Sam Moore, who sang 'Soul Man' in Sam & Dave duo, dies at 89 because of surgery complications
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Sam Moore, the surviving half and higher voice of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave that was known for such definitive hits of the era as "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin,'" has died. He was 89. Publicist Jeremy Westby says Moore died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, because of complications while recovering from surgery. No additional details were immediately available. Moore influenced musicians including Michael Jackson, Al Green and Bruce Springsteen. He was inducted with Dave Prater into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. The pair split up in 1970 and neither had another major hit. Prater died in a 1988 car crash.
As Biden joins the former presidents club, here are some ideas for his retirement to-do list
WASHINGTON (AP) -- If President Joe Biden is looking for ideas for retirement, he need look no further than past presidents. He could fundraise for his future presidential library or try to bolster his White House legacy. He could write another memoir and try speaking gigs. He's even suggested, perhaps only partly joking, that he could try his hand at show business. Former presidents also sometimes take on special projects together such as raising money after natural disasters.
Disney pledges $15 million in Los Angeles fire aid as more stars learn they've lost their homes
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Pacific Palisades wildfires torched the home of "This Is Us" star Milo Ventimiglia, perhaps most poignantly destroying the father-to-be's newly installed crib. The actor and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated Tuesday with their dog and they watched on security cameras as the flames ripped through the house, destroying everything, including a new crib. Numerous stars have confirmed their homes were lost or sustained damage in devastating wildfires burning in and around Los Angeles. Mel Gibson's home is "completely gone", his publicist Alan Nierob confirmed Friday. The fires have killed at least 10 people and destroyed thousands of homes and vehicles.
'LA Strong' logo and custom shirts unveiled to aid Los Angeles wildfire recovery efforts
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Los Angeles sports organizations are uniting to launch an "LA Strong" custom logo and apparel line that will raise money for organizations assisting those impacted by this week's devasting wildfires. Fanatics announced Friday that T-shirts featuring the new logo will be available to purchase on team and league online stores, as well as the Fanatics website. The sports organizations and Fanatics will donate all proceeds from the initiative to the American Red Cross and Los Angles Fire Department Foundation. The collaboration spans eight leagues, the University of Southern California and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic organizing committee. LA Strong hoodies will also be available in the coming weeks.
Timothée Chalamet returns to 'SNL' as host -- and musical guest
NEW YORK (AP) -- Timothée Chalamet will return to "Saturday Night Live" for his third stint as a host. This time, he'll be pulling double duty. NBC announced Friday that comedian Dave Chappelle will host the sketch show for a fourth time Jan. 18, with musical guest GloRilla. Chalamet will be the host and musical guest on Jan. 25. The trio of announced performers are all in the thick of awards season. Chappelle and GloRilla are each nominated for Grammys at the Feb. 2 show. Chalamet has been nominated for a slew of acting awards for "A Complete Unknown." "SNL" is in the midst of its 50th anniversary season.
Judge extends Megan Thee Stallion's protection order against rapper Tory Lanez until 2030
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Megan Thee Stallion has been granted a restraining order from imprisoned rapper Tory Lanez until early 2030. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Thursday granted Megan's request for a protective order after the hip-hop star alleged that Lanez is harassing her from prison through surrogates as he serves a 10-year sentence for shooting her in the feet. Megan had obtained a temporary order in November. An attorney for Lanez wrote in an objection to the restraining order request that his client's incarceration means there is no threat to Megan and there has been no direct contact between the two recently.
BTS member J-Hope announces first solo tour after completing military service
NEW YORK (AP) -- BTS member J-Hope will embark on his first solo tour next month. The "Hope on the Stage" tour will kick off Feb. 28 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. He'll do three nights there before heading to Brooklyn, New York. Other dates include Chicago; Mexico City; San Antonio; Oakland, California; Los Angeles; Manila, Philippines; Saitama, Japan; Singapore; Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok; Macau; Taipei, Taiwan; and Osaka, Japan. The announcement was shared to J-Hope's social media accounts as well as on Weverse, an online fan platform owned by BTS management company Hybe. Additional details for the North American dates will be announced later "due to the large-scale wildfires in California and their resulting impact on the region," says Weverse.
Actor Steve Guttenberg returns to his once-lush LA neighborhood now charred by devastating wildfire
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Steve Guttenberg awoke Thursday morning to a grim reality: The treacherous wildfire that tore through the Pacific Palisades had left his once-lush neighborhood charred and unrecognizable. With homes smoldered, streets emptied and friends scattered by evacuation orders, Guttenberg counted himself among the fortunate. His property was miraculously spared. But the actor-producer still struggled to reconcile his relief with the haunting sight of his ravaged, once lavish community. The wildfires have burned the homes of several celebrities including Billy Crystal, Carey Elwes and Paris Hilton. During Guttenberg's stroll, it was an eerie scene with scorched palm trees, homes reduced to ash and rubble, and the daytime skies casted an ominous twilight over the devastation.
The Los Angeles landmarks from film and TV damaged by wildfires
The high school where Brian De Palma brought Stephen King's "Carrie" to life, Will Rogers' ranch house and a motel owned by William Randolph Hearst are among some of the famous structures that were damaged or destroyed by the California Fires. Los Angeles is a town full of landmarks, thanks to its co-starring role in over a century of filmed entertainment. While some famed spots like the Getty Villa Museum, the Hollywood Bowl, the Hollywood sign, and TCL Chinese Theatre have remained at least largely unharmed, the fires have taken a toll on some familiar sites.
For Elton John, 'Never Too Late' isn't just a documentary and song -- it is a life mantra
NEW YORK (AP) -- Capturing Sir Elton John's 50-year career is a herculean task. Good thing his husband David Furnish and filmmaker R.J. Cutler were up for the challenge. "Elton John: Never Too Late" was inspired by John's final U.S. tour in 2022 but quickly became a celebration of his life and work. It is filled with insight into his music, relationships, past addictions and features his friendship with John Lennon. It is bookended by myth-making performances at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium in 1975 and 2022. John says the title doubles as a mantra. He said, "You can change things. It is never too late to change anything."