ROGER DALTREY: WHO HELPING TEENS WITH CANCER
NEW YORK (AP) — Roger Daltrey worries that the coronavirus pandemic will have a devastating effect on a special group of people in need: teens with cancer.
The Who frontman, along with bandmate Pete Townsend, started the Teen Cancer America foundation in 2012 to deal with the needs of teenage cancer patients. The organization has funded specialized hospital wings and services for teens and their families.
But heading into June, which is National Cancer Survivors Month, the situation is looking bleak. Teen Cancer America funding depends in part on live performances, but with venues closed and touring postponed, the organization faces a potential shortfall in donations.
Daltrey says the situation is dire “because every treatment that they have for cancer compromises their immune system.” And he says while the Teen Cancer America foundation doesn’t do medicine, it provides “social and psychological care” for teen cancer patients.
KELLY CLARKSON GETS DAYTIME EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The first season of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” received Daytime Emmy Awards nominations for best entertainment talk show and host, while “Jeopardy!” veteran Alex Trebek’s nod for best game show host could give him a second consecutive win in the category.
“The Kelly Clarkson Show” will compete with “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”; “GMA3”; “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and “The Talk." The hosts of all those shows — except DeGeneres — are nominated alongside Clarkson.
Overall, “General Hospital” earned a leading 23 nominations including best daytime drama.
The 47th annual Daytime Emmys, airing June 26 on CBS, are skipping a theater ceremony because of the coronavirus and will be presented virtually.
LITTLE RICHARD REMEMBERED FOR GENEROSITY AND FAITH
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Little Richard was remembered not just as a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer but a man of generosity and faith at a memorial service at his alma mater where he was buried Wednesday.
Mourners gathered at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama to pay their respects, many wearing face masks and standing a few feet apart at the outdoor service at the school's cemetery.
Among those paying tribute to Little Richard were university president Leslie Pollard, who knew the singer personally. She recalled, “What I really remember about Richard was not his stage performances, which were certainly formidable, but what I remember most about Brother Richard, not Little Richard, but Brother Richard, was his incredible kindness and his generosity to people.”
She says she remember riding with the musician in Los Angeles and that Little Richard would “have money in the trunk of his car.” Pollard said the musician “would take money out and give it to homeless people.” Pollard added, “He was a very generous and giving person.”
ELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION ALTERED BY COVID-19 OUTBREAK
NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has altered the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, but it will still go on, giving students the chance to show their talents virtually.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the program.
High school bands from around the country traditionally head to Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City for a multi-day competition.
Given the COVID-19 crisis that has led to shutdowns across the nation, there will be no travel. Instead, the event will take place from June 8-12 on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s website, social media accounts and through Zoom.
Essentially Ellington, named after jazz great Duke Ellington, is a free educational program that provides instruction and resources to jazz students nationwide. The competition was originally scheduled to be held this month.