R.I.P.: Jerry Wexler

Pioneering music executive Jerry Wexler, who helped build Atlantic Records into a rhythm and blues powerhouse in the 1950s and 1960s with artists like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, died in Florida on Friday at age 91.
His influence was not limited to R&B. He helped guide the careers of many artists, including rockers Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits and the B-52's, as well as Bob Dylan and country star Willie Nelson.
obit HERE

The B-52's Party Rages On

The B-52's - with its string of MTV hits like "Love Shack," "Planet Claire," "Private Idaho" and "Rock Lobster" - just issued a new album 'Funplex' after a 16-year hiatus. Judging from the new music, the party's still going on.
Singers Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson prove right away they can still create sweet harmonies, while Fred Schneider displays that he's lost none of his campy spark and still sounds credible when barking out stories of hot mamas cruising the mall while high on diet pills. Brief interview w/Fred & Kate HERE
NPR interview podcast HERE; concert podcast HERE
album review HERE; available HERE