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Music News: Led Zeppelin win ‘Stairway to Heaven’ plagiarism case

by Staff

June 23, 2016

A jury has decided that Led Zeppelin did not crib their iconic "Stairway to Heaven" from Spirit. The band say they are "grateful" that the court confirmed "what we have known for 45 years," that the song is in fact an original composition by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Both Page and Plant testified at the trial, which resulted from a lawsuit filed by the estate of the late Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe. (CNN)

Ralph Stanley dies at 89

Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley has died of skin cancer at age 89. An important figure in the early growth of bluegrass music, Stanley lived to become a bridge to a younger generation of bluegrass fans — actively touring into his 80s and performing on the soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou?. (Rolling Stone)

Eagles to meet President

The Kennedy Center has announced this year's honorees. They include musicians the EaglesJames Taylor, and Mavis Staples as well as classical pianist Martha Argerich and actor Al Pacino. The honorees will be feted at a Dec. 4 gala, to be broadcast Dec. 27 on CBS. The Eagles were originally scheduled to be honored last year, but they postponed their appearance due to the poor health of band member Glenn Frey, who died shortly thereafter. (Billboard)

Musicians advocate for gun control

Billboard has devoted the cover of its current issue to a petition to the U.S. Congress to pass gun-control legislation. The petition is signed by over 150 musicians including Paul McCartneyRingo StarrLady GagaEddie VedderLin-Manuel Miranda, and Thom Yorke. (Billboard)

25 heading to streaming services

After making record-sales history as the first album ever to sell over a million copies in each of two separate weeks, Adele’s 25 is coming to Spotify and other streaming services. The album will be available on Friday, just over seven months after its initial release. (New York Times)

Glastonbury creates epic traffic jam

With its grounds soaked in rain and mired in mud, the Glastonbury music festival in England has created a traffic jam that has extended up to 15 miles — moving at about a mile every three hours. (NME)

Other Music to go out with a parade

New York record store Other Music has announced that it's organizing a parade to commemorate its closing. The store's last day of business is Saturday, and on Tuesday, the instrumental duo 75 Dollar Bill will play a final in-store performance — then join a parade from the store to Bowery Ballroom, site of an "Other Music Forever" concert featuring Sharon Van EttenYo La Tengo, and more. (Pitchfork)

Michael Jackson estate denies pornography report

The estate of Michael Jackson has responded to the publication of documents alleged to be police reports detailing the discovery, in Jackson's home, of material including child pornography and depictions of animal torture. "Everything in these reports [...] is false," says the estate, seconded by the star's daughter Paris Jackson. (Rolling Stone)

Violent Femmes get animated

The Violent Femmes have released a dark but humorous new animated video for their song "Issues." (Rolling Stone)

Here's your new Ghostbusters theme

Fall Out Boy and Missy Elliot have released their reboot of the Ghostbusters theme. Will this version go to the top of the charts, like the Ray Parker Jr. original? (Billboard)

Kitchen karaoke

Anna Kendrick and James Corden performed a medley of romance-themed classics — including the Dan Wilson/Adele jam "Someone Like You" — in a quick four minutes. (Billboard)

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