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Alejandro Escovedo Releases First New Album In Six Years With “Echo Dancing”

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Alejandro Escovedo returns to explore “one of the most fascinating paths in music” (NPR Music) on Echo Dancing – a career-spanning collection that’s less a look back than a bold new turn for this sonic adventurer and singular creative mind. Completely reinventing and re-recording his previous work – with inspiration from Brian Eno and Judy Nylon and Suicide – Escovedo traces a one-of-a-kind musical life from 70s New York punk to Austin’s “musical conscience and hometown hero” (NPR Alt Latino) to unflinching advocate for musicians’ mental health and immigrant causes. With the announcement of Echo Dancing – out March 29 via Yep Roc Records – Escovedo has also shared a scorching reimagining of “Bury Me,” a song he first wrote in the early 90s contemplating what would happen if he “should die before he turns 43″…fittingly it’s released today, on his 73rd birthday.

“I was planning this record just prior to boarding a plane to Italy to record with [co-producers] Don Antonio and Nicola Peruch, ” says Escovedo. “My original idea was to record an album of new material. But then I changed my mind and thought that revisiting songs from my various albums would be more interesting. I always feel that a well-written song can withstand a lot of abuse. Turning a past song inside out leads to discovery of new ideas you might not have understood. The songs never seem to be complete. They are always evolving.”

Throughout Echo Dancing, Escovedo revisits rarities from his 80s Austin groups Buick MacKane and The True Believers (natural picks for a recent Austin City Limits Hall of Fame inductee), solo standouts that had No Depression crown him Artist Of The Decade in the 90s and more recent work through 2018’s scorching and cinematic border epic The Crossing. That most recent album saw Escovedo deliver a powerful repudiation of the bigotry and xenophobia coming from Washington at the time – on a collection that garnered praise from CBS This Morning, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone and NPR’s Tiny Desk – for a sound that channeled “Townes Van Zandt and Iggy Pop teaming up for a film noir soundtrack” (Billboard). Holding true to his musical vision since his time opening for The Sex Pistols, as a member of punk pioneers The Nuns, Echo Dancing cements Escovedo as a too-often overlooked but integral legend of 21st century American music.

To celebrate the announcement of Echo Dancing, Escovedo will play an Austin homecoming show with many special guests at The Moody Theater on January 27 – as well as additional Texas dates in Fort Worth (Feb 9 at The Post) and Hico (Feb 10 at Hico Hall). Later in 2024 he’ll bring the new album on a full US tour, with more details to be announced soon.

ECHO DANCING TRACKLIST
1. John Conquest
2. Sacramento & Polk
3. Bury Me
4. Everybody Loves Me
5. Too Many Tears
6. Castañuelas
7. Outside Your Door
8. Sensitive Boys
9. Thought I’d Let You Know
10. Swallows of San Juan
11. Last to Know
12. MC Overload
13. Inside This Dance
14. Wave

Martin Luther King, Jr. Gives Great Life Advice In His 1967 Speech “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?”

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Rarely seen footage of Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking to students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on October 26, 1967, where he delivered his speech “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?”

Number one in your life’s blueprint should be: a deep belief in your own dignity, your own worth and your own somebodiness. Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.

Now that means you should not be ashamed of your color. You know, it’s very unfortunate that in so many instances, our society has placed a stigma on the Negro’s color. You know there are some Negros who are ashamed of themselves? Don’t be ashamed of your color. Don’t be ashamed of your biological features…

Secondly, in your life’s blueprint you must have as the basic principle the determination to achieve excellence in your various fields of endeavor. You’re going to be deciding as the days and the years unfold, what you will do in life — what your life’s work will be.

And once you discover what it will be, set out to do it, and to do it well.

