Foundation to back culture of acceptance
Oprah Winfrey and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are among those scheduled to join Lady Gaga at Harvard University this month for the launch of the singer’s Born This Way Foundation. The event is scheduled for Feb. 29 at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.
The nonprofit Born This Way Foundation will address issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development through research, education and advocacy. It is partnering with the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, California Endowment and Berkman Center at Harvard.
‘The Gambler’ singer feels cheated
Kenny Rogers is suing Capitol Records, claiming the company has not properly paid him for digital downloads, ringtones and other uses of his songs.
Rogers in the lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in Nashville, Tenn., is seeking a declaration that under his contract, he is owed 50 percent of net royalties for the licensing of his master recordings to third-parties like iTunes and Verizon Wireless. Rogers’ hits include “The Gambler” and “Lady.”
Rogers is asking for restitution as well as compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and interest. Rogers, who lives in Atlanta but maintains offices in Nashville, claims the company owes him at least $400,000. A spokesman for Capitol Records did not return a call seeking comment.
Lambert has solution for Brown
Country singer Miranda Lambert doesn’t get why controversial R&B star Chris Brown was allowed to perform twice at the Grammys on Sunday. She tweeted on Monday: “He beat on a girl…not cool that we act like that didn’t happen.”
Brown beat up then-girlfriend Rihanna the night before the Grammys in 2009. He pleaded guilty to an assault charge and was sentenced to five years of probation and six months of community labor.
Lambert suggested Brown listen to her song “Gunpowder & Lead” about avenging domestic violence and “be put back in his place. Not at the Grammys.”
The birthday bunch
Actor Allan Arbus is 94. Former Illinois Congressman John Anderson is 90. Actress Claire Bloom is 81. Author Susan Brownmiller is 77. Songwriter Brian Holland is 71. Jazz musician Henry Threadgill is 68. Actress Jane Seymour is 61. Singer Melissa Manchester is 61. “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening is 58. Actor Christopher McDonald is 57. Football hall of famer Darrell Green is 52. Rock singer Brandon Boyd (Incubus) is 36. Actress Amber Riley (TV: “Glee”) is 26.