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Backbeat: Esperanza Spalding, Anthony Hamilton Perform @ Grammy in the Schools Live!

Mitchell Peters, Los Angeles — 2012-02-09 17:33:00.0

The third annual Grammy in the Schools Live! concert featured stellar performances by Anthony Hamilton and Esperanza Spalding in front of Grammy Foundation execs Neil Portnow, Kristen Madsen, David Sears and Scott Goldman.

Web Trends: Watch A New Video From Kanye West And Jay-Z

RJ Cubarrubia (@RJ_Cubarrubia), New York — 2012-02-09 16:00:00.0

Check out what else is trending in music today, Feb. 9: Watch a new video from Kanye West and Jay-Z (The Throne)

Backbeat: Kelly Rowland, Sylvia Rhone Honored @ Essence Black Women in Music Gala

Gail Mitchell, Los Angeles — 2012-02-09 10:17:00.0

The star studded event honored Rhone with a career accomplishment award and recognized Rowland as a rising icon. Execs such as Epic's L.A. Reid, Universal Republic's Monte Lipman, and SRC's Steve Rifkin, among others, were in attendance.

Photos: Jimmy Iovine Honored by Dr. Dre, Stevie Nicks, Mary J. Blige, Many More at Grammy P&E Event

Phil Gallo, Los Angeles — 2012-02-09 09:15:00.0

Jimmy Iovine was awarded the Recording Academy Presidents Merit Award last night during a Grammy week event honoring producers and engineers amidst a calvacade of stars and music biz. The long list included Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Nicks, Colbie Caillat and will.i.am. who heard both Skylar Gray and Lana Del Ray perform. Read on for the life-long lesson Iovine learned working as an engineer on Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run."

Rock Hall Adds Six Groups, Including Miracles, Crickets to List of Inductees

Associated Press — 2012-02-09 07:30:00.0

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says six additional groups, including the Crickets, the Famous Flames, and the Miracles will be inducted this year after a committee determined they should be recognized with their previously enshrined original lead singers (which included Buddy Holly, James Brown and Smokey Robinson, repectively.)

Web Trends: Watch Rick Ross' New Video

Jeff Benjamin, (@Jeff__Benjamin), N.Y. — 2012-02-08 16:31:00.0

See what else is trending in music including Ricky Martin's 'GLEE' takeover, updates on Don Cornelius' death, and more Grammy talk including the recent Beach Boys reunion annoucement.

Backbeat: Grammy Glam Kicks Off Celebrations, Neil Portnow Discusses Protests

Justino Aguila, Los Angeles — 2012-02-08 13:36:00.0

Grammy Glam, presented by CoverGirl, Olay, and Venus and featuring guest DJs Erykah Badu and DJ Spinderella, last night kicked off the week of festivities leading up to the Grammy awards. The event also provided an opportunity for Recording Academy President Neil Portnow to comment on the planned protests against the Grammys' decision to cut 31 categories from this year's awards.

Lana Del Rey Debuts At No. 2, Adele Holds No. 1 on Billboard 200

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-02-08 11:00:00.0

Much talked-about singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey makes her expected arrival at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with "Born to Die." It's the highest entry for a female artist's full-length major-label debut since Jackie Evancho's "Dream With Me" bowed at No. 2 on July 2, 2011. Adele's "21" sits tight at No. 1 for a 19th nonconsecutive week.

Bruno Mars Heads Back to Grammys With Smeezingtons

Ryan Pearson, Associated Press — 2012-02-08 08:33:00.0

While Bruno Mars has six nominations for this Sunday's Grammy Awards -- including one for album of the year for the worldwide best-seller "Doo-Wops and Hooligans -- it's also the Smeezingtons time to shine. The trio is nominated in the producer of the year category for their hits with Mars, but also Lil Wayne and the Far East Movement.

Web Trends: Lana Del Rey Tour-Cancellation Rumors and more

Justin Ray (@jray05), New York — 2012-02-07 16:59:00.0

See what else is trending in music today including Lana Del Rey rumors about her potentially canceling her tour, Jay-Z making a debut, Nicki Minaj to release new tracks soon, M.I.A. possibly paying a fine and more.