Americana Rocker Matthew Holtby’s New EP is an Absolute Sonic Departure

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Oshawa, ON-born, Warkworth, ON-based Matthew Holtby has been slowly adding to his collection of singles, one song at a time for the past two years. Working with Peterborough, ON Producer Michael Phillips, the pair have been digging out the sounds Holtby creates on his acoustic guitar with the help of his bandmates, best friends and even his Father. Last year saw the release of two independent singles which caught the ear of the CBC, and also helped to land him a few festival spots. He also had the pleasure of opening for legendary blues rocker David Wilcox to a sold-out crowd in his hometown of Oshawa. With the help of his last release, Holtby’s Americana style sound has garnered a few notable online reviews. This time, that stripped back acoustic sound has vanished and transformed into something mystical and magical

It’s a sound almost unrecognized with the lead off track on his brand new self titled EP. “A Certain Place In Time” begins with a shivering fiddle courtesy of Port Hope’s Manja Horner. The song crashes and implodes before old friend turned new bandmate Ken Kucharic does his very best David Gilmour impression on lead guitar. The hushed vocal is combined with a massive backing band that takes the listener on a trip that rolls like thunder, and crashes like the sea. References to nature and weather come to life with lines like “the green fades from leaves and trees carry weight of falling snow.” There is a picture being painted and the pallet is vivid and explosive.

The second song which is being delivered as the “single” of the three, is a straightforward pop-rocker that was written upstairs at Holtbys’ in-law’s home where he shared a bedroom apartment two years ago. He, his Wife and two kids were searching for their new home while staying above the garage in a loft near Stoney Lake, when he woke up to the melody he dreamed of the night before. “I grabbed my Norman, sat up and the song fell out of me.” The result is “Goodbye Song.” A three-and-a-half-minute jam that wouldn’t sound out of place on your playlist next to songs by The Lemonheads, Matthew Sweet or Wilco.

The final song of this collection is “People I Admire.” A somewhat biographical song that touches on real life loss, combined with a playful saxophone and honkey tonk piano. Holtby has never denied his love for New Orleans life and culture. The artwork features a photo and vibe that recalls the jazz releases of long ago, and that feeling is quite intentional. All in all, this 3 song EP is worthy of repeat listens, and adds a new colour to an already vibrant, yet small library of heartfelt music.

The release will be celebrated with live dates both solo, and with his band.

Jeff Rogers Brings Muscle Shoals, Alabama To Toronto! International Album Release Party Feb 10 at Hugh’s Room

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Billboard Canada-tipped Ottawa roots singer/songwriter and keyboardist Jeff Rogers as one to watch today in 2024 and gave him the huge honour of featuring his first single “Lock & Key” as “Single of The Week” here.

Rogers is set showcase his new album with a performance at Hugh’s Room Live on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 8:00 pm for the International Album Release Party of his new album Dream Job.

Tickets are ON SALE NOW here.

For this special night, Jeff and his band will be joined by 3x Maple Blues Award nominee, Jenie Thai, who will kick off the night with her band for a show you don’t want to miss!

Jeff Rogers just made his headline at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on December 9th and performed a sold-out tour supporting The Legendary Downchild Blues Band in theatres throughout Ontario in November.

His highly anticipated new solo album Dream Job is set for physical and digital release International, including the U.S. on February 16, 2024, which is also the vinyl release date here in Canada. The album was co-written and co-produced by Dick Cooper of acclaimed country/rockers, The Cooper Brothers. The two went down to the revered music mecca of Muscle Shoals, Alabama to record the album, where many of the greats including, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Etta James, Paul Simon, Otis Redding and The Black Keys, have recorded.

For this album, Jeff is accompanied by some of the legendary musicians, including Kelvin Holly (Little Richard, Bobby Bland etc.), Clayton Ivey (The Staple Sisters, Thelma Houston), Justin Holder (Keb Mo’, Delbert McClinton) and Shonna Tucker (Booker T. Jones, Drive-By-Truckers). Dream Job features special guest appearances by Grammy Award winner, Colin Linden, and Juno Award winning singer, Kellylee Evans.

Don’t miss two of Canada’s, young, up and coming talents in the intimate setting of Hugh’s Room Live, before they take the world by storm!

