Mark Bego

Paperback Writer is the humorous and star-studded memoir of best-selling celebrity author Mark Bego. With 56 books in print, two New York Times best-sellers, a Los Angeles Times best-seller, and a Chicago Tribune best-seller, Bego has made a career out of interviewing media stars, and writing books about their lives. His most recent release was 2009’s internationally published Elton John: The Bitch is Back. In Paperback Writer his celebrity co-stars include Madonna, Cher, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones, The Temptations, The Village People, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, Martha Reeves, Billy Joel, Angela Bowie, Gene Simmons of KISS, Jimmy Greenspoon of Three Dog Night, Joni Mitchell, Hall & Oates, and even Katharine Hepburn.

Known for his biographical books about Leonardo DiCaprio, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and George Strait, finally the time came for Bego to tell some of his own colorful adventures in celebrity land. Bego recalls what it was like to move to New York City as a 21-year-old wannabe writer, and turn his love of show business into a lifelong career. Paperback Writer takes each of its chapters from Bego’s personal celebrity journals that finds him interviewing Aretha Franklin at her house, dancing next to Cher at Studio 54, having coffee with Barry Manilow in his apartment, traveling around the world with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, and moving into the homes of rock stars to put their life stories on paper.

According to Bego in Paperback Writer, “In the past 40 years, not only have I met hundreds of rock, pop, movie and TV stars, I have partied with them, gotten drunk with them, gotten into trouble with them, traveled around the world with them, lived with them, written their autobiographies with them, and I even wound up in bed with some of them!”

As a prognosticator of the “next big thing,” Bego began his career predicting stardom for Michael Jackson, Madonna, and selling millions of copies of his books about their lives and careers. In Paperback Writer Mark continues to track trends by following new stars like Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert, and writes about his currently working on the screenplay adaptation of one of his most popular rock biographies.

“I have had a roller coaster career of ups and downs,” says Mark, “including attending the opening night of Studio 54, partying with some of the crown heads of Europe, and reporting celebrity news on television. I have made a career out of telling the stories of the stars of movies, music, and television. In Paperback Writer I finally get to tell my side of the story with all of the craziness, the cocktails, and the fun intact.”

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A Q&A Session with Mark Bego

About PAPERBACK WRITER

You have written and published 55 books on show business, and your memoir, Paperback Writer is Number 56. How have you managed to produce so many unique and different books?

“In 1984, my book on Michael Jackson—Michael!—came out the same week he caught his hair on fire doing the Pepsi commercial. It sold seven million copies worldwide, and I was on The New York Times best-seller list! Then I predicted that Madonna was going to be the next big superstar, I wrote the first book ever published about her, and it became a million-seller as well. After that, several publishers were looking to me to write books for them, and it blossomed from there.”

The first rock group you interviewed was Steely Dan. Is that the experience that put you on this path as a rock & roll biographer?

“In 1974, at Central Michigan University, Steely Dan came to my campus, and I received a phone call from their record company, asking if I wanted to interview the group. Naturally, the answer was ‘yes!’ In the middle of the Steely Dan interview a light went on in my head, and I knew what I wanted to do with my Journalism degree: interview rock stars for magazines and books!”

According to Paperback Writer, you were at the opening night at Studio 54, and danced next to Cher. What was that like?

“By the time Studio 54 opened, I was writing for several publications, so I was on the invitation list for that star-studded debut evening. My date that first night at Studio 54 was C.C.H. Pounder of The Shield and Avatar. We were absolutely knocked out when Cher came boogieing over to us on the dance floor, and suddenly C.C., Cher and I were surrounded by the paparazzi! That was the beginning of countless nights at Studio 54 for me. I used to hang out and talk to Andy Warhol, Michael Jackson, and of course The Village People!”

You were the first person to interview The Village People, and you predicted the initial career success of Madonna and Whitney Houston. How did that happen?

“I was writing for Disco World magazine at the time, and during our interview I could tell that they were going to be a huge hit, and I instantly became friends with the guys in the group. There is a whole chapter in Paperback Writer about that. Actually, the first time I wrote about the group was in my regular ‘Nightlife’ column in Cue magazine. When my paperback biographies started to become huge sellers, along came two more talents I recognized instantly: Madonna and Whitney Houston. In the ‘80s I wrote Madonna! and Whitney! I revamped both books to write the expanded volumes: Madonna: Blonde Ambition in the ‘90s and my 2009 German language-only book Whitney Houston: Die Biografie.”

