Blog Posts by Wendy Geller

(Photo: Bill McCay)Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles will be releasing her eagerly anticipated new set, The Blessed Unrest, on July 16. She's been teasing the project since early this year, but in true generous form has made sure to keep her fans in the loop! Along the way during the process of making the album, Bareilles welcomed fans behind the scenes, resulting in a webisode series offering a glimpse at her creative process.

We at Yahoo! Music are excited to offer the latest episode in her journey, in which the singer reveals yet more of her new music (including two tunes, "Life in Eden" and "Little Black Dress"). She also brings in a special guest for one vocal track--her own sister! Overall, this spotlights a side of Bareilles that fans have not seen and will be sure to appreciate.

Nashville has been taking notice of Sarah Darling for some time now, despite the fact that the winsome blond star-in-the-making hasn't even put out a full-length album yet. She has released an EP, appeared on ABC's hit reality show "The Bachelor" (as a performer, not a contestant!), toured with "American Idol" Scotty McCreery, and even served as a spokesperson for everyone' favorite Southern sweet snack, Moon Pies.

Still, the singer insists that she's not going to put out her full set until she's got everything just right, and this is a promise she appears to be working on steadily. Having split with her original label, Black River Entertainment, earlier this year, Darling is currently exploring her options--but not resting on her laurels. She's just released a summery new tune, "Little Umbrellas," accepted a proposal from her boyfriend, and is busy planning both a wedding and her next strategic career move.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of a new album from platinum-selling rockers Skillet, who've been consistently successful in both mainstream and Christian rock circles for nearly two decades. The great news is, the set is fast on its way: Rise will hit the streets June 25.

Described by the band as their first concept album, Rise features the title track as a standout single from the project. We at Yahoo! Music have the exclusive premiere of the video for the tune — which will doubtlessly intrigue viewers with its stark, animated narrative.

Last July marked what would have been the 100th birthday of American musical icon Woody Guthrie, who died in 1967 at the age of 55 but whose classic compositions such as "This Land Is Your Land" — as well as his musical political activism (he famously played a guitar emblazoned with the slogan "This Machine Kills Fascists") — have lived on much longer.

In October 2012, a diverse group of musicians gathered to honor him with a special concert, Woody Guthrie at 100! Live at the Kennedy Center, which paid tribute to his unique artistry.

Now, the show — featuring contributions from Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Judy Collins, Jeff Daniels, Ani DiFranco, Donovan, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, John Mellencamp, Tom Morello, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucinda Williams, and many more — is available this week as a commemorative CD/DVD package for fans to add to their collections.

Here's a taste of the love, care, and musicality that went into the tribute, exclusively available here on Yahoo! Music for you to check out before getting your own copy of the project.

Out of all the contributors to the fete, a standout speaker is singer-songwriter Joel Rafael, who's

Photo: Bruce GlikasNobody can say that Billy Ray and wife Tish Cyrus didn't try: Back in 2010, the country star filed for divorce from his wife of nearly two decades. He dropped the filing in early 2011, saying that he was ready to work on his marriage. But now, Tish has decided it's time to end the partnership, and it appears Billy Ray is on board.

Both husband and wife have requested privacy in their personal matter. Billy Ray issued a statement on Thursday, stating, "This is a personal matter and we are doing what is in the best interest of our family. We ask that you respect our privacy at this time."

Photo: Trae PattonUsher's latest hit "Looking 4 Myself," discusses a personal journey in which a man asks "Who am I?" The singer explores this mystery that we all face at one point or another in our lives in a particularly innovative way, via a new short film he just finished in collaboration with tech giant Samsung

In the 90-second drama, the Voice coach faces off against none other than himself, waging a battle between the "good" Usher and the "celeb" persona version of himself which wreaks havoc in a romantic relationship. The result is a stunning example of creative choreography which shows off the star's strengths in virtually all his artistic areas. All the stunts and moves were done by Usher himself — no shortcuts allowed. The video additionally spotlights cutting-edge motion control technology available in the 2013 Samsung Smart TV...pretty cool stuff.

Rihanna may have a history of being "unapologetic" when it comes to showing off her sexy bod, but some fans seem to think she's gone too far. In fact, they've taken it upon themselves to forcibly put some clothes on the singer…after a fashion.

Billboards promoting Ri-Ri's June 21 Dublin tour stop on her current Diamonds World Tour--featuring the singer topless--mysteriously were found "dressed," with tube-top style tunics attached over the naughty bits.

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Big news out of New Orleans: The legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band is releasing its first album of original music in its 50-year career! Jazz fans who've followed the Hall over the decades will no doubt be delighted to celebrate this landmark anniversary with That’s It!, which will hit the streets July 9.

The new set was produced by My Morning Jacket's Jim James and Ben Jaffe and recorded at The Preservation Hall. As noted, all the songs are brand-new compositions that band members Ben Jaffe, Charlie Gabriel, Rickie Monie and Clint Maedgen wrote for the album. The jazzmen collaborated with Paul Williams, Dan Wilson and Chris Stapleton on several songs as well. Overall, it's a stunning new chapter for this musical institution, which has dedicated itself to promoting traditional New Orleans jazz for so long.

Yahoo! Music is proud to offer the first listen to single "Come With Me," which is sung by 81-year-old Gabriel. Enjoy!

We also are happy to have this exclusive clip of bandleader Jaffe discussing the track and upcoming new album. Which song do you think will get