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Just two songs into his Outlaw Music Festival set Wednesday night at the FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin, Tennessee, Bob Dylan broke out his 1964 protest anthem “The Times They Are a-Changin'” for the first time since 2010. It was a slow, moving rendition where Dylan played piano and harmonica, and had minimal accompaniment by his band. His voice was remarkably clear and lucid, which has been the case all summer long.

I got to see Bob Dylan play the times they are a-changin pic.twitter.com/n6HOuJtu3K

— Pete Seeger Fan...

Buffalo 8 has created Buffalo 8 Music, a new division meant to serve as a one-stop hub for creators, producers, composers and rights holders. Longtime music supervisor Mason Cooper will become a partner in the new venture and handle rights administration and business affairs.

The division of financier BondIt Media Capital said Buffalo 8 Music’s holistic set of solutions includes music supervision, licensing clearances, score production and music production financing across the film, television and broader content ecosystem.

It builds on the expansive BondIt platform, which finances 50 film and TV projects and services 60+ productions a year via Buffalo 8 post-production, and continues to grow the Buffalo 8 distribution library which now includes over 375 titles across independent film and scripted and unscripted television. Its latet move lets Buffalo 8 pair music services with film and TV finance, production, and distribution, “underscoring its belief in the enduring value of music in the global content economy.”

Cooper, a musician,...

The Beatles are one of the 20th century’s most exhaustively documented bands, from television series like “The Beatles Anthology” and feature films like Richard Lester‘s “A Hard Day’s Night” to documentaries by Albert and David Maysles, Ron Howard, and Peter Jackson, among others. One would think there was little left to explore, but the miracle of the Disney+ documentary “Beatles ’64” is that it manages to feel completely fresh and new — largely by giving the viewer the visceral experience of what it was like to experience The Beatles’ first visit to America via the recollections of people who were there.

One person who vividly remembers what it was like to first hear The Beatles’ music is Martin Scorsese, who produced “Beatles ’64” in the hope that it would convey the exuberance that the band’s first visit to America inspired. “You have to understand, it was the end...

Smokey Robinson has filed a $500 million countersuit against his accusers’ claims of assault, alleging elder abuse and defamation.

Earlier this month, he was hit with a $50 million lawsuit from four women, who claimed to be his former employees, with allegations ranging from hostile work environment to assault.

According to court documents, Jane Doe 1 claimed the assaults occurred “at least seven times” until her resignation. Jane Doe 2 claimed to have been assaulted by the singer at least 23 different times. The third housekeeper alleged she was “sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and raped” by Robinson “at least 20 times.”

Aside from the sexual misconduct, the victims also claimed they were not paid overtime or given rest and lunch breaks for their work. They stated he created a hostile work environment and demanded they work long hours without receiving minimum wage.

Robinson has vehemently denied the claims, describing the four women as his “extended family.

In 2014, three years before the #MeToo movement swept Hollywood, Kesha accused Dr. Luke of sexual assault and battery in a blistering lawsuit. Hours after that was filed, Dr. Luke fired back by suing Kesha, her mother and even one of her attorneys for defamation. Two years later, Bill Cosby pulled the same maneuver, countersuing seven of his accusers. While the ordeal was difficult enough for Kesha, a chart-topping music star, it was financially crushing for the Cosby accusers who were not public figures. For their part, Kesha and Dr. Luke reached a settlement in 2023, ending a battle that lasted nearly a decade and likely cost millions.

In the wake of the industrywide reckoning around sexual harassment in 2017, many observers anticipated that retaliatory defamation lawsuits would subside. Instead, the practice intensified, with a host of men — including Brett Ratner and more recently, Jay-Z — countersuing their accusers.

Now, attorney and law professor...

Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, have filed a $500 million countersuit against the four women who sued him earlier this month accusing the music icon of sexual assault.

In the cross-complaint, filed on Wednesday by the Robinsons’ attorney, Christopher Frost, and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Robinson accuses the Jane Does of of defamation, slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress, financial elder abuse and invasion of privacy, among other claims.

