| Is Norah Jones a rock star? |
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| Wednesday, 13 June 2007 | ||
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On the surface, Norah Jones doesn't appear to be much of a rock star. A pop star, most definitely, but not a rock star.
The rundown: Since winning five awards at the 2003 Grammys, Jones has become quite the commodity in the rock community. Among the many rockers she's collaborated with, the list includes Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl, Ryan Adams and Outkast. Other rock star collaborators: Grohl has worked with his fair share of fellow rock stars, including Queens of the Stone Age, Nine Inch Nails, Tenacious D and, of course, the late, great Kurt Cobain. Counterpoint: It could be argued that Dave Grohl hasn't been a real rock star since “My Hero” was released to radio. Reason No. 2: She has copped to smoking weed. The rundown: In a March 2007 interview with Blender, Jones admitted that she smokes marijuana on occasion. She added, however, that she is “not a pothead” and typically just falls asleep after getting her smoke on. Other rock star stoners: This list is simply too long for print. Counterpoint: According to the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 97 million Americans age 12 or older have tried marijuana at least once. Weed, apparently, is not exclusive to rock stars. Reason No. 3: She's Ravi Shankar's kid. The rundown: For those who don't know, Ravi Shankar is a rock star in his own right – a world-renowned musician and, with a career that has spanned more than 60 years, the record holder for longest international music career, according to the “Guinness Book of World Records.” He also is the father of Jones, who was actually born Geetali Norah Jones Shankar. Other rock star children: Lisa Marie Presley, Sean Lennon, Jack and Kelly Osbourne Counterpoint: Rock-star offspring don't necessarily qualify as rock stars, case in point, Lisa Marie Presley's singing “career.” Reason No. 4: She overcharges for concert tickets. The rundown: Tickets for Jones' upcoming show at Majestic Theatre are running upwards of $55. Other rock star overchargers. The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart Counterpoint: Doesn't pretty much everyone – regardless of genre – overcharge for concert tickets these days? Reason No. 5: She moonlights as a punk rock singer. The rundown: On May 12, 2006, Jones took to a New York City stage, clad in short shorts, a blonde wig and fishnet stockings, as the lead singer for punk band/side project El Madmo. Jones also played guitar and donned a black eye mask. Other punk rock singers: Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), Joey Ramone (The Ramones), Tim Armstrong (Rancid) Counterpoint: Pop stars posing as punk rockers is nothing new. See Fall Out Boy. CLINT HALE | 210SA |
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