LEE GREENWOOD ANGRY THAT HIS MUSIC WAS USED IN KENTUCKY PROTEST

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Lee Greenwood says he is “furious” that his song “God Bless the USA” was used at a protest in Frankfurt, Kentucky, last weekend, during which Governor Andy Beshear was hung in effigy. Greenwood says he supports the rights of citizens to protest, but his song “was written solely to inspire and unite, not further divide and distance our country.” The effigy was hanged in a tree during what was billed as a protest rally in defense of constitutional rights.

HOW ALICE COOPER IS DEALING WITH SOCIAL ISOLATION

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Go ahead -- guess what Alice Cooper is doing to pass the time while in social isolation. It’s tap-dancing. Cooper tells Billboard magazine he’s got a friend who does a tap-dancing class online every Wednesday. Cooper’s whole family does the class on plywood in the backyard. He says his wife and daughters are professional dancers, so they’re way ahead of him, but “every Wednesday is tap night.” Cooper says, “You know that Geico commercial with the whole family clogging? That’s us.” Cooper just released a single called “Don’t Give Up.”

DAVID GUETTA’S SOCIAL ISOLATION MEANS MORE MUSIC ON THE WAY

NEW YORK (AP) - David Guetta (GET’-ah) is enjoying social isolation because he can focus more on the music and less on the business of the music business. Guetta says he’s been more creative than he has been in the last ten years, which makes him question how he’s living. He says normally the business side takes over, but it’s “incredible” to just focus on making music. Guetta will raise money for health care workers and coronavirus relief efforts by performing at an undisclosed location in New York tomorrow and carrying the concert online. A similar concert he did in downtown Miami last month raised $750,000.

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125362-a-207:12-(David Guetta (GET'-ah), DJ and music producer)-"what we do"-In a NY state of mind, Guetta readies virus relief concert (29 May 2020)

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125363-a-124:08-(David Guetta (GET'-ah), DJ and music producer)-"life you know"-In a NY state of mind, Guetta readies virus relief concert (29 May 2020)

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HARRY CONNICK JR. LEADS “UNITED WE SING” TV SPECIAL

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Harry Connick Junior and his daughter, filmmaker Georgia Connick, will lead an all-star celebration for essential workers during the coronavirus outbreak. The Connicks traveled from Connecticut to Louisiana in an RV to hear the stories of people keeping the country moving during the pandemic for an upcoming CBS special. The Connicks had a minimal crew and extensive safety precautions. Among the performers on the special are John Fogerty, Dave Matthews, Tim McGraw, Herbie Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Little Big Town and Branford and Wynton Marsalis. The special, called “United We Sing: A Grammy Salute to the Unsung Heroes,” airs June 21 on CBS.

ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL SUED FOR NOT GIVING REFUNDS

MIAMI (AP) — Two men are suing the organizers of the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, saying the organizers are keeping the ticket money rather than offering refunds. Samuel Hernandez of Miami and Richard Montoure of Washington state filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Miami federal court. They are seeking class-action status. Ultra was set for March 20 but was called off when the state of Florida banned large gatherings to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Ultra was not canceled, but postponed until next year, with the festival promising to honor tickets for the festivals in 2021 or 2022. Ultra’s terms and conditions say it reserves the right not to offer refunds even if the event is postponed. The lawsuit says the terms are unenforceable. Festival organizers did not respond to a request for comment.

ASCAP AWARDS SHOWS WILL GO VIRTUAL

NEW YORK (AP) - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers will honor songwriters with online tributes rather than in-person ones. ASCAP will hold its four awards shows as virtual events in June and July. Pop, R&B and rap, Latin and film music each get their own show. ASCAP’s president, musician Paul Williams, says even though they can’t be together in real life, he’s excited to honor songwriters virtually so they can all share their love of music. The events will stream on ASCAP’s social media channels.

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125331-v-344:16-(Charles de Ledesma, AP correspondent)-"I’m Charles de Ledesma"-ASCAP to honor songwriters, publishers with virtual awards (28 May 2020)

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By Margie Szaroleta