Jay-Z gets hall nod in 1st eligible year
Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, Tina Turner and Iron Maiden lead this year’s nominees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a female-heavy list of 16 acts that includes for the first time the Go-Go’s, Mary J. Blige and Dionne Warwick.
Artists are eligible for a nomination 25 years after the release of their first official recording. There are two newly eligible acts in Jay-Z and Foo Fighters while artists nominated for the first time include Blige, the Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden, Warwick and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.
Several candidates are looking for a second spot in the hall. Turner would be inducted for a second time, having gone to the hall as part of Ike & Tina Turner. Nominee Carole King is already in as a songwriter and would go in as a performer this time. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl is already in as a member of Nirvana.
Other nominees announced Wednesday are Kate Bush, Devo, Chaka Khan, LL Cool J, New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine and Todd Rundgren. The class of 2021 will be announced in May.
Springsteen faces drunken driving charge:
Bruce Springsteen is facing a drunken driving charge in New Jersey.
Springsteen was arrested Nov. 14 in a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area on the New Jersey coast, a spokesperson for the National Park Service confirmed Wednesday. The park is about 15 miles north of Asbury Park, where Springsteen got his start as a musician.
Springsteen received citations for driving while under the influence, reckless driving and consuming alcohol in a closed area. The spokesperson said Springsteen was cooperative.
Spielberg wins Genesis Prize:
Steven Spielberg has been awarded Israel’s prestigious 2021 Genesis Prize in recognition of his contribution to cinema, his philanthropic works and his efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, organizers announced Wednesday.
The $1 million award is granted each year to a person for their professional achievements, contributions to humanity and commitment to Jewish values. Previous recipients have donated the prize to philanthropic causes. Spielberg, the director and producer of “Schindler’s List,” was only notified Wednesday and did not immediately comment on his plans.
Gadot showcases women in new series:
Gal Gadot’s latest project is as an executive producer of “Impact,” a shortform
documentary series debuting April 19 on the National Geographic channel.
The six-part series follows women in Brazil, California, Michigan and Puerto Rico, among other places, who overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things.
“I keep calling them my women of wonder because they are the true heroes,” said Gadot, the Israeli actor who has been playing Wonder Woman since 2016.
Feb. 11 birthdays: Actor Conrad Janis is 93. Actor Tina Louise is 87. Musician Sergio Mendes is 80. Singer Sheryl Crow is 59. Actor Jennifer Aniston is 52. Actor Damian Lewis is 50. Singer D’Angelo is 47. Musician Mike Shinoda is 44. Singer Brandy is 42. Singer Kelly Rowland is 40. Actor Taylor Lautner is 29.