Topic: James Brown

American Idol auditions in Oklahoma shock and awe

American Idol auditions Thursday in Oklahoma brought inspiration and bizarre choices – and a cameo by a former American Idol judge. Next week, American Idol embarks on the infamous Hollywood week.

Tap dancing Brooklynite is Miss America

Mallory Hagan, 23, who moved from Alabama to New York walked away with the crown in the Miss America competition Saturday night. Hagan's talent was tap dancing, and her platform was mandatory child abuse education in all 50 states.

Top Picks: Ernie Kovacs' lost tape, Bibi Tanga's new album, and more

One man explores rock history in 12 minutes, 'Singin' in the Rain' gets an anniversary edition, and more top picks.

NBA Finals: Heat come from behind again in Game 4 win over Thunder

The Heat leads the series over Oklahoma City, 3-1. One year after losing to Dallas in the NBA Finals, Miami is on the cusp of its first title in six years. Game 5 takes place Thursday evening in Miami.

American Idol: Judges go crazy for Joshua Ledet's British Invasion (+video)

American Idol recap: Wednesday night, the American Idol judges were on their feet (again) for Joshua Ledet and his performance of, "To Love Somebody."

Chapter & Verse James Brown: the electrifying one and only

Journalist RJ Smith explores the magic and mayhem of James Brown in a new biography of the legendary performer.

Seeking company, finding community

Bored of the beach, a tourist attends a local church service.

Change Agent Tim Tebow, the philanthropist

How is Tim Tebow using his fame as starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos? Impressively.

The Chitlin’ Circuit and the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll, by Preston Lauterbach.

A groundbreaking history of the black juke joints that birthed rock 'n' roll.

Whatever happened to the protest song?

Dorian Lynskey, author of "33 Revolutions Per Minute," talks about the history of the protest song and why it seems to have disappeared.

Bruce Springsteen says 'Darkness on the Edge of Town' marked dawn of career

Bruce Springsteen really started to find a purposeful working life with his fourth record, 1978's 'Darkness on the Edge of Town,' the subject of a documentary that had its world premiere Tuesday night at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Jimi Hendrix bandmate sues over '03 release

Jimi Hendrix and Lonnie Youngblood recorded several songs in 1969, one of which was included in a 2003 compilation.

Michael Jackson tributes: Michael Jackson fans around the world honor his memory

Michael Jackson fans are holding tributes worldwide. Michael Jackson passed on a year ago. Vigils, prayers, and music are part of the Michael Jackson tributes.

Tom Cruise wows MTV Music Awards; "Twilight" wins five prizes

Tom Cruise brought back a character from "Tropic Thunder" Sunday night.

The Beastie Boys and the fine art of stock trading

The Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique was a masterpiece of sampling, which is a great way to unearth stock-trading ideas.

Timbuktu, the birthplace of blues

Don't argue with an African about the birthplace of blues. It's Timbuktu. Hear why.

Say goodbye to the last flowers of fall

What happens to Rams if Rush Limbaugh buys in? Top 10 celebrity owner misfires.

Rush Limbaugh wants to buy into the NFL's St. Louis Rams, but the record of celebrity sports owners is generally poor.

Review: 'Soul Power'

Concert footage not to be missed in this documentary about the music superstars who performed before the Muhammad Ali-George Foreman fight in 1974.

How to succeed in screaming without really being Axl Rose

Vocal coach Melissa Cross teaches heavy-metal rockers to find their inner beast without getting hurt.

'Young@Heart': Retirees revivify rock 'n' roll

In the feel-good documentary, a choir of seniors sing inspired versions of pop songs.

Why Sharon Jones is the new face of old soul music

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings aim to revive old-school soul music in the US. The Dap-Kings were hired to play on Amy Winehouse's album while Jones dominates the soundtrack of "The Great Debaters." Now, a breakthrough may be imminent.

Iraq offensive: Clear out militants – and stay.

US, Iraqi operation in Diyala Province draws on a new counterinsurgency model.