The Grapevine— Renee Fleming , Ludacris, The Bee Gees, and Jerry Lewis

Opera great Renee Fleming. Brad Barket/Getty Images

Renee Fleming to Debut New Album

Opera great Renee Fleming delves into the verismo opera style in her 15th solo album, aptly entitled “Verismo.” The new collection includes familiar pieces from “La Boheme,” “La Rondine,” “Lodoletta,” and more. “Verismo” will be available in stores on Sept. 15.

Ludacris Pulls an ‘Oprah’

Rapper Ludacris has given away 20 cars to winners of an essay contest sponsored by the artist’s foundation. Approximately 4,000 contestants submitted essays explaining their employment difficulties and how a lack of personal transportation has contributed to their challenges. Ludacris told the AP, “To be efficient, you need some transportation of your own to get there. That’s why I wanted to give back to those who need it.”

Gibb Brothers Ready to be Bee Gees Again

In a recent interview with BBC Radio, musician Robin Gibb disclosed that he and his brother Barry, are preparing to perform live again, six years after the tragic death of their brother and band mate, Maurice. He explained that the two remaining Bee Gees had “got through the breakwater of emotions.” The Bee Gees were one of the most popular bands of the 1970s, and many of their hits such as “Stayin’ Alive” are considered classics.

‘This Is a Public Service Announcement’

Viacom and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are rolling out “Get Schooled”—a five-year public service campaign aimed at keeping kids in class. Beginning with a half-hour documentary on Sept. 8 that will be featured on all of Viacom’s cable networks, the endeavor will utilize big names such as President Barack Obama, LeBron James, and Kelly Clarkson. Following the initial launch, multiple media platforms will be used to continue the message including a dedicated Web site, social networking sites, and television spots. The program is receiving the support of corporate giants and the U.S. Department of Education. The campaign says its “primary goal is to raise awareness for the need to decrease dropout rates, improve standards for post-secondary readiness, and increase the number of qualified graduates entering the work force each year.”

Jerry Lewis’s Telethon a Success

The 44th Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon aired over Labor Day weekend and raised an impressive $60.5 million for Jerry Lewis’s famous charity organization. The 21 1/2 hour event reached an estimated 40 million viewers and featured celebrities such as Jann Carl, Nancy O’Dell, Allison Sweeney, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Joshua Bell, and many more. Jerry Lewis said, “Right now, the only thing I can think of to say, other than thank you, thank you is, ‘love conquers all.’ So many people, everywhere, even with cares of their own, dug deep to show their wonderful compassion for others who need their help.”