Shawn Oates Offers A Fresh Take on David Lee Murphy’s ‘Dust On the Bottle’

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Canadian country star Shawn Oates returns with an homage to the country greats with his rendition of David Lee Murphy’s 90s hit, “Dust On the Bottle.” Oates puts his distinctive touch on this timeless piece, offering audiences a brand-new and captivating listening experience.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Oates attributes his resilience and strength to the transformative power of music. His work consistently explores themes of love, life, and happiness; his mission is to spread positivity and inject his blend of soul and emotion into the heart of country music.

After opening for Jess Moskaluke and The Trews, Oates has established his name in the country genre. He continues collaborating with successful songwriters and producers to craft his unique sound. Oates’ recent single, “Spend It On You,” released in August 2023, garnered a significant following and further showcased his ability to connect with listeners.

Expertly breathing new life into this legendary country gem, Oates continues to showcase his artistry and triumphantly solidifies his position as a rising star in the country music scene. He successfully honors the song’s original sound while incorporating his style into the song. Oates shared his excitement after expressing a personal connection to the song, “I had the desire to create my own rendition of what I believe to be one of the finest country songs ever penned. It’s a personal favorite of mine in the genre, and I’ve always harbored the aspiration to produce a recording of it, which I finally did.”

As Oates steps into the spotlight, he invites audiences to join him for a captivating journey of positivity and soul. Whether collaborating with industry heavyweights or opening for established artists, Oates is on a mission to carve out a place in country infamy with his infectious hooks, upbeat honky-tonk, and classic country nods.

Rhino High Fidelity Premium Vinyl Series Reveals Upcoming Releases Including The Cars, Grateful Dead, Television

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Rhino High Fidelity (Rhino Hi-Fi) ushers in the new year by introducing the latest additions to the acclaimed series of limited-edition, high-end vinyl reissues.

Rhino Hi-Fi will release six albums in the coming months, starting on January 12 with Ornette Coleman’s Change of the Century and Television’s Marquee Moon. They’ll be followed by The Cars’ Candy-O and the Grateful Dead’s American Beauty on March 8, and John Coltrane’s Olé Coltraneand Miles Davis’ Tutu on April 5.

The albums will be available exclusively at Rhino.com and internationally at select WMG stores. Each release is limited to 5,000 individually numbered copies and priced at $39.98. Ornette Coleman and Television will be available to order on January 12 HERE.

Rhino High Fidelity continues to set the industry standard for sound quality and packaging, a testament to Rhino’s more than 45-year legacy of award-winning audio releases. To ensure an unrivaled listening experience, all album lacquers are AAA cut directly from the original stereo master tapes by Kevin Gray, while Optimal handles the 180-gram vinyl pressing. The meticulous attention to detail extends to the aesthetic experience, with glossy covers and “tip-on” jackets reminiscent of vinyl’s golden age. Each Rhino High Fidelity release also comes with exclusive content about the album, such as photos and behind-the-scenes stories.

Released in 1960, saxophonist Ornette Coleman’s Change of the Century is an avant-garde masterpiece, showcasing his innovative “free jazz” approach. The unconventional improvisations, lack of a traditional chordal structure, and the interplay among the musicians mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of jazz. The Rhino High Fidelity release features an exclusive insert with notes by journalist Dan Daley.

Television’s Marquee Moon became a landmark in the punk and post-punk genres following its arrival in 1977. Teeming with intricate guitar work, poetic lyrics, and extended instrumental passages, the album not only influenced punk but also shaped the alternative and indie rock landscapes. The Rhino High Fidelity release features an exclusive insert with notes by David Fricke, featuring commentary from band members Richard Lloyd, Fred Smith, and Billy Fica.

The Cars’ second album, Candy-O, helped create the new wave sound in 1979 with its polished pop hooks, catchy melodies, and the sleek production of Roy Thomas Baker. Instantly recognizable by its iconic Alberto Vargas cover, the album introduced smash hits like “Let’s Go” and “It’s All I Can Do,” propelling the album to #3 on the Billboard 200.

