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Folk Singer-Songwriter Gordon Lightfoot Dies At 84

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TORONTO, Ontario — Gordon Lightfoot, the folk singer-songwriter known for songs like “If You Could Read My Mind” and “Sundown,” as well as songs on Canadian identity, died on Monday. He was 84.

According to Representative Victoria Lord, the musician died at a Toronto hospital. His death cause was not immediately known.

Lightfoot was one of the most well-known voices to emerge from Toronto’s Yorkville folk club scene in the 1960s, recording 20 studio albums and writing hundreds of songs, including “Carefree Highway,” “Early Morning Rain,” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

Lightfoot had five Grammy nominations, three platinum records, and nine gold records for albums and songs in the 1970s. He played almost 1500 shows and recorded 500 songs.

He toured in his later years. He recently canceled future gigs in the United States and Canada, citing health concerns.

“We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Twitter. “Gordon Lightfoot captured the spirit of our country in his music, and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape.” May his music inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on in perpetuity.”

Numerous musicians, including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, Anne Murray, Jane’s Addiction, and Sarah McLachlan, have recorded Lightfoot. Bob Dylan even referred to him as a “rare talent.”

Most of his songs are extremely autobiographical, with lyrics that frankly probe his experiences and discuss topics surrounding Canadian national identity. “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” depicted the railway’s construction.

“I just write songs about where I am and where I came from,” he previously explained. “I take real-life situations and write poems about them.”

Lightfoot’s music had its distinct style. “It’s not country, folk, or rock,” he declared in an interview in 2000. Nonetheless, it contains strains of all three.

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is a mournful homage to the 29 men who died in the ship’s sinking in Lake Superior during a storm in 1975.

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Lightfoot had five Grammy nominations, three platinum records, and nine gold records for albums and songs in the 1970s. He played almost 1500 shows and recorded 500 songs.

While his parents recognized his musical abilities early on, Lightfoot did not set out to become a famous balladeer.

He started singing in his church choir and aspired to be a jazz musician. At 13, the soprano won a talent competition at Toronto’s Massey Hall’s Kiwanis Music Festival.

“I remember the thrill of being in front of a crowd,” Lightfoot remarked in an interview in 2018. “It was like a stepping stone for me…”

The appeal of those early days lingered, and his barbershop quartet, The Collegiate Four, won a CBC talent competition in high school. In 1956, he strummed his first guitar and began dabbling in music in the following months. He flunked algebra the first time, possibly due to his musical tastes. He graduated in 1957 after retaking the class.

Lightfoot had already written his first serious work, “The Hula Hoop Song,” inspired by the popular toy at the time. Attempts to market the tune were futile, so at 18, he moved to the United States to study music for a year. The trip was partially sponsored by money saved from a job transporting linens to resorts near his hometown.

However, life in Hollywood was not for Lightfoot, and he soon returned to Canada. He promised to travel to Toronto to pursue his musical dreams, accepting any job he could find, including a job at a bank, until obtaining a role as a square dancer on CBC’s “Country Hoedown.”

His first job was at Fran’s Restaurant, a downtown family-run café that appreciated his folk inclinations. He met fellow musician Ronnie Hawkins there.

The singer was living with a few buddies in a condemned building in Yorkville, which was then a bohemian neighborhood where future stars like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell learned their trade in smoke-filled bars.

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Lightfoot made his radio breakthrough with the single “(Remember Me) I’m the One” in 1962.

Lightfoot made his radio breakthrough with the single “(Remember Me) I’m the One” in 1962, which led to a string of hit tunes and collaborations with other local performers. Lightfoot bonded with the Mariposa Folk Festival in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario, that same year and became the festival’s most devoted returning artist.

By 1964, he spread positive word of mouth around town, and audiences began to assemble in greater numbers. The next year, Lightfoot’s song “I’m Not Sayin'” became a smash in Canada, helping to expand his popularity in the United States.

