Kenny Rogers Sues Capitol Over Royalties
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Country
Kenny Rogers is the latest artist to sue a record label for not paying a 50% royalty for music sold through downloads or as a ringtone. » Full Story
Backbeat: ASCAP Rhythm & Soul's Grammy Brunch With Ne-Yo, Paul Epworth, Ledisi
February 13, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Publishing | Retail | Branding
The 3rd annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Grammy brunch brought together Grammy nominees such as Paul Epworth, Ledisi and Kelly Price as well as recently appointed SVP of A&R at Motown Ne-Yo. » Full Story
Web Trends: Adele Cleans Up, Whitney Houston Honored At The Grammys
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Rock & Pop | Dance | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
Check out what else is trending in music today, Feb. 9: Adele cleaned up at last night's Grammys while Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Whitney Houston. » Full Story
anderson Anderson Acquires U.S. Distribution Rights from Sony DADC
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | Retail
In a move to become the industry’s backroom on CD distribution and fulfillment, Anderson Merchandisers has acquired CD distribution from Sony DADC, the company that supplies pick, pack and ship services to the Universal Music Group, EMI Music, and Sony Music Entertainment. » Full Story
Billboard.biz Grammy Reader's Poll Results: You Guys Are Good!
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile
Our readers went three for four in the major categories, correctly calling Adele's sweep -- but there was on category where you were waaaay off ..... » Full Story
Grammys 2012 Backstage: Adele 'Busy Being Happy,' Bon Iver Busy Chewing His Grammy
February 13, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | TV & Film | Retail | Jazz | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
On a big night for Adele, she had a lot to say backstage -- for the first time in five months -- as did the rest of the Grammy victors. Read what you didn't see on the Grammy broadcast from Bon Iver, the Beach Boys, Sir Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt, Booker T on Neil Young and others. » Full Story
Grammy Prayer for Whitney Houston Was LL Cool J's Idea, Portnow Says
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film
Grammy host LL Cool J's decision to open the 2012 awards with a prayer for Whitney Houston wasn't scripted -- but it wasn't entirely spontaneous either. » Full Story
Whitney Houston's Death Still Under Investigation, Police May Release More Info Today
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | R&B/Hip-Hop
Whitney Houston's life of glorious song and unnerving self-destruction apparently ended in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Grammy weekend, but it could be weeks before investigators know exactly why she died. Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said that his agency may release more details Monday about Houston's death » Full Story
ana Del Rey Born To Die.png Lana Del Rey Tops UK Chart, Has Biggest Selling U.K. Album of 2012
February 13, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
As Lana Del Rey’s “Born To Die” (Polydor/Universal) started a second week atop the U.K. album chart yesterday, Belgian Australian Gotye climbed 3-1 on the singles survey with “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Universal Island), featuring Kimbra. Del Rey's debut is now the U.K.'s biggest selling album of 2012 ahead of Adele's "21" » Full Story
adele singing grammy Adele's Big Night: Where It Ranks in Grammy History
February 13, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Rock & Pop
Adele's big night at the Grammys doesn't set any new records, but it does enroll the British singer in an elite club of triple-crown winners for the Recording Academy's top three awards, and artists who have dominated the show with six or more statuettes in a single evening -- and it ties her with Beyonce for most wins in a single night by a female artist. » Full Story
Adele Makes a Clean Sweep on Somber Night at Grammys 2012
February 12, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels | Global | Retail | Rock & Pop
Adele made her post-surgery comeback by winning all six of her nominations at the 2012 Grammy Awards, topping the ceremony with Album of the Year for "21" and taking home both Song and Record of the Year for "Rolling in the Deep." She teared up as she took the stage for the final award, crediting the album's inspiration to a "rubbish relationship." » Full Story
Video: Jennifer Hudson Pays Tribute to Whitney Houston at Grammys
February 12, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film
