Arch MUSIC NEWS for 1/22/13

Arch MUSIC NEWS is compiled by Jay Philpott -

Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson both became a part of history on Monday with their performances at President Obama’s second Inauguration ceremony. Beyonce was on hand to sing the National Anthem. Grammy-nominee Kelly Clarkson also sang “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee” during the President’s swearing-in ceremony.  The cold weather in Washington didn’t prevent James Taylor from adding warmth to his performance – he and his guitar delivered a version of “America The Beautiful.”  Katy Perry, John Mayer, Jay-Z, John Legend and Alicia Keys were also among those who bore witness to the event.

Some anti-gay conservative groups are protesting against Lady Gaga and her BornBrave Bus, which provides free mental health services to her fans. The protests started last week in Tacoma, Washington — the first U.S. stop on her “Born This Way Ball” tour. The Florida Family Association hired a plane to fly a banner reading “NOT Born This Way” outside the Tacoma Dome hours prior to the concert, while the BornBrave Bus was holding its pre-show event. According to MTV, protesters were present at Gaga’s Los Angeles concert at the Staples Center on Sunday as well. The BornBrave Bus reportedly went on with their work despite the nearby protesters, who were verbally insulting the concert goers and holding inflammatory anti-gay signs. The BornBrave Bus is the result of a partnership between Gaga’s foundation and the National Council for Behavioral Health. Several LGBT organizations are also there to provide information and services.

Justin Timberlake‘s “Suit & Tie” had a record-breaking debut for a male artist on the Pop charts. The song logged over six thousand plays in its first tracking week, coming in at number 14 on the chart. It’s the highest debut by a male in the history of the chart.