Several other artists’ covers didn’t hurt, either. Marty Robbins’ 1965 rendition of “Ribbon of Darkness” achieved No. 1 on the country charts in the United States, while Peter, Paul, and Mary charted Lightfoot’s original, “For Lovin’ Me,” in the United States. Hundreds of other musicians have covered the tune, which Dylan once claimed he wished he had recorded.

Lightfoot performed at the Newport Folk Festival that summer, the same year Dylan shocked audiences by ditching his folkie character in favor of an electric guitar.

As the folk music boom ended in the late 1960s, Lightfoot was already easing into pop music.

He earned his debut Billboard chart appearance in 1971 with “If You Could Read My Mind.” It peaked at No. 5 and has generated a slew of covers since.

Lightfoot’s success peaked in the mid-1970s when “Sundown,” his song and album, topped the Billboard charts for the first and only time.

Lightfoot won 12 Juno Awards during his career, including one in 1970 when it was known as the Gold Leaf.

He was inducted into the Canadian Recording Industry Hall of Fame, now known as the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, in 1986. He was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 after receiving the Governor General’s Award in 1997.

SOURCE – (AP)

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

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Los Angeles  — Sean “Diddy” Combs lawyer said Tuesday that federal officials’ searches of the rapper’s Los Angeles and Miami houses in a sex trafficking probe were “a gross use of military-level force” and that Combs is “innocent and will continue to fight” to clear his name.

The music mogul’s team issued its first public statement on Monday after Homeland Security Investigations investigators raided his house.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” stated attorney Aaron Dyer. “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”

The searches were conducted as part of federal investigators’ ongoing sex trafficking investigation in New York, according to two law enforcement officials. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly about the probe and talked to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

According to Dyer’s statement, Combs was not held and spoke with authorities, and neither he nor any family members were arrested or had their travel restricted.

Dyer said that the “unprecedented ambush” resulted from a “premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”

“There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations,” Dyer said in a statement. “Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

Combs’ kids, Justin and Christian “King” Combs were handcuffed during the raid on their father’s home in Los Angeles. King, 25, is a musician whose song “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” featuring Kodak Black topped Billboard’s Mainstream R&B Hip-Hop charts in 2022.

Law enforcement raided Combs’ multimillion-dollar estate in Los Angeles’ wealthy Holmby Hills neighborhood on Monday and his Miami waterfront home. Command trucks were stationed outside both homes, along with many officers.

The criminal probe marks a significant increase in Combs’ scrutiny since he has been the defendant in several sexual assault lawsuits in recent months.

Cassie, Combs’ former apprentice and girlfriend, sued him in November, alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. Combs settled the lawsuit the next day. The lawsuit claimed he pushed her to have sex with male prostitutes while filming them.

In February, a music producer sued Combs, alleging that he pushed him into soliciting prostitutes and pressuring him to have sex with them.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

Another of Diddy accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her at the age of 17 two decades ago.

Diddy and his counsel have denied all of the lawsuits’ claims.

The Associated Press does not normally name persons who claim to have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Cassie did.

Diddy is one of the most important hip-hop producers and executives over the last three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he established one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires, blazing a route with several businesses using his iconic name. He founded Bad Boy Records and is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with several major musicians, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.

Diddy’s non-music business empire, which includes profitable private-label spirits, athletic clothes, and a television network, has been collapsing since the abuse charges surfaced.

His vodka and tequila partnership with Diageo, a major producer of distilled spirits, was officially terminated in January when the two parties settled mutual lawsuits, leaving the brands in Diageo’s hands.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

His fashion line, Sean John, has disappeared from Macy’s, one of the line’s principal partners; Sean John’s goods are still accessible at Walmart’s online site. However, many are severely discounted or only available in off-sizes.

In November, Combs quit as chairman of Revolt TV, which focuses on music and social justice issues for African Americans.

Source – (apnews)

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Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

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NEW YORK — Federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement officers searched two properties owned by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

It is unclear whether Combs was the target of the probe. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly about the probe and talked to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

Homeland Security Investigations stated that it “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners.”

A spokesman for the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office declined to comment.

