CBS pays Ray respects
Jones, Usher, John, Wonder among performers
More Articles:
Most Viewed:
MTV sets 'Avatar' webcast(3437 views)Steven Seagal Lawman(3044 views)Christopher Eccleston plays Lennon(2603 views)Summit's 'Twilight' dilemma(2593 views)PGA announces TV noms(2523 views)McConaughey’s ‘Rooster’ at Fox(2285 views) |
Eye is teaming up with Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich for a star-studded concert salute to Charles dubbed "Genius: A Night to Remember."
Norah Jones, Usher, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, David "Fathead" Newman and Billy Preston are set to perform.
Jamie Foxx, already sparking Oscar buzz for his performance in the upcoming Charles biopic "Ray," will host the one-hour spec; "Ray" helmer Taylor Hackford is involved in the production as well, Ehrlich said.
Concert is set for Oct. 8 at Staples Center, with the special to air on CBS in late October; pic opens nationwide Oct. 29. Quincy Jones, Bruce Willis and Mos Def are also set to introduce performers.
Ehrlich said the special had been in the planning stages for months, well before Charles passed away in June.
"We actually talked about trying to do something with the (2003) Grammys, knowing how ill he was," the producer said.
CBS specials topper Jack Sussman said Charles' vast influence on various musical genres made the spec a no-brainer for CBS.
"Other than a Grammy show, when would you ever see Mary J. Blige and Kenny Chesney on the same stage," he said. "It's the broad, cross-generation demographic that we're looking for with (music specials)."
Getting performers wasn't a problem.
"When we called, the performers responded," Ehrlich said, hinting that a few surprise guests may appear. Spec isn't tied to the recently released Charles disc "Genius Loves Company."
As for song selection, "Not only will you hear the obvious classic Ray songs embedded in everyone's memory, we'll also look for some songs that were integral to what he did to bring country music to both an urban and a pop audience," Ehrlich said.
Bruce Gowers is set to direct, with Grammy vet Ricky Minor on board as musical director and co-producer. Tisha Fein will co-produce.
In addition to the Grammys and a slew of primetime music specials -- Celine Dion, Shania Twain, et al --Ehrlich produced Fox's upcoming "Fashion Rocks" special.
