Madonna, Beatie Boys nominated for rock hall
Here's something Madonna can really celebrate: a nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Madge joins heartland rocker John Mellencamp, the puckish rappers Beastie Boys and premier dance acts Donna Summer and Chic among the nine nominees for the hall. The five leading vote-getters will be inducted in the annual ceremony March 10, 2008, at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The other nominees are rap pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, literate songwriter Leonard Cohen, the original British Invasion combo The Dave Clark Five and surf rock instrumentalists The Ventures.
The nominations illustrate how far the Hall of Fame has stretched its definition of rock 'n' roll to incorporate a variety of musical styles.
Ladd Jr. gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Alan Ladd Jr., the Academy Award-winning producer and former 20th Century Fox head who green-lighted “Star Wars,” was honored Friday with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“It's lovely to be here among my friends and family,” Ladd said at the ceremony for the 2,348th star.
Ladd's father, the late actor Alan Ladd, also has a Walk of Fame star.
Mel Brooks praised the man known to many as “Laddie.”
“He is one of the sweetest and nicest guys and he has saved my life many times. If anybody deserves a star, it's this legendary, incredible, iconic filmmaker,” Brooks said.
Born in Los Angeles, Ladd, 69, became an agent in the '60s to clients including Judy Garland and Warren Beatty before going into producing.
After heading up creative affairs for 20th Century Fox, he became the studio's president.
It was his decision to back George Lucas' “Star Wars.” Ladd went on to found his own company, which released “The Right Stuff” and “Chariots of Fire.”
Uncle Kracker guilty in nightclub incident
Uncle Kracker pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor assault charge in an incident last month at a Raleigh nightclub.
A Wake County judge sentenced the singer, whose real name is Matthew Shafer, to 12 months' probation, fined him $1,500 and ordered him to undergo an alcohol assessment.
Assistant District Attorney Adam Moyers said Shafer put his hand up a woman's skirt at the nightclub. The 26-year-old woman slapped Shafer, and he slapped her back, Moyers said. The woman later reported the incident to an off-duty police officer.
Shafer, a 33-year-old Michigan native, is a former disc jockey for Kid Rock. His hits include a duet with Kenny Chesney, “When the Sun Goes Down.”
- From wire reports
Madge joins heartland rocker John Mellencamp, the puckish rappers Beastie Boys and premier dance acts Donna Summer and Chic among the nine nominees for the hall. The five leading vote-getters will be inducted in the annual ceremony March 10, 2008, at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The other nominees are rap pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, literate songwriter Leonard Cohen, the original British Invasion combo The Dave Clark Five and surf rock instrumentalists The Ventures.
The nominations illustrate how far the Hall of Fame has stretched its definition of rock 'n' roll to incorporate a variety of musical styles.
Ladd Jr. gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Alan Ladd Jr., the Academy Award-winning producer and former 20th Century Fox head who green-lighted “Star Wars,” was honored Friday with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“It's lovely to be here among my friends and family,” Ladd said at the ceremony for the 2,348th star.
Ladd's father, the late actor Alan Ladd, also has a Walk of Fame star.
Mel Brooks praised the man known to many as “Laddie.”
“He is one of the sweetest and nicest guys and he has saved my life many times. If anybody deserves a star, it's this legendary, incredible, iconic filmmaker,” Brooks said.
Born in Los Angeles, Ladd, 69, became an agent in the '60s to clients including Judy Garland and Warren Beatty before going into producing.
After heading up creative affairs for 20th Century Fox, he became the studio's president.
It was his decision to back George Lucas' “Star Wars.” Ladd went on to found his own company, which released “The Right Stuff” and “Chariots of Fire.”
Uncle Kracker guilty in nightclub incident
Uncle Kracker pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor assault charge in an incident last month at a Raleigh nightclub.
A Wake County judge sentenced the singer, whose real name is Matthew Shafer, to 12 months' probation, fined him $1,500 and ordered him to undergo an alcohol assessment.
Assistant District Attorney Adam Moyers said Shafer put his hand up a woman's skirt at the nightclub. The 26-year-old woman slapped Shafer, and he slapped her back, Moyers said. The woman later reported the incident to an off-duty police officer.
Shafer, a 33-year-old Michigan native, is a former disc jockey for Kid Rock. His hits include a duet with Kenny Chesney, “When the Sun Goes Down.”
- From wire reports
