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The Ledger: Inside Universal Music’s 2021 Annual Report

The Ledger is a weekly newsletter about the economics of the music business sent to Billboard Pro subscribers. An abbreviated version of the newsletter is published online. Universal Music Group’s first-ever annual report, released Thursday, offers an exhaustive look at the company’s finances and operations as well as environmental, social and governance initiatives. If you […]

The 25 Best Songs About Family

All artists have muses, and who better to inspire a song than those closest to you? From songs spotlighting brothers (like BTS’ “Begin”), sisters (like Mickey Guyton’s “Sister”), mothers (like 2Pac’s “Dear Mama” and Taylor Swift’s “The Best Day [Taylor’s Version]”), fathers (like Avicii’s “The Nights”), sons (like Adele’s “My Little Love”), daughters (like Stevie […]

Will Smith Resigns From Academy After Chris Rock Oscars Slap

Will Smith, in the wake of slapping Chris Rock at Sunday’s Oscars, has decided to resign from the membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Smith said he was heartbroken and would accept all consequences for his conduct. “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards […]

Jerrod Carmichael Shares Personal Coming-Out Story on HBO Special ‘Rothaniel’

Comedian Jerrod Carmichael publicly shares that he is gay in his new HBO special Rothaniel, premiering Friday night (April 1). In Rothaniel, the comedian, who is set to host Saturday Night Live this weekend, details coming out while sharing stories about his family history, including one that recalled the moment he caught his father cheating on his mother and the feelings that came with […]