“The Robinsons did not abuse, harm, or take advantage of Plaintiffs; they treated Plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity,” the suit said. “Unfortunately, the depths of Plaintiffs’ avarice and greed knows no bounds.”

The cross-complaint claims that the “plaintiffs asked for and accepted help from the Robinsons, including several thousands of dollars, monetary support for members of at least one Plaintiff’s family, clothes, dental surgery and even a car” over the years. But at the time when...

Smokey Robinson has filed a $500 million countersuit alleging defamation and elder abuse against four former employees who sued him for sexual assault earlier this month. In the cross-complaint, Robinson alleges the women “fabricated” their claims in an attempt to extort money from him and his wife.

As reported by Rolling Stone, Robinson’s complaint accuses the four former housekeepers of conspiring with their attorney to make “slanderous statements” against him and his wife during a press conference on May 6th.

According to the filing, the 85-year-old singer and his wife treated the women as “extended family” during their employment, providing gifts that included money for dental work, clothing, vacations, concert tickets, and even a car.

“The depths of plaintiffs’ avarice and greed knows no bounds,” the countersuit reads. “During the very time that the Robinsons were being extraordinarily generous with plaintiffs, plaintiffs were concocting an extortionate plan to take everything...

In a $500 million defamation and elder abuse action of their own, Smokey Robinson and his wife are now going after the four former employees who have accused the Motown legend of rape in a $50 million lawsuit.

“The Robinsons did not abuse, harm or take advantage of plaintiffs; they treated plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity,” a countersuit filed Wednesday in L.A. Superior Court asserts of the Jane Does. “Unfortunately, the depths of plaintiffs’ avarice and greed knows no bounds.”

Self-described “living legend” Robinson and his attorney Christopher Frost claim that the women tried at first to get $100 million out of the singer and his spouse for their silence on the “fabricated” claims. The four supposedly only turned to the courts when they were rebuffed by the Robinsons. Today’s countersuit makes note of Robinson’s new What The World Needs Now album that came out in late April...

Brian Avnet, the respected personal manager and music executive who discovered Josh Groban, collaborated with David Foster and helped The Manhattan Transfer to great success, has died. He was 82.

Avnet died May 14 at his home in Los Angeles after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease, a publicist announced.

The Baltimore native also worked closely with the likes of Johnny Mandel, Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Cyndi Lauper, Take 6, Jean-Luc Ponty, Eric Benét and Joshua Ledet.

Avnet began working with The Manhattan Transfer in 1979, and two years later the vocal group became the first to win Grammys in the pop and jazz categories in the same year, earning trophies for “The Boy From New York City” and “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket).”

“Brian was an excellent manager and like a brother to me,” Manhattan Transfer founding member Alan Paul said in a statement.

Smokey Robinson has filed a $500 million cross-complaint for defamation and elder abuse against the four former housekeepers who sued him with claims of sexual harassment and rape earlier this month.

The Motown musician, 85, says the former housekeepers conspired with their lawyer to make “slanderous statements” against him and his wife at a press conference on May 6. Robinson claims the women and their lawyer “fabricated” the claims to extort money.

According to the new filing, Robinson and his wife treated the women “as extended family” during their employment, giving them autonomy...

President Donald Trump thinks Bruce Springsteen is “highly overrated … not a talented guy – just a pushy, obnoxious Jerk.” Trump shared his always unfiltered comments on his Truth social media platform on Friday, following Springsteen’s admonishment of his administration at the opening of the E Street Band’s European “Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour Wednesday night (May 14) in Manchester, England.

“Sleepy Joe didn’t have a clue as to what he was doing, but Springsteen is ‘dumb as a rock,’ and couldn’t see what was going on, or could he (which is even worse!),” Trump wrote, referencing former President Joe Biden. “This dried out ‘prune’ of a rocker (his skin is all atrophied!) ought to Keep His Mouth Shut until he gets back into the Country, that’s just ‘standard fare’. Then we’ll all see how it goes for him!”

To recap: Springsteen opened the European leg...

