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New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
I Don't Know if I Believe in God, but I Believe in Gospel Music
Before I began listening to gospel music about 12 years ago, I was not the most obvious candidate to become a fan of the genre. Raised by divorced parents who were not particularly religious, I didn't give much consideration to faith. Though my father was a longtime member of the Christ Temple Baptist Church — a Black congregation in Ypsilanti, Mich. — he wasn't a regular presence at Sunday service nor did he pressure me to join him when he did go. My mother, who was a nonobservant Jewish woman, spent much of her adult life criticizing what she viewed as a patriarchal religion; we never attended synagogue, and I didn't have a bar mitzvah. My mother's iconoclasm shaped my attitude toward life, including my taste in music. As a teenager I was drawn to punk rock — loud, fast, angry music that reflected my vague and indeterminate outrage at the world. I defied authority, ranting and raving against the powers that be, including cops, politicians, security guards and my teachers at school, though my defiance usually involved little more than cutting holes in my clothes and quoting song lyrics. I was a perpetually cynical and distrustful young man who believed the world's problems could be solved by my music and clothing preferences, not by organized religion. As I matured and entered my 30s, my father and I grew closer. We bonded over Donny Hathaway, Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin, artists who sang love songs distinctly informed by their respective backgrounds in the Black church. These singers were my conduit to gospel. After hearing the Swan Silvertones sing 'Mary Don't You Weep' on a compilation album of early R&B and gospel groups, I was instantly hooked, and I sought out their LPs as well as records by the Davis Sisters, Marion Williams, Brother Joe May and the Blind Boys of Alabama. I was drawn to the music not because of its religious lyrics but because its rhythms and vocal harmonies moved something deep in my core. I felt the music in my soul before I had even acknowledged the existence of a soul. Each minor chord on the piano, each impassioned cry from the singer broke through my cynicism. I was carried away — if only for a few minutes. I came to understand that the music's religious spirit was inseparable from the music: Each served the other, to help us express our connection to and yearning for the ineffable, to give form to that which is unseen. When a gospel vocalist sings of faith and love of Jesus, it sounds to my ears like a higher power is pouring out of them, using the artist as an instrument. At the top of the Staple Singers' 1965 song 'Let Jesus Lead You,' for example, the band leader, Pops Staples, launches into the opening and his three children follow, creating a simple call-and-response: 'Let Jesus lead you/Let Jesus lead you/Let Jesus lead you/All the way/All the way/All the way from Earth to glory,' before Mavis Staples takes over, her voice slowly building, from mortal earth to the heavenly realms. The sound of the Staple Singers' early records is blues-influenced, trading church organs and a large chorus for a small band, stripping the music down to its raw core. But like much gospel, the Staple Singers' music hinges on a buoyant joyfulness that invites the listener to share in their exaltation. Listening to this song, I clap my hands and stomp a foot on the backbeat. My heart swells with each repetition of the refrain, and I feel myself transported to places I've never visited but that the music conjures for me: some storefront church or a down-home revival. I'm connected to a history, to a not-so-distant past that is not a part of my personal experience but is bound up in my cultural heritage. It reached into the hidden, malnourished and underserved parts of my spirit that I so often tried to repress. To paraphrase Mahalia Jackson's memorable description of gospel, the music brought good tidings and good news to my life. In a world that increasingly fosters self-interest and social isolation, gospel points me toward something more intimate, more collective. Though I don't subscribe to any particular denomination, I aspire to lead a life of curiosity, generosity and compassion — all the best hallmarks of any faith and of great gospel music. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drake's ‘What Did I Miss?' Debuts at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart
In his new song, Drake repeatedly asks, 'What Did I Miss?' Well, we know one thing he didn't: No. 1. The surprise track, released on July 5, storms onto the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart dated July 19 to give the superstar his record-extending 31st champ. By adding to his chart-topping collection, Drake further distances himself from runners-up Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, each with 20 No. 1s. More from Billboard Drake Reacts to Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' Holding Him Off From Hot 100 No. 1 Debut: 'I'm Taking That Soon Don't Worry' Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Old Dominion & More Set to Perform at 2025 Nashville Songwriter Awards Tomorrowland 2025 Mainstage Destroyed by Fire Ahead of Festival Here's a look at the acts with the most No. 1s on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, dating to the chart's consolidation into a single genre-based ranking in October 1958: 31, Drake 20, Aretha Franklin 20, Stevie Wonder 17, James Brown 16, Janet Jackson 15, The Temptations Further, Drake collects his 140th week at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, doubling the career total of all other acts. Wonder ranks second, with 70 weeks at the summit. 'What Did I Miss?,' released via OVO Sound/Republic Records, earned 22.6 million official streams, 3.6 million in airplay audience and 6,000 sales in the United States for the tracking week of July 4-10, according to Luminate. From those counts, Drake picks up a record-extending 21st No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart and his 15th leader on the Digital Song Sales survey, while radio results include a No. 36 entrance on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. 'What Did I Miss?' also widens Drake's record collection across other Billboard charts: It arrives atop the Hot Rap Songs chart as his unprecedented 31st No. 1 and marks his 81st top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 with its No. 2 debut. The track is the expected first offering from a potential Drake album. Fans suspect its title will be Iceman, based on Drake using the name across social media captions and video promotions in recent weeks. In winning the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs throne, Drake's track replaces another juggernaut, Kendrick Lamar and SZA's 'Luther,' which soared to a record 28 weeks atop the chart between December-July. The victory avenges the second-place showing for Drake's single 'Nokia' that peaked at No. 2 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for 12 consecutive weeks earlier this year behind 'Luther.' Adding another layer of intrigue, 'What Did I Miss?' finds Drake ruminating on feeble allegiances from supposed friends and collaborators in the aftermath of his feud with Lamar, a defining pop-culture storyline of 2024. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hard Rock expands Reverb lifestyle brand to Alabama
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Hard Rock International is bringing its Reverb lifestyle brand to Florence, Alabama, developing a new hotel in collaboration with Sak Capital Partners, the hotel company announced Thursday. Slated to open in early 2028, the music-themed hotel will offer 155 rooms as well as more than 2,000 square feet of meetings and events space. Guests will be able to 'connect with the rich soul, R&B, rock, and blues heritage of the area,' where Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and Willie Nelson have previously recorded, according to Hard Rock. The hotel expands the Reverb pipeline, which includes several other properties under development across the country. Hard Rock is growing the brand, aimed at music fans, amid tight competition in the lifestyle segment. The Alabama hotel joins Reverb's pipeline of seven properties in development, including in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Pensacola, Florida. The brand has two open hotels in Atlanta and Hamburg, Germany. Hard Rock is expanding the Reverb brand — designed to be 'an energetic cultural hub for connection, creation, and inspiration among music fans, locals and travelers' — amid competition in the lifestyle segment. As travelers increasingly value design and uniqueness as well as immersive experiences, more hotel players are entering the lifestyle segment, hospitality pros previously told Hotel Dive. The Florence Reverb is near music-themed demand drivers including The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Studios. The new Reverb hotel will play top hits recorded in Muscle Shoals, and the hotel's design will incorporate elements of the area's music history, Hard Rock detailed. Other hotel brands tapping into music-themed design and experiences to draw guests include Marriott International's W Hotels, which renovated its W Austin in Texas to create 'a music-centric entertainment hub.' DJ Kygo, meanwhile, opened a music-focused experiential hotel in Miami last year. Beyond Reverb, Hard Rock is redeveloping The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hard Rock works with Sak Capital on new-build hotel project in US