Jennifer Hudson performed Whitney Houston's classic remake "I Will Always Love You," while Bonnie Raitt and Alicia Keys teamed up to honor the late Etta James. » Full Story
foo fighters Foo Fighters, Skrillex Kanye West Lead Early Grammy Winners
February 12, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Rock & Pop | Dance | R&B/Hip-Hop
Kanye West, Skrillex, Tony Bennett, Foo Fighters and... Betty White are among the winners of the Pre-Telecast Grammy trophies. » Full Story
Latin Jazz Musicians Protest Grammy Awards, L.A. Mayor Supportive Of Artists
February 12, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Jazz | Latin
Latin jazz musicians protested with signs and loud music outside the Grammy Awards on Sunday as they continued their nearly yearlong fight to reinstate 31 categories which were eliminated by the Recording Academy in 2011. » Full Story
Diana Ross tout.jpg Glen Campbell, Diana Ross, George Jones, Allman Brothers, More Honored at Grammy Special Merit Awards
February 12, 2012 – Record Labels | Retail | Rock & Pop | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
Glen Campbell, Diana Ross, George Jones, the Allman Brothers Band  were among those honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Special Merit Awards ceremony hosted by the Recording Academy late Saturday afternoon, although the ceremony ended on a sad note when news of Whitney Houston's death reached the attendees. » Full Story
bobby brown Bobby Brown Issues Statement On Whitney Houston's Passing
February 12, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | R&B/Hip-Hop
Bobby Brown today issued a short statement on the passing of his ex-wife Whitney Houston who died yesterday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. » Full Story
Updated: Whitney Houston Tributes From Artists, Executives, Including Beyonce, Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Dozens More
February 12, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
As news of Whitney Houston's death rapidly spread around the globe, Twitter, the Internet and our inboxes filled with tributes, and Billboard.biz has spoken with dozens of people at many pre-Grammy events. Here are tributes from Berry Gordy, Ne-Yo, Clive Davis, Wiz Khalifa, Quincy Jones, Gamble & Huff, "Preacher's Wife" music supervisor/producer Mervyn Warren, Neil Portnow, RedOne and many more. » Full Story
Roots Grammy Jam Session Report: No-Shows Scuttled 'On the Fly' Whitney Houston Tribute, ?uestlove Says
February 12, 2012 – Touring | Backbeat | Record Labels | Digital & Mobile
The high-energy jam session featured surprise guest performers like India Arie, Trombone Shorty, Childish Gambino, Warren Haynes and Shaggy, but more planned tributes to Whitney Houston didn't pan out. » Full Story
Whitney Houston May Have Drowned in Tub, Taken Xanax Before Death (Report)
February 12, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | R&B/Hip-Hop
Reports have begun to surface about Whitney Houston's final hours and what may have caused her tragic death. » Full Story
Whitney Houston's 'Hometown' Radio Station Remembers The Singer
February 12, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels
WRKS New York listeners "crying, singing and dancing" over the singer's passing. » Full Story
alicia keys clive Photos: Clive Davis, Alicia Keys, Diddy Pay Tribute to Whitney Houston at Pre-Grammy Gala
February 12, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
You could hear a pin drop as Clive Davis took the stage at his and the Recording Academy's annual pre-Grammy gala Saturday night with a moment of silence in honor of Whitney Houston. The event to honor Sir Richard Branson drew a constellation of stars (including Elvis Costello, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Miranda Lambert, Tony Bennet) and execs (such as Lucian Grainge, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Berry Gordy) alike. » Full Story
Sheila E. Honored, Goapele Sings Etta James @ Moja Moja Awards
February 12, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels
KCRW's Garth Trinidad hosted the 4th annual Moja Moja Awards Brunch & Benefit Concert Saturday, which awarded Sheila E. for her humanitarian efforts and included an a capella tribute to Etta James by Goapele. » Full Story
Benjy Grinberg, John Branca Honored at Primary Violator Grammy Brunch
February 12, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Indies | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
It wasn’t just eggs, French toast, fruit and potent cocktails being served at the second annual Primary Violator Managers Brunch. Here Primary Violator hosts Michael (Blue) Williams, Chris Lighty and Larry Meste honored managers Benjy Grinberg of Rostrum Records and John Branca. Also, Goodie Mob was in the house. » Full Story
sparkle tout Exclusive: Whitney Houston's Last Songs to Be Featured in 'Sparkle' Film
February 11, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | R&B/Hip-Hop
