John, Taupin receive Gershwin Prize
Sir Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin were honored with the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, making a point to underscore that their musical legacy is in harmony with their philanthropy, especially the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“If you’re successful, you have to give back. That was my mantra in 1980 when I got sober, and it’s been my mantra ever since,” John said Wednesday.
Accompanied by Taupin and clad in a resplendent pink suit, John, who celebrates his 76th birthday March 25, also gave his perspective on the enduring appeal of their music.
“The songs last because they cover different territories. ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ is not like ‘Burn Down the Mission,’ and ‘Daniel’ is not like ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.’ ”
Taupin added: “Our palette is full of color.”
The evening’s entertainment was a range of musical styles by a collection of renowned performers that included Metallica, Garth Brooks, Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell, Annie Lennox and host Billy Porter. A televised version is set to air April 8 on PBS.
Following the honor bestowed by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, John treated the audience to a three-song performance, featuring “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” and “Your Song,” with Taupin at his side by the piano.
‘Mad Max’ prequel will premiere at Cannes:
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” George Miller’s eagerly awaited follow-up to “Mad Max: Fury Road,” will make its premiere at the
Cannes Film Festival in May. “Furiosa,” a prequel to “Fury Road” starring Anya Taylor-joy, will roar down the Croisette nine years after Miller’s previous “Mad Max” film did. After its 2015 bow at Cannes, “Fury Road” went on to gross $380 million and win six Oscars.
“Furiosa,” screening out of competition, will premiere May 15. The film, co-starring Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke, features Taylor-joy in the role played by Charlize Theron in “Fury Road.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to return to the Festival de Cannes — along with Anya, Chris and Tom — to share ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,’ ” Miller said.
Steve Harley, a British musician whose glam-rock band Cockney Rebel had an enduring hit with the song “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me),” has died.
Musician Harley dies:
He was 73.
Harley’s family said Sunday that he had
“passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side.” Harley said late last year he was being treated for “a nasty cancer.”
He formed Cockney Rebel, who released “The Human Menagerie” in
1973 before foundering. With a new lineup and rebranded as Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, the band released the 1975 album “The Best Years of Our Lives,” which included his biggest hit.
Actor William Shatner is 93. Musician George Benson is 81. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is 76. Actor Fanny Ardant is 75. Singer Stephanie Mills is 67.
Actor Matthew Modine is 65. Comedian Keeganmichael Key is 53. Actor Guillermo Diaz is 49. Actor Reese Witherspoon is 48. Actor Constance Wu is 42.