Hard Rock International has partnered with Sak Capital Partners on a new-build hotel project in the US, targeting an early 2028 opening. The REVERB by Hard Rock Florence, Alabama project will expand REVERB by Hard Rock's portfolio, which is designed to offer a cultural hub for music fans, locals and travellers. Hard Rock International global hotel development senior vice-president and head Todd Hricko said: "Hard Rock is thrilled to work with the team at Sak Capital Partners and to watch them develop an incredible new REVERB by Hard Rock property in Florence that celebrates the area's music legacy while also stimulating the local economy and creating over 200 jobs.' The property aims to cater to both business travellers and event planners, featuring around 155 rooms with views of the Tennessee River and more than 2,000ft² of meeting space. The hotel aims to connect guests with the region's musical heritage, which includes contributions from artists such as Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones, who recorded in the nearby Muscle Shoals area. The REVERB by Hard Rock Florence will incorporate elements of this musical history and feature tracks recorded in and inspired by Muscle Shoals. Florence offers a range of local attractions, from boutique shops and dining in the downtown area to the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Studios for music enthusiasts. Sak Capital Partners project manager Tucker Sigle said: "This project is a tribute to the area's historic music scene and will be a significant boost for our local economy. "We're excited to partner with Hard Rock as we create a lively hotspot that will draw music lovers from near and far while providing fantastic opportunities for our neighbours right here in Florence." The hotel will join other properties of the upscale lifestyle hotel brand, including those in Atlanta and Hamburg, US, as well as seven properties currently in development across various locations. These include Kalamazoo, Scottsdale, Pensacola, and Tampa in the US; Mazatlán, Mexico; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. In August 2024, Hard Rock International unveiled plans for its sixth REVERB property, the REVERB by Hard Rock Pensacola in Florida, US, with construction expected to begin next year. "Hard Rock works with Sak Capital on new-build hotel project in US" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Time Out Dubai
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Best dinner with a show: 15 venues in Dubai worth booking
Dinner with a show isn't a new concept, but it is still stealing the spotlight here in Dubai. From incredible live singers to jaw-dropping aerial artists, and dazzling dancers to talented musicians, there's plenty to feast your eyes and ears on while you dig into your dinner. Whether you're planning a special date night or an evening out with your friends, there's something to suit everyone on this stellar line-up. If you've ever wondered what the best dinner shows in Dubai are, you've come to the right place. Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its drinks and meals. For more on the review process click here. The best dinner with a show to book at least once WINNER The Theater Best shows in Dubai. Credit: The Theater The Theater is luxe, extravagant and fabulous – in all the best ways. Hands-down the best dinner show in Dubai, The Theater can be found where the famed Cavalli Club once was, and the centrepiece catwalk-style stage remains, where dancers twirl acrobats and aerial artists twirl high above you as you dine. Dishes are Asian-leaning with oysters, Japanese guacamole, maki rolls and black cod. Get dressed up and make a night of it at The Theater. You definitely won't want to go home until the early hours. A winner for a reason. Time Out Dubai reviewers say: 'The performances live up to the billing, with beautiful choreography and heart-pounding music. Singers and dancers are talented, like hanging-from-the-ceiling talented.' Check out our full The Theater review here. Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 222 2268). HIGHLY COMMENDED Aretha Credit: Aretha Journey back to the golden era of jazz, funk and Motown with a night out at Aretha, inspired by the queen of soul herself. The white grand piano under an enormous disco ball on the centre stage is a clear indicator of what's to come here – and that's seriously captivating live music and copious razzle-dazzle. Food is excellent, with top picks including grilled sea bass with black olives and cherry tomato confit, caviar pasta and wagyu beef Rossini with foie gras and black truffle, or the classic Dover sole Meunière. As the evening progresses the tempo ramps up and by midnight, you'll find yourself immersed in a club right out of the sixties and seventies, with zero need to head anywhere else. Time Out Dubai reviewers say: 'In the powerful words of Aretha Franklin, first impressions of the city's newest live music restaurant have our R-E-S-P-E-C-T. It's all lights, charisma, action as you walk through the doors. It's a little – okay, a lot – of razzle-dazzle, before you even take a bite or a