“Let It Be – Roberta Flack Sings the Beatles” was produced by Sherrod Barnes, who also produced Beyonce’ and Angie Stone, with contributing producers Jerry Barnes and Barry Miles.

The tracklist for “Let It Be – Roberta Flack Sings the Beatles” is as follows:

1. In My Life
2. Hey Jude
3. We Can Work It Out
4. Let it Be
5. Oh Darling
6. I Should Have Known Better
7. The Long & Winding Road
8. Come Together
9. Isn’t It a Pity
10. If I Fell
11. And I Love Him
12. Here, There, and Everywhere.

The first single from the album is “We Can Work It out.”

“We Can Work It Out” – Roberta Flack

Flack’s interpretations of these Beatles classics have earned the approval of Yoko Ono, who contributed to the liner notes of the album. Ono said:

Flack has announced the following tour dates:

• 9-11 Feb – Segrestrom Concert Hall: Pop Symphony Series, Costa Mesa, CA
• 3 Mar – Paragon Casino, Marksville, LA
• 13 Apr – Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Chicago, IL
• 14 Apr – Rising Star Casino Resort, Rising Sun, IN
• 19 Apr – Carolina Theare, Greensboro, NC
• 20 Apr – Newberry Opera House, Newberry, SC
• 27 Apr – Wild Horse Pass Casino, Chandler, AZ
• 28 Apr – Fox Tucson Theater, Tucson, AZ
• 6-7 July – Embarcadero Marina Park South Club, San Diego, CA w/San Diego Symphony.

At the time of writing, Amazon (US) are offering the download version of the album for only $3.99.

Title
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Let It Be – Roberta Flack Sings the Beatles (Download)	Buy Now	N/A	N/A	Buy Now

Highlights for February include:

• Paul McCartney’s “Kisses on the Bottom” in standard and deluxe editions (Feb 7)
• deluxe editions of the last five Queen albums (Feb 7)
• a number of classic Bob Dylan albums on limited edition vinyl (Feb 7)
• the Van Halen reunion album, “A Different Kind of Truth” (Feb 7)
• the 3-CD set “Santana Anthology 68-69″ (Feb 14) and “Santana – Live at Montreux” on DVD and Blu-ray (Feb 21)
• Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” in Experience, Immersion and Vinyl editions – Feb 28.

CBS report on Don Cornelius death

Don Cornelius conceived “Soul Train” as a “black ‘American Bandstand’” and fronted the show from its debut in 1971 to 1993. The show became an important outlet for the celebration of black music, showcasing new and veteran acts, including such musical greats as Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and James Brown.

Friends and admirers of Cornelius have paid tribute to him today, including Aretha Franklin who said:

Legendary producer, Quincy Jones, also paid tribute to his friend:

The following statement was released today, signed by Aretha and Will:

Aretha was married to her then manager Ted White from 1961 to 1969, and to actor Glynn Turman from 1978 to 1984. Both marriages ended in divorce.

Highlights for January include:

• “Elvis Country – Legacy Edition” – Jan 3
• a number of releases in the Original Album Classics series from the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Journey, the Byrds, Bob Dylan and David Bowie – Jan 17
• the Doors’ “L.A. Woman – 40th Anniversary Edition” and “Mr. Mojo Risin’” DVD and Blu-ray releases – Jan 24
• Dion DiMucci’s “Tank Full of Blues” – Jan 24
• Leonard Cohen’s “Old Ideas” on CD and vinyl – Jan 31.

The pair are expected to marry in June or July in Miami Beach, with a reception on a private yacht.

Donna Karan, Valentino and Vera Wang are all being considered to design the wedding dress, according to Franklin’s rep.

This will be Aretha’s third marriage. Her eight-year marriage to first husband, Ted White, ended in 1969, and she divorced her second husband, actor Glynn Turman, after six years of marriage in 1984.