Backbeat: Beyonce Steps Out, Nas Has Wings at Jay-Z's Carnegie Hall After Party @ 40/40

Erika Ramirez, New York — 2012-02-07 07:58:00.0

Last night, after the first of two charity concerts at Carnegie Hall, Jay-Z celebrated at his NYC nightclub, The 40/40 club, with wife and new mom Beyoncé, who made her first public appearance since giving birth, as well as rapper Nas, BET's Stephen Hill, Roc Nation's Rich Kleiman, Def Jam's Shawn "Pecas" Costner of Def Jam and many more.

This Week In Billboard History: The Day The Music Died (& The Show Went On); Motown Goes Pat Boone

Fred Bronson, Los Angeles — 2012-02-06 17:29:00.0

During the week of Feb. 6 in Billboard History: The day the music died: when a plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper tragically crashed, the show went on -- for which Bobby Vee was grateful. Also, Motown goes country, jazz and Pat Boone; and "High School Musical" has "Glee"-like numbers pre-"Glee."

Web Trends: Super Bowl Music Wrap Up

Jon Blistein (@jonblistein) - N.Y. — 2012-02-06 16:39:00.0

See what else is trending in music today including an apology from NBC after M.I.A. flipped the bird at last night's Super Bowl halftime show, and a new EP from Curren$y

Videos: All 2012 Super Bowl Music Ads, From Elton John to the Darkness, And More

Andrew Hampp, New York — 2012-02-05 23:39:00.0

Music was back in a big way at the Super Bowl Sunday night. Artists like Elton John, Melanie Amaro, Motley Crue and The Darkness made on-camera appearances, while Echo & The Bunnymen, The Cult and James Brown had some of the most talked-about synchs.

Nicki Minaj's Media Takeover Prompts Social Chart Climb

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-02-03 21:05:00.0

Nicki Minaj is getting super social on the Billboard Social 50 chart, as the hip-hop diva flies from No. 16 to No. 10 -- her visit to the top 10 since the Dec. 24 tally when she ranked at No. 8. She saw a 17% gain in Twitter followers in the tracking week and an 19% rise in YouTube views.

Flo Rida's 'Good Feeling' Tapped by Budweiser for Super Bowl Spot

Andrew Hampp, New York — 2012-02-03 20:30:00.0

Flo Rida feels a lot like Tom Brady or Eli Manning right about now. The rapper's No. 3-peaking single "Good Feeling" is about to become even more ubiquitous after it's featured in a Super Bowl commercial for Budweiser, titled "Eternal Optimism." The song is juxtaposed against The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" and apparently has made Flo Rida one happy rapper.

Beyonce's 'Top'-of-Mind at R&B, But Is Her Album '4' Too Soulful for Pop?

Gary Trust, New York — 2012-02-03 18:53:00.0

Beyonce continues to tally hits on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs from her album "4," even if pop audiences don't seem to be equally enthralled.

Drake 'Proud'-ly Rewrites Record for Most Rap Songs No. 1s

Gary Trust, New York — 2012-02-03 16:52:00.0

With his 11th No. 1 on Billboard's Rap Songs chart in "Make Me Proud" featuring Nicki Minaj, Drake rewrites the mark for most leaders in the list's 23-year history, breaking a tie with Diddy to become the sole owner of the record.

Web Trends: Madonna's New Single "Give Me All Your Luvin,'" Listen And Watch

Maggie Doherty (@maggiedoherty) -N.Y. — 2012-02-03 16:46:00.0

Sharon Van Etten's new single, Don Cornelius's Legacy, Lana Del Rey Tries Again: see what else i trending in music today.

Drake Sued Over 'Marvin's Room' by Purported Ex-Girlfriend

Eriq Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter — 2012-02-03 15:32:00.0

Drake's ex-girlfriend, Ericka Lee, has claimed she was the voice on the other end of the now-famous phone call in "Marvin's Room," and is now suing Drake for excluding her from sharing co-writer royalties

Chart Moves: Gotye's 'Somebody' Gains, the Wanted Break Into Top 40

Gary Trust, N.Y. and Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), L.A. — 2012-02-03 09:00:00.0

Beyond Adele's continued supremacy on the charts, both Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" and The Wanted's "Glad You Came" roar up the Hot 100; while The Doors, Wilco, Tony Bennett and Blake Shelton make impressive gains on the Top 200 album survey.

