Mary J. Blige Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Led Zeppelin Covers

'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.

In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.

But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine.

"I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."

Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon.

"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.

Related Artists

• Mary J. Blige
• Led Zeppelin
• Travis Barker

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1633563/mary-j-blige-dishes-on-her-crazy-led-zeppelin-covers.jhtml

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Keith Urban Accused Of Attacking Paparazzo

A paparazzo by the name of Willem Pieterson has accused Australian country singer Keith Urban of going on the attack. Get the latest here on Urban’s run in last Wednesday in Nashville. Out and about having dinner with his actress wife, Nicole Kidman, in Nashville, Tennessee last Wednesday, Keith Urban allegedly became angry after a photographer, Willem Pieterson, began snapping pictures of the two celebrities as they were leaving a restaurant by the name of Giovanni?s. In a statement issued by Don Aaron of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to Gossip Cop, Urban (per Pieterson’s filed report) got into his car with Nicole Kidman and then proceeded to pull up to the photographer’s “vehicle in the wrong lane. Pieterson alleges that Urban yelled at him, and banged on his window” before getting out and then banging on Pieterson?s “car with his fist and kicked the rear passenger door.? The Nashville Police did however check out the paparazzi’s car and “observed that it was not damaged.” After reportedly going crazy on Pieterson’s vehicle you would think there would be some visible marks? After looking into the matter though it seems the authorities are now labeling it as an incident that “bears [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RightCelebrity/~3/cgx9mMLABc8/

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Michael Jackson Family Announces Tribute Concert

Lineup for October show in Cardiff, Wales, will be revealed August 3.
By Gil Kaufman

Siblings LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson after announcing 'Michael Forever,' in Beverly Hills July 25, 2011.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Michael Jackson's family has announced a tribute concert to the late King of Pop that is slated to take place on October 8 in Cardiff, Wales. The four-hour show at the 75,000-capacity Millennium Stadium will be broadcast via satellite on pay-per-view and into movie theaters with a cast of big-name performers whose identities have not yet been revealed.

At the Beverly Hills press conference on Monday revealing the details of the "Michael Forever" show, Jackson family matriarch Katherine was joined by sons Tito, Jackie and Marlon and daughter LaToya; siblings Jermaine, Randy, Janet and estranged husband Joe were not in attendance.

"When I was told some of the names of the artists performing, I knew it would be fit for a king. If my son was here today he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive," Katherine Jackson said of Michael, who died in June 2009 of a heart attack caused by a prescription drug overdose.

According to Wales Online, the show will feature artists Jackson admired and will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the start of his solo career.

"I will be there along with as many members of my family that can make it," Katherine said. "It is intended to be the biggest and best concert in the world for many years to come." LaToya added, "This event is far, far overdue. He was an entertainer who I feel no one can ever stand up to or hold a candle to as far as his talent is concerned. This tribute will be something spectacular and I know that he would approve."

One of the show's producers said that despite taking place in a large stadium, the event will have a more intimate atmosphere with the building's roof closed. Proceeds from the show will benefit three charities Jackson supported: the Prince's Trust, AIDS Project Los Angeles and a cancer charity. The show's lineup will be announced on August 3.

As with many things related to MJ's legacy, there was controversy, as brothers Randy and Jermaine said they thought the timing of the show was inappropriate. In a statement, the two said, "While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death. As everyone knows, those proceedings commence September 20."

That date is when Jackson's former doctor, Conrad Murray, is slated to go on trial for manslaughter charges in the singer's death.

Jermaine attempted to put on a tribute concert to his late brother in September 2009, but the show fell apart after many of the top acts were unable to commit to the event.

Related Photos

• Michael Jackson's 'Michael' Cover Decoded

Related Artists

• Michael Jackson
• Randy Jackson
• Marlon Jackson
• Jermaine Jackson
• Janet Jackson

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667905/michael-jackson-family-tribute-concert.jhtml

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Usher - Spotlight

Spotlight

• Artist: Usher
• Label: Warner Bros. Records, Asylum, Mizay Ent
• Director: Benny Boom
• Album: The State vs. Radric Davis

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=454171

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Claire Danes: Showtime?s Summer TCA Promotions

She?s always up for a high-profile event, and earlier today (August 4) Claire Danes was spotted at Showtime?s 2011 Summer TCA shindig.

The ?My So-Called Life? actress looked fabulous in a low-cut graphite-colored dress as she fielded questions at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Danes stars in the new cable TV series ?Homeland? and she said everything about the gig was to her liking, even the nudity and foul language.

Claire explained, ?I think that?s more appealing than the relatively moderate work hours [of broadcast television].?

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/claire-danes/claire-danes-showtime%E2%80%99s-summer-tca-promotions-530936

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