Motown singer Smokey Robinson is being accused of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and hostile work environment in a new lawsuit.

The four accusers are women who claim to have worked at the Robinson residence between 2012 and 2024.

According to court documents, Jane Doe 1 claimed the assaults occurred “at least seven times” until her resignation. Jane Doe 2 claimed to have been assaulted by the singer at least 23 different times. The third housekeeper alleged she was “sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and raped” by Robinson “at least 20 times.”

50 ‘Best’ Celebrity Mugshots Slideshow – & The Stories Behind Them!

The final accuser said that although she was a housekeeper, she also worked as the personal assistant, cook and hairdresser for Frances Robinson, Smokey’s wife, from October 2006 until April 22, 2024. In the lawsuit, she stated, “Robinson first sexually assaulted her in 2007 when she accompanied him to his Las Vegas home. While there and alone with him,...

Smokey Robinson is being criminally investigated after he was accused of sexual assault.

Last week, a $50 million lawsuit was filed against the 85-year-old singer by four former housekeepers, who alleged Smokey “repeatedly” “raped” them. Smokey‘s wife Frances Robinson was also named in the lawsuit.

On Thursday (May 15), the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Smokey is now under a criminal investigation following the allegations.

Keep reading to find out more…““The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson aka ‘Smokey Robinson,’” the sheriff’s department shared in a statement with The Hollywood Reporter. “The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment.”

In response to the investigation, Smokey‘s attorney, Christopher Frost, shared in a statement, “We are aware that a police report has now been filed by the Plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit.

Smokey Robinson is under a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after being accused of sexual assault.

The sheriff’s department shared in a statement with The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson aka ‘Smokey Robinson.’ The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment.”

In response to the investigation, Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, wrote in a statement, “We are aware that a police report has now been filed by the Plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit. It is clear to us what is happening here. Plaintiffs filed a police report only after they filed a $50 million lawsuit. This means only that the police are now required to investigate.”

“We welcome that investigation, which involves Plaintiffs who continue to hide their identities, because exposure to the truth is a powerful thing,...

Updated with latest: Motown great Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation after recent allegations of rape and other abuse made in a $50 million lawsuit earlier this month. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department confirmed the news to multiple media outlets.

“The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment,” the Lasd said in a statement.

Robinson’s attorney Christopher Frost issued his own statement in response to the news.

“We are aware that a police report has now been filed by the Plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit. It is clear to us what is happening here,” the statement said. “Plaintiffs filed a police report only after they filed a $50 million lawsuit. This means only that the police are now required to investigate.

“We welcome that investigation, which involves Plaintiffs who continue to hide their identities, because exposure to the truth is a powerful thing,” the statement continued.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau has begun a criminal investigation into Smokey Robinson. “The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.

The investigation comes a week and a half after four women filed a lawsuit against the singer accusing him of sexually harassing and raping them. The alleged incidents date back to 2007. The four plaintiffs, all former housekeepers of Robinson’s who were listed as Jane Does in the suit, said they...

Smokey Robinson‘s attorney is speaking out against the sexual misconduct allegations made against the music icon.

Earlier this week, a $50 million lawsuit was filed against the 85-year-old singer by four former housekeepers, who alleged Smokey “repeatedly” “raped” them. Smokey‘s wife Frances Robinson was also named in the lawsuit.

On Wednesday (May 7), Smokey‘s attorney Christopher Frost released a statement with People slamming the allegations as “an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon.”

Keep reading to find out more…Frost also said that his team would be “addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies, and relationships between the plaintiffs and others.”

The attorney, who is also representing Smokey‘s wife Frances, said that the singer will “respond in his own words” in time, and will soon file a legal response in court.

Smokey Robinson has denied the “vile, false” allegations of sexual assault after four women filed a lawsuit against the Motown singer Tuesday.

In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Robinson’s lawyer, Christopher Frost, affirmed that he was “responding on behalf of our clients Smokey and Frances Robinson,” adding that “the evidence will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon — $50 million dollars, to be exact.”

