SEXY NATALIE COLE ON 'WE ARE THE WORLD'

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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The guy or girl that writes this column is a very big industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous, but wants to write about all the headlines happening in Hollywood and the Music Industry.
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Natalie Cole

WORLD REDEUX – Natalie Cole said that when the first “We are The World” was recorded in 1985, 25 years ago, there were only 45 artists involved. At Monday night’s re-recording of the classic opus, there were 85. I've only heard snippets of the new version, but what I have heard sounds mighty impressive. Interestingly enough, that first recording was done at A&M Studios on LaBrea in Hollywood … this one was recorded at the very same studio, now tagged The Henson Studios, and as before, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie (who co-wrote the song with Michael Jackson) were at the helm. From what I hear and saw, the new performers were given certain parts to do. One did the famous Cindy Lauper part, while another did the iconic Bob Dylan harmony … Lil’ Wayne in fact did the Dylan. I wonder if he really knew who he was. Lady Gaga producer RedOne polished the backing track with a more contemporary sound, and Crash producer Paul Haggis was on hand to shoot a new video. Babra Streisand, of all people (and, she did the Ross-part!!!), was a most visible presence. Honestly, it was terrific to see her with such an array of people, including, Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber, Pink, Usher, Josh Groban, Julianne Hough, Carlos Santana, Tony Bennett, Brian Wilson and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys, Rob Thomas, Randy Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, the best new Grammy artists of the year, Zac Brown Band, Jeff Bridges with Vince Vaughn, The Jonas Brothers, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland, and, celebrity daughters Nicole Richie and Rashida Jones, and, Snoop Dog. As in 1985, there was a sign that simply said ‘Check your ego at the door,” and, according to Groban, that vibe continued throughout. For me, I wished there were more of the original cast on hand; Cyndi Lauper for one is still a vital recording artist and presence on the music scene. Paul Simon too … Kenny Rogers … not so sure. The recording will be out next week and should zoom straight of the top of iTunes well done!

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David Brown

DAVID BROWN – As duly noted the other day, the prolific producer David brown has passed, at 93. The dapper producer (always most fastidious about his wardrobe) who produced some of the biggest movies ever, The Sting, Driving Miss Daisy, A Few Good Men, Cocoon, Jaws and, Chocolat, always showed impeccable taste and always loved the written word. Few traveled as gracefully between the publishing world and film making worlds as did Brown. Born in New York and educated at Stanford, Brown started his professional career as a reporter, horoscope writer, drama critic and, as editor of Liberty Magazine and later, as managing editor of Cosmopolitan where he met his future wife Helen Gurley Brown. I remember him as a riveting presence in his office at 200 West 57th Street here in New York … right down the street from the one-time home of Cosmo. You would always see him on the street and could literally go and say hello. He also wrote five books of memoirs and humorous essays. I can recommend them all. I was lucky to have known him. There'll never be another like him.

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Pink At The Grammy's

GRAMMYS UP – The more I think about it, Sunday’s Grammy event was indeed a pretty good show. True, they only presented 9 awards on screen, and Pink’s performance was superlative … though I am still wondering exactly what it had to do with music except showing her singing live upside down … it was a good show. Ratings were up 35% and the most-watched show since 2004. I will however mention again, what a terrific performance it was of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song.” Loved it in the movie, loved it even more with the superlative cast of performers.

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Matthew Fox

LOST IS BACK – The final season of ABC’s Lost began last night with the now all-too-familiar two-hour premiere. I've watched the show since its inception and have marled along with the rest of America with the stellar storytelling and acting; certainly Matthew Fox, Josh Holloway, and Michael Emerson deserve all the accolades they've been given. Last night did NOT disappoint; unraveling a whole new series of plotlines while finally answering some … like, the new Locke is Smokey … got that? It'll be a shame not to have this show around after this season as they seem to be canceling everything good in sight, from Ugly Betty to Numbers. Enjoy it while you can.
WALTER CARE -- While at The Grammys Sunday night, Steve Walter said he is thisclose to announcing a new venue for his shuttered Cutting Room. He also said he'd be doing some management duties with David Salidor, based here in New York. Walter, who’s worked with everyone from Neil Young to Al Stewart to Donovan to Sting at his club, should prove meticulous in this new role. Watch for a formal announcement soon.

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Mickey Dolenz

MICKY DOLENZ – Although Dolenz opened last night in Hairspray in the U.K. (and, we’ll have the reviews next column), last week the show announced that it will close at the end of March. Chin up and all that, Dolenz will still have a full two months to work the terrific role of Wilbur Turnblad. Dolenz, who’s been in AIDA, GREASE, and, PIPPIN’ is fantastic onstage and he'll be here in New York after England for talks for several shows here. He’s also got his Carole King-tribute album KING FOR A DAY ready to go.

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Matthew Broderick

HELLO HAMPTONS – Matthew Broderick will star in a pilot called Beach Lane, a new sitcom set in the upscale Hamptons, Long Island. The 47-year old stage and film star will play a celebrity author who is hired by a millionaire to run his struggling Hampton's newspaper. The pilot is being co-produced by Lorne Michaels of SNL fame. I can see it now; Dan Rattiner (of Dan’s Papers) as the editor who is either fired or has to work with Broderick, and all the stars and shops in East Hampton coming out of the woodwork. Hey, it sounds great on paper … but, let’s see what they get up on screen. As with most series, based on some familiar location … they get some of the quirks … but, never all. We’ll see.
Photos By: Sara De Boer/RD/Kirkland/Retna