Several of the chapters in the book are about the stars of Motown, and you have toured around the world with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, and Martha Reeves. How did that come about?

“When I grew up in suburban Detroit, I was absolutely mesmerized by Motown. When I started interviewing celebrities for magazines in New York City, I always gravitated to the stars of Motown. After I met Mary Wilson of The Supremes in 1975 for an article in Record World magazine, we became lifelong friends. Several of the chapters in Paperback Writer are about my exploits and adventures with Mary, in Japan, in Sweden, in France, and in Monaco. Working on Martha Reeves autobiography—Dancing in the Street: Confessions of a Motown Diva—was a Motown dream-come-true for me. It became a Top 10 best-seller for us, and we had a blast on our promotional tour which helped make it a hit!”

At seven million copies sold, your book on Michael Jackson—“Michael!—is the biggest selling book on The King of Pop. What was that experience like?

“I first met Michael Jackson at a party at Studio 54 that was given in his honor in the 1970s. He was in New York City filming The Wiz. Then, when my 1984 book about him became such a big hit, he surprised me by showing up in LaToya Jackson’s suite at The Helmsley Palace Hotel. I walked right over to Michael and re-introduced myself to him as the author of his biography. He looked me in the eyes—through his dark glasses—and said, ‘I know who you are.’ Although I always found him to be odd and distant, I was saddened when he suddenly died. In 2010 I was able to write and edit a tribute magazine in his honor called Remember the King, as a way to say ‘goodbye’ to him.”

You have had several successful books outside of the United States. How did that come about?

“In 1984, when my Michael Jackson biography became a huge hit in America, England, Spain, Japan and several other countries published foreign editions of it. That was the beginning of my books finding an international audience. When Michael Jackson died last year, my original Japanese publisher, Shinshokan, reprinted my book Michael! as a special 25th anniversary edition for Japan only. In 2009, when I wrote the American book, Elton John: The Bitch is Back, again several foreign publishers jumped at the opportunity to bring out their own international editions. So far my Elton book is has been published in England and Germany, and Russian and Danish versions of it are due out next.”

What rock star bio would you most like to write?

“I would love to update my Barry Manilow biography, with Barry. Also, I have always wanted to write a book with Ringo Starr. He is the only Beatle who has not done his own autobiography, and I want to do it with him. Yes, he did contribute to the Beatles book that Paul and George were involved in during the 1990s, but he has never done a solo autobiography. I have done all sorts of things to try to talk him into it. I keep bugging his manager to talk Ringo into it, but I have yet to snag him. I am not done pursuing this! One of these days I will talk Ringo into it!”

Paperback Writer spans a wide range of music, from your first books The Captain & Tennille and Barry Manilow, up to Lady Gaga. Has the music business changed a lot?

“I was very much involved in the record business in the 1970s and 1980s. When I worked at CBS Records I would watch all of the new music come across my desk as the latest vinyl albums. Nowadays I have to pay attention to the Internet, and be aware of American Idol and Glee. The music and the musicians I write about in Paperback Writer could be a soundtrack album as much as a memoir!”

What has been our favorite book so far?

“Well, Paperback Writer of course! However, I have a special fondness for my book Madonna: Blonde Ambition, in which I christened her the ultimate “bitch goddess.” I also loved my biography Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul. I interviewed Aretha at her Detroit mansion, and in the middle of the interview she started cooking some chicken in her kitchen. When the chicken was fully cooked she suddenly announced, ‘Chicken’s done. Interview’s over!’ She had the maid show me to the door, and didn’t share so much as a single chicken wing! I had obviously been dismissed by The Queen of Soul! I also loved my books about Cher and Patsy Cline as well. In Paperback Writer I took the opportunity to write something about all of them. I have had a fun and exciting career, and I captured it in Paperback Writer!”

Shia LaBeouf With Josh Brolin And Michael Douglas

Blue Star Jets—more than just a name in a film, but a real life private jet brokerage company. No coincidence, after all the company’s founders Todd Rome and Ricky Sitomer did title the company based on the business central to the cult classic movie, Wall Street. In the 1987 film, Michael Douglas stars as corporate raider Gordon Gekko who is seeking control of airline, Blue Star. Rome says the name Blue Star was chosen because, “In an era where private jet travel became accessible to the world’s business and jetset elite, Blue Star Jets was the obvious name to choose in homage to Wall Street. Now, twenty-three years later, Oliver Stone premiered the star-studded sequel Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps at the Cannes Film Festival, where Blue Star made its big screen comeback during a scene where Charlie Sheen’s character (Bud Fox), returns to tell Gekko (Douglas) that his private aircraft business is booming. The film’s other hefty cameos? Look out for big names ‘The Sage of Omaha’ Warren Buffett, Economist Nouriel Roubini and Vanity Fair’s Graydon Carter. Widely anticipated to be a blockbuster the movie hits theatres September 24, 2010. Click here to visit their site.

