this week's news nuggets

We're starting a brand new feature on the blog. Every Friday, we are going to put together an review of some of the week's most interesting and noteworthy entertainment stories. Check out these news nuggets...

ABBA, Genesis, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, Jimmy Cliff and The Hollies were all inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (MSNBC)

Jimi Hendrix breaks Elvis' record from beyond the grave. (Yahoo)

Beyoncé ties Rihanna as she lands her 14th top 10 single since 2000. (Billboard)

Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas will perform at a concert opening the World Cup. (BBC)

crazy about the boy

Boy George returns with a brand new single next week. "Amazing Grace", not to be confused with the spiritual, will be released with a handful of remixes. However, it's the original version that captures the power and soulful beauty of Mr. O'Dowd's voice.

hail, hail rock n' roll

Congratulations to ABBA, Genesis, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, Jimmy Cliff and The Hollies for their induction at this year's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony.

ABBA is one act nobody thought would ever see the inside of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. However, they've proven that although they weren't a household name in the US, their music has become a part of the fabric of our everyday lives ever since the premiere of Mamma Mia! on Broadway nearly a decade ago.

With only one #1 hit on the US charts compared to nine in the UK, ABBA are arguably bigger now that they are apart than when they were together.

Here are last night's acceptance speeches from two members of ABBA, Benny and Frida.



For a historic look back at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, check out Time Life's 9 DVD set"Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Live". It's a must have for any music fan.

birthday bashes

It's a busy week for celebrity birthdays!

Rick Ocasek, lead singer of The Cars, is 61. Here they are with their #12 hit from 1984, "Magic".



R&B legend and soul sensational diva, Chaka Khan, turns 57.




Sly Stone is still dancing at 67.



But wait...there's more! Eddie Money is 61. Broadway maestro, Andrew Lloyd Weber, the creator of such legendary musicals as "Evita", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the omnipresent "Phantom Of The Opera", turns 62. Actress and rapper Queen Latifah hits the big four-O. And Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters is so excited to celebrate her 64th birthday.

still amazed after all these years

Country supergroup Lonestar will return with a new album on April 27. It's called "Party Heard Around The World" and it marks a decade since they scaled the dizzy heights of the pop chart with their evergreen hit, "Amazed".



The tracklsing for "Party Heard Around The World" has been revealed by the fine folks at Saguaro Road, the band's new home. It's ten songs strong and features the following:

1. Beat (I Can Feel Your Heart)
2. Live Laugh And Love
3. She Wants What She Wants
4. You're The Reason Why
5. Y.O.U.
6. Making Memories
7. The Future
8. Goodbye Is Goodbye
9. Let Me Love You
10. Party Heard Around The World

And now, a look back at "Amazed", the #1 hit that has launched thousands of weddings.



A little side note... Track #9, "Let Me Love You", was co-written by Dennis Matkosky. You may not know him, but you've certainly heard one of his biggest hits. He co-wrote this #1 smash from 1983:

Smokey knows about soul

As we inch ever closer to the launch of "The Best Of Soul Train" on March 26, we're celebrating the released of the 9 DVD set with a slew of exclusive interviews. We've heard from Eddie Levert and Jody Watley.

Now, we have the second and final interview with the legendary, Smokey Robinson.



Don't forget. We're going to feature the infomercial for "The Best Of Soul Train" in its entirety on Time Life's official YouTube channel. Simultaneously, we will premiere it right here on "The Rewind" blog. You don't want to miss it!

Mark your calendars. The infomercial is scheduled to premiere on on March 26.

a tale of two Taylors and more

It's Monday, so it's time to reveal another week of celebrity birthdays!

James Taylor, the king of classic singer/songwriters, turns 62. James is most known for his early, soft rock hits like "You've Got A Friend" and "Fire And Rain".



Taylor Dayne, sultry songstress from the 80s, celebrates her 48th birthday.



The incomparable Liza Minnelli, legend of sound and stage, is 64. Here's a clip of "Losing My Mind", the lead single from her 1989 album, "Results". It was produced by the Pet Shop Boys.



Legendary songwriter Neil Sedaka has 71 candles on top of his cake. Neil has written songs for others like "Love Will Keep Us Together" for Captain And Tennille. Here he is in 1980 performing a medley of hits with Toni Tennille on her short-lived talk show.



And now Neil as he is today!



Last but not least, Barbara Feldon, who played Agent 99 from "Get Smart", turns 78.

Smokey Robinson remembers

We're swiftly approaching the launch of "The Best Of Soul Train".

Mark your calendars. The infomercial is scheduled to premiere on Time Life's official YouTube channel on March 26.

In the meantime, the legendary Smokey Robinson, the host of the infomercial, was kind enough to give us an exclusive interview. Smokey recalls his fondest memories of "Soul Train" and its larger-than-life host, Don Cornelius.

last looks

Here is the last of six previews for "The Best Of Soul Train".



There's really nothing more to say. Time Life has more "Soul Train" than you can shake your afro at. Get your 9 DVD set now!

It has been a trailblazer and a landmark television show. It's amazing to think it launched nearly 40 years ago.

cakes and candles

Candles on cakes all around!

Lady Miss Tee, the one and only, super soulful Teena Marie, celebrates her 54th birthday this week! Here she is performing her hit, "Lover Girl", on "Soul Train" in 1984.


The legendary Lou Reed still walks on the wild side at 68.


Two-hit wonder, Tone Loc, is 44.


And Broadway legend, Benadette Peters, is still belting out the showtunes at 62.