“Through this process we have seen the bizarre theatrics of yesterday’s news conference, as the plaintiffs’ attorneys outlined vile, false allegations against Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, trying to enlist the public as an unwitting participant in the media circus they are trying to create,” Frost said in a statement Wednesday.

Frost added that he would “fiercely defend” Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, who was also named as a defendant in the suit,...

Smokey Robinson’s attorney responded to allegations that the the singer sexually harassed and raped four former housekeepers, calling them “vile” and indicating that they will be seeking a dismissal of the lawsuit against the Motown icon.

In a statement to Rolling Stone sent Wednesday, attorney Christopher Frost said that as the case unfolds, evidence “will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon — $50 million, to be exact.” The lawyer accused the plaintiff’s legal team of using “bizarre theatrics...

Reportedly, Motown singer and record exec, Smokey Robinson faces serious accusations of sexual assault from four individuals. Despite these allegations, many of his fans are expressing disbelief. Keep reading to find out why they feel some skepticism.

The Charges Against Smokey

The African American is now 85 years old, and after decades of his successful career, there were no blemishes related to sexual incidents at all. However, earlier this month, he stood accused of abusing four employees in his home between 2007 and 2024.

Smokey Is Accused By Four Women – TMZ – Instagram

The news was reported by TMZ this week, and the sordid allegations seem a bit shocking. The outlet noted that four women who kept their names anonymous claimed a variety of penetrations, oral sex, and even r@pe that went down.

The outlet added:

The suit was filed in Los Angeles Tuesday morning…The 4 accusers — who say they overlapped while working...

Four women have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Motown legend Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, alleging years of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and the creation of a hostile work environment. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday by four Jane Does, seeks a trial and general damages of no less than $50 million. The women, who were employed as housekeepers at…

Source...

Four women who worked for Smokey Robinson as housekeepers have sued the famed Motown singer for sexual assault, according to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.

In the complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the four anonymous women accuse Robinson of raping them at several of his residences, most primarily at his home in Chatsworth, California. The listed causes of action include negligence, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and a hostile work environment, among other claims. The women also claimed the defendants failed to pay them minimum wage.

Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, was named as a defendant as well, with the women claiming that she “failed to take the appropriate corrective action to prevent Defendant Robinson’s deviant misconduct despite having full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct,” stating Robinson had settled claims with other women.

The first plaintiff,...

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Music icon Smokey Robinson is at the center of a shocking new lawsuit.

Four former housekeepers who were employed by the Motown legend are now accusing him of sexual assault.

The unnamed plaintiffs are seeking $50 million in damages.

Smokey Robinson attends the 2022 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for dcp) Attorney for alleged victims speaks out against Smokey Robinson

The suit was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

According to a new report from NBC News, three of the four women appeared at a press conference, wearing masks to protect their privacy.

“Obviously, no amount can compensate these women for what Mr. Robinson subjected them to,” attorney John Harris told reporters.

He added that given the severity of Robinson’s alleged crimes, “This amount is clearly warranted.”

Smokey Robinson attends the Kentucky Derby...

Four women have accused Smokey Robinson of sexually harassing and repeatedly raping them while they worked as housekeepers for the Motown icon and his wife at various times going back to 2007.

In a new lawsuit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles, the women allege the soul singer and producer would find ways to isolate them at his homes in the San Fernando Valley and Las Vegas and force them into sexual contact despite their protests. The lawsuit includes claims for sexual assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment, and gender violence against Robinson.

Smokey Robinson has been accused of sexual assault by four former employees in a lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, May 6th.

In the complaint, the 85-year-old singer and former Motown Records executive is accused of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and creating a hostile work environment. Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

All four plaintiffs, identified as Jane Does, previously worked as housekeepers for Robinson and his wife. As reported by Ktla, the lawsuit accuses Robinson of forcing himself on their “entire bodies, including their vaginas, breasts, legs, abdomen, lips, and face” and claims they did not consent to his “sexual contact or touching.”

“Plaintiffs explicitly told Defendant Robinson on numerous occasions that they were not interested in his advances and objected to his forceful, physical, sexual, and harmful conduct,” the complaint reads.