A highwater mark in the Grateful Dead’s studio album catalog, 1970’s American Beauty offers a blend of folk, country, and rock influenced by the Bakersfield Sound that emerged in California during the 1950s. The album features some of the band’s best-loved songs, including “Ripple,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Box Of Rain.”

Saxophonist ohn Coltrane explored modal jazz and world music influences on his 1961 album, Olé Coltrane. The title track, in particular, draws inspiration from Spanish and North African musical traditions while underscoring Coltrane’s continued artistic evolution and boundary-pushing creativity.

Decades intohis brilliant career, Miles Davis added a significant chapter to his already extensive discography in 1986 with Tutu. The album was produced by Marcus Miller and embraced contemporary electronic and fusion sounds, earning Davis the Grammy® Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist).

Rhino High Fdelity continues to tap into Warner Music’s extensive music catalog, bringing music enthusiasts and audiophiles superlative versions of landmark albums from diverse genres, including jaz, blues, rock, pop, and beyond. The series will release two classic albums quarterly, maintaining the same exceptional audio and packaging quality that has quickly defined Rhino High Fidelity.

Ornette Coleman
Change of the Century
Side One
“Ramblin’”
“Free”
“The Face Of The Bass”

Side Two
“Forerunner”
“Bird Food”
“Una Muy Bonita”
“Change Of The Century”

Television
Marquee Moon
Side One
“See No Evil”
“Venus”
“Friction”
“Marquee Moon”

Side Two
“Elevation”
“Guiding Light”
“Prove It”
“Torn Curtain”

The Cars
Candy-O
Side One
“Let’s Go”
“Since I Held You”
“It’s All I Can Do”
“Double Life”
“Shoo Be Doo”
“Candy-O”

Side Two
“Night Spots”
“You Can’t Hold On Too Long”
“Lust For Kicks”
“Got A Lot On My Head”
“Dangerous Type”

Grateful Dead
American Beauty
Side One
“Box Of Rain”
“Friend Of The Devil”
“Sugar Magnolia”
“Operator”
“Candyman”

Side Two
“Ripple”
“Brokedown Palace”
“Till The Morning Comes”
“Attics Of My Life”
“Truckin’”

John Coltrane
Olé Coltrane
Side One
“Olé”

Side Two
“Dahomey Dance”
“Aisha”

Miles Davis
Tutu
Side One
“Tutu”
“Tomaas”
“Portia”
“Splatch”

Side Two
“Backyard Ritual”
“Perfect Way”
“Don’t Lose Your Mind”
“Full Nelson”

EMEET’s Latest AirFlow Open-Ear Earbuds Offer Exceptional Audio Experience for Both Music and Calls

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As one of the tremendous tech events on earth, CES 2024 is no doubt the place where innovation meets enthusiasm, offering a glimpse of what the future of technology holds as always and surprising techies from all over the world. If “AI” is one of the keywords in the field of technology this year, then “open-ear” is the one when it comes to headphones.

Open-ear earbuds have gained significant traction in the market with numerous companies launching various types recently. These innovative earbuds have taken the audio industry by storm, providing a unique listening experience that allows users to stay connected to the environment around them while still enjoying high-quality sound. While most of them focus on comfort and sound quality, there seems to be a vacancy in the market, a balancing combination of exceptional sound quality and also a professional call experience. That’s why the EMEET AirFlow comes into stage during CES 2024.

Comfortable Fit

With over 2560 types of ear shapes tested, The EMEET AirFlow offers a cmofortable fit for various kinds of ears with the ergonomic earhook design and a skin-friendly coating. Besides, its 8.5 gram lightweight per earbud gives users an insensible touch without obtrusive feelings on ears. Apart from the structural design, EMEET also provides a pair of stabilizer fins, which can be attached to the earbuds and offers an even more secure fit for ears of different shapes and sizes.

The Unique Detachable Mic Boom

The EMEET AirFlow’s detachable microphone boom is a game-changing feature that provides crystal clear sound for professional calls. This unique design gives users flexibility to wear this pair of earbuds for varying preferences.