The last songs Whitney Houston recorded will be heard in the film "Sparkle," one on camera and the other during the closing credits. » Full Story
Analysis: Whitney Houston's Billboard Chart Records
February 11, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Following the news of Whitney Houston’s passing today (Feb. 11), here is a look back at the many chart achievements that the gifted vocalist accomplished. » Full Story
Whitney Houston Whitney Houston's 20 Biggest Singles on the Billboard Hot 100
February 11, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
The late Whitney Houston's legacy on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart is legendary. Here is a list of her 20 biggest songs on the chart. » Full Story
Whitney Houston Whitney Houston Dead at 48
February 11, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Global | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Branding | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48. Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown. » Full Story
Backbeat: Paul McCartney Honored at MusiCares Grammy Event, Performs for a Galaxy of Stars and Execs
February 11, 2012 – Touring | Backbeat | Record Labels | Publishing | TV & Film | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Paul McCartney was honored at the MusiCares Person of the Year in Los Angeles Friday night, where he, the Foo Fighters, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, James Taylor and others performed for a galaxy of music-industry execs, including Martin Bandier, Doug Morris, Rob Light, Randy Phillips, L.A. Reid and many, many more. » Full Story
Katy Perry.jpg Katy Perry's New Single, 'Part of Me,' Hits iTunes, Radio Monday
February 11, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop
Capitol Records has confirmed to Billboard that it will release “Part of Me” Monday (Feb. 13) as the first single from Katy Perry’s "Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection" album. » Full Story
Who Will Get Big Grammy Sales Bumps? Adele? Civil Wars? Bruno Mars? Retailers Weigh In
February 10, 2012 – Record Labels | Retail | Rock & Pop | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
As the music industry convenes on Los Angeles for the Grammy Awards on Sunday night, merchants across America are gearing up for the sales boost that the show always brings. The only question is: Which winners and performers will see the biggest bump? Retailers make their predictions, dropping names like Adele, the Civil Wars, Bruno Mars, Jason Aldean and others. » Full Story
Van Halen Album Cover.png Van Halen, the Fray, Dierks Bentley & Paul McCartney: Heading for Top 10
February 10, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
Van Halen could notch its first No. 1 album since 1996 with its new "A Different Kind of Truth," however, Adele's "21" may put up a fight and stick around for a 20th week atop the tally. Industry sources say that both albums could sell around 200,000 copies by week's end on Sunday, Feb. 12 -- the same night as the 54th Grammy Awards. » Full Story
Backbeat: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Pre-Grammy Reception
February 10, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Legal & Management | TV & Film
Public and community service was the overriding theme at Hollywood's Falcon Restaurant for the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney's pre-Grammy reception. Hosted by MSSB senior VP and wealth advisor Octavius T. 'Ted" Reid III, the jam-packed soiree brought forth a diverse mix of executives from the financial, legal and royalty realms. » Full Story
Vevo Logo New Without Curser Business Matters: Vevo Opens Up on Super Bowl Piracy Blunder, RIAA Chief Slams Google
February 10, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Executive Turntable
Vevo, the music video operation jointly owned by Universal and Sony, got itself caught in the middle of the broiling Internet copyright debate between illicit streaming web sites and the copyright holders represented by its parent organizations by illegally streaming the Super Bowl at a corporate party, and are now facing the backlash. Elsewhere, Slacker grabs a high-level exec, and the RIAA Chief slams Wikipedia and Google. » Full Story
Backbeat: Stevie Wonder Brings the House Down @ Will.I.Am's Grammy Charity Concert
February 10, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels
The Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am threw the first annual benefit concert for his i.am angel Foundation at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium on Feb. 9, which featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Ne-Yo and K'naan and appearances by Jimmy Iovine, execs from BMG and Amex, and Will's family. » Full Story
Web Trends: Madonna's Stalker In Custody, Grammy Talk
