Remembering Carl Weathers: An Industry Icon, and a Look at Upcoming Musical Milestones
Carl Weathers, known for his immortal role as Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ film series, has passed away at the age of 76. His legacy stretches beyond ‘Rocky,’ encompassing performances in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘Predator.’ The entertainment industry, still coming to terms with this loss, is gearing up for the Grammy Awards, where a new category for best African music performance is set to make its debut. This addition highlights the rising influence of African music on global charts, a phenomenon fueled in part by the social media platform TikTok.
Remembering Carl Weathers
Weathers, a former NFL linebacker, turned actor, inspired countless individuals with his vast body of work. His co-star in the ‘Rocky’ franchise, Sylvester Stallone, expressed deep sorrow at the news of his passing. Stallone credited Weathers for playing an integral role in his success, describing him as brilliant and emphasizing his impact on the success of ‘Rocky’. Tributes also poured in from other industry leaders, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Adam Sandler, further underlining Weathers’ significant influence on the film industry.
Shaping The Grammys
As the music industry prepares for the upcoming Grammy Awards, the introduction of a new category for best African music performance marks a significant milestone. This move reflects the increasing global recognition of African music, a trend partly driven by the widespread use of TikTok. The platform has played a pivotal role in propelling African music to international audiences, reshaping the global music landscape.
Spotlighting Jon Bon Jovi and Upcoming Releases
In other entertainment news, music legends Bruce Springsteen and others celebrated Jon Bon Jovi’s contributions to rock music at a pre-Grammys fundraiser organized by MusiCares. Amid these celebrations, President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Black entertainment industry leaders during his trip to Los Angeles.
Music enthusiasts have more to look forward to, with the upcoming spy movie ‘Argylle’ featuring a disco-inspired score and a previously secret Beatles track. Additionally, fans of the classic ‘Fawlty Towers’ television series can anticipate its stage adaptation set to debut in London’s West End. Finally, Taylor Swift stands on the cusp of making history at the Grammys, potentially clinching a fourth album of the year award with her latest release, ‘Midnights.’
