Lenny Kravitz has signed on for his first leading film role, playing singer Marvin Gaye in a biopic that will be shot next year.
The rocker’s publicist Carleen Donovan confirmed the news Tuesday, The Associated Press reports. Mr. Kravitz has played supporting roles in the past, including a small part in “The Hunger Games.”
Rolling Stone first reported details about the 48-year-old performer’s part in the film, directed by Julien Temple.
The magazine said the “Are You Gonna Go My Way” singer will portray Gaye during the 1980s when he was fighting his addictions and attempting to restart his career. Gaye died in 1984 after he was shot by his father.
Adele’s album ’21’ sells more than 10 million copies
Adele is rolling in the records.
The 24-year-old British singer’s album “21” has sold more than 10 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album reached the milestone last week, less than two years after its release.
“21” is the 21st album to sell 10 million copies since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991.
Adele’s sophomore studio album debuted in 2011 and featured such hits as “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You” and “Set Fire to the Rain.”
It’s the third album to reach the 10 million mark in 2012. Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory” and Usher’s “Confessions” also have sold 10 million copies this year.
Adele won in all six Grammy categories in which she was nominated this year, including album of the year.
Black Keys’ copyright lawsuits settled
The Black Keys told a federal judge that the band has settled copyright infringement lawsuits against Pizza Hut and Home Depot Inc. claiming misuse of their music in commercials.
The band alleged the song “Lonely Boy” was used improperly to sell power tools, and “Gold on the Ceiling” to sell pizza. The Grammy-winning band sued in June. Both companies denied copying the songs.
Attorneys for the band informed a federal judge in Los Angeles of the Pizza Hut settlement Monday. The agreement with Home Depot was reached earlier this month.
No details of the settlements were included in court filings. Stephen Holmes, a spokesman for Home Depot, and a publicist for the band didn’t have an immediate comment. A representative for Pizza Hut did not return a message seeking comment.
Attorneys expect to file formal dismissals by early January, according to court filings.
Both songs appeared on the rock group’s seventh album, “El Camino,” which was released last year and has sold more than 1 million copies.
The Black Keys are comprised of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. Musician-producer Brian Burton, who is known as Danger Mouse, also sued the companies.
“Lonely Boy” and “Gold on the Ceiling” topped the Billboard alternative music chart after being released.
The Black Keys won two Grammy Awards in 2010 for music from their album “Brothers,” which won the Best Alternative Music Album award that year.
Katy Perry to create perfumes for Coty
Katy Perry is adding some more scents to her perfume line.
The singer and songwriter is to develop a line of signature scents with beauty company Coty Inc., according to an announcement released Wednesday and reported by The Associated Press. Coty will distribute them on a larger scale than the Purr and Meow perfumes that Miss Perry previously crafted.
The company said Miss Perry’s “unique approach to music and life” will drive her inspiration and move toward “new avenues of scent creation.”
Other pop stars to concoct their own fragrances include Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift. Coty’s perfume brands include Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and Playboy.
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