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Show Entertainment MICHAEL J. FOX, who plays Marty McFly in the runaway hit summer movie Back to the Future, appears here on the Tonight Show. He also appears in the TV series "Family Ties." (UPI photo) THE BOSS, Bruce Springsteen, returns to his home state of New Jersey as he opens a concert with the song, "Born in the USA." (UPI photo: Robert Roth) WHITNEY HOUSTON, Grammy Award winner for Female Pop Vocal Performance of "Saving All My Love For You," charms her audiences with her spunky, little girl style. . ,' . V 4 s t j v J il I F r ''A.. ' . ' ". , i.iw,' i . ' ; i - ; .fK 'V I a , v J Text: Amy Bryson The entertainment industry has never been so noble. In the past year or so, the biggest of the big names have united together to promote world peace, feed the hungry in Africa, and save the farmers from debt. Crusades like Hands Across America, We Are the World, and Farm Aid are starting to re-vamp the image of musical stardom previously linked to drugs, decadence and down-right rebellion. "Singers are trying to change their image," said Michael Butts, program director of KDAB 101. "You have people like John Cougar Mellencamp who used to be known as a party animal. He got involved with Farm Aid." Additionally, country singers have deluged the charts with patriotic singles such as "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood and "America" by Waylon Jennings. More and more singers from all genres say they've forfeited life in the fast lane for an alcohol- and drug-free diet. And they pass that message on to their fans through hit singles. Prince, the non-traditional black singer who made it big with his album Purple Rain, shakes an admonishing finger at cocaine users in his single "Pop Life." Other singers, such as Billy Joel, chastise and offer advice to the would-be victims of suicide in "Second Wind." Four top names Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and Elton John -teamed up with 'That's What Friends Are For," with proceeds supporting research on AIDS. And Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album launched several hits and made his name a household word for teenagers across the country. He recorded "My Hometown" to help the laid-off workers of the 3-M plant in New Jersey, Springsteen's home state. The past year also witnessed the sultry and stunning appearances of such female crooners as Dionne Warwick's niece Whitney Houston and Madonna, who spurned a crowd of followers with her lace-laden clothing. Dire Straits, a British rock band; grabbed high numbers on the charts with "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life." On the screen, Ron Howard offered hope for seniors in Cocoon, a comedy about four older men who discover the fountain of youth. Sylvester Stallone was pitched against Russia's best boxer in Rocky IV, a patriotic continuation of Rocky Balboa's fighting exploits. And when he wasn't fighting the Russians, Stallone ventured to Vietnam where he rescued American POW's in Rambo: First Blood, Part II. Steven Spielberg, mastermind behind E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark, had audiences captivated by The Color Purple, a poignant portrayal of two American black families. Movie-goers also rushed to the theaters to view Out of Africa, Sidney Pollack's film starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. Winners of the 58th annual Academy Awards held in March included: Picture: Out of Africa Actor: William Hurt, portraying a homosexual who accepts reality in the Kiss of the Spider Woman Actress: Geraldine Page, 61, portraying an old woman who seeks serenity through a trip back to her hometown in The Trip to Bountiful Supporting Actor: Don Ameche, 77, for his role as a rejuvenated old soul in Cocoon Supporting Actress: Anjelica Houston, playing a Mafia princess in Prizzi's Honor Director: Sydney Pollack, Out of Africa Original Song: "Say You, Say Me" from White Knights, recorded by Lionel Richie Original Musical Score: Out of Africa Cinematography: Out of Africa The Grammy Award winners for this year included: Record of the Year: "We Are the World" Album of the Year: No Jacket Required, Phil Collins Song of the Year: "We Are the World" New Artist: Sade Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Saving All My Love For You," Whitney Houston Female Rock Vocal: "One of the Living," Tina Turner Male Rock Vocal: "Boys of Summer," Don Henley Group Rock Vocal: "Money for Nothing," Dire Straits Female R and B Vocal: "Freeway of Love," Aretha Franklin Male R and B Vocal: "In Square Circle," Stevie Wonder Group R and B Vocal: "Nightshift," Commodores Female Country Vocal: "I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me," Rosanne Cash Male Country Vocal: "Lost in the '50's Tonight," Ronnie Milsap Group Country Vocal: "Why Not Me," The Judds Country Song: "The Highwayman," Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash |