Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Emmanuel Peterson died of kidney failure Sunday night, Dec. 23 - just two days before Christmas - at 82 years old. Born in Montreal, Peterson's first break came from winning the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC) national amateur contest. It wasn't long before Norman Granz of Verve Records discovered him, became his manager and set up Peterson's first performance with the Jazz at...

Lily Allen (22) and Ed Simons (37) of the Chemical Brothers just announced they are "thrilled" to be expecting a child in 2008. Dating since September, the couple moved in together at the beginning of December, but have yet to tie the nuptial knot. Both artists released gems of albums in their respective genres this year. Refusing to comment more on the pregnancy, Allen disclosed that she didn't want to follow in the footsteps of her mother, saying "I love her and...

Jazz producer and father to Adam Dorn AKA Mocean Worker, Joel Dorn died of a heart attack on Monday, December 17th. Responsible for the jazz output of Atlantic Records from 1967 to 1974, Joel went on to produce and popularize the careers of Max Roach, Herbie Mann, Les McCann and Eddie Harris, Mose Allison, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Bette Midler, Leon Redbone, Lou Rawls, the Neville Brothers and Roberta Flack, winning back to back Grammy awards in 1972 and 1973. Based...

As we're fast approaching Christmas (only eight days left!), Forro from Forro In The Dark is helping everyone celebrate a little early with a few merry jingles in the spirit of the season. Click here for a free download of "Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer." The full 4 track digital download, entitled the Forro Christmas EP will be available exclusively through...

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings , who are nominated for 3 Plug Awards this year, are starting 2008 with a bang. Scheduled to tour 24 of the first 33 days in the new year, including a week on a Jam Cruise, the group will certainly be upholding their title as one of the best active, live bands. 100 Days, 100 Nights Tour 1/3 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room 1/4 Ft.Lauderdale, Florida @ Jam Cruise 1/5 At Sea @ Jam...

Rock and R&B pioneer Ike Turner died yesterday while sleeping in his home in San Diego, CA. His 1951 "Rocket 88" as band leader of the Kings of Rhythm is viewed by some as the first Rock and Roll recording in history. Ike's infamy as an abusive husband to wife Tina Turner , whom he discovered as Anna Mae Bullock and divorced in 1976, was well documented in the 1993 film adaptation of Tina's autobiography I, Tina . As a couple, the two...

Godfather of Disco and co-founder of West End records Mel Cheren died of AIDS last Friday, December 7. Having been diagnosed HIV-positive only last month, Cheren discovered his disease was too far advanced to be effectively treated. A pillar in the New York disco scene in the 70's, Cheren's West End imprint embodied the true vibe of Larry Levan's legendary Paradise Garage nightclub. Its consistent output of deep house and danceable R'n'B has kept it...

Via MySpace, Hot Chip announced two US dates for 2008. In NYC @ Highline Ballroom on Feb 2nd and LA @ El Rey Theatre on Feb 4th, Hot Chip are only giving you two chances in the near future to hear dancefloor destroyers "Shake A Fist" and "Ready For The Dancefloor" live. The band's new album Made In The Dark hits stores Feb 4th and 5th in the UK and US, respectively. So even though England has first dibs on the goods, we can experience them in their...

This morning nominations for the 50th Grammy Awards were announced. Kanye West leads the pack with 8, followed by Amy Winehouse with 6. Feist drew 4; Justice garnered a mighty 3; Joni Mitchell's "One Week Last Summer" is up for Best Pop Instrumental Performance; The Chemical Brothers are nominated for Best Electronic/Dance Act and Best Dance Recording for "Do It Again;" Bjork and Lily Allen will battle for Best...

Yesterday, Southern rapper Pimp C of UGK (born Chad Butler) was found dead in his Mondrian Hotel room in Hollywoood. Despite speculation, the L.A. County Coroner's office reported that Pimp C died of natural causes. After the success of Underground Kingz with partner Bun B , Pimp C recently signed a deal with Jive Records . Sadly, no more music will come from the rapper. Too $hort, Killer Mike, Lil John, Stat Quo and Scooby of the Grit...