About Blue Star Jets:

As one of the world’s largest private aircraft charter broker, Blue Star Jets offers an unparalleled level of personalized service. As their motto states, ANY JET, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE™, Blue Star Jets grants clients freedom from the financial constraints of fractional jet ownership; the savings of paying only for trips taken; and the flexibility to choose the best aircraft according to a trip’s specific budget requirement. Most recently, Blue Star Jets has introduced the world’s first online social networking site for travelers seeking to fly privately, while minimizing costs— the ShareAJet Exchange. As the first site of its kind, the ShareAJet Exchange introduces travelers to flying privately together, helping clients connect with other flyers planning trips to similar destinations and arrange to share flights aboard a specific private aircraft. As Blue Star Jets grants travelers unmatched access to the private aviation industry through its centralization of the charter business, eliminating the need for fractional jet ownership, the ShareAJet Exchange will once again lower the barrier of entry for travelers into the marketplace as it brings down the costs of private aviation for travelers by up-to-fifty percent. As an idea which arose from business executives, Mr. Todd Rome and Mr. Ricky Sitomer, frustrated with the lack of service and high costs of flying privately, Blue Star Jets has revolutionized the private aviation charter business through centralization of a fractured marketplace. By creating a network of charter companies, Blue Star Jets has access to over 4,000 aircraft worldwide, ranging from helicopters to Boeing business jets. Its staff of aviation specialists solicits competitive bids on each flight request, passing the savings to their clients. Blue Star Jets’ aviation specialists are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Since 2005, the New York-based Luxury Institute has named Blue Star Jets the “Most Prestigious Private Jet Services Brands.” For more information, please visit www.bluestarjets.com.

I used to really enjoy Fox 5 News at 5 pm everyday, but I can no longer stomach this showed filled with promos disguised as news. Look, a lot of people at the network are my good friends, I hang out with so many of them. But I have been told by my sources that News Corp. owner Rupert Murdoch owner has given orders that everything News Crop. gets promoted in all their outlets. This basically equals to slanted news. On one day alone, I had to endure stories on Glee, American Idol, TMZ and other Fox shows on Fox News at 5. This is not right. A news show should be a news show and not Entertainment Tonight disguised as breaking news. I do not gave a dam about whats coming up on American Idol, nor do I give a S**T on what is coming up on Glee. I do love TMZ, but I can wait to see the show without having to see promos while I am waiting for real news. The afternoon show started making mistakes when they switched the beautiful Rosanna Scotto to the morning on Good Day New York. I considered Rosanna Scotto the face of New York News, and her leaving Fox 5 News at 5 was a slap in New Yorkers faces. Rosanna was born and raised in New York. No one knew this city like her except for another loss to the station Mike Sheehan. Mike Sheehan was recently fired from the station because of a car accident with some police horse. Sheehan spent 25 years in the NYPD, dealing with such high-profile cases as the Robert Chambers preppy murder case and the controversial Central Park jogger investigation. He left police work in 1993 and had been with Ch. 5 ever since. No one had more police contacts than Mike Sheehan and no one worked harder on the streets getting real news stories that New Yorkers really cared about. Mike was the Steve Dunleavy of the airwaves. Where is Rupert Murdoch’s loyalty to the people who have been loyal viewers and loyal employees on our Fox stations. Watching Fox News on Cable is also another disaster. They always claimed to be fair and balanced, but for around a year now, they have been so unfair and so unbalanced that I can not watch them anymore too. All FNC does is put down Obama, Health Care, The Democrats on every show. They bring guests in who give the view they want the public to see. I also hear that Rupert Murdoch is a Republican. Even know I am, That explains a lot. I now watch MSNBC or CNN, because at least they are really fair and balanced. I’m not even going to get into The New York Post’s slanted news on American Idol, Glee and other shows. This is just not fair. I’m am also not going to get into employees who were allegedly fired for giving bad reviews on a News Corp or Fox movie project on FNC.