January

• 4 Jan – Gerry Rafferty (solo singer-songwriter and former member of the Humblebums and Stealers Wheel), age 63
• 4 Jan – Mick Karn (bassist with Japan), age 52
• 7 Jan – Phil Kennemore (bassist with Y&T), age 57
• 10 Jan – Pat Moran (record producer for Robert Plant and Iggy Pop), age 63
• 12 Jan – Tommy Crain (country rock guitarist and songwriter), age 59
• 13 Jan – Alex Kirst (former drummer with Iggy Pop), age 47
• 14 Jan – Trish Keenan (member of Broadcast), age 42
• 17 Jan – Don Kirshner (song publisher/producer), age 76
• 20 Jan – Margaret Whiting (pop and country singer), age 86
• 22 Jan – Bobby Poe (singer with 1950s rockabilly band Bobby Poe and the Poe Kats), age 77
• 26 Jan – Charlie Louvin (country singer), age 83
• 26 Jan – Gladys Horton (member of the Marvelettes), age 65
• 29 Jan – Bruce Jackson (audio engineer), age 61
• 29 Jan 11 – Milton Babbitt (composer), age 94
• 30 Jan – John Barry (Oscar-winning composer), age 77.

February

• 1 Feb – Doc Williams (bandleader and singer), age 96
• 6 Feb – Gary Moore (rock guitarist), age 58
• 14 Feb – George Shearing (jazz pianist), age 94
• 20 Feb – Harrell “Buddy” Jones (drummer), age 70
• 27 Feb – Eddie Kirkland (blues singer), age 88.

March

• 4 Mar – Johnny Preston (pop singer), age 71
• 8 Mar – Mike Star (bassist with Alice in Chains), age 44
• 9 Mar – Robert Marcucci (record company owner and songwriter), age 81
• 12 Mar – Joe Morello (jazz drummer), age 82
• 14 Mar – Todd Cerney (songwriter and musician), age 57
• 14 Mar – Ronnie Hammond (former lead singer for the Atlanta Rhythm Section), age 60
• 15 Mar – Nate Dogg (rapper), age 41
• 15 Mar – Melvin Sparks (soul and jazz guitarist), age 64
• 17 Mar – Ferlin Husky (country singer), age 85
• 18 Mar – Jet Harris (bassist with the Shadows), age 71
• 20 Mar – Joseph “Pinetop” Perkins (blues pianist), age 97
• 20 Mar – Ralph Mooney (steel guitar pioneer), age 82
• 21 Mar – Loleatta Holloway (soul/disco singer), age 64
• 30 Mar – Harley Allen (country music songwriter), age 55
• 31 Mar – Mel McDaniel (country singer), age 68.

April

• 5 Apr – Gil Gibbons (folk singer), age 80
• 9 Apr – Roger Nichols (Grammy-winning recording engineer), age 66
• 11 Apr – Lacy Gibson (Chicago blues guitarist), age 74
• 11 Apr – Billy Bang (jazz violinist and composer), age 63
• 22 Apr – Hazel Dickens (bluegrass singer-songwriter), age 75
• 25 Apr – Poly Styrene, aka Marianne Joan Elliott-Said (singer with punk band X-Ray Spex), age 53
• 26 Apr – Phoebe Snow (singer-songwriter), age 60
• 29 Apr – David Mason (classical musician who played the piccolo trumpet on “Penny Lane”), age 85.

May

• 3 May – Odell Brown (jazz organist and songwriter), age 70
• 7 May – John Walker (founding member of The Walker Brothers), age 67
• 8 May – Cornell Dupree (guitarist for Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin and more), age 69
• 9 May – Dolores Fuller (actress and songwriter), age 88
• 12 May – Lloyd Knibb (drummer for The Skatalites), age 80
• 13 May – Jack Richardson (record producer), age 81
• Bob Flanigan – (singer with the Four Freshmen), age 84
• 19 May – Kathy Kirby (pop singer and television host), age 72.