February 10, 2012 – Record Labels | Indies | Rock & Pop | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
Grammys, Valentine's Day songs, Madonna's stalker  - see what's trending in music today. » Full Story
Ley Sinde.png Sinde Law Piracy Battle Headed to Spanish Supreme Court, With Global Implications
February 10, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Retail
The Spanish Supreme Court this week agreed to test how much oversight power a government should have over the Internet when it targets illegal downloading of copyrighted content, kicking off a battle between rightsholders and those opposed to government oversight that may get bitter before it gets better. » Full Story
Mary J. Blige 'Rooting For' Adele to Win Big on Grammy Night
February 10, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Branding | Rock & Pop | Dance | R&B/Hip-Hop
Mary J. Blige performed a 10-song set Thursday at a private show in Hollywood to help (RED) and Belevedere vodka raise funds for programs to fight HIV/AIDs in Africa. Before the show, MJB told Billboard.biz that she's "rooting for" Adele to win big at the Grammys on Sunday night. "I hope that she tears the house down,” she said. “I’m an Adele fan. I love what she’s done this year." » Full Story
Backbeat: Raphael Saadiq Rocks, L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Predicts Big Adele Grammy Wins @ Delta Party
February 10, 2012 – Touring | Backbeat | Record Labels | Branding
Quincy Jones, Estelle, Patti Austin and Christina Milian were in the house as Raphael Saadiiq performed and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa predicted that Adele will "walk away with a lot of Grammys" on Sunday. » Full Story
Noelle Bell Joins X5 Music Group
February 10, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Executive Turntable
The digital music innovators have hired Bell, formerly at Sony Commercial Music Group, to help augment their expanding U.S. operations. » Full Story
Backbeat: Grammy Camp Jazz Sessions Celebrates 20th Anniversary,
February 10, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | TV & Film | Branding
The Grammy Camp is celebrating its 20th anniversary of giving aspiring high school singers a chance to further develop their musical abilities this year. » Full Story
Clarence Clemons' Nephew Jake to Play Sax on Springsteen Tour
February 10, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Legal & Management | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Bruce Springsteen announced Thursday that two musicians — Jersey Shore sidekick Eddie Manion and Clarence Clemons' nephew Jake — will "share the saxophone role" during the E Street Band's "Wrecking Ball" world tour, which begins March 18 in Atlanta. » Full Story
Bret Michaels, Mavis Staples Headline Grammy Foundation Show; Newcomer L.P. Wows the Crowd
February 10, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | TV & Film | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
The goal of the Grammy Foundation in its ambitious program One Night Only: A Celebration of the Live Music Experience was undoubtedly to commemorate the history of the concert, with performances from Bret Michaels, Mavis Staples, Jonny Lang, Ledisi and others. What no one counted on was the arrival of a budding star to watch in singer L.P. » Full Story
Chart Moves: Madonna's Sales Surge; Michael Jackson's 'Glee'-ful Impact, fun.'s 'We Are Young' Climbs
February 10, 2012 – Radio | Record Labels | TV & Film | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
This week on the charts beyond Adele and Kelly Clarkson's pole positions, Madonna gets a Super Bowl bump, Michael Jackson and 2CELLOS get "Glee" bumps and .fun gets a boost thanks to Chevrolet's Sonic Super Bowl ad. » Full Story
Apple iPads Apple to Unveil New iPad in March (Report)
February 10, 2012 – Record Labels | Digital & Mobile | Branding
A news report says Apple plans to unveil a new iPad early next month. » Full Story
Business Matters: Embracing the Chaos Earns TuneCore $10,000 from iTunes Match
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Branding | Dance
How Apple iTunes Match has earned TuneCore $10K through a technique called "embracing the chaos. Also, Tiesto: DJ/App; and the endless bandwidth consumed bickering over piracy damage amounts, » Full Story
Grammy Protestors Drop Off 23,000 Signatures at NARAS Headquarters
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | Legal & Management | Latin
More than a dozen musicians, community leaders and supporters dropped off a thick stack of documents on Thursday (Feb. 9) with a reported 23,000 signatures at the Recording Academy headquarters as part of an ongoing effort to compel the organization into reinstating 31 categories that were eliminated last year. » Full Story
Backbeat: Esperanza Spalding, Anthony Hamilton Perform @ Grammy in the Schools Live!
