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Barack Obama tells hundreds of thousands of supporters at a pre-inauguration rally that 'anything is possible in America'.

HOT CHOCOLATE singer ERROL BROWN is hanging up his mic for good - because he's finally grown too old to rock and roll. The You Sexy Thing hitmaker will embark on a farewell ...

US singer Katy Perry is wrongly handed the award for best international song at France's main music award ceremony.

Music arranger Angela Morley, who won Emmys for arranging two of Julie Andrews television specials has died at 84 in Scottsdale, Arizona. She's said to have passed away from complications of a fall and a subsequent heart attack.The three-time Emmy winner, also received Oscar nominations for adaptaing the songs in the musicals 'The Little Prince' and 'The Slipper and the Rose'This prolific woman also wrote her own official bio for her web site, which we reprint below. A very full life! Our thoughts and prayers go out to her partner Christine Parker, along with her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren during this difficult time.

Reprise Theatre Company announced today that 'The Fantasticks' will replace the previously announced production of 'Chess,' May 5-17 at the Freud Playhouse. With music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones, 'The Fantasticks' is the world's longest-running musical and will be performed in Los Angeles as its current New York revival continues running off-Broadway.Jason Alexander, artistic director of Reprise, said, 'I am saddened to report the reason why. Our world premiere production of 'Chess' was commissioned and brokered by Gerald Schoenfeld, President of the Shubert Organization. Just before the end of last year, Gerry passed away unexpectedly. Without his support our production of 'Chess' simply is not possible at this time. I am disappointed, both for the loss of this wonderful opportunity and for the loss of an old and good friend.'

Music News: Three-time Emmy winner also composed scores -- Angela Morley, three-time Emmy winner and two-time Oscar nominee for her film and television music and one of England's best-known arrangers, died Wednesday, Jan. 14 in Scottsdale, Ariz., of complications from a fall and subsequent heart attack.

In the age of the jukebox musical, it had to happen. 'Thriller Live, a new West End show built around the music of Michael Jackson, features a moonwalking lookalike, zombie choreography and prepubescent singers who hit the high notes on 'ABC.' What's absent: any backstory about the elusive King of Pop… There's no plot or dialogue - just music.'...

Returning to Cleveland after acclaimed performances in The ColorPurple on Broadway and Gone with the Wind in London?s West End, NaTasha Yvette Williams takes thestage in the lead role of The Cleveland Play House production of Mahalia: A Gospel Musical. Since 1997,when she performed in The Play House production of (I Could) Stop On a Dime and Get Ten CentsChange, Williams has also played in several Broadway national tours and performed her gospel music allover the world. Kent Gash, Associate Artistic director of The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA, is directingWilliams in this musical tribute to the most celebrated gospel singer of all time. Mahalia: A Gospel Musicalbegins in the Bolton Theatre at The Cleveland Play House on Friday, January 30 and runs through Sunday,February 22, 2009. Tickets are on sale now at The Cleveland Play House box office by calling216.795.7000 ext 4 or online at www.clevelandplayhouse.com. Mahalia: A Gospel Musical is presented inpromotional partners

THE opening Australian leg of the Big Day Out music festival for 2009 has attracted the usual bumper - if eclectic - crowd on a gloomy day on the Gold Coast.

BRITNEY SPEARS was the big winner at the NRJ Music Awards, scooping two gongs at the prestigious ceremony in Cannes, France. The Toxic hitmaker, who wasn't in attendance ...