National registry adds 25 recordings
Janet Jackson’s socially conscious album “Rhythm Nation 1814,” Louis Armstrong’s jazzy “When the Saints Go Marching In” and Nas’ debut release “Illmatic” are among 25 recordings being inducted to the National Recording Registry.
The Library of Congress announced Wednesday that Labelle’s song “Lady Marmalade” and Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” are some of the titles tapped for preservation this year. The national library chose a few more memorable titles including Kermit the Frog’s “The Rainbow Connection.”
The library selects titles for preservation because of their cultural and historic importance to the American soundscape.
Others that made the list include the soap opera theme song, “The Guiding Light,” Connie Smith’s single “Once a Day” and Albert King’s album “Born Under a Bad Sign.”
‘Glee’ cast to reunite at GLAAD awards:
The cast of the TV series “Glee” is reuniting for a tribute to the late Naya Rivera during the 32nd annual GLAAD Media Awards on April 8.
On Wednesday, the LGBTQ media advocacy organization announced that members of the cast
— including Jane Lynch, Darren Criss, Amber Riley and Matthew Morrison — will honor the legacy of Santana Lopez, played by Rivera. Singer Demi Lovato, who guest starred as Santana’s girlfriend, will introduce the reunion.
The tribute will honor the 10th anniversary of Santana coming out, highlight the importance of LGBTQ and Latino representation on TV, and celebrate the impact of Rivera’s character and storylines, according to GLAAD.
Royal granddaughter Zara has third child:
Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter Zara Tindall and her husband, the former rugby player Mike Tindall, are celebrating the birth of their third child, who was born at home after the couple were unable to get to a hospital in time. Lucas Philip Tindall was born Sunday, a representative for the couple said Wednesday. He is 22nd in line to the throne.
Swift to drop vault song:
Taylor Swift’s re-recorded version of her album “Fearless” comes with bonus tracks taken from “From the Vault,” and the singer announced Wednesday that “You All Over Me,” the first such song, will arrive at midnight Thursday. Swift also revealed that the song features country star Maren
Morris on vocals and was produced by her “Folklore” and “Evermore” collaborator Aaron Dessner.
Mirren joins ‘Shazam!’ sequel:
Helen Mirren has joined New Line’s DC comics adaptation “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” as Hespera, the villainous daughter of the god Atlas. Practically the entire team behind 2019’s “Shazam!” is returning for the sequel, including stars Asher Angel and Zachary Levi. Rachel Zegler is also expected to join the sequel set for June 2023.
Ronstadt sells music catalog:
Linda Ronstadt has sold her recorded music assets to mogul Irving Azoff ’s Iconic Artists Group, for an undisclosed sum. According to reports, the deal will see Ronstadt and her manager and assistant partner work to market her catalog and “preserve her legacy in the digital era.”
March 25 birthdays:
Critic Gene Shalit is 95. Actor Paul Michael Glaser is 78. Musician Elton John is 74. Comedian Mary Gross is 68. Actor Marcia Cross is 59. Actor Lisa Gay Hamilton is 57. Actor Sarah Jessica Parker is 56. Actor Laz Alonso is 47. Comedian Alex Moffat is 39. Singer Katharine McPhee is 37. Comedian Chris Redd is 36.