R&B/Gospel Singer David Peaston Dies At 54

Erika Ramirez, New York — 2012-02-02 20:17:00.0

It's been an unfortunate week for R&B and soul. On the same day (Feb. 1) as "Soul Train" founder Don Cornelius' death, R&B/gospel singer David Peaston died at 54 years old. Peaston's cause of death is inconclusive, according to published reports.

Web Trends: Lana Del Rey Announces Reissue

Maria Sherman, @mariasherm N.Y. — 2012-02-02 17:30:00.0

See what else is trending in music today including a Lana Del Rey reiusse, a new album by Tyler, the Creator, and Lil B's White Flame Mixtape.

Don Cornelius' Brash and Brave Success Story, Remembered by Michael Bivins, Bryan 'Birdman' Williams, Chris Hicks, More

Keith Murphy — 2012-02-02 07:50:00.0

For an African-American man stepping on the historically white turf of television production, "Soul Train" founder Don Cornelius was an unlikely success story.Michael Bivins, Bryan "Birdman" Williams, Chris Hicks, Betty Wright and others speak of the man and his legacy.

Nicki Minaj's Rider: What She's Demanding For Her Super Bowl Dressing Room

THR Staff — 2012-02-02 07:45:00.0

A copy of the rapper's list of tour demands includes everything from fried chicken to Belgian waffles to 12 bottles of Martinelli's Apple Juice, with 6 iced and 6 at room temperature

'Soul Train' Founder Don Cornelius: The Billboard Interviews

Fred Bronson, Los Angeles — 2012-02-01 13:27:00.0

“Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, who died early today of an apparent suicide at age 75, spoke with Billboard many times over the last 40 years. Here is a look at some highlights from those interviews.

Lana Del Rey Aiming for No. 2 Debut on Billboard 200 Album Chart

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-02-01 12:58:00.0

Lana Del Rey's just-released "Born To Die" album is on track to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart next week if industry prognosticators are correct. Her set looks to move between 60K-70K, which likely won't be enough to surpass Adele's "21" but could put her past the debut of Leonard Cohen's "Old Ideas."

Adele Takes 18th Week at No. 1 As Seven Albums Debut In Billboard 200's Top 10

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-02-01 11:00:00.0

As is usually the case in January, few major albums are released in the first few weeks of the year. Now, as we get back to normal -- post-holidays -- we see an influx of seven new albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. That's the most debuts within the top 10 since the May 21, 2011, chart, when eight new titles arrived in the region.

Grammy Awards 2012: All Our Coverage

Billboard staff — 2012-02-01 10:56:00.0

Billboard's 2012 Grammy Awards hub.

'Soul Train' Creator Don Cornelius Dead in Apparent Suicide

Jeff Wilson, Associated Press — 2012-02-01 09:47:00.0

Don Cornelius, creator of the legendary television show “Soul Train,” was found dead at his home in Los Angeles Wednesday morning in an apparent suicide. He was 75.

Vevo Earned $150 Million in Revenue Last Year, Says CEO Rio Caraeff

Ryan Nakashima, Associated Press — 2012-02-01 08:04:00.0

Vevo, the online music video service launched by Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment in late 2009, pulled in $150 million in revenue last year, chief executive Rio Caraeff revealed on Tuesday.

Business Matters: Is Facebook Filing a $5 Billion IPO Wednesday?

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-01-31 21:44:00.0

Facebook may file with the SEC on Wednesday to raise $5 billion through an initial public stock offering. This is sure to be the business and tech story of the month. Once Facebook files a prospectus with the SEC, outsiders will finally get a glimpse at the company’s financial statements. Also, Facebook’s VP of partnerships Dan Rose told an audience at MIDEM that users in 50 countries have shared more than five billion songs since September. And Chris Brown has reached a milestone of the new music industry: his videos have been streamed 1 billion times on the Vevo platform.

2 Chainz Rocks NYC, Unofficially Announces Def Jam Signing

Jason Lipshutz, New York — 2012-01-31 18:38:00.0

2 Chainz performed at S.O.B.'s event in New York and all but confirmed that he was to sign with Def Jam, giving a shout out to the label execs in the crowd while getting endorsements from the likes of Raekwon.