February 9, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | R&B/Hip-Hop
The third annual Grammy in the Schools Live! concert featured stellar performances by Anthony Hamilton and Esperanza Spalding in front of Grammy Foundation execs Neil Portnow, Kristen Madsen, David Sears and Scott Goldman. » Full Story
Backbeat: Yuna Gets Love From Pharrell, Cornerstone at Brooklyn Showcase
February 9, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Branding
Fader Label's Yuna performed a short set that doubled as a listening party for her new self-titled album out in March, while Pharrell discussed his recent collaborations and Fader Media CEO Andy Cohn had some choice words about previous employer Spin. » Full Story
Emilio Estefan, Jose Valle Confirmed for Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards, April 23-26 In Miami
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | TV & Film | Latin
Entertainment mogul Emilio Estefan, Univision Radio President José Valle and Target VP of entertainment John Butcher are among the top executives already confirmed as speakers for the 2012 Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards in Miami. » Full Story
U.K. Music Launches Equality & Diversity Charter
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Legal & Management | Indies
A newly launched Equality & Diversity charter, coordinated by the industry umbrella organization U.K. Music, is aiming for 100 individual, company and organization signatories by the end of 2012 to address the issue of ethnic-minority recruitment in the industry. » Full Story
Warner Music Group Spent Less, Revenue Remained Flat in Holiday Quarter
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Digital & Mobile | Retail
Key releases by Michael Buble, Nickelback and the Black Keys helped Warner post flat earnings in the fourth quarter of 2011 and first of the company’s fiscal year. In other words, Warner spent less to generate the same revenue. » Full Story
Katy Perry Teenage Dream.png Katy Perry to Release 'Teenage Dream' Special Edition in March
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Retail
Katy Perry's album Teenage Dream will be re-released March 27 as Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection, and will feature the entire original album, three new tracks and four alternate versions of songs. » Full Story
Backbeat: Kelly Rowland, Sylvia Rhone Honored @ Essence Black Women in Music Gala
February 9, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | R&B/Hip-Hop
The star studded event honored Rhone with a career accomplishment award and recognized Rowland as a rising icon. Execs such as Epic's L.A. Reid, Universal Republic's Monte Lipman, and SRC's Steve Rifkin, among others, were in attendance. » Full Story
adam levine the voice Exclusive: Adam Levine Launches 222 Records, 'Glee' Star Matthew Morrison Signed to Label
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | TV & Film | Rock & Pop
Adam Levine, Maroon 5 frontman and a coach on "The Voice," is launching his own record label, called 222. The first artist signed to the label is Matthew Morrison, best known as the character Will Schuester from "Glee." » Full Story
Backbeat: Jimmy Iovine Honored by Dr. Dre, Stevie Nicks, Mary J. Blige, Many More at Grammy P&E Event
February 9, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Legal & Management | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
Jimmy Iovine was awarded the Recording Academy Presidents Merit Award last night during a Grammy week event honoring producers and engineers amidst a calvacade of stars and music biz. The long list included Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Nicks, Colbie Caillat and will.i.am. who heard both Skylar Gray and Lana Del Ray perform. Read on for the life-long lesson Iovine learned working as an engineer on Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run." » Full Story
Paul McCartney.jpg Paul McCartney To Debut New Songs On iTunes Streaming
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Branding | Rock & Pop
Paul McCartney will debut the songs from his new album "Kisses on the Bottom" in a free live streaming performance on iTunes this morning. The news comes just as McCartney has pulled his catalog from subscription services. » Full Story
Rock Hall Adds Six Groups, Including Miracles, Crickets to List of Inductees
