THE LEGEND 'CLIVE DAVIS' GEARS UP FOR GRAMMY'S

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THE GLORIOUS CORNER

Story By: G. H. HARDING
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Clive Davis



SONY’S PASCAL DISMISSED --- After the horrific Sony-hacking episode last year, embattled Sony-head Amy Pascal announced yesterday she would be stepping down after a decade at the studio (in May) … moving onto to a producer-role within Sony.



I’ve known Amy for almost two decades and have found her to consistently be a forward-thinking and solid creative executive; actually one of the top three best in L. A. Sure, one gets cozy and things happen that perhaps shouldn't, but Sony is losing one terrific individual.



Sure, someone had to take the fall here, but this is a damn shame.



She’s enjoyed creative relationships with the likes of Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Bennett Miller, David Fincher, Aaron Sorkin and others who worked with her repeatedly and likely will cushion her landing into the producer role.



The stink of the hacks and those embarrassing emails will no doubt stick with her for awhile, but things happen. Those emails were personal … never meant for mass consumption.



Rumor has it she now works with four mobile phone with different names and passwords for each … and, that’s a shame.



The Interview was a misfire, but it was a gutsy creative call and her instincts have paid off many times over the years.



One memorable example is Moneyball. Pascal shocked everyone when, three days from start of production, she cancelled the film because Steven Soderbergh turned in a rewrite she felt didn’t resemble the film she’d green lit. Overhauled slowly by director Bennett Miller, it went on to become a Best Picture nominee.



Truth be told, I think anyone out there on the Left Coast would work with her in a nano-second.



LEVY UPDATE --- Manager Ken Levy called to clarify our comments Wednesday about his design for Clive Davis’ Grammy event this Saturday evening at The Beverly Hilton (he’s done About 15 of them over time): The invite’s copy actually starts with The Sound of A Classic, The Event That Has Become One…. The Night You Always Wait For.



Well done Mr. Levy!




MARLEY RETURNS --- Throughout history, no artist has so dominated the world of music as Bob Marley. A musical, political and even spiritual icon, a figure of almost mythical proportions, both poet and prophet, Marley was the first Jamaican artist to give voice to the struggles of his people and the Rastafarian culture, and the first to gain worldwide fame.



Today, Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons.



His lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations around the world as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 74 million fans. Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide and his hits compilation, Legend, holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album.



The Marley family will honor the legacy of Bob Marley commemorating his 70th birthday milestone and his importance in the history of global music with a year-long celebration.



The first release on the schedule is Bob Marley & The Wailers – Easy Skanking in Boston ’78. The new package, of completely unreleased material available for the first time. The accompanying video for the release was shot with a hand-held camera by a fan that Marley allowed to sit right in front of the stage. The result is remarkable footage that captures the artist from just a few feet away, allowing one to experience the intimacy of his set.



Marley still stands as one of the giants of world popular music, with his untimely death at the age of 36 on May 11, 1981 in Miami from cancer complications, leaving us without one of the most revered and influential performers of the 20th century.



I actually attended his last show at NY’s Madison Square Garden and despite the intense ganga-atmosphere that truly permeated the show, it was one of the best live performances I've ever witnessed …. And, I sat next to August Darnell, aka Kid Creole. An astounding show ... It was so good, I've often wondered if I dreamt it!



CLOSING NOTES --- Dance Music lost one of its true pioneers this week, as S.I.N. Founder Vince Pelligrino passed this week following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family.



All Access’s Joel Denver said, "Vince was an icon in the world of music promotion and marketing and did so much to advance the careers of countless artists. He was loved by so many in the music business, radio and of course the artists he worked with. He touched people's lives and made a true difference all during his long and successful career. He will truly be missed."



PR-kingpin David Salidor said, “I first worked with him during the mid-80’s and found him to be an excellent supporter for dance music as well as one terrific DJ. His energy, passion and excellence will be missed" ...



Interesting fact: comedian-Kevin Hart's recent sell-out at Madison Square Garden made him only the 6th comedian to do so. Amazing ...



Did you know that the legendary Earl's Court is London was demolished in December? Indie-rock band Bombay Bicycle Club was the last act to appear there and was joined onstage by Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour. What a sendoff ...




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