Patriarch of Winans family dies in Nashville

Nashville, Tenn. — David “Pop” Winans Sr., the Grammy-nominated patriarch of the award-winning gospel music family, died Wednesday. He was 76.

A statement from a Los Angeles public relations company representing the family said he died at a Nashville hospice, where he had been since January after suffering a heart attack and stroke last October.

In 1999, Winans was nominated for a Grammy for his solo CD “Uncensored.” He and his wife, Delores, known as Mom Winans, were nominated for their CD “Mom & Pop Winans” in 1989.

He was the father of BeBe and CeCe Winans, known for their hits “Addictive Love” and “I’ll Take You There.” Four other children — Michael, Marvin, Carvin and Ronald — performed as The Winans, recording such songs as “Ain’t No Need to Worry” featuring Anita Baker.

In recent years, Mom and Pop Winans appeared regularly at Benny Hinn crusades and on The Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “Praise the Lord” program.

Zac Efron stars in comedic Web video

New York — In a new comedic Web video, Zac Efron is host to a star-studded pool party that dissolves quickly when his rude uncle arrives.

The “High School Musical” heartthrob did the video for FunnyOrDie.com, the comedy video Web site co-founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. It features cameos of seemingly half of young Hollywood and a few veterans, too.

Making appearances are Nicole Richie, Vanessa Hudgens, Justin Long, Lance Bass, Queen Latifah and Carmen Electra.

Tom Lennon stars as “Uncle Hank,” who embarrasses Efron with his crass behavior.

The video, posted Wednesday, rapidly turned viral, with more than 193,000 people viewing it as of early afternoon.

Street renamed after Grammy winner Huff

Camden, N.J. — Songwriter Leon Huff had another reason to celebrate on his 67th birthday.

The Grammy-winning producer who helped create the “Sound of Philadelphia” had a street renamed for him in Camden, N.J., on Wednesday. A section of Mulford Street, where he was raised, was renamed Leon Huff Way.

Huff has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Kenny Gamble.

The duo are known for songs including “Love Train” by the O’Jays, “Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul and “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes.

Whitney Houston countersues stepmom

Fort Lee, N.J. — Whitney Houston is countersuing her stepmother for $1.6 million.

The Grammy-winning singer claims Barbara Houston owes her the money for failing to make mortgage, tax, and condo association payments for the Fort Lee condominium where she has lived since 1987.

Her stepmother initiated the tussle last year when she claimed the 45-year-old singer, who issued the condo mortgage loan, improperly kept proceeds from John Houston’s $1 million insurance policy after his 2003 death.

Comedy Central to roast Joan Rivers

New York — Joan Rivers, the 75-year-old, raspy-voiced comedian, will be held up for comedic slaughter by Comedy Central in a special taped July 26 in Los Angeles. It will air on the Viacom Inc.-owned network on Aug. 9.

Rivers has never been shy about her plastic surgeries — something that’s sure to be a subject of jokes during the roast.

Joaquin II? Billy Bob gives odd interview

New York — Joaquin, you have competition.

In a radio appearance reminiscent of David Letterman’s interview of Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Bob Thornton gave a puzzling and difficult interview Wednesday.

Appearing on CBC radio, the Canadian public broadcaster, Thornton evaded simple questions and criticized the host for mentioning that he was a movie actor and screenwriter.

Thornton appeared on the show with his band, the Boxmasters, who are currently on tour with Willie Nelson.

When the host, Jian Ghomeshi, asked Thornton when the band formed, Thornton said “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Holmes to return to stage for concert

Los Angeles — Katie Holmes is headed back to the stage, this time on Memorial Day for the annual concert in Washington, D.C.

Holmes and actor Gary Sinise are among the stars confirmed for the annual National Memorial Day concert set for Sunday, May 24.

The wife of Tom Cruise will team up with actor Dianne Weist to read one veteran’s personal story.

Those readings have been based on veterans’ letters home in past concerts.

Sinise and Joe Mantegna will be host. The concert will include appearances by actor Laurence Fishburne, musicians Katharine McPhee and Trace Adkins, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Broadway stars Brian Stokes Mitchell and Colm Wilkinson. The show will be broadcast live on PBS.