February 9, 2012 – Record Labels | Branding | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says six additional groups, including  the Crickets, the Famous Flames, and the Miracles will be inducted this year after a committee determined they should be recognized with their previously enshrined original lead singers (which included Buddy Holly, James Brown and Smokey Robinson, repectively.) » Full Story
June Tabor Wins Big at UK BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
February 9, 2012 – Touring | Record Labels | Global | Rock & Pop
Folk veteran and erstwhile performer June Tabor was queen of the scene at the U.K’s 13th annual BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards last night in Salford. The 64-year-old English singer-turned-librarian-turned-singer waltzed away with Folk Singer Of The Year, Best Album Award, Best Traditional Track, and Best Group (with The Oyster Band). » Full Story
Van Halen Vs. Adele For No. 1 on Billboard 200 Next Week
February 8, 2012 – Record Labels | Retail | Chart Alert
Adele's 21 is set to duke it out with Van Halen's brand new album with David Lee Roth, A Different Kind of Truth, for No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It would be Van Halen's sixth No. 1 album, while Adele is gunning for her 20th nonconsecutive week at the summit. » Full Story
Paul McCartney Paul McCartney Titles Pulled from Subscription Services
February 8, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Legal & Management | Digital & Mobile | Retail | Rock & Pop
The Concord Music Group/Hear Music catalog of Paul McCartney was ordered removed from subscription services, affecting some of his recent solo albums, as well as a slew of older releases by McCartney and Wings that were reissued in 2010. » Full Story
Backbeat: Grammy Glam Kicks Off Celebrations, Neil Portnow Discusses Protests
February 8, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Branding | Rock & Pop | Latin | R&B/Hip-Hop
Grammy Glam, presented by CoverGirl, Olay, and Venus and featuring guest DJs Erykah Badu and DJ Spinderella, last night kicked off the week of festivities leading up to the Grammy awards. The event also provided an opportunity for Recording Academy President Neil Portnow to comment on the planned protests against the Grammys' decision to cut 31 categories from this year's awards. » Full Story
Afo Verde Afo Verde Appointed Chairman/CEO for Sony's Latin Region, Spain and Portugal
February 8, 2012 – Record Labels | Global | Latin
Afo Verde, who since 2009 has been serving as president, Latin Region, for Sony Music Entertainment, has been promoted to the post of Chairman and CEO for the Latin Region, Spain and Portugal. » Full Story
Backbeat: Juanes Performs for Industry, Media VIPs at MTV Unplugged
February 8, 2012 – Touring | Backbeat | Record Labels | Global | TV & Film | Latin
Colombian star Juanes played MTV Unplugged alongside stars Paula Fernandes and Joaquín Sabina in a taping attended by Universal Music Latin America/Iberian Peninsula Chairman/CEO Jesús López, UML Entertainment President Victor González, and the managers of Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin. » Full Story
ana Del Rey Born To Die.png Lana Del Rey Debuts At No. 2, Adele Holds No. 1 on Billboard 200
February 8, 2012 – Record Labels | Rock & Pop | Chart Alert | Country | R&B/Hip-Hop
Much talked-about singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey makes her expected arrival at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with "Born to Die." It's the highest entry for a female artist's full-length major-label debut since Jackie Evancho's "Dream With Me" bowed at No. 2 on July 2, 2011. Adele's "21" sits tight at No. 1 for a 19th nonconsecutive week. » Full Story
Bruno Mars Heads Back to Grammys With Smeezingtons
February 8, 2012 – Record Labels | Publishing | Branding | Rock & Pop | R&B/Hip-Hop
While Bruno Mars has six nominations for this Sunday's Grammy Awards -- including one for album of the year for the worldwide best-seller "Doo-Wops and Hooligans -- it's also the Smeezingtons time to shine. The trio is nominated in the producer of the year category for their hits with Mars, but also Lil Wayne and the Far East Movement. » Full Story
Birch_Manager_200.jpg Backbeat: Diane Birch Plays Comeback Show, Dreams of Michael McDonald @ Joe's Pub
February 8, 2012 – Backbeat | Record Labels | Rock & Pop
Backstage at Diane Birch's first show in six months at NYC's Joe's Pub, New York S-Curve Records CEO/President Steve Greenberg congratulated the young singer on her evolution as a performer who happened to be dreaming about Michael McDonald. » Full Story
 
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