sip.' Check out our full Aretha review here. St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, (050 621 0544). Billionaire Dubai Best shows in Dubai. Credit: Billionaire Dubai One of the most established of Dubai's dinner shows Billionaire – from F1 bigwig Flavio Briatore – burst onto the nightlife scene in 2016. Having branches in Monaco and Italy, and now Riyadh and Doha, Billionaire is famed for its Asian-Italian dishes and wow-worthy performances while you dine. Expect dancers, aerial artists, acrobats and more – all of which will have you mesmerised. The food is decent, the vibe is lively and you're sure to have a memorable time. Get ready to twirl those napkins round your head, this is one of the best dinner shows in Dubai. Note: Billionaire Dubai is temporarily closed and is expected to reopen in autumn. Taj Dubai, Business Bay, (056 678 3357). SHORTLISTED Babylon Best shows in Dubai Credit: Babylon Babylon aims to transport diners back to the ancient city of Babylon with its immersive performances and incredible acts, so prepare for one of the best, and extravagant, dinner shows in Dubai. With eye-popping costumes and impressive performances on stage, the venue itself is suitably luxe with red velvet furnishings and moody lighting. The food is high-end too, expect a fusion of East-West with caviar, oysters and tartare, plus lobster linguine and truffle pizza. This is one venue that's sure to wow. Podium Level, Gate Village 5, DIFC, (04 352 7750). Birds Credit: Birds Ultra-glamorous and incredibly entertaining, Birds has had Dubai's party set flocking to its elevated perch in the heart of Downtown Dubai since it opened in February this year. Delight in an extensive, elegant Japanese fusion menu, with Dibba Bay oysters, sushi and sashimi moriawase and black caviar among the highlights as well as a couple of stand-out sharing dishes – the 1.2kg lobster and 1kg Australian wagyu striploin. High-flying artistry combines with world-class DJs to put on a show to remember. Even the mixed drinks are presented with a bit of theatre, and you've got the added bonus of incredible Burj Khalifa views from that 63rd-floor vantage point, too. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, (050 275 4844). DREAM Best shows in Dubai. Credit: DREAM This dinner show in Dubai aptly dreams big when it comes to its productions and performances, bringing you a memorable night out. Found in Address Beach Resort, it's a high-end venue that's a place for special occasions. Expect a fully immersive show with 3D imagery, surround sound, live singers, super dancers and captivating performances. There are 13 different shows – each lasting three to five minutes, and they take place every 15 minutes. This really is one of the best dinner shows in Dubai, as the show really is the focus, although the menu is not to be sniffed at with oysters, caviar, truffle pizza and burrata among the stars on the plate. Address Beach Resort, JBR, (04 220 0224). En Fuego If you like a theme to be executed to the max, then sashay down to En Fuego for a night of Latin American-themed razzmatazz. A carnival of kitsch, the vivid dining room is jam-packed with zany neon signs, piñatas, hats, flowers, llamas and a giant chandelier made of dozens of flamingos. Entertainment gets more risqué as the evening progresses (kids have to leave at 8.30pm) and it's a riotous mix of dancing, mariachi bands, acrobatics and even fire breathing, with performances taking place throughout the venue. There's a set menu for Dhs250 per person which is a pretty good shout, or take your pick from all manner of ceviches, empanadas, tacos, tostadas and so on. You can't go wrong with any of it, though most of your focus will be on the flamboyant acts unfolding in front of you. Shows take place during dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, but our top tip is to book in for Fiesta Fridays, which is an evening brunch with all the entertainment from 9pm to midnight. Thank us later. Atlantis, The Palm, (04 426 2626). J'Adore Credit: J'Adore There's a lot to love at J'Adore. It's a sultry, high-end space, with tables wrapped round a small, illuminated circular stage, and more booths and tables on an elevated level. A rotation of elegant singers, dancers and acrobats perform on the stage and between the tables as you indulge in Nikkei Mediterranean dishes. There's a good selection of raw dishes plus crowd pleasers like spicy beef tenderloin and lobster linguine. By the end of the evening, you'll be up on your feet, brandishing a sparkler or two. Hilton Dubai, Al Habtoor City, (054 465 5515). Josette Credit: Josette This Instagrammable French restaurant in DIFC's IDC Brookfield Place has been social media's dream since opening in 2022. And as well as a charming breakfast and elegant brunch, there's also a dinner show option at this Parisian spot. With singers, cabaret acts and burlesque dancers, this is one of the best dinner shows in Dubai. All marshmallow