New this week: Willie Nelson, Nick race special, 'Hamilton'

Exploring the intersection of Jimmy Carter’s presidency and the rock and roll music that he was so fond of, Mary Wharton’s unfussy portrait of Carter, “Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President” is a vibrant film that highlights the importance of music in Carter’s life, and how he used culture (or what others in the film calls ‘soft power’) as president.

The legendary Willie Nelson, now 87 years young, becomes the first artist with top 10s in every decade --seven in all -- since Billboard's Top Country Albums chart originated in January 1964, as First Rose of Spring blooms at No. 5 on the July 18-dated survey with 12,000 equivalent album units, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Nelson adds his record-extending 53rd Top Country A

Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIES — “We Are Freestyle Love Supreme": For anyone who didn't get enough of Lin-Manuel Miranda from the live-capture of “Hamilton,” there is more.

(CNN)Disney+ has scored a hit with the filmed version of "Hamilton," but that success has renewed discussion about how the musical deals with the slaveholders it portrays.While it boasts a diverse cast including creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda who is of Puerto Rican descent, "Hamilton" has been criticized by those who believe it doesn't accurately portray the horrors of slavery and glosses over the role in it played by America's founding fathers.It's a discussion which kicked off after

 Lin-Manuel Miranda  missed his shot to perform for  Beyoncé  back in 2015. When the Grammy winner and her husband JAY-Z went to watch the Broadway smash hit Hamilton in New York City, they did not get the chance to see the original Alexander Hamilton a.k.a.

Willie Nelson revealed that his late friend and collaborator Kenny Rogers originally wanted him to record one of his most enduring and popular songs. Nelson and Rogers collaborated on a number of projects before the latter died in March at age 81.

“Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda called criticism of the smash-hit Broadway musical “fair game” following its release on the Disney+ streaming platform. The musical debuted in 2015 telling the biographical story of Alexander Hamilton and a handful of the other Founding Fathers through song.

Willie Nelson's annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual. Fans can tune in to the nearly 50-year-old music bash Saturday via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.

Vanessa Nadal is poking fun at husband Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s love life in Hamilton.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is opening up about just how the idea of a hip-hop musical of Hamilton came to him.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is opening up about the decision to have some actors in Hamilton play two different characters.

Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual.Fans can tune in to the nearly 50-year-old music bash Saturday (July 4) via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.

Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic is going virtual this year over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Fans can tune in to the nearly 50-year-old music bash Saturday via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.Tickets for the picnic are on sale at williepicnic.com.

SPICEWOOD, Texas -- Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual. Fans can tune in to the nearly 50-year-old music bash Saturday via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.

Chris Willman Music WriterNo one can accuse Willie Nelson of not acting his age… which, at 87, is an impressive feat. Throughout a recent string of albums, he’s been remarkably willing to devote much or most of the content to reflections on aging, which include looking back on regrets (or the lack of them — he did name a recent record after Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” after all) and sweeter memories, or even ahead, to the reunion of lovers beyond the grave.

Willie Nelson would love to be on the road again.But at 87, the tireless country legend isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic keep him down.In fact, he’ll be having a busy 4th of July weekend: First he releases his 70th solo studio album, “First Rose of Spring,” on Friday.

Willie Nelson’s 70th album.