Google Doodle celebrates the Year of the Horse

When Prince comes to the Montreux Jazz Festival, all bets are off. On his third visit to the Swiss Riviera for the 47th edition of the event, he was given carte blanche over three consecutive, sold-out evenings and appeared determined to cover as many bases as possible.

Soul and blues legend Bobby “Blues” Bland died yesterday at the age of 83, according to reports.

Blazing a trail?

At 69, the Queen of Soul has survived surgery and a traumatic break-up to record her first new album in a decade. In a rare interview, she talks to Rob Hoerburger about her music, her glory days – and why she is still looking for love

Beyoncé brings sex, hair and Hollywood to Somerset

Aretha Franklin is planning a huge star-studded bash to celebrate her 69th birthday tomorrow.

Former US secretary of state hits the stage with Aretha Franklin

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th birthday last night in the only way it knew how. By rocking out. Some of the biggest names in rock music including Sting and Bruce Springsteen graced the stage at Madison Square Gardens as part of the five hour concert. A further celebration is set to shake the prestigious venue tonight as the likes of Aretha Franklin and U2 provide birthday surprises.

Celebrities turn out to perform for South African statesman's anti-Aids charity – and a star-studded audience

He didn't shake any hands, was surrounded by dozens of secret service agents, and only left his new heated Cadillac for a few minutes. But Barack Obama's first walkabout as US President succeeded in warming-up a crowd which had been shivering on Capitol Hill since well before dawn.

On paper, 24-year-old VV Brown certainly has the makings of a star – beauty, a big voice and, crucially, the backing of a major record label. Add to that her penchant for retro-soul and success on a huge scale seems a foregone conclusion.

Beth Rowley's parents were missionaries in Peru, so it's hardly surprising that the young singer-songwriter has an exotic approach to her music. By Nick Duerden

If you fancy a Maserati Gran Turismo, there's a year's waiting list – and that's no surprise with a car that can turn anyone into a foxy love god