*Duran Duran, the group that brought you “Rio,” “Reflex” and “Save A Prayer” in the 80s, are attempting to update and urbanize their sound some twenty years later with the recruitment of superproducer, Timbaland. The British band is also working creatively with Justin Timberlake for a new album to be released next year. "We've got some good stuff happening," said lead singer Simon LeBon. "We've done three tracks with Timbaland; we've collaborated in a writing and production manner on one of those tracks with Justin Timberlake. We've got a lot of really hot producers who are hotly interested in working with us at the moment. We are in a very good space."
*Legendary blues singer Ruth Brown, 78, is said to be on life support in a Las Vegas hospital, reports Roger Freidman of Fox 411. He writes: “Ruth, whose biggest hit was ‘Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean,’ has been a pioneer in the music business in many ways. An original performer at the start of Atlantic Records, it was Ruth who got Atlantic to put up an endowment for the foundation to save other artists.”
*Nordstrom, Inc. is expanding its merchandise offering to include music. In select Northwest and Southern California stores and online, Nordstrom will be the exclusive seller of the previously out-of-print and highly acclaimed Marvin Gaye "Anthology" compilation (1995 version). "Anthology" will feature repackaged artwork and 47 tracks spanning the career of this gifted and visionary artist, including the hits "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," "What's Going On" and "Mercy Mercy Me."
*British rapper Ms. Dynamite was seriously injured Sunday during a high speed car crash while filming a segment for the UK reality show “The Race,” reports Allhiphop.com. The artist, whose real name is Niomi McLean-Daley, was rendered unconscious after the accident and airlifted to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, where she is being kept for observation. According to Sky One, which broadcasts “The Race,” Dynamite was traveling at over 100 mph when she crashed. The impact sent her Formula Ford spinning down the track for approximately 50 meters before finally coming to a stop. She was arrested earlier this year, with brother and rapper, Akala for assaulting a female police officer.
*The Roots brought their patented brand of live soul to an all-star tribute honoring the music of Bob Dylan, which took place Thursday (Nov. 9) at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall. In a night where 22 esteemed artists put their own twist on Dylan hits, it was The Roots who “blew the house down with an ecstatic, incendiary version of ‘Masters of War,’” writes Billboard in its review of the show. “The trio -- on guitar, drums and tuba -- initially presented the damning lyrics to the tune of the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ then segued into the original melody, taking several detours for fiery guitar solos and teases of other songs, including ‘Taps.’ The searing, politically charged performance brought the hall's entire sold-out crowd to its feet for a lengthy standing ovation.” The event was a benefit for the Music For Youth Foundation, which provides music education to at-risk youth.
*According to SF Gate, Eminem turned down $8 million to star opposite Samuel L. Jackson in Doug Liman's upcoming film "Jumper." As previously reported, the Detroit rap star will next be seen in a film adaptation of the 1950s TV Western “Have Gun Will Travel.” In the updated version, Slim Shady will reportedly play professional gunslinger Palladin, who was portrayed by Richard Boone in the original TV series. Last week, it was announced that Eminem signed with new agency ICM for film representation. The company will also rep Interscope/Shady/Aftermath films, the Paramount Pictures-based production company Eminem runs with Stuart Parr and David Schiff.