pinks and plush green furnishings, Josette is pretty as a picture, so add impressive entertainment to that and you've got the makings of a top night out. IDC Brookfield Place, DIFC, (04 275 2522). The Showhouse Credit: The Showhouse A full-stage show, dinner and drinks all wrapped into one tidy, surprisingly accessible price is what you'll get at The Showhouse. Entering through the 'stage door' gives you all those thespian feels before you descend into the Parisian-style cabaret club, adorned with a reckless amount of red velvet. There are three packages to choose from, all with a three-course meal, but with a different quality of view and drinks included (though all are good). The show itself is a singing and dancing extravaganza, with the theme changing quarterly. There's even a Saturday brunch option if you're more of a matinee fan. Time Out Dubai reviewers say: 'The Showhouse, while shiny and fun, is perhaps a more accessible offering than others in the city, ideal for those who want a fun-packed evening with entertainment, food and drinks nestled in a single place at a single price tag.' Check out our full The Showhouse review here. InterContinental Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, @showhousedubai (04 423 8312). More restaurants with shows in Dubai Antika Oriental restaurant and bar Antika is where you should head if you've got visiting guests you want to impress. Inspired by the golden-age glamour of the Orient, this stunning spot features red velvet seats, gold columns and a patterned ceiling. It's opulent, utterly eye-catching and serves hearty Levantine cuisine alongside high energy nights. Every night, the stage is graced by the Middle East's top artists hitting high notes, dancers reinterpreting heritage melodies. Book your spot for their glamorous Saturday brunch and you'll be thinking about returning before the appetisers arrive. 25hours Hotel, @antikadubai (0507359177). Gatsby (Credit: Gatsby Dubai) Gatsby, like the name suggests, is a throwback to the Jazz Age. The loud, lively spot is part supper club, part stage show and has all the markings of the roaring 20s. Perched on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall in Palm Jumeirah, Gatsby's dinners with shows feature everything from extravagant dance acts to live vocals that will have you doing double-takes. On the menu, Mediterranean-inspired plates are designed for sharing. Enjoy dishes like crispy calamari, grilled octopus, juicy Angus tenderloin and many more delicious offerings. The night is always young here, so if you're after a party party (that doesn't end at midnight), this is one to book into. West Rooftop Nakheel, The Palm Jumeirah, (04 554 9418). Q's Bar & Lounge So it isn't exactly dinner with a show but we couldn't leave Q's Bar & Lounge off the list. If low-key entertainment is more your vibe Q's Bar & Lounge is for you. Classy and sophisticated, jazz music fills the intimate space as you soak in the vibes. It is no surprise that Q's is a hit as the man behind the bar inside the Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel is 28-time Grammy Award winner Quincy Jones. The beverage list is long with many specialty mixed drinks to savour as you soak in the vibe, and with of international acts taking up residencies, it is a must-visit. Palazzo Versace Dubai, Al Jaddaf. (04 556 8865). Scandal Dubai Perched on the 53rd floor of Sheraton Grand Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, this bold late-night spot sets the mood just right with dim lighting, red velvet accents, grand chandeliers, and stunning live entertainment. The restaurant's Latin cuisine really shine in standout dishes like salmon ceviche, duck carnitas and claypot de hongos, which are all as lively and memorable as the show itself. With dazzling performances and sweeping city views (if you manage to snag a seat by the ceiling-to-floor glass windows), it's a night out you won't forget in a hurry. Sheraton Grand Hotel, (056 428 5555). KRASOTA Dubai gastro-theatre Now, if you're looking for a show that's truly out of this world, KRASOTA is where you should be headed. This surreal dining experience serves up jaw-dropping visual art that unfolds around you as you savour a high-quality tasting menu. Chef Vladimir Mukhin's tasting menu is elevated by the spectacular visual effects of the two shows that are on display. Imaginary Art transports you into the worlds of iconic artists, while Imaginary Future lets you explore what life might look like for humanity in the years to come. It's dinner, but not as you know it. The Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, (044331258). Other things to do in Dubai 72 brilliant pool day deals to help you cool down this summer Have some well-earned fun in the sun 39 lively indoor brunches in Dubai to bookmark this summer Save this for all of Dubai's best cool brunching spots Dubai happy hours 2025: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place
