By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer Mary J. Blige, Cher, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & The Gang and Ozzy Osbourne have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a class that also includes folk-rockers Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton. Photo by Mark Horton/Getty Images Alexis Korner, John Mayall and Big Mama Thornton earned the Musical Influence Award, while the late Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick and Norman Whitfield will get the Musical Excellence Award. Pioneering music executive Suzanne de Passe won the Ahmet Er ..read more

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer Taylor Swift has released her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” But just how poetic is it? Is it even possible to close read lyrics like poems, divorced from their source material? The Associated Press spoke to four experts to assess how Swift’s latest album stacks up to poetry. IS TAYLOR SWIFT A POET? Allison Adair, a professor who teaches poetry and other literary forms at Boston College, says yes. “My personal opinion is that if someone writes poems and considers themself a poet, then they’re a poet,” she says. “And Swift has demonstra ..read more

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer More than two decades ago, Kate Hudson took on the role of one of the most celebrated music fans to ever hit the silver screen: Penny Lane in “Almost Famous.” It is required viewing for record obsessives — and for Hudson, an extension of a lifelong adoration of music. “I would die without music,” she told The Associated Press from Los Angeles. “I know what it feels like to sit in your room, put on an album, and dream. It can completely change the trajectory of your life.” On May 17, Hudson will get the opportunity to do that for other listen ..read more

From singing background vocals for Shakira and recording house music in New York, to successfully creating 13 solo albums of Latin jazz, pop and soul, Raul Midón has proved he is a lucky man. Born in New Mexico as one of two blind twins, Midón is a man whose glass is always half-full—he is always embracing a bold brand of optimism. Currently touring the United States in anticipation of his newest album, Lost & Found, Midón makes a stop at Philly’s World Café Live on April 18. He recently sat down with Metro to discuss his new music, Latin roots and more. Thinking about the arc of your care ..read more

By ELISE RYAN Associated Press Maggie Rogers wrote and recorded her new album, “Don’t Forget Me,” over five days last winter. The songs came quickly and chronologically, as if she was writing “different scenes in a movie.” “I’ve been writing songs now for 15 years, and so I think I’ve just come into this place where I really trust my process and my craft. I think because of that, I was in a place where I was willing to just play,” Rogers said in a Zoom interview. The result is a record that Rogers calls “relaxed,” one that finds her “unguarded and present.” The mood is lighter than Rogers ..read more

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer At a 24,000-square-foot studio near downtown Los Angeles, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and Ciara are preparing to film the video announcement for a tour no one saw coming. This summer, the trio — along with legendary producer Timbaland — will hit the road for Elliott’s first headlining arena tour, appropriately titled “Out of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience.” “Listen, I didn’t realize I never had my own tour,” says a smiling Elliott, holding her tiny Yorkie, named Fendi, dressed in Gucci. “The last real tour that I went on — like, consis ..read more

The twice-a-year tribute to vinyl that is Record Store Day is always a worthwhile treat — and its Spring iteration is right around the corner. Though officially, Record Store Day is Saturday, April 20, it is important to start the ball rolling now, as every independent record store has limited supplies of each already limited-edition product. And this go-around, there are plenty of local treasures in the mix. Here is a breakdown of the best Philadelphia and New Jersey-related artists selling Record Store Day rarities in their hometown. The Dead Milkmen — Bucky Fellini (The Giving Groove ..read more

Let’s boogie, Philly. April is Jazz Appreciation Month in the City of Brotherly Love, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Philadelphia has a long and storied history with jazz. It is the one-time home to jazz giants such as John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Sun Ra, Shirley Scott, Joey DeFrancesco and more – and the city has made April an official citywide celebration through the auspices of the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) in connection with its Philly Celebrates Jazz decree. That means free show programming on April 11 and 12 with an open house and concert at Arti ..read more

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer It has been 21 years since Sean Paul’s dancehall anthem “Get Busy” topped the Billboard Hot 100 — which means “Get Busy” is finally old enough to hear “Get Busy” at the club. “It’s changed for me now,” Sean Paul told The Associated Press over Zoom from his studio in Jamaica, reflecting on the song’s legacy. “Because when I say, ‘Get busy,’ I’m telling the kids to do their homework or clean stuff up.” In the years since Paul helped introduce dancehall riddims and reggae to new audiences, he’s released six ambitious albums, including two strai ..read more

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer The total solar eclipse is quickly approaching. While you prepare to hit the road towards the path of total darkness or anticipate hours of traffic coming out of your watch party, you’ll need something to listen to. And we’ve got your back. Across 20 tracks, here’s a comprehensive playlist of total solar eclipse (and total solar eclipse-adjacent) songs to listen to while preparing to take in the wonders of the universe on Monday. Listen to the full playlist on Spotify. A classic eclipse song: “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler Ther ..read more