Aaron Neville

The velvety voice on the other end -- its tone warm and crisp -- is so familiar. It is the voice of Johnny Mathis, a nearly 50-year recording veteran, known as the "world's greatest romantic singer." Calling from his home in Hollywood, the 69-year-old crooner sounds surprisingly youthful. These days, the man still looks good, too: The hair is dark, full and feathered, the skin bronzy and smooth. "It's not easy getting old