Movies Rock: Usher's Singin' in the Rain Like Gene Kelly

As I mentioned in my November 21st post, there is a special airing on CBS tomorrow night called "Movies Rock" celebrating the role of music in the movies. The live event was held in LA last weekend. This article from the International Herald Tribune called the event a "collision between the Grammys and the Oscars" as present-day stars of music and film paid tribute to the former legends and songs of the silver screen.

As reported, Usher dances to "Singin' in the Rain" and after reading the praise about the number (a standing ovation?) I can't wait to see it. You can see a brief glimpse of Usher doing a Gene Kelly move (in Don Lockwood attire) at the preview video on the Movies Rock website, http://www.moviesrock2007.com/.

SITR Remake by Usher?

People.com's website reports that R&B star Usher will do a "remake" of Gene Kelly's Singin' in the Rain number for a television special. Usher says "We are going to cut it on the actual sound stage where they filmed it." I didn't think the soundstage still existed, but at any rate this should be very interesting! The special, entitled "Movies Rock", focuses on music's role in movies. It is scheduled to air on December 7th on CBS.

Leslie Caron wins an Emmy

At the "Creative Arts Emmys" on Saturday night, Leslie Caron won an award for her guest appearance on the television show "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit." Reports say that the 76-year-old actress quipped "I think I was nominated in 1951 for the most promising newcomer. I'm glad I finally realized my potential."

Leslie will be a presenter on the primetime Emmy Awards on September 16th and will wear a drss that she designed. Read an article by Robert Osborne in The Hollywood Reporter about her win.

Betty Comden Tribute

Anyone living in or nearby New York City will be happy to hear about a special tribute for Betty Comden on September 18th. The event is called "Great Women Salute A Great Woman: Betty Comden - In the Words of Comden and Green" and will be held at Broadway's Majestic Theater, 247 West 44 Street, beginning at 2 PM. It's free, open to the public, and will feature many Broadway stars and some "surprise guests" to celebrate Betty's life. Read more about the event in Playbill.

For anyone who does not recognize the name of Betty Comden, she's half of the amazing writing duo "Comden and Green". With partner Adolph Green, the pair co-wrote On the Town, It's Always Fair Weather, and Singin' in the Rain - just to name a few of the Gene Kelly hits. She died nearly one year ago at the age of 89.

ICONS Radio interview Gene's daughter Kerry

On Saturday, August 12, 2007, Gene's oldest daughter Kerry Kelly Novick participated in an interview with ICONS Radio. The hour-long interview, hosted by Stephen Bogart (Humphrey's son), offers a sweet and touching view not only of Gene Kelly the dancer and actor, but also of Gene the man -- father, activist, friend. This show is a treat for Gene fans everywhere. Best of all, an mp3 of the interview is available for free on the ICONS Radio website! The podcast is also available for free on iTunes. Fans of any and all classic movies might want to check out the main ICONS Radio Hour page to see past and upcoming interviews, mostly with family and friends of classic film directors, writers, and stars.

Update July 2008: The links to the interview with Kerry Kelly Novick and ICONS radio were updated - new address is http://www.iconsradio.com/genekellyshow.html.