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Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

Lawyers for Combs and other representatives left messages requesting comments, but they did not immediately respond.

A police line was formed around the Los Angeles home in the affluent Holmby Hills district near Beverly Hills. Helicopter footage from KABC-TV showed several agents wearing vests, indicating they were from Homeland Security Investigations, and they were gathered in the backyard near the pool. A command post was set up outside the house, and agents were still coming and going hours after the search began.

Combs has faced many sexual assault lawsuits in recent months.

In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit saying that Combs pushed him into soliciting prostitutes and pressuring him to have sex with them. Shawn Holley, Combs’ attorney, stated of the charges, “We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”

Cassie, Combs’ former apprentice and girlfriend, sued him in November, accusing him of sexual abuse, including rape, over several years. The lawsuit claimed he pushed her to have sex with male prostitutes while filming them. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed.

Another of Combs’ accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her at the age of 17 two decades ago.

The Associated Press normally does not identify persons who claim to have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Cassie did.

In a December statement, Combs stated, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”

combs

Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

According to Douglas Wigdor, an attorney representing Cassie and another woman who sued Combs, “Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

It is unclear whether the search is related to any of the charges in the cases.

Combs is one of the most important hip-hop producers and executives over the last three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he established one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires, blazing a route with several businesses using his iconic name. He founded Bad Boy Records and is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with several major musicians, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.

Combs founded the fashion clothing company Sean John, developed the music-focused Revolt TV channel, and produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.

His most recent record, “The Love Album – Off the Grid,” came out last year, just days after Combs was recognized at the MTV Video Music Awards. It was nominated for best progressive R&B album at the February Grammy Awards, but the rapper-mogul did not attend.

combs

Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

The entertainment business has faced a constant stream of career-ending sexual misconduct charges in the years since tales about movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sparked the #MeToo movement in 2017. Weinstein and “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson are both serving jail sentences for rape. Dozens of civil cases have been filed against prominent individuals.

The music industry has not faced the same level of reckoning, but singer and producer R. Kelly is serving a prison sentence for sexually abusing young fans, seven women have sued hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, alleging he raped them, and two women have sued Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler, alleging sexual assault.

Weinstein, Masterson, and Kelly appeal their convictions, while Simmons denies all of the claims made against him. Tyler has had one lawsuit dismissed and is now contesting the other.

SOURCE – (AP)

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

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Washington – Kevin Hart, who ascended from Philadelphia’s open mics and comedy clubs to become one of the country’s most well-known entertainers, will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a gala at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Celebrities and notable comedians flocked to the Kennedy Center Sunday night to pay tribute to Hart, with numerous praising the comic’s work ethic, positivism, and unwavering commitment to his craft.

“He’s just inspirational,” remarked comedian Nikki Glazer on the red carpet. “He is one of the most naturally gifted people I’ve known. But he also likes himself, which is not the case with every successful comic.”

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Comedic actor J.B.J.B.ove (Leon on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) describes a young up-and-coming Kevin as almost dangerously eager.

“Honestly, when he was first starting out, he was a pest,” she added. “But he was always picking up pieces from here or there, always learning from people and never afraid to learn.”

The event began with a high-energy duet between Robin Thicke and Nelly.

Kevin, 44, has developed a signature style incorporating his short stature, expressive countenance, and motor-mouth delivery into a popular stand-up routine.

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Hart made his Hollywood debut in the 2002 film “Paper Soldiers” and rose to mainstream prominence with a series of scene-stealing cameos in hits like 2005’s “The 40-Year-Old-Virgin.”

Hart’s films have made over $4.23 billion worldwide.

The Mark Twain Prize, now in its 25th year, rewards performers who have had a long-term impact on humor and culture. Honorees receive a bronze bust of Mark Twain, the famed American writer and satire born Samuel Clemens.

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Mark Twain honorees are celebrated with a night of testimonials and video tributes, frequently including prior award winners. The Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Dave Chapelle. Bill Cosby, the 2009 laureate, had his Mark Twain Prize revoked in 2019 due to charges of sexual assault.

SOURCE – (AP)

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