Page 27 - Florida Sentinel 7-26-19

Entertainment
New Orleans Funk Pioneer Art ‘Poppa Funk’ Neville Dies At 81
Lil Nas X's ‘Old Town Road’" Ties Record For Longest-Running Number One Of All Time
For the 16th week in a row, Lil Nas X’s hit “Old Town Road” sits atop theBill- board Hot 100. This means that the track from the 20- year-old ATLien is tied for the longest-running No. 1 of all time.
According to reports, the single from the 7 EP ties Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yan- kee and Justin Bieber’s ”Despacito," as well as Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day” for the record. If he stays at No. 1 for one more week, he will be the first song in the history of American popular music to reign for an unprecedented 17 weeks.
The initial song made
LIL NAS X
waves earlier this year after getting the boot from Bill- board’s Country charts for al- legedly not implementing enough elements of the genre. Since then, “Old Town Road” has seen three fea-
tured artists on two separate remixes– Billy Ray Cyrus, Young Thug and Mason Ramsey. Last week, country music icon Dolly Parton hinted at hopping on the song’s next remix.
New Orleans music legend and funk pioneer Art Neville died Monday morning (July 22) at his home, according to the Associated Press. He was 81. In an email, the Grammy- winning artist’s longtime man- ager, Kent Sorrell, confirmed that the icon died peacefully with his wife by his side.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards penned a touching tribute to the icon on Twitter, commemorating Neville’s everlasting impact on the Southern city.
“Louisiana lost an icon today,” Edwards wrote. “Whether it was singing with the Neville Brothers or mamboing with The Meters, Art Neville took the unique sound of New Orleans and played it for the world to enjoy. “Art's talents left a mark on the industry, and his love of music touched the lives of many in Louisiana and around the globe. There are many tal- ented people forever linked to
ART ‘POPPA FUNK’ NEVILLE
our state's rich musical her- itage and Art Neville will most certainly be in that num- ber.”
No cause of death was pro- vided, but the Associated Press reported that Neville had been battling complications from back surgery among other health issues. He recently an- nounced his retirement from music in December.
Earth, Wind & Fire Make History For Kennedy Center Honors Recognition
EARTH WIND AND FIRE
Award-winning musical group, Earth, Wind, & Fire, has made history. The "September" artists became the first R&B group to receive recognition at the Kennedy Center Honors on Thursday (July 18), Billboard reports.
"The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates icons who, through their artistry, have left an indelible stamp on our collective cultural conscious- ness,"stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. "Earth,
Wind & Fire's hooks and grooves are the foundation of a seminal style that continues to shape our musical land- scape."
Lead singers or paramount songwriters are predomi- nantly honored. Yet, Earth, Wind & Fire join three other talented groups that have been acknowledged with the distinction: American rock band the Eagles in 2016, and English rock bands Led Zeppelin in 2012, and The Who in 2008.
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