Rupert Murdoch needs to grow up and be fair to his television audience and his newspaper readers. News Corp needs to return to real Fair and Balanced reporting. Rupert Murdoch needs to be loyal to his employees and he also has to stop importing Brits in to work in the media outlets he owns in the United States. Isn’t there a immigration law that says workers from other countries can only get a job here if there’s no one else to fill it? I know plenty of Photo Editors and Newspaper Editors that need jobs now, instead we have pompous Aussi. Col Allen as editor and another pompous foreigner David Boyle as Photo Editor of The New York Post. It’s time News Corp. wakes up. Fox News Channel talks about American jobs, it would be nice if they lived up to it!

Photo By: RD/Leon/Retna

Elton John

SILVER BLUE IDOL — When Simon Cowell announced that he was leaving “American Idol” after this season, the rumors flew fast and furious; everyone from the music industry’s Clive Davis to Elton John was mentioned as a possible replacement. Actually, when you think about it; would you really want to be Simon’s replacement? Look at what’s happened to poor Ellen … everyone thought she’d be a slam dunk, but when the smoke cleared and the voices returned to normalcy, she was just barely OK … definitely out of her element and just one of four, as opposed to the main cheese on her show. While the producers have wisely said nothing … adding to the suspense, one name has come up, and it’s a doozy: producer extraordinaire Joel Diamond. He the producer of Engelbert Humperidnck’s “After The Lovin’” and really a force of nature. We’ve been aware of Joel for years, much of it when he was based in NYC; he produced the terrific “One Night In Bangkok” by Robey, the signature song from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much-underrated play “Chess.” He’s also worked with the likes of Helen Reddy, Rick Derringer, Benny Mardones, the 5 Browns, Ray J, Laura Branigan, Dr. Hook, the Bee Gees, David Bowie, and, in his first-ever recording, David Hassellhoff (aka Snapper); in total, 36 Gold and Platinum albums and 54 charted hits according to Billboard. He also produced in the ‘80′s several solo albums with a sterling cast of characters. Interestingly enough, the solo albums were on his own record label imprint, Silver Blue Records. Truth be told, Joel was and is a consummate businessman. We were first introduced to Diamond through PR-man David Salidor, who has recently returned to represent Diamond. Also, Joel’s possesses quite the raconteur style and from all reports, would be a formidable foil for the others judges. Certainly, he’s got the industry chops to discern the good from the bad, as well as a mentoring attitude that would no doubt do the show a lot of good. Says Salidor, “Joel has ALL the necessary tools to do justice for Idol. With Simon leaving, he’d bring a much needed genuine element to the show. He’s the real deal.” “Idol” has of late not only been losing in the TV ratings to “So You Think You Can Dance,” but has suffered from a lack of knowledgeable judging. Randy Jackson is good, but not really on the cutting edge of music; Simon and Paula were actually in the business and thus, brought forth a ton of true blue knowledge. Joel would bring a terrific mixture of smarts to the show; as well as a true blue resume. He’s got our vote. Check out his site www.joeldiamond.com

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BOND DELAYED – SO, last weekend EON Productions (the company who makes the Bond-movies) announced that they have suspended what was to have been Bond movie #23 … already in pre-production; with none other than Sam Mendes directing. Truth is the Bond-studio MGM, looks to be once and for all up on the chopping block, thus endangering the movie’s production and subsequent release and ownership. What this all means is that with the studio teetering on the edge of insolvency, EON didn’t want to risk the new production maybe going to the creditors. Plus, they may have the right to take the Brand-franchise elsewhere … for an even better deal. In Hollyweird, you often fail upwards. Though all the films have been via MGM, the fact of the matter is that the Bond-films were the only substantial resource of the studio. Sure, they had the Pink panther movies … but, nothing equaling the Bond films. The Bond producers operate with great autonomy, and as such, have essentially all the say over what happens. Nikki Finke in Deadline Hollywood quotes a source close to the production, “It feels like EON is sending a message to MGM … if they try to continue as a stand-alone studio, don’t expect to be making anymore Bond films.”