Robinson’s...

Smokey Robinson is facing allegations.

The 85-year-old “Being With You” singer has been accused of misconduct by four of his former employees, via Ktla.

Four women who have worked with the singer submitted a complaint to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday (May 6).

Keep reading to find out more…

The accusations include sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and creating a hostile work environment.

His wife, Frances Robinson, is also named in the lawsuit.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs will provide more information during a press conference Tuesday afternoon in downtown Los Angeles, according to the news report.

Smokey Robinson‘s team has not yet issued a statement or response.

He recently hosted A Motown Christmas for NBC. He also just appeared at the Hollywood Beauty Awards in Los Angeles in April.

Twenty years ago, Bruce Springsteen was approached by a filmmaker about creating the soundtrack to a “spiritual Western” called Faithless that had yet to be filmed. He began penning material for it at the conclusion of the Devils and Dust tour in late 2005, and wound up with 11 songs, including four instrumentals. But the movie never went into production, the songs were placed in the vault, and not even the most devoted Springsteen fan that ever existed.

The complete Faithless soundtrack is finally coming out June 27 as one of the seven...

On Wednesday April 30 2025, ABC broadcasts Jimmy Kimmel Live!!

Allison Janney; Smokey Robinson Season 23 Episode 110 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” promises to be an exciting one, featuring two special guests. Actress Allison Janney will be joining Jimmy Kimmel for a lively conversation. Known for her impressive acting skills and charming personality, Janney is sure to share some interesting stories from her career and life. Fans of her work can look forward to hearing about her latest projects and what she has been up to recently.

In addition to Janney, the episode will also feature the legendary Smokey Robinson. The iconic singer and songwriter will not only sit down for an interview but will also perform some of his classic hits. Robinson’s music has touched many hearts over the years, and his performance is expected to be a highlight of the show. Viewers can anticipate a mix...

This Wednesday, Jimmy Kimmel welcomes two major stars to his late-night show. First up is Allison Janney. While many know her for iconic roles in “The West Wing” and “Mom,” she’s currently starring in the new film “Another Simple Favor,” the sequel reuniting Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. She’ll be sitting down with Jimmy for […]

Jimmy Kimmel Live: Allison Janney, Smokey Robinson...

Terrence Howard missed out on the chance to play both Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye in biopics but for different reasons.

He calls passing on the former the “biggest mistake” of his career, saying on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast that he declined the offer from Robinson himself because he was already talking with Lee Daniels about playing Gaye in another biopic.

Maher agreed that was the right call, saying Gaye’s life story was “much more interesting” and that Howard “would’ve been perfect as Marvin Gaye, and that is a story that needs to be told.”

But Howard didn’t end up portraying Gaye either.

“I was over at Quincy Jones’ house and I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay’ and I’m like, ‘Was he gay?’” Howard said. “And Quincy’s like, ‘Yes.’”

That was a dealbreaker for Howard, he told Maher.

In conversation with Club Random host Bill Maher, Terrence Howard shared what he believed to be the “biggest mistake” he ever made in his career.

In the new episode, Howard explained how he turned down an offer from Smokey Robinson to play him in a biopic because he was in conversation with Lee Daniels about portraying Marvin Gaye in another film at the time.

However, when Howard learned that Daniels planned to explore the layers of the late singer’s sexuality, he pulled out of the project. Howard classified his decision to turn down the role of Robinson as his greatest misstep.

He remembered, “I was over at Quincy Jones’ house and I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay,’ and I’m like, ‘Was he gay?’ And Quincy’s like, ‘Yes.’”

Howard continued about portraying a gay man on screen, “They would’ve wanted to do that,...

Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard, star of Crash, Hustle & Flow, and Iron Man, among many other acclaimed movies, has revealed that he once turned down the opportunity to portray the late, great Marvin Gaye in a Lee Daniels-directed biopic exploring the life of the legendary soul singer. His reasoning is that he only likes to accept roles he feels he can fully commit to, and after discovering the rumors about the musician's sexuality, he decided he couldn't play "that character 100%" because he wouldn't kiss another man.

