Aretha's Star Defaced, Alex Harvey Rarity to Be Released, Country Hall Fundraiser

Aretha Franklin's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was recently defaced over her wearing of fur. "Fur Hag!" was scrolled across the star, much like a number of other celebrities including Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen and Sharon Stone. Franklin also was named last year by PETA as a celebrity who regularly wears animal pelts.

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The Sensational Alex Harvey Band are set to release the 1974 album Hot City which never saw the light of day in its original form. The band shelved the original version of the album as they were unhappy with the work done by producer Shel Talmy. While most of the songs ended up in new versions on their next album, The Impossible Dream, the original versions were never put out until now.

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The Country Music Hall of Fame has started a $1.1 million fundraising campaign to help in paying off the costs of four instruments once owned by Maybelle Carter, Johnny Cash and Bill Monroe. The instruments were awarded to the museum in a recent court case but the decision requires that the hall pay $750,000 by February 22.

Ricky Skaggs is taking the appeal to the fans. “Like their lifelong partners, these beloved instruments can now rest in peace. This outcome means that we, the public, remain the owners of these treasures, and it reminds us that we are fortunate to have them protected and accessible under the stewardship of one of the finest museums in the country. As owners, we have an obligation to help with these costs, and I believe fans will be honored to have the opportunity.”