June

• 3 Jun – Andrew Gold (singer, musician and songwriter), age 59
• 4 Jun – Martin Rushent (record producer), aged 62
• 10 Jun – Kenny Hawkes (DJ and producer), age 42
• 10 Jun – Darryl Pandy (singer and producer), age 48
• 12 Jun – Carl Gardner (member of the Coasters), age 83
• 16 Jun – Larry Wayne Fischer, aka Wild Man Fischer (songwriter), age 66
• 18 Jun – Clarence Clemons (saxophonist with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band), age 69
• 30 Jun – Jimmy Roselli (pop singer), age 85.

July

• 7 Jul – Manuel Galbán (guitarist with Los Zafiros and Buena Vista Social Club), age 80
• 9 Jul – Michael “Würzel” Burston (former Motorhead guitarist), age 61
• 11 Jul – Rob Grill (singer and bassist with Grass Roots), age 67
• 23 Jul – Amy Winehouse (pop singer), age 27
• 24 Jul – Dan Peek (co-founder of America), age 60
• 25 Jul – Mike Reaves (former guitarist with Full Devil Jacket), age 52
• 26 Jul – Joe Arroyo (Columbian singer-songwriter), age 55
• 29 Jul – Gene McDaniels (singer-songwriter), age 76
• 31 Jul – Tom Garvin (pianist and composer), age 67.

August

• 4 Aug – Conrad Schnitzler (multi-instrumentalist and composer), age 74
• 6 Aug – Marshall Grant (bass player with Johnny Cash & the Tennessee Two), age 83
• 10 Aug – Billy Grammer (singer-guitarist), age 85
• 11 Aug – Jani Lane (former lead singer of Warrant), age 47
• 22 Aug – Nick Ashford (soul/R&B singer), age 70
• 22 Aug – Jerry Leiber (songwriter/producer), age 78
• 24 Aug – Frank DiLeo (music executive, actor and former manager of Michael Jackson), age 63
• 29 Aug – David “Honeyboy” Edwards (blues guitarist and singer), age 96.

September

• 13 Sep – Richard Hamilton (pop artist who designed “White Album” cover), age 89
• 16 Sep – Willie “Big Eyes” Smith (singer and harmonica player), age 75
• 21 Sep – John DuCann (guitarist), age 65
• 26 Sep – Harry “Cuby” Muskee (singer), age 70
• 26 Sep – Sylvia Robinson (singer-songwriter and owner of Sugar Hill Records), age 75.

October

• 1 Oct – David Bedford (composer, musician), age 74
• 5 Oct – Bert Jansch (folk guitarist), age 67
• 8 Oct – Roger Williams (pianist), age 87
• 8 Oct – Mikey Welsh (former Weezer bassist), age 40
• 12 Oct – Paul Leka (songwriter, producer and pianist), age 68
• 18 Oct – Bob Brunning (original Fleetwood Mac bassist), age 68
• 20 Oct – Barry Feinstein (rock photographer), aged 80
• 29 Oct – Sir Jimmy Savile (DJ and television presenter), age 84.

November

• 3 Nov – Cory Smoot, aka Flattus Maximus (Gwar guitarist), age 34
• 7 Nov – Andrea True (singer and actress), age 68
• 8 Nov – Heavy D (rapper), age 44
• 12 Nov – Doyle Bramhall (singer-songwriter and drummer), age 62
• 14 Nov – Lee Pockriss (songwriter), age 87
• 15 Nov – Mark “Moogy” Klingman (musician, songwriter and producer), age 61
• 23 Nov – Montserrat Figueras (soprano singer), age 69
• 25 Nov – Don DeVito (record producer), age 72
• 27 Nov – Sultan Khan (sarangi player and singer), age 71
• 28 Nov – Tom Roady (percussionist), age 62.