During a recent appearance on Bill Maher's Club Random podcast, Howard recalled that the "biggest mistake" of his acting career was passing on the offer to star in a Smokey Robinson biopic because he was already in "conversation with Lee Daniels" about a separate project centered around Marvin Gaye. Maher validated his decision, saying Howard "would've been perfect" in the role that he...

The American actor told Bill Maher’s podcast that he had asked Quincy Jones about the singer’s sexuality and felt he couldn’t ‘play that character 100%’

The actor Terrence Howard has said that he declined the role of Marvin Gaye in a film, because he didn’t want to kiss another man.

Speaking to Bill Maher on his Club Random podcast, the actor said the “biggest mistake” of his career was turning down the leading role in a separate biopic of the singer Smokey Robinson – which Robinson had personally asked him to play.

Terrence Howard shared that he declined a role in a Marvin Gaye biopic after concerns about aspects of the singer’s personal life emerged during pre-production talks. Speaking with Bill Maher on Maher’s Club Random podcast, Howard explained why he ultimately walked away from the opportunity.

Howard said he had already committed to discussions with director Lee Daniels about portraying Gaye when Smokey Robinson offered him the chance to play Robinson in a separate project. Wanting to honor his word to Daniels, Howard turned Robinson down, a decision he described as the “biggest mistake” of his career.

Howard recalled meeting Robinson for dinner after receiving the offer. “It broke [Robinson’s] heart,” he said of declining the role. Still committed to the Gaye project, Howard later encountered new reservations during a conversation with Quincy Jones.

“I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay,’ and I’m like,...

Terrence Howard admitted that he passed on playing Marvin Gaye because if he had to kiss a male costar he would “cut my lips off.”

During a recent appearance on the Club Random podcast, Howard told host Bill Maher about the “biggest mistake” he ever made in his career. The actor recounted how he was invited to dinner by Smokey Robinson because “he wanted me to play his life” in a movie. Unfortunately Howard had to turn Robinson down because he was in a conversation with Lee Daniels about playing Marvin Gaye in another biopic.

Terrence Howard has not been a stranger to playing musicians on the screen. The actor’s Academy Award-nominated performance in Hustle and Flow saw him play a pimp who aspired to be a rapper while his most prominent TV role in Empire, saw him play a hip-hop mogul.

However, the actor reportedly walked away from two biopics of legendary musicians. In a recent interview, the Iron Man star revealed that he walked away from a Smokey Robinson biopic because he was talking with Lee Daniels about a biopic on Marvin Gaye. His reasoning for backing out of the latter is surprising.

Terrence Howard revealed why he walked away from a Marvin Gaye biopic A still from Empire | Credits: Fox

Plenty of straight actors have played homosexual or bisexual characters on the screen, and some male actors have even kissed other male actors off-screen, mostly for comedic effect. Robert Pattinson kissed...

Academy Award-nominated actor Terrence Howard revealed he turned down a Lee Daniels-helmed biopic about legendary Motown musician Marvin Gaye because it would require him to explore the Prince of Soul’s rumored homosexuality.

Speaking with Bill Maher on his Club Random podcast, the Empire star recalled “the biggest mistake I made in my career,” which was rejecting Smokey Robinson’s offer to play him in a biopic after the King of Motown invited him out to dinner. At the time, he said, he was in the middle of talks for the Gaye biopic and “was being faithful to Lee Daniels because I had given him my word as man.”

Howard said the news “broke [Robinson’s] heart,” while host Maher remarked that the exploration of Gaye’s life would have been “much more interesting” because “there’s a lot more drama,” given the What’s Going On artist’s killing by his father.

Terrence Howard almost starred in a biopic of legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye, but there was one major hold-up for the actor.

During a recent appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, Howard said that the “biggest mistake” of his career was turning down the starring role in a Smokey Robinson biopic, a role the musician personally asked him to play.

