Elton John & French President Emmanuel Macron

Elton John & Emmanuel Macron

Photo: LEWIS JOLY/AFP/Getty Images

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Elton John Is Celebrated With France's Highest Civilian Honor

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"Like music, the fight against AIDS has been my passion for many, many years," the GRAMMY-winning pop icon said during the ceremony in Paris on Friday
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jun 24, 2019 - 1:05 pm

There are plenty of reasons to describe GRAMMY winner Sir Elton John as legendary: his timeless music, avant-garde fashion, LGBTQ+ advocacy and all-around philanthropic efforts. On June 21, French President Emmanuel Macron recognized the decades of greatness and service of John, as he presented him with the country's highest civilian honor, the Légion d'Honneur.

Macron presented John with the prestigious award at a private ceremony held at the Élysée Palace in Paris, calling him "an icon that knew how to set an example," the Associated Press reports. It took place, fittingly, during the annual "Fete de la Musique," which began in France in 1982 and is now celebrated worldwide as Make Music Day. "To receive this decoration the day of the Fete de la Musique makes it even more special," John said.

Related: Elton John Discography: Icon Reflects On His Personal Favorite Albums

The pop music great established The Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 to help fund HIV/AIDS research and prevention around the world, which, according to its website, had raised over $400 million by its 25th anniversary. For more information on how to get involved with The Elton John AIDS Foundation, visit its website.

"Like music, the fight against AIDS has been my passion for many, many years," John said during his speech on Friday. "Like music this fight reminds me every day of the extraordinary power of the human spirit. And that things that bind us are stronger than those that divide us. It is this magical human spirit I will carry with me as a proud member of the Legion d'Honneur."

Macron used the moment to make a call to action to world leaders (and their constituents, to push them to do so) to give more money to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, ahead of a leadership summit to take place in Lyon, France in October. According to the AP, "he said that 27 million people have been treated and saved through the Global Fund that raised about 13 billion euros in 2016."

John echoed Macron's request to support the Global Fund, adding, "Success is essential. It is of great importance to me."

The night before the ceremony, John performed in Paris, as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. You can catch his magic live as he continues the tour. Additionally, Rocketman, the biopic depicting the star's glittering rise to fame, starring Taron Egerton, is in theaters now.

Giles Martin On 'Rocketman,' Elton John, Reinventing "Tiny Dancer" & More

Janet Jackson in 1989

Janet Jackson in 1989

Photo: Courtesy of artist

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Janet Jackson's Iconic 'Rhythm Nation 1814' Turns 30 Today & We Still Have Work To Do

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"The fact that the lyrics remain relevant is a bit of a disappointment actually. It means we haven't moved too far away from the prejudice, ignorance, hate and racial bias that we spoke about 30 years ago," co-producer Jimmy Jam recently said
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Sep 19, 2019 - 6:35 pm

30 years ago today, a 23-year old Janet Jackson released her groundbreaking, GRAMMY-nominated fourth studio album, Rhythm Nation 1814. The chart-topping 20-track epic not only shook up the music world with its futuristic, raw, industrial soundscape, it also paved the way for socially conscious pop at a poignant time. It followed 1986's GRAMMY-nominated breakout hit album Control, which was the first time Jackson was given creative control over her music.

As with its predecessor, Jackson worked with GRAMMY-winning musical powerhouses Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, diving deeper into the collaborative co-writing and co-production process they had established. On Rhythm Nation her professional and personal empowerment shines through as she reflects on the madness of the times, and it still hits today. Unfortunately, her message for a safer, more equal world is still is a relevant today as it was then. It's definitely time to revisit the powerful album and take its words and rhythms to heart.

The year was 1989, and the first mass-shooting since the dawn of CNN (in 1980) had, understandably, shaken up the American public, Jackson included. The horrific, racially charged attack took place at an elementary school in Stockton, Calif., leaving five of students dead and 30 other people injured.

