Billboard manager editor
Ken Schlager, who worked closely with Bessman. “Once, in Nashville, Jim accompanied me backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. At the time, I knew no one. Jim knew everyone and they all greeted him with open arms. Similarly, in New York, you could walk into the Bottom Line with Jim and he’d have hugged 10 music buddies before we ever got to our seats. He was truly a beloved figure. Jim was never on staff at
Billboard, but as a longtime contributor he would take on any kind of assignment and deliver well-informed, insightful stories. As managing editor, I tried on multiple occasions to lure Jim into a full-time job, but he was never willing to exchange his independence for a taste of financial security. He would give me a sheepish smile like he knew he was making a foolish choice yet he just couldn’t cave to my repeated offers.”
Kate Taylor Premieres Beatles Cover from New Album
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Clive Davis Shares Joni Mitchell s First Public Interview in Six Years, Chats With DaBaby, Oprah Winfrey, H E R and More
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A divided nation is nothing new. The culture wars were in full swing back in the late 1970s, when
George Jones recorded
James Taylor’s “Bartender’s Blues.” I can’t say I know how Ole Possum eyes voted, but it’s safe to say the typical Jones fan was redder than his nose (George did like to drink) at 2:00 a.m. anything but liberal. As for Taylor, he was soft and fuzzy, with well considered and supremely crafted songs that appealed greatly to the white-wine-NPR demographic. What happened when their paths crossed on that song is worth considering. For one, it begs the question, should James Taylor have switched at some point to country?
T-Boz of
TLC will serve as one of the evening s hosts. The show begins at 8 p.m. ET.
General admission tickets to view the event are free. VIP tickets also are available, offering guests access to interactive experiences starting one hour before the main show. Those who would like to donate to the Little Kids Rock Foundation can do so by visiting LittleKidsRock.org.
In addition, the foundation has launched a silent auction at Givergy.us. Among the items and experiences up for bid are tickets to the sold-out 2021
KISS Kruise; a drumhead signed by
Mick Fleetwood; a stage outfit worn by