Mary J. Blige Reflects on Healing, Legacy as She Launches Las Vegas Residency Mary J. Blige is stepping into a new chapter of her career, describing the moment as both earned and deeply personal. After more than three decades in music, the Grammy-winning artist is headlining her first-ever Las Vegas residency, a milestone she says marks the culmination of her journey. Speaking with ABC News’ Robin Roberts during an interview that aired on Good Morning America, Blige emphasized that the opportunity came after years of perseverance. “It’s just time, you know? I’m where I’m supposed to be. I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. And I didn’t give up,” she said. Known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” Blige has long turned her personal struggles into powerful music, resonating with fans across generations. Her songs, which often explore themes of heartbreak, resilience, and healing, have become cultural touchstones. Reflecting on her work, Blige acknowledged the emotional weight of her music. “What I was trying to do was get myself through tough times,” she said. “I had no idea I was getting other people through their tough times.” Fans frequently share how her music has helped them navigate their own challenges, a reality that keeps Blige grounded. “It keeps me humble to hear people say, ‘Mary, your music saved my life,’” she added. Blige’s ability to channel vulnerability into art has defined her career, particularly with albums like 1994’s My Life, which she still performs today. However, revisiting these songs carries emotional intensity. “‘Not Gon’ Cry’ is always heavy. Even My Life is heavy,” she said. “When I perform any song from the My Life album, it’s heavy. Really dark times.” Despite the weight of these tracks, the residency offers a space for both celebration and reflection.#good_morning_america #robin_roberts #yonkers_new_york #mary_j_blige #dolby_live_at_park_mgm
Chip Taylor Dead: "Wild Thing," "Angel of the Morning" Songwriter Was 86 Chip Taylor, the singer and member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame who wrote the songs "Wild Thing" by The Troggs, "Angel of the Morning" by Juice Newton, and "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)" by Janis Joplin, has died. He was 86. Taylor passed away on Monday night in hospice care, according to an Instagram post from Grammy-winning singer Billy Vera, who confirmed the news with his children, Kelly and Kristian. In 2023, Taylor underwent treatment for throat cancer, which he addressed in his 2024 album Behind the Sky. One of Taylor’s older brothers was Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight, and one of his nieces was Voight’s daughter, Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie. Over a six-decade career, Taylor sang, played guitar, and recorded more than two dozen albums, though he also spent time as a professional gambler. His early career began in a rockabilly band in his hometown of Yonkers, New York, before he joined April Blackwood Music, the publishing arm of CBS, where he signed artists like Billy Vera and James Taylor. Taylor’s songwriting credits spanned numerous hits, including "I Can’t Let Go" by Evie Sands, The Hollies, and Linda Ronstadt; "I Can Make It With You" by The Pozo-Seco Singers and Jackie DeShannon; "Welcome Home" by Walter Jackson and Dusty Springfield; "Sneakin’ Up on You" by Peggy Lee; "On My Word" by Cliff Richard; and two songs performed by Vera and Judy Clay, "Country Girl City Man" and "Storybook Children." In 2000, Taylor described his approach to songwriting as intuitive, stating, “I’m the kind of writer who doesn’t think too much about what he’s writing about.” His first major hit was "Wild Thing," which The Troggs took to No. 1 in July 1966.#angelina_jolie #chip_taylor #billy_vera #jon_voight #yonkers_new_york
