Louder: The fight over Elvis Presley’s estate

Plus: SZA, Miley Cyrus, Saint Levant and more

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story March 10, 2023 By Caryn Ganz Pop Music Editor First, some very exciting newsletter news: A new pop music newsletter, written by Lindsay Zoladz (with contributions from the music crew), is coming soon! It's called the Amplifier, it's a music discovery and recommendation newsletter for New York Times subscribers, it'll arrive twice a week and you can sign up here! The Oscars are Sunday night and "Elvis," the Baz Luhrmann interpretation of Presley's story, is up for eight awards, including best picture. Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley attended the Golden Globes in January, where the actor Austin Butler was celebrated for his portrayal of the King; days later, Lisa Marie, the musician's only child, was dead at 54, and a struggle over control of Elvis's estate began. Matt Stevens took a close look at the legal battle and the financial roller coaster that has ensued since Elvis's 1977 death. And if you haven't listened to the "Elvis" Popcast, squeeze that in before the awards. While you're listening, the latest Popcast has Questlove in conversation with Jon Caramanica and the former music journalist Joseph Patel about De La Soul's long-awaited arrival on streaming and the group's impact. Christopher R. Weingarten remembered Glen Lockett (known as Spot), who captured the first generation of American hardcore punk bands, with 10 essential tracks. (A full obituary is coming soon.) And the Playlist kicks off with a winning Miley Cyrus/Brandi Carlile duet. Jon also profiled the trilingual rapper Saint Levant, who went very viral with a very sexy song ("Very Few Friends") and has big aspirations outside of music. Alex Marshall spoke with Nia Archives, a British musician part of a fresh wave of jungle and drum-and-bass music. And Jon Pareles reviewed the latest release from Morgan Wallen. Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock As a Film Revives Elvis's Legacy, the Presleys Fight Over His Estate After the death of Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's ex-wife initiated a legal battle with her granddaughter over control of the family trust. By Matt Stevens Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT THE CRITICS & POPCAST THE PLAYLIST Miley Cyrus and Brandi Carlile's Raw Duet, and 9 More New Songs Hear tracks by Bartees Strange, Nicki Nicole, Caroline Rose and others. By Jon Pareles and Jon Caramanica Celebrating De La Soul, With Questlove A conversation about the group's impact and legacy as its music finally arrives on streaming services, just weeks after the death of one of its rappers, Dave Jolicoeur. ALBUM REVIEW The Predictable Return of Morgan Wallen Whiskey and women dominate the 36 new songs on "One Thing at a Time" from the controversial and resiliently popular country star. By Jon Pareles CRITIC'S PICK On Her Biggest Tour Yet, SZA Makes Small Feelings Huge The R&B star's first New York arena show supporting her blockbuster album "SOS" was a deft mix of styles and sounds, with guests Cardi B and Phoebe Bridgers. By Jon Caramanica FEATURES Avery Norman for The New York Times For Saint Levant, Sexy Music Is Personal, and Political What's at stake for a 22-year-old trilingual rapper who became a TikTok sensation by talking dirty and who aspires to be the president of Palestine? A lot. By Jon Caramanica Drum-and-Bass Is Rising Again, With Nia Archives in the Spotlight The 23-year-old British musician is a breakout star of a dance-music revival largely led by Black women artists. Her new EP, "Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall," is out Friday. By Alex Marshall Changing His Tune for Mother Russia As the Kremlin seeks to remake Russia's institutions to comport with its militaristic worldview, cultural figures are picking a side. One singer made his choice — and is growing rich. By Valerie Hopkins and Georgy Birger Composers Find Transcendence, and Inspiration, at the Club The storied Berlin techno club Berghain has changed the way some composers think about and make music. By Jeffrey Arlo Brown Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Bill Daniel Glen 'Spot' Lockett: The Punk Producer's 10 Essential Recordings As the house producer for SST Records, Lockett shaped the sound of hardcore from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. He died last week at 71. By Christopher R. Weingarten OBITUARIES David Lindley, 'Musician's Musician' to the Rock Elite, Dies at 78 He worked with a wide range of luminaries, most notably Jackson Browne, and there was seemingly no stringed instrument he couldn't play. By Alex Williams Gary Rossington, Last of the Original Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dies at 71 He played the soaring slide guitar solo on "Free Bird," co-wrote "Sweet Home Alabama" and survived the 1977 plane crash that killed three members of the band. By Neil Genzlinger Steve Mackey, a Mainstay of the Britpop Band Pulp, Dies at 56 Shortly after he joined that long-running group in 1987, it rose from obscurity to chart-topping success in what came to be called the Cool Britannia era. By Alex Williams NEWS John Taggart for The New York Times Adidas Is Wondering What to Do With $1.3 Billion in Yeezy Sneakers After severing business ties with the rapper Ye, Adidas said it would cut its dividend and declared 2023 a "transition year." By Melissa Eddy Jon Cherry/Getty Images Tennessee Law Limiting 'Cabaret' Shows Raises Uncertainty About Drag Events The measure is part of a wave of legislation by conservative lawmakers across the country against drag performances. Many are wondering how it will be applied. By Rick Rojas, Emily Cochrane, Ava Sasani and Michael Paulson Hilary Swift for The New York Times An Ex-D.J. Has a Housing Voucher. He Still Can't Find a Home. Facing eviction, a former D.J. agreed to leave his apartment after a housing nonprofit offered assistance. Now he's sleeping on the floor in an illegal squat. By Mihir Zaveri Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Two Killed in Stampede After Rochester Concert Concertgoers panicked after a show on Sunday night by the Grammy-nominated rapper GloRilla, thinking shots had been fired. By Liam Stack and Derrick Bryson Taylor THE CHARTS Karol G's 'Mañana Será Bonito' Is No. 1, Making Chart History The latest release by the Colombian pop star is the first Spanish-language LP by a woman to open at the top of the Billboard 200. By Ben Sisario FILM & BOOKS 'Rewind & Play' Review: Thelonious Monk Dazzles Even When an Interview Falls Flat Alain Gomis's documentary uses rushes from a 1969 French TV interview to make a smart indictment of music industry bias and offer viewers a subtle tribute to Monk. By Lisa Kennedy FICTION It's Not Over Until the Country Music Star Says So In her second novel, "The Farewell Tour," Stephanie Clifford follows a veteran singer who's wrapping up a long career on her own terms. By Amanda Eyre Ward STYLES Hedi Slimane LOOK AGAIN Bob Dylan Always Gives the Camera What It Wants A new ad campaign for the fashion brand Celine reveals the 81-year-old troubadour's hidden talent. By Jim Windolf Make a friend's day: Forward this email! Get this from a friend? Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter @nytimesmusic. Send your feedback on Louder at theplaylist@nytimes.com. Check out our full range of newsletters. Continue reading the main story Need help? 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