Akon looks for fresh start on new CD (AP)

AP - Akon's explosive rise to the top of the music charts was fueled by feel-good songs and naughty grooves — but his criminal past was always an underlying part of his success. His breakthrough album was titled "Konvicted," his music company is called Konvict, and the clank of prison bars are often heard in his music.

K-Fed: I'd rather see my kids than Britney's money (AP)

AP - Kevin Federline says money was no object in his custody battle with Britney Spears.

Digital market offers hope as music sales slow (Reuters)

Reuters - Ever since Apple's iTunes store launched in 2003, the digital music market has received an annual Christmas gift in the form of a sales boost, as consumers unwrap new iPods and gift cards for the holidays.

Civil rights beacon Odetta dead at 77 (Reuters)

Reuters - Odetta, the deep-voiced folk singer whose ballads and songs became for many a soundtrack to the American civil rights movement, has died at age 77, her manager said on Wednesday.