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Top Picks: Dad bloggers in the spotlight, bluegrass female force Della Mae's new album, and more

HBO's new documentary 'Love, Marilyn' examines newly discovered diaries and letters, Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring' is remastered, and more top picks.

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HBO
Love, Marilyn airing on HBO
This World Oft Can Be by Della Mae
Wrote a Song for Everyone by John Fogerty
  • By Staff

Keep on turning

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s hits are so embedded in American heads and hearts that “Proud Mary” is practically a national anthem. The song’s creator, John Fogerty, proves as ageless as his songbook on Wrote a Song for Everyone, an inspired collection of duets with a stellar lineup. Jennifer Hudson delivers a Big Easy-flavored “Proud Mary,” Fogerty trades sizzling guitar licks with country star Brad Paisley on “Hot Rod Heart,” and rock icon Bob Seger and Fogerty turn “Who’ll Stop the Rain” into a soulful lament. Each familiar CCR hit becomes new again.

Dads who blog

We’ve all seen plenty of mommy bloggers, but how about the dads who write about parenting? LifeofDad.com has been highlighting a dad blogger every day for the past month leading up to Father’s Day on June 16. Some of those include Scott Behson, who offers tips on balancing work and family, and Scotty Schrier of “Dads Who Change Diapers.” Not to be missed: a compilation video of fathers singing the theme song to “The Little Mermaid.”

Band of sisters

A new sensation has been storming the bluegrass stage. Della Mae, a five-woman ensemble of talented pickers on guitars, fiddle, mandolin, and bass, has managed to both capture the sounds of American musical traditions as well as craft its own spirited and lilting lyrics. The group’s second album, This World Oft Can Be, will strum its way right into your heart.

Riot of spring

Don’t miss the newly remastered iconic 1958 recording of Stravinsky’s ballet “Le Sacre du Printemps” (“Rite of Spring”) with Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic. Sony Classical has released this legendary recording in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Russian ballet and its riotous score, described by Maestro Bernstein as a “volcanic” masterpiece.

Children make a difference

PBS reminds us that children are the best change agents we have in the “Independent Lens” film The Revolutionary Optimists. The documentary follows former lawyer and activist Amlan Ganguly as he helps the children of the worst slums in Calcutta, India, transform their own world. Shot over a period of three years, the film takes us through a landscape of child labor, poverty, and disease, showing how children can make a difference – from cleaning up trash to delivering medicines. It airs on PBS June 17.

Marilyn’s inner life

The 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s death has produced a rush of activities around the iconic star. But one of the most intriguing has to be Love, Marilyn airing on HBO June 17. The documentary is a swirl of reenactments of moments in the star’s life – the fame and scandals – based on newly discovered diaries and letters hidden away in Lee Strasberg’s archives. A parade of actresses speak Norma Jean’s own words, and the film includes archival footage and dramatic readings of passages by famous writers reflecting on Monroe and her remarkable impact.

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