FILM BEING PREPARED FOR ARETHA FRANKLIN

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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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Al Pacino

YOU DON'T KNOW JACK -- HBO's latest movie treatment "You Don't Know Jack", the backstory to Jack Kevorkian is screened tonight at NY's Ziegfeld Theatre. Expect Soprano-Vince Curatola; stars Al Pacino; Susan Sarandon; and, Danny Huston front and center. Levinson, one of my all-time favorite directors (“Diner,” “Rain Man,” "Wag The Dog," "Good Morning Vietnam") has reportedly produced another gripping epic. More on this next week.

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Kevin Eubanks

EUBANKS BYE BYE – With Kevin Eubanks exiting Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” on May 28 after 18 years, word is that his replacement will be none other than Rickey Minor from American idol, will be tapped. NBC said today that Minor will make his Tonight Show debut on June 7th. That’s a few days after Idol wraps its current season, season 9.

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Emily Osment

MICKY DOES CAROLE – Just heard “I Feel The Earth Move” from the forthcoming Micky Dolenz Carole King-tribute album (“King For A Day”). He sings it with teen-star Emily Osment and just rocks it for all its worth. Many in the music business have said that Dolenz possesses one of the best voices ever in rock music… and, he doesn't disappoint here. More on this next time. Speaking of Dolenz: Will he appear at this weekend's TV Land Awards hosted by Tim Allen? Reports are that he's wanted!

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Alicia Keys

SH-BOOM ---This Sunday is the exclusive book signing for the absolutely terrific book by Clay Cole, “SH-Boom!: The Explosion of Rock & Roll (1953-1968). Cole was a somewhat permanent fixture on TV in the late 60s and early 70s and almost single handily brought about a revolution in music. Again, this book isn’t for everyone, yet if you cared about any of that ground breaking music from then, and how effective it was on society … this book is for you. I again cite how Cole brought so much diversity to his shows, R&B acts to rock acts, and was chastened for it by the people who ran the station. Yet, years later, when they were awarded for their diversity, they didn’t even acknowledge Cole. Shameful indeed! A true pioneer spirit with his stories that are just plain brilliant. This book underscores yet again just how different music is today. Back then, there were actual songs. I mean, I love Alicia Keys “Empire State of Mind,” but, the fact is, next year this time, it’ll be just a distant memory. Sure, things go in cycles … and, several signs even not point to a radical change in music just around the bend. Who knows, with any luck, we’ll be dancing in the streets again. Marci Bird, who ran’s Cole’s fan club back in the day is hosting it. I'm currently reading this book for the second time. I've never met him before and I’ll be honored too … more on Monday!
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Aretha Franklin

ARETHA MOVIE --- Reports have surfaced about award-winning director Taylor Hackford prepping a film bio on singer Aretha Franklin. Well, he did "Ray" so magnificently, so why not? Question: Will he be using the terrific Mark Bego-bio for the film; Aretha's own book ... or, something entirely new. It was brought to my attention that Franklin is still working with Dick Allen ... brother of the late-great-Cotillion Records president Henry Allen. This relationship dates back decades to when the singer was on Atlantic. Notoriously-finicky and not a joy-all-around to work with, this will be interesting. My guess is that the so-called pre-production time will be lengthy. Stay tuned.

Photos By: Sara De Boer/Retna