I just finished reading Born Standing Up, Steve Martin’s memoir of his career as a stand-up comedian. Although he quit stand-up more than 30 years ago, many of the performances that launched his movie and writing career stand out as memorable still. (I think) I vaguely recall my brother telling me of Martin’s performances in
Better known as the overachieving, hyper-enthusiastic Chotchkie’s waiter “Brian” from the iconic Mike Judge comedy “Office Space,” actor Todd Duffey has lost a lawsuit he filed over the use of his image in merchandise for the film—namely, the Office Space “Box of Flair” published by Perseus Book Group, which includes a book about the movie
Brentwood State Senator Jack Johnson issued a press release earlier this month—on official letterhead—announcing a special visit by Richard M. Nixon at Nashville’s Legislative Plaza during the General Assembly session. The announcement was part of a publicity stunt for Franklin-based professional theatre company Studio Tenn, whose production of the political stage drama “Frost/Nixon” opens this week
“Whole Lotta Love” Mired in Muddy Water The case: Willie Dixon v. Led Zeppelin (1985) The complaint: Plagiarism. Some lyrics of the Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” were lifted from a 1962 Muddy Waters song written by Willie Dixon, “You Need Love.” The outcome: The case was settled out of court. Led Zeppelin conceded writing
In Steve Martin’s 2010 novel “An Object of Beauty,” which I am currently reading, John Updike makes a cameo appearance as a gentleman fellow-traveler on a train from New York to Washington D.C. with the story’s protagonist and a Milton Avery painting. In the book, Updike posits that “Paintings are Darwinian” in that they drift
Previously unheard Johnny Cash music from the early ’80s will be released March 25, 2014 by his estate, the Nashville Associated Press announced today. (See the full report on ABC News) “Out Among the Stars” was an album recorded by Cash and Billy Sherrill for Columbia Records but never released. Cash was later dropped from