Music
R. Kelly convicted on many counts, acquitted of trial fixing
A federal jury on Wednesday convicted R. Kelly of several child pornography and sex abuse charges in his hometown of Chicago, delivering another legal blow to a singer who used to be one of the biggest R&B stars in the world.
Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis has died, age 87
Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, whose music entertained fans over a more than 60-year career that began with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and made him one of the country’s most successful jazz musicians, has died. He was 87.
Music writer fights subpoena to testify at R. Kelly trial
A music writer who spent decades raising awareness about sexual misconduct allegations against R. Kelly is fighting a bid to force him to testify at the R&B singer's federal trial on child pornography and trial-fixing charges, according to a Tuesday court filing.
Billy Corgan to play charity show for July 4 parade victims
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, a 20-year resident of Highland Park, will perform a charity livestream show on July 27 to benefit the victims of the Fourth of July parade shooting in suburban Chicago that killed seven people and wounded more than 30.
WXRT's Lin Brehmer to take a break to fight prostate cancer
In a message, he asked of his longtime listeners only one thing: "Afford me the kindness you have always shown me."
Muti's legacy: respect composers, reject revisionists
In the twilight of his music directorship of the CSO, Riccardo Muti candidly outlined his legacy and implored musicians to remember his instruction on Giuseppe Verdi’s operas: use the 19th century scores without altered notes and reject modern directorial concepts.
Prosecutors say R. Kelly should get at least 25 years in prison, Defense says no more than 17
In advance of his sentencing later this month, prosecutors said in a memo filed Wednesday that R. Kelly deserves 25 years in prison. Kelly’s lawyers have argued that he deserves only a maximum of about 17 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.
Jussie Smollett drops a new song while out on appeal and, yep, he addresses his own fake hate crime
You may recall that some...stuff...happened in our fair city and Jussie does indeed address it in the new song. He is currently out of jail pending appeal in his case, released just three weeks ago.
Chess Records to reopen for tours next month
Beginning April 1, Chess Records will be open for tours Tuesdays through Saturdays at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. $15 suggested donation.
Blues drummer Sam Lay dies at 86; played with Wolf, Butterfield, Waters, and Dylan
Lay is best known as drummer for the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, but also played with Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Bob Dylan at the legendary 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
