News …

Grammy-winning Tejano singer Emilio Navaira clings to life – Associated Press

Britney’s dad is still in charge as judge dismisses challenge to conservatorship – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Music-enabled cell phones to outnumber dedicated MP3 players by 2011 – The Industry Standard

Smashing Pumpkins sue Virgin Records – Associated Press

Bands that were “no-hit wonders” – The Independent U.K.

Diddy settles punching lawsuit – Associated Press

Views …

k.d. lang in Portland, Oregon – “One word on k.d. lang at the Aladdin Theater Sunday night: wow.” – The Oregonian

R.E.M. in London – “R.E.M.’s biggest strengths, though, are still the things that people loved about them in the first few years of their collective life.” – The Times Online U.K.

Trey Songz and J. Holiday in So-Cal – “Songz is the sensitive and attentive, designer clothes-wearing dreamboat. Holiday the more dangerous thug crooner with the requisite grainier vocal texture and countrified flavor. So there’s something for everyone.” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Drive-By Truckers in New England – “The next time someone whines to you that rock ‘n’ roll is dead … please buy them a ticket to see Drive-By Truckers.” – The Boston Globe

Aretha Franklin in New York City – “It was a manifest vision of music royalty, whatever sobriquet you choose.” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Joan Baez in Massachusetts – “If she was once hailed as some Princess of Protest-Folk in the ’60s, she is today its dignified Queen.” Standard Times / SouthCoastToday.com

They Say It’s Their Birthday … (Or so says Associated Press)

Anita Bryant is 68

Aretha Franklin is 66

Elton John is 61

Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet) is 48

Melanie Blatt (All Saints) is 33

Katharine McPhee is 24

Aly Michalka (Aly & AJ) is 19