News …

Ray Charles’ children fight over legacy – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Music used to be the big attraction. Now golfers want mansions in Branson – St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Ed Cash wins songwriter of the year award at BMI Christian Music Awards – Associated Press

Kid Rock wins lawsuit – The Detroit News

Album cover artist says things could have gone differently on the Dark Side Of The Moon – The Times Online U.K.

Answer: It’s television’s fastest-growing cable network. Question: What is the Gospel Music Channel, Alex? – Associated Press

Views …

Billy Joel in Columbus, OH – “For a little over two hours and 21 songs, this Piano Man showed why he is The Entertainer and still one of the greatest American pop singer-songwriters. – The Columbus Dispatch

Tift Merritt in Los Angeles – “With her five-man band, Merritt went deeper into quiet, personal songs and rousing, full-bodied arrangements that recalled the best of the ’70s singer-songwriter tradition.” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Gordon Lightfoot in Ottawa – “And if the audience showed love for the artist, the feeling appeared mutual.” – The Ottawa Sun

Etta James & The Roots Band in Harrisburg, PA – “A show by R&B legend Etta James is rare experience, as the audience at Harrisburg’s Forum on Friday night could attest.” – The Patriot-News

Country stars bring the party to Winnipeg – ” … the house was packed when both Southern gentleman Alan Jackson and rowdy super-duo Brooks & Dunn rode into Winnipeg on last night.” – The Winnipeg Sun

Anne Murray in Montreal – “It takes a long time to build the kind of rapport with fans that Murray has perfected over the years.” – Montreal Gazette

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

Singer Iggy Pop is 61

Robert Smith (The Cure) is 49

Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies) is 49

Michael Franti is 42