On Rhythm Nation 1814's heart-breaking 11th track, "Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make)," Janet echoes the tragedy in the chorus: "Livin' in a world that's filled with hate. / Livin' in a world where grown-ups break the rules / (And they're just) Livin' in a world they didn't make / Payin' for a lot of adult mistakes. / How much of this madness can they take, our children?"

The song ends with gunshots and children's screams, as a clip of a reporter announcing the news of the shooting pulses in and out of the track, fading into the background, almost like an additional, jarring interlude. This specific tragedy may have faded from our social memory, but, even more tragically, sounds eerily similar to breaking news in 2019, and to the countless shootings this nation has endured the past 30 years.

"The fact that the lyrics remain relevant is a bit of a disappointment actually. It means we haven't moved too far away from the prejudice, ignorance, hate and racial bias that we spoke about 30 years ago," Jam recently told Billboard. Yet just because it's downright sad that we're still here doesn't mean we don't have the ability to truly move forward and grow as a nation, for everyone.

"I still believe the power of music is the healing force for all things. It transcends language, race, age, and unites all the commonalities that we have. It's necessary like the air we breathe and we're going to continue to use our gifts to try to change lives in a positive way," he added.

Jun 28, 2018 – 1:28 pm

Revisit Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation 1814'

Jam also spoke to her far-reaching influence on music, beyond her unmistakable pop footprint, over the years:

"Janet being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was well-deserved. So many of the trends in music today and the idea of female empowerment on all musical levels owe so much to her. Her innovations in staging, from her headset microphone to the elaborate arena size theatrical sets, and groundbreaking music videos incorporating innovative dance steps have been, and are still being, emulated by all artists across the board, not just rock n' roll. The Rhythm Nation album was designed to use music to inspire and inform people."

It's safe to say that the album did, and still does, make waves. The album hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, seven out of eight of its singles hit the Top 10 and the album and singles earned seven GRAMMY nods across two shows. At the 32nd GRAMMY Awards, in addition to the trio all earning Producer Of The Year (Non-Classical) nominations, the 30-minute album visual won Best Music Video, Long Form.

"I feel that most socially conscious artists—like Tracy Chapman, U2—I love their music, but I feel their audience is already socially conscious," Jackson told Rolling Stone in 1990. "I feel that I could reach a different audience, let them know what’s going on and that you have to be a little bit wiser than you are and watch yourself."

Janet Jackson in 1989

Maybe we just need to play it a little louder.

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Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple

Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images

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Fiona Apple Pledges Two Years Of "Criminal" Royalties To Immigrant Resource Fund

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"After months and months of reading the news about how my country is treating refugees, I've become gutted with frustration trying to figure out the best way to help…These people are being prosecuted as criminals just for asking for asylum," she wrote
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jul 2, 2019 - 5:19 pm

This past Sunday, Fiona Apple shared her commitment to donate the next two years of TV and film placement earnings from "Criminal" to the While They Wait fund, a new immigrant rights initiative.

In a letter shared via her Tumblr fan page, the activist/singer-songwriter explained that the GRAMMY-winning 1996 hit song is her "most requested" for TV/film, and she generally shares its earnings with friends and family. After witnessing the continued news of the inhumane treatment of migrants at U.S. borders, she wanted this income to support refugees.

"After months and months of reading the news about how my country is treating refugees, I've become gutted with frustration trying to figure out the best way to help," Apple wrote.

She continued: "[While They Wait] seems to me that the best way I can help detainees is to contribute to payment of their legal fees. What they need is representation and guidance because these people are being prosecuted as criminals just for asking for asylum."

In the post, she encouraged other songwriters to also donate earnings from a song to the org, and for everyone interested to check out their work:

"I want to ask other songwriters to donate just ONE TIME, the money they get for the usage of one of their songs to this organization or one of their choosing. I could write a song about this and maybe I will but for now, I will use "CRIMINAL" to help the WRONGLY criminalized get justice. I encourage anyone who wants to join with me to get involved—watch the short film on their site."