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Bob And Harvey Weinstein

SHORT TAKES: Last night’s “Lost” on ABC –winding down their season, with the two-hour finale on May 23- was … confusing. In fact, it’s really the first episode in a six-year-run that I had a problem with. It pains me somewhat to say that as there’s no more serious fan than I, but with many of the arcs finally coming to fruition, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time to cover them add adequately enough. My colleague Jeff Jensen, in entertainment Weekly, had almost the same opinion as I. And, for the record, he’d be BIG LOST FAN #2. Let’s hope for the best … I don’t know if you’ve been following; but, movie moguls Harvey and Bob Weinstein have been lobbying to buy back the Miramax name from Disney … who they sold it to years ago for billions. The Disney/Mirarmax title has fallen on hard times and the Weinsteins (or, Bob and Harvey) want it back. Why not … as it was the scene of many earlier triumphs including “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction.” The latest news is that they seem to have done it with help from L. A.-shopping mall magnet Ron Burkle for a price of $625 million. Miramax has a catalog of 611 films, including five unreleased titles; Burkle will put in $325 million in equity and own most of the company. The company, named for their parents Miriam and Max, will finally return home … and, who knows, maybe some of the original-Miramax fervor will flourish at the brother’s currently home, Weinstein Films. Lord knows they could use it.

Photos By: Sara De Boer/Retna

Joe Jonas With Demi Lovato

Taylor Lautner

Will Smith

Selena Gomez

School Gyrls

Rosario Dawson

Nikki Reed

Nathan Kress

Marlee Matlin

Maria Bello And Sons

M. Night Shymalan

Katy Perry

Jackson Rathbone

Erin Sanders

David Spade

Chris Rock With Family

Jackie Chan With Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith And Family

Ariel Winter

Ariana Grande along with Ariel Winter, Selena Gomez, Shaun White, Molly McCook, Sammi Hanratty, School Gyrls, Rosario Dawson, Rihanna, Miranda Cosgrove, David Spade, Keke Palmer, Katy Perry, Jackson Rathbone, Demi Lovato, Chris Rock,Cory Monteith, Will Smith, Jackie Chan, Ashley Argota, Avion Baker, and many more stars attended the Nickelodeon’s 23rd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards Pauley Pavilion, UCLA, Westwood, California last night.
Photos By: RD / Kirkland / Retna Digital

Kids’ Choice Awards winners 2010
*DENOTES WINNERS

MOVIES:

Favorite Movie:

*Alvin and The Chipmunks:The Squeakquel
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
X-men Origins: Wolverine

Favorite Movie Actor:

Zac Efron (17 Again)
*Taylor Lautner (The Twilight Saga:New Moon)
Shia LeBeouf (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen)
Tyler Perry (Madea Goes to Jail)

Favorite Animated Movie:

A Christmas Carol
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Monsters vs. Aliens
*Up

Favorite Movie Actress:

Sandra Bullock (The Proposal, The Blind Side)
*Miley Cyrus (Hanna Montana: The Movie)
Megan Fox (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen)
Zoe Saldana (Avatar)

Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie:

*Jim Carrey (A Christmas Carol)
Seth Rogan (Monsters vs. Aliens)
Ray Romano (Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs)
Reese Witherspoon (Monsters vs. Aliens)

MUSIC:

Favorite Song:

“I Gotta Feeling” (Black Eyed Peas)
“Paparazzi” (Lady Gaga)
“Party in the USA” (Miley Cyrus)
*”You Belong With Me” (Taylor Swift)

Favorite Male Singer:

*Jay-Z
Sean Kingston
Mario
Ne-Yo

Favorite Music Group:

*Black Eyed Peas
Coldplay
Jonas Brothers
Linkin Park

Favorite Female Singer:

Beyonce
Miley Cyrus
Lady Gaga
*Taylor Swift

TELEVISION:

Favorite TV Show:

*iCarly
Sonny With A Chance
The Suite Life on Deck
Wizards of Waverly Place

Favorite Reality Show:

*American Idol
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
So You Think You Can Dance?
Wipeout

Favorite Television Actress:

Miranda Cosgrove
Miley Cyrus
*Selena Gomez
Keke Palmer

Favorite Television Actor:

Joe Jonas
Nick Jonas
Cole Sprouse
*Dylan Sprouse

Favorite Cartoon:

The Penguins of Madagascar
Phineas & Ferb
The Simpsons
*SpongeBob SquarePants

SPORTS:

Favorite Male Athlete:

Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
*Ryan Sheckler
Shaun White

Favorite Female Athlete:

Danica Patrick
*Misty May Treanor
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

OTHER CATEGORIES:

Favorite Video Game:

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
*Mario Kart
Wii Fit
Wii Sports Resort

Favorite Book:

*Diary of a Wimpy Kid series
Twilight series
Vampire Diaries series
Where the Sidewalk Ends

Cutest Couple:

Edward & Bella (Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart) from The Twilight Saga: New Moon
*Jacob & Bella (Taylor Lautner & Kristen Stewart) from The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Neytiri & Jake (Zoe Saldana & Sam Worthington) from Avatar
President Obama & Michelle Obama