Howard explained that he turned Robinson down because he was already in “conversation with Lee Daniels about playing Marvin Gaye” in a different biopic.

Maher supported Howard’s decision, adding that Gaye’s life story was “much more interesting.” He went on to say that Howard “would’ve been perfect as Marvin Gaye, and that is a story that needs to be told.”

However, Howard ended up missing out on the Gaye biopic as well. The “Empire” star said he passed on the project after he found out...

The 2025 American Music Honors, presented by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, gathered legends of rock, country, soul and Americana Saturday for an evening of memorable performances and heartfelt tributes. But by the time guest of honor Bruce Springsteen took the podium at the Pollak Theatre, even he’d had enough of himself.

“If I hear my name again, I’m going to fucking throw up,” Springsteen joked. “Let’s talk about fucking someone else.”

With that, the spotlight shifted to the evening’s honorees: Smokey Robinson, Emmylou Harris, Tom Morello, John Fogerty and Joe Ely. Each was celebrated by a standout lineup of presenters and performers including Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, Steve Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren. The night, hosted by Brian Williams, also featured a surprise performance from 2024’s honoree Jackson Browne. The latter joined Springsteen, Morello and...

The American Music Honors, an annual event organized by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center, took place Saturday at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, this year honoring Smokey Robinson, John Fogerty, Emmylou Harris, Tom Morello, and Joe Ely.

Every honoree with the exception of Joe Ely was on site to receive the award, as well as perform their classic songs with help from Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Bruce Springsteen, and surprise guests Jackson Browne, Nils Lofgren, Nora Guthrie, and Darlene Love. In other words, an...

Smokey Robinson celebrates the release of his new album, “What The World Needs Now,” with two specials exclusively for Smokey’s Soul Town.

First, Smokey takes you through each song on the album during his track-by-track special, sharing the stories and inspiration behind the music.

Track-by-Track SpecialListen on the App

Listen on the App

Then, Smokey is joined by Stevie Van Zandt and a live audience in the SiriusXM New York City studios for an album release party.

Smokey’s Album Release PartyListen on the App

Listen on the App

“It’s actually an inspirational album, and I hope it inspires people to do good things and to feel good and to do good to others,” Smokey said. “That’s what our purpose was for doing this album.”

Smokey Robinson’s new album, “What The World Needs Now,” is produced by Gaither Music and Primary Wave and available now on vinyl,...

CBS Mornings is pulling out all the stops this Thursday, April 24th, with a lineup that spans music, philanthropy, and culinary arts. Legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson takes a seat at the table, ready to share stories from his remarkable career. Expect musical insights and perhaps even a performance from the Motown icon. Then, the focus […]

CBS Mornings Wednesday April 24: Hugh Jackman, Smokey Robinson, Hugh Evans...

What was meant to be a celebratory night on American Idol Sunday took a shocking turn, as some fans were outraged after Mky — a 25-year-old Mexican-American from Los Angeles — was eliminated during the three-hour telecast and failed to advance to the Top 20. Viewers voiced their frustrations in the comments section of Gold Derby's live blog, with some calling out racism as the reason for Mky's dismissal.

"With so much hatred toward the Latino community are we surprised Mky got voted out?" Ray asked. "Mky deserved to move forward." Another user named Valerie screamed, "Mky to me had it all!!!! I am not watching Idol anymore...some of the singers did not belong there!!!" A third fan (Ginny) added, "Mky should’ve made the the top 10…not watching Idol anymore. He was by far one of the best singers in that competition. The judges’ feedback on several who made it through...

Sydney Sweeney steps out with Glen “Coco” Oropeza at the 2025 Hollywood Beauty Awards held at Avalon Hollywood & Bardot on Sunday (April 6) in Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old actress joined her hairstylist, who won the SS Hairstyling Award, at the annual event after a busy coast-to-coast week together.

Over the past week, Glen did Sydney‘s hair for CinemaCon in Las Vegas, for the Laneige launch event in LA and for a Kérastase event in New York City.