With EMEET’s exclusive VoiceCore noise cancelling algorithm that enables dual-channel noise cancellation, EMEET AirFlow can cancel out both the close-end noise when you speak and the far-end noise when the other side of the call speaks, providing mutual benefits for both sides during calls.

A Different Way for Your Hearing Care

Another feature that is worth mentioning of the EMEET AirFlow lies not in the earbuds but in the charging case. Featuring a UV light around the charging contact area, the charging case is able to sterilize commonly seen bacteria breed on the earbuds like colibacillus and staphylococcus aureus to an extent of 99.99%. Of course, EMEET also integrates a hearing protection reminder in the app EMEET TUNE, caring for your hearing in multiple ways.

Powerful Bass Performance

Though EMEET AirFlow focuses more on callling experience, when it comes to the audio performance for listening to music, it still delivers an exceptional performance thanks to the EMEET exclusive HyperBass bass boost algorithm and a 16.2mm dynamic driver.

Besides the above-mentioned features, EMEET AirFlow also offers an 8-hour play time per fully charged and a 40-hour play time with the charging case for long time usage. With the IPX5 waterproof, it gives exercise enthusiasts another choice of work-out earbuds.

With such competitive features, it’s clear that products like EMEET AirFlow is going to make waves in the open-ear earbuds market.

Les Misérables Movie to Receive Global Theatrical Re-Release For One Week Only

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Universal Pictures, Working Title Films and Cameron Mackintosh announce the worldwide theatrical re-release of the multiple Academy Award winning motion picture Les Misérables, with a remastered version of the film exclusively in Dolby Cinema at AMC Theatres locations across the U.S. for a one-week-only engagement beginning February 23, 2024.

This marks the first time the film will be released in Dolby Cinema, featuring the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos and the stunning visuals of Dolby Vision. Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale is loved across the globe and the boldly remixed and remastered version will also be released in the U.K. and select international markets beginning February 14, 2024.

Tickets for the remixed and remastered Les Misérables in Dolby Cinema are available now at AMCtheatres.com in the U.S.

When originally released, Les Misérables stormed the global box office to become one of the most successful musical adaptations of all time, as well as triumph at the Academy Awards, with three wins, including Best Supporting Actress for Anne Hathaway for her portrayal of Fantine, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing and Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling.

Academy Award winning director Tom Hooper and producer Cameron Mackintosh commented: “It’s hard to believe that it is already over 10 years since our musical film of Les Misérables opened to become one of the most successful movie adaptations of a stage musical of all time. We are delighted that to mark the occasion. Universal Pictures is re-releasing a re-mastered version of the film, with a major remix of tracks in Dolby Atmos and a remaster of the entire picture in Dolby Vision; coming to select cinemas.”

Starting February 23 in the U.S., fans can enjoy the re-mastered version of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical, which is still breaking records around the world and will soon celebrate its 40th Anniversary in London’s West End.

With a legendary cast including Oscar nominee Hugh Jackman (The Greatest Showman, The Wolverine), Oscar winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind), Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway (The Dark Knight Rises, The Devil Wears Prada), Oscar nominee Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!, Dear John), Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl, The Theory of Everything), Tony winner Aaron Tveit (GREASE Live!, Schmigadoon!) and musical-theatre sensation Samantha Barks, with Oscar nominees Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter series, Sweeney Todd) and Sacha Baron Cohen (Hugo, Borat).

Les Misérables is directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, The Danish Girl) and produced by Eric Fellner for Working Title Films and Cameron Mackintosh, together with Tim Bevan and Debra Hayward, with a screenplay written by William Nicholson, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer, music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. The film was remixed by Tom Hooper, Cameron Mackintosh, Lee McCutcheon, Stephen Metcalfe and Andy Nelson.

The film will be released in Australia and New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland on 14 February, and in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on 22 February. The film will also be released this spring in South Korea, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark and in August in Japan.