Future of Music Coalition's Artist Revenue Study @MIDEM: Fan-Funding, Grants Outweigh Merch, Sponsorship

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-01-31 14:02:00.0

A "first look" white paper on Future of Music Coalition's Artist Revenue Stream project was prepared and released at MIDEM. The study showed musicians get more income from fans and grants than merchandise and corporate sponsorships. The median gross income of respondents was $55,561 -- higher than U.S. median income -- but with only 42 percent of respondents deriving all of their income from music.

Backbeat: Why Estelle Was More Excited To Work With Janelle Monae Than Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, Rick Ross, Wyclef & Chris Brown

Lauretta Charlton, New York — 2012-01-31 12:30:00.0

Estelle, alongside co-writer and Grammy winner John Legend, previewed her new album "All Of Me" (Atlantic Records) before an intimate crowd at Home in New York. The album features collaborations with Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Trey Songz, Wyclef Jean, Akon, Chris Brown, ?uestlove and Janelle Monae -- find out who she was most excited to work with.

Grammy's Ken Ehrlich on Adele Appearance, Paul Simon Snub, Paul McCartney's Performance

Phil Gallo, Los Angeles — 2012-01-31 08:30:00.0

The Recording Academy uses the two weeks prior to the Grammy Awards to announce performers and presenters, and executive producer Ken Ehrlich says Thursday should yield a “major interesting” announcement. Ehrlich also discussed the possibility of an Adele appearance, the Paul Simon snub and Paul McCartney's "exquisite" new song.

Web Trends: Listen to Jack White's New Solo Single, "Love Interruption"

Jon Blistein (@jonblistein) - N.Y. — 2012-01-30 16:18:00.0

See what else is trending in music today including Jack White's "Love Interruption and a new video from Busta Rhymes.

Backbeat: MIDEM Pulse Check: Attendance Is (Reportedly) Up, But Conference Is Scaled Down

Andrew Hampp, Cannes — 2012-01-30 11:53:00.0

The first two days of 2012's MIDEM seemed a scaled-back version of conferences past, with panels, meet-ups and hack sessions rarely topping out at over 200 attendees. "They finally caught up with the realities of the business,” a 25-year MIDEM vet said. X5, a Swedish digital music company X5 may not have gotten the memo with their lavash party at the Carlton's Sean Connery suite Also in town: the Ting Tings, Shakira, LMFAO and Seal.

Cover Drive, Ed Sheeran Top U.K. Charts

Paul Sexton, London — 2012-01-30 08:54:00.0

Bajan quartet Cover Drive went straight to No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart yesterday (Jan. 29) with “Twilight” (Global Talent/Universal). Ed Sheeran’s hit debut album “+” (Asylum/Warner Music) moved back 2-1 for its third separate stint at the summit.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Hints At Protest Over Grammy Category Cuts

Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press — 2012-01-28 13:20:00.0

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is entering the fray over The Recording Academy's cuts to its Grammy categories: He's asking to meet with the president of the organization and has raised the possibility of protests with the awards less than two weeks away.

Midem's Euro RSCG Pitch Session: The Sound of Sex & Music

Andrew Hampp, Cannes — 2012-01-28 09:44:00.0

Figuring out the sound of sex and music was the directive from Alasdair Graham of Reckitt’s ad agency Euro RSCG London, at a MIDEM pitch session Saturday. Discussion centered on Durex condoms' new U.K. campaign for its Performax brand featuring Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" and a Facebook music game powered by Sonicbids.

Web Trends: Bruce Springsteen Fans Pained By Ticketmaster

Maggie Doherty (@maggiedoherty) -N.Y. — 2012-01-27 16:17:00.0

Lana Del Rey's re-release, Cher's debated mortality, D'Angelo's comeback and more...see what's trending in music today.

Billboard Reveals the 2012 Power 100

Billboard Staff — 2012-01-27 13:30:00.0

Billboard found something else that Irving Azoff, executive chairman of Live Nation, can sit atop: In the January 28 issue of the magazine, Billboard unveils the Power 100, a ranking of the most powerful people in the music business.