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

Elton John on Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour

Elton John

Photo: Faith Moran/Wireimage/Getty Images

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Elton John Celebrated With Britain's Exclusive Highest Honor

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Olivia Newton-John, Roger Taylor of Queen, Billy Ocean and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol are also among the artists on Britain's 2020 Honours List
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Dec 30, 2019 - 5:00 pm

GRAMMY-winning music legend Elton John is being celebrated by his native Britain for his incomparable contributions to music, philanthropy and culture with the exclusive title of the Order of the Companions of Honor.

"I'm humbled and honoured to be among such highly esteemed company in receiving the Companion of Honour. 2019 has turned out to be a truly wonderful year for me and I feel extraordinarily blessed," the enduring "Rocket Man" wrote on Twitter.

The news comes with the recently released 2020 Honours List, in which Queen Elizabeth celebrates 1,097 new rankings of dames and knights each year. GRAMMMY winners Olivia Newton-John and Billy Ocean, along with Roger Taylor of Queen, and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol are also among the other musical artists on the list of high-level contributors to British society with several different ranks.

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

Australian-British singer/actress Newton-John "was made a dame for services to charity, cancer research and entertainment," as noted by The Guardian. Per Billboard, she is fighting breast cancer for the third time and has worked for years to support cancer research and funding with various philanthropic efforts, including the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne.

"I am extremely excited, honoured and grateful beyond words to be included with such an esteemed group of women who have received this distinguished award before me," the "Grease" star said via Billboard. "As a girl born in Cambridge, I am very proud of my British ancestry and so appreciative to be recognised in this way by the United Kingdom."

Other powerful names in entertainment, like Oscar-winning British film directors Steve McQueen ("12 Years A Slave," "Widows") and Sam Mendes ("American Beauty," "Skyfall"). But as the Guardian points out, the majority of the list (72% this year) are made up of names we are less familiar with, yet nevertheless have dedicated themselves to public service. Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of England's NHS, is one of these people, who has spent 31 years fighting for better public health funding.

According to BBC News, the honours list is published twice per year—during the New Year and on the Queen's birthday—and are informally approved by the Queen after nominees are approved by committees of "independent experts" divided by subject matter. "The system is overseen by the Cabinet Office Honours and Appointments Secretariat, and British nationals or citizens of the 15 Commonwealth realms can be nominated," BBC explains. Foreigners can receive honorary honours.

Read: 5 Ways Elton John Supports Philanthropic Causes

John was first knighted back in 1998—when he received his "Sir" title—and now joins a group of just 65 as a Companion of Honour. Fellow knighted GRAMMY winner Paul McCartney is also among this group, whose limit of 65 members at any given time includes the royal monarch himself.

He also received France's highest civilian honor, the Légion d'Honneur, earlier this year. The Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has organizations in both the U.K. and U.S., has raised over $400 million towards money to support HIV/AIDS research and prevention since 1992.

One of 2019's biggest music biopics, "Rocketman," highlighted the personal struggles of low self-esteem, toxic relationships and drug addiction John faced while bringing joy to many with his charismatic stage persona and groundbreaking blend of folk, pop and glam rock.

Kicking off in 2018, his massive farewell tour, appropriately titled Farewell Yellow Brick Road, has seen him bringing his joyful catalog of music to his countless fans around the world, with dates extending into 2020.

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.

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.

MUNA: "The Most Radical Thing You Can Do Is Believe That The World Can Be Saved

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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