While They Wait was launched in January in response by three social justice non-profits; ACLU SoCal, RAICES Texas and Brooklyn Defender Services. According to their website, with data from USCIS, there are currently 311,000 immigrants living seeking asylum. The video Apple references, shared above, tells the heartbreaking story of Honduran asylum-seeker Nilda, one of BDS's clients, and features a song by benny blanco, Calvin Harris and Miguel.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the fund's website.

Elton John Is Celebrated With France's Highest Civilian Honor

 

Philippe Zdar

Philippe Zdar in 2005

Photo: Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage/Getty Images

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Philippe Zdar, A Pivotal Member Of The "French Touch" Movement, Is Dead At 52

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Zdar was part of the electronic duo Cassius, which he formed with fellow French DJ/Producer Boom Bass in the mid-'90s
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jun 20, 2019 - 7:45 pm

GRAMMY-winning producer Philippe Zdar has died at age 52, the New York Times reports. He passed away last night, June 19, after falling out of a window of a building in his hometown of Paris. Along with fellow "French Touch" house music acts like Daft Punk and Air, his electronic duo Cassius exploded at the turn of the century and continues to influence electronic music today.

Zdar, born Philippe Cerboneschi, co-founded Cassius with fellow French DJ/Producer Hubert Blanc-Francard, aka Boom Bass. As Rolling Stone reports, the pair first met in the late-'80s and formed La Funk Mob in 1991, later changing their name to Cassius and releasing their first (aptly titled) album, 1999, in, yes, 1999.

The album featured their first big hit, "Cassius 1999," which saw the Top 10 in the U.K. and also hit the U.S. Dance charts. The album is regarded as a cornerstone in the French Touch sound, and its other tracks, like "Feeling for You," can still be heard on dancefloors around the world.

Cassius followed 1999 with Au Rêve in 2002, 15 Again in 2006, and eventually, in 2016, Ibifornia, tapping artists including Cat Power, the Beastie Boys' Mike D, Pharrell Williams and others for their return. The duo's fifth LP, Dreems, is set to be released tomorrow, June 21.

In addition to his work as a forefather of the iconic French house sound, Zdar produced, mixed and engineered albums and records for an impressive list of artists at his Motorbass recording studio in Paris, which is also where he worked on the new Cassius album. As the Times reports, following Zdar's GRAMMY win in 2010 for his work on Phoenix's quintessential LP, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, other GRAMMY-winning artists like Pharrell and Kanye West approached him to record at Motorbass.

Neil Portnow, the President/CEO of the Recording Academy, wrote a statement on behalf of the company:

"The Recording Academy is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of esteemed producer and electronic music icon Philippe 'Zdar' Cerboneschi. An influential artist in his own right, Philippe collaborated with a roster of highly respected musicians, including Kanye West, Beastie Boys, and Franz Ferdinand, and was a member of the French house duo Cassius. As a producer/engineer, Cerboneschi earned a GRAMMY Award in the Best Alternative Music Album category for his work on Phoenix's album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, at the 52nd GRAMMY Awards. Philippe's influential creations will continue to impact music forever. Our thoughts are with his collaborators and loved ones during this difficult time."

Zdar's friends, collaborators and other artists he inspired are mourning the loss with social media posts. Hot Chip worked with Zdar on their forthcoming album, A Bath Full of Ecstasy, the first one in which they enlisted an outside producer. The U.K. alt-electro outfit wrote the following, along with a photo of him smiling in the studio, in an Instagram post:

"Hearing of the death of Philippe Zdar has left us stunned and immensely sad. He was a kind, open and endlessly enthusiastic man who brought happiness to everyone around him. We are deeply sorry for his family and friends. Au revoir Philippe, et merci X"

Many others posted photos with Zdar, including Ed Banger Records founder Pedro Winter, Agoria and Cat Power. He will be remembered by his unforgettable records and the many artists whose lives he touched and music he shaped.  