December

• 2 Dec – Howard Tate (soul singer and songwriter), age 72
• 4 Dec – Hubert Sumlin (blues guitarist), age 80
• 6 Dec – Dobie Gray (singer-songwriter), age 71
• 8 Dec – Dan “Bee” Spears (bass player for Willie Nelson), age 62
• 8 Dec – Dick Sims (keyboarist for Eric Clapton), age 60
• 14 Dec – Billie Jo Spears (country singer), age 74
• 18 Dec – Ralph MacDonald (percussionist and composer), age 67
• 21 Dec – Nilesh Patel, aka Nilz (mastering engineer), age 46
• 25 Dec – Jim Sherwood (saxophonist and singer for the Mothers of Invention), age 69
• 26 Dec – Sam Rivers (jazz musician and composer), age 88
• 28 Dec – Kaye Stevens (singer and actress), age 79.

The Dead Rock Star Club website offers a more extensive list of musicians we lost in 2011 and before.

A host of veteran and modern singers will gather at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom to pay classic soul music recorded in Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia.

Artists scheduled to perform at “VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” include Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Florence + The Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J., Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Travie McCoy, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, Ledisi, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard and Nas.

Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic, says:

As in previous years, this edition of “VH1 Divas” will benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of music education in a child’s life.

“VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 p.m. ET/8 CT on VH1.

Gray is best known for hits such as “The ‘In’ Crowd”, “Out on the Floor” and his biggest success “Drift Away.”

Dobie Gray was born Lawrence Darrow Brown in Simonton, Texas, on July 26, 1940. He moved to California in the early 1960s and his musical break came when he met Sonny Bono, who was A&R manager for Specialty Records. After a minor hit with the single “Look At Me,” his real breakthrough was the classic “The ‘In’ Crowd” in 1965.

Dobie Gray – “The ‘In’ Crowd”

The singer began taking acting classes in this period, which led to appearances in a number of theatre productions, including two-and-a-half years in the L.A. production of the musical “Hair.”

Gray was also a talented songwriter and spent several years as a staff writer for Almo/Irving Publishing before landing a new recording contract with MCA Records in 1973. It was with MCA that he had his biggest and most enduring hit “Drift Away,” which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.

Dobie Gray – “Drift Away”

The follow-up single, “Loving Arms,” did less well, but found an appreciative audience in Elvis Presley who covered it for his “Good Times” album.

The next few years were spent recording for MCA, with moderate success, and honing his songwriting skills. His compositions would be recorded by many big name artists, including Ray Charles, George Jones, Nina Simone, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty, Johnny Mathis, Three Dog Night, John Denver and many more.

After a number of years away from the recording studio, Gray released two albums for Capitol in the mid-1980s, “From Where I Stand” and “Love’s Talkin’,” but neither were very successful. This led to a 10-year recording hiatus which ended with the release of “Diamond Cuts” in 1997. The album featured re-recordings, new compositions, and some well chosen covers, such as Roy Orbison’s “It’s Over.” His final original albums were “Soul Days,” which featured covers of classic soul and R&B songs, and a Christmas album, “Songs Of The Season.” Both were released in 2001.

Gray’s last big success came with a reworking of “Drift Away” with Uncle Kracker in 2003. This reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart for 28 weeks. Uncle Kracker has tweeted his response to Gray’s death:

In a 2010 interview with Essential Elvis magazine (Issue 68), Dobie Gray said:

It’s a quieter month than usual as many top titles were released last month to coincide with the start of the Christmas shopping spree. Check the November 2011 releases page for those titles.

Highlights for December include:

• Paul McCartney’s “Love We Make” on DVD and Blu-ray – Dec 6 (US/CA), Nov 28 (UK)
• “The Very Best Of Neil Diamond” – Dec 6 (US/CA)
• the Queen “Live at Wembley Roadie Box Set” and “Orb Gift Box” – Dec 13 (US/CA)
• The Yardbirds 5-CD “Glimpses – 1963-1968″ box set – Dec 27 (US), Dec 6 (CA), Dec 5 (UK)
• the “Kinks in Mono” box set – Dec 27 (US), Nov 29 (CA), Nov 21 (UK).