Elizabeth Taylor has declined an invite to speak at pal Michael Jackson's memorial on Tuesday because she doesn't want to be a part of the hoopla surrounding the event.

The 77-year-old movie star was rumored to be attending the tribute with Barry Manilow, but she reveals she won't be going to the Staples Center event in Los Angeles.

In a message to fans via Twitter.com, the actress writes, "I've been asked to speak at the Staples Center. I cannot be part of the public whoopla (sic). And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word. I just don't believe that Michael would ...

Smokey Robinson's soul super group The Miracles are to be honored with the 2,381st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The founding members of the group, including Robinson and Pete Moore, will unveil the star on March 20.

Motown boss Berry Gordy and soul legend Stevie Wonder will honor the Miracles.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)

A special series of online podcasts featuring rare and intimate conversations with the label's legends, producers, songwriters and singers, are now available at www.classic.motown.com. The podcasts are also available on iTunes.

These exclusive podcasts are just part of a year-long celebration of Motown's 50th and its lasting legacy, which included the Dec. 9 release of Motown: The Complete No. 1's, a 10-CD box set in the shape of the label's famed "Hitsville U.S.A." birthplace in Detroit, featuring more than 200 classic songs from 50 Motown artists that topped charts around the world, ...

Marilyn Monroe was originally christened Norma Jean. Archibald Leach opted for the more debonair nom de guerre Cary Grant. At the age of 10, musical prodigy Steveland Morris was dubbed (by Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.) "Little Stevie Wonder." These aren't the only celebrities who bid farewell to the names bestowed upon them in infancy; among those in the public eye, adopting a more star-worthy moniker seems to be the rule, not the exception.

Stage Names

Where stage names are concerned, some stars keep it succinct. Musicians Cher and Seal shortened their names from Cherilyn and ...

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy is to be honored for his contribution to American music at an exclusive post-Grammy Awards event in Los Angeles.

The Grammy Salute To Industry Icons reception will be held on Sunday to pay homage to the label chief, who will be presented with the prestigious President's Merit Award to Industry Icons.

President/CEO of The Recording Academy, Neil Portnow, says, "Berry Gordy embodies that rare combination of creative genius, entrepreneurial excellence and fearless proponent of social change. By bringing the heart and soul of Motown to the world, he...