Also in attendance were Colman Domingo with his groomer Jamie Richmond, who won Groomer of the Year, Emma Chamberlain with her stylist Jared Ellner, who won The Jy Styling Award, Ryan Destiny with her makeup artist Ernesto Casillas, who won The Dy Makeup Award, plus Garcelle Beauvais, Becky G, Regina King, Smokey Robinson, Jussie Smollett and Caitlin O’Connor, who all took the stage to present.

If you missed it, Sydney is reportedly in final...

Brad Paisley and Smokey Robinson trade professional compliments and musical memories as guests on the most recent episode of the podcast Naked Lunch, especially bonding over their deep mutual appreciation of Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride, who died in 2020.

Co-hosted by David Wild, Emmy-winning TV writer, producer, and contributing editor to Rolling Stone, and Phil Rosenthal, creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and the Netflix docuseries Somebody Feed Phil, the latest Naked Lunch coincides with the April 25th release of the Robinson’s forthcoming album, What the World Needs Now.

Early on in “The Makings of Curtis Mayfield,” H.E.R., the 27-year-old R&b pop star who directed the film and appears in it as its interviewer and tour guide, offers a telling observation about her subject. “Curtis Mayfield,” she declares, “is one of the greatest of all time. And people don’t even know.”

I agree with H.E.R. on both counts. We’ll get to the greatest-of-all-time thing in a moment — though if you don’t know much about Curtis Mayfield and want to cut to the chase of why he was one of the greatest, I’d recommend that you simply go to YouTube and call up the nine-minute-long album version of “Move On Up,” which might be his most extraordinary song (though there’s a lot of competition). It’s built around one of those grooves that’s truly epic and truly transporting: the syncopated horns,...

Over the decades, Carlos Santana has collaborated with jazz legends (Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter), rock guitarists (Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan), blues greats (Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker), R&b singers (Smokey Robinson, Lauryn Hill), and even country artists (Willie Nelson, Faith Hill). The results were sometimes worldwide hits like “Smooth” (with Rob Thomas) or “Maria Maria” (with Wyclef Jean), but others fell between the cracks and never found the audience they deserved.

His new compilation album, Sentient (out March 28), tries to fix this by taking overlooked collaborations with Michael Jackson,...

On Monday March 10 2025, NBC broadcasts The Kelly Clarkson Show!

Season 6 Episode 106 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” promises an exciting lineup with a mix of celebrities and fun segments. It will feature Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin, both known for their recent roles in popular series. Their presence is sure to bring some lively conversation and insights into their careers.

Dr. Sandra Lee, famously known as “Dr. Pimple Popper,” will also make an appearance. She is expected to share her expertise and possibly discuss some interesting cases. Fans of her medical show will likely enjoy hearing her stories and tips.

In addition to the celebrity guests, Lawrence Zarian will be on hand to showcase some great bargains and deals through MorningSave. This segment is always a hit, as it offers viewers a chance to snag some fantastic products at discounted prices.

WWE star Liv Morgan will join the fun,...

Tuesday’s edition of The Today Show offers a blend of practical advice and star power, with segments on car buying, gender dynamics, and culinary delights. If you’re looking for a new set of wheels, be sure to tune in for Car Buying 101, where the team breaks down the best places to find deals and […]

The Today Show: Giada De Laurentiis, Smokey Robinson...

On Thursday February 27 2025, ABC broadcasts Jimmy Kimmel Live!!

Lionel Richie; Kelly Ripa; Mark Consuelos; Smokey Robinson Season 23 Episode 79 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” promises an exciting lineup with some well-known faces in the entertainment world. Scheduled to air on ABC, this episode features singer Lionel Richie, TV hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, along with a performance by the legendary Smokey Robinson.

Lionel Richie, famous for his smooth voice and classic hits, will likely share stories from his remarkable career. Fans can expect to hear about his experiences in the music industry and perhaps some insights into his latest projects. Richie’s charm and humor are sure to make for an engaging conversation.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, a beloved couple in television, will join Jimmy Kimmel for a lively discussion. As co-hosts of a popular morning show, they have plenty of entertaining stories to share...