TIAA, Wyclef Jean, and Hip-Hop Stars Launch New Track, “Paper Right,” to Spotlight Gaps in Retirement Savings and Generational Wealth

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Too many Americans are not on track to reach a financially secure retirement. This is especially true for younger generations preparing to enter the workforce or who are starting their careers. In fact, 41% of young adults between ages 24 and 35 do not take advantage of or contribute to their employer sponsored retirement plan. Yet many remain unaware of the extent of the problem–until now. To get people listening, TIAA, a leading provider of secure retirements, teamed up with some of hip-hop’s biggest names to create an anthem that spotlights savings and retirement gaps while also combatting them.

TIAA joined forces with hip-hop legend and founding member of the Fugees, Wyclef Jean, on a new track titled “Paper Right,” featuring Pusha T, Lola Brooke, Capella Grey, and Flau’jae, to inspire younger generations to consider their financial legacy and ability to retire, leveraging music as a powerful medium. Hip-hop has a long and storied history of shining a light on challenges disproportionately impacting Black Americans. TIAA’s #RetireInequality campaign has drawn attention to retirement and savings gaps experienced by Black Americans, including the fact that 54% of Black Americans do not have enough money saved to maintain their standard of living in retirement, contributing to America’s retirement crisis.

“Music possesses an extraordinary ability to elevate awareness, inspire, and drive conversation among key audiences – including younger generations. While retirement may feel far away for younger Americans, the reality is that having these conversations now can help them achieve a financially secure future,” said Zara Mirza, Chief Brand Officer, TIAA. “The goal is for “Paper Right” to have real impact and spark thought among those starting in their careers to consider their financial future and retirement.”

“Paper Right is about building a financial legacy for future generations and the reward and gratification this brings. The most important thing I hope people take away from the song and my partnership with TIAA is that saving earlier can set you and your family up for long-term success,” said Wyclef Jean, founding member of the Fugees. “As a father, when I look at my financial legacy and impact, I want to make sure my daughter is taken care of and has the tools needed to understand why saving early and preparing for the future is crucial.”

“Paper Right” sparks essential conversations around retirement and encourages action to help close retirement gaps, improve financial education and literacy, and retire inequality for good. TIAA is working with First Generation Investors (FGI), a not-for-profit dedicated to empowering underserved high school students with investing literacy. Streaming the track will automatically donate 100% of the song’s sales to FGI to support financial education and investing literacy for future generations.

“First Generation Investors is an organization dedicated to providing underserved high school students with the financial knowledge and tools needed to take control of their financial futures,” said Stephanie Pressley, Executive Director of FGI. “We are thrilled to partner with TIAA to retire inequality as these efforts closely align with our mission. Through the sales of “Paper Right,” we can help the youth we serve to secure a better retirement, helping to close the retirement gap and lift future generations.”

Elton John Reaches Milestone EGOT Status After Monumental Win At The 2024 Emmy Awards

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World-renowned global superstar Elton John joined Hollywood’s elite group of EGOT winners after securing the EMMY Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for his 2022 Disney+ special “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.”

Elton John said, “I am incredibly humbled to be joining the unbelievably talented group of EGOT winners tonight. The journey to this moment has been filled with passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of my fans all around the world. Tonight is a testament to the power of the arts and the joy that it brings to all our lives. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my career, I am incredibly grateful.”

The three-hour, historic, live-streamed concert event from Disney Branded Television and produced by Fulwell 73 and Rocket Entertainment gave Disney+ audiences a front-row seat to his electrifying and legendary performance as he bid farewell to North America. Heralded as one of the greatest send-offs of all time, artists, entertainers, and special guests, along with a packed stadium of fans and admirers worldwide, celebrated the music legend’s epic full-circle moment at Dodger Stadium, paying tribute to his 1975 performance that cemented his global success.

Having previously won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song for Rocketman’s [“I’m Gonna] Love Me Again” and The Lion King’s “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” a Tony Award for Best Original Score for Aida and six GRAMMY Awards throughout his career, including the GRAMMY Legend Award, Elton John joins the exclusive circle of only 24 stars who have achieved Hollywood’s highest honour.