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Last week... no words, in fact, yes words... In 1995 we met at Radio FG, the day I put a face and a name on Motorbass. You and Etienne de Crecy delivered the milestone of French electronic music •Pansoul• I was 20 and you were already « someone » in our scene. « Flying Fingers » was the perfect crossover between hip hop and techno. You accepted my invitation to Dj at my party. You became a regular. I remember that night you played 3 times Van Helden’s « The Funk Phenomena » that was just released. That same year @cassius was born. « Foxy Lady » became Daft Punk’s favorite and made it to their Essential mix. A year later you and Boombass introduced me to Dj Mehdi in NYC. We went to Ibiza and had the best Summer 99 of our life. You taught me how to become a man by expressing my feelings, writing on a notebook we were all sharing in the house (I still have it). I was carrying your records, I had this little camera to capture those magic moments, you & Boombass rocking that Space terrace. I enjoyed your mini spliff even if it was not my thing. I’m crying writing this now, but it feels good to realize how lucky I am to have known you. I was crazy enough to accept to become your manager in 2002. We quickly realized you were indomitable and one of the most free man ever. Once again you were there at the beginning of my new musical adventure Ed Banger records in 2003. You gave me •F.I.S.T• which became the first release of the label b/w Mr Flash « Radar Rider ». Ellen Allien was the first one to send me a feedback saying that track was mental! In 2010 you came back home with Cassius and offered Ed Banger the now classic •I <3 U so• We entered the Guinness book for the longest lunch at Ses Boques in Ibiza. Average time was 4 hours, last time with @tiga and @hubertdeblancfrancard will be unbeatable. Now I can tell you, I was scared when you were driving you Range River on Ibiza hills, but you calm me by playing me the records you were working on. @kindnessmusic first album will resonate in my head forever everytime I’ll go to the island. I remember when the Beastie Boys called you to work with them. You called me right away, you knew how happy I’d be for you.

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Mon ami. I love you so.

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Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

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Ariana Grande Donates Proceeds From Atlanta Show To Planned Parenthood

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"Ariana Grande's generous donation comes at a critical time—in Georgia and across the country, anti-women's health politicians are trying to ban all safe, legal abortion," Dr. Leana Wen, President of Planned Parenthood, said in a statement
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jun 12, 2019 - 11:56 am

Today, Planned Parenthood confirmed that GRAMMY winner Ariana Grande has donated the proceeds from her June 8 concert in Atlanta, around $250,000, to the reproductive health non-profit. The contribution follows several Southern states, including Georgia, passing restrictive anti-abortion bills in May.

"Ariana Grande's generous donation comes at a critical time—in Georgia and across the country, anti-women's health politicians are trying to ban all safe, legal abortion," Dr. Leana Wen, President of Planned Parenthood, said in a statement to People, who broke the news. 

Wen, who is a medical doctor and the former Baltimore City Health Commissioner, spoke to the critical timing of Grande's donation, at a time when lawmakers are rolling back years of women's rights legislation:

"This is not what the American people want, nor is it something they'll stand for. Thanks to inspiring support like hers, Planned Parenthood can continue to fight back—in the courts, in Congress, in state houses, and in the streets—against these dangerous attacks on people's health and lives. We are so grateful to Ariana for her longstanding commitment to supporting women's rights and standing with Planned Parenthood to defend access to reproductive health care. We won't stop fighting—no matter what."

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As People and other outlets point out, the donation follows the singer's response to hate speech made outside of the Atlanta concert. Ari fans tweeted a video of a protester outside of the venue making homophobic, sexist and racist comments over a P.A. system to the young women. Grande commented on the post, writing: "man... saddened but not surprised by this one bit. I'm so sorry any of my fans had to encounter this. we will do our best to ensure this doesn't happen again. proud of u all for not fighting / engaging violently. never worth it. wishing him peace & a healed heart cause girl yikes."

The Atlanta show was one of the stops on the pop star's Sweetener World Tour, which continues across North America until mid-July, after which she'll headline Lollapalooza on Aug. 4, then take the tour across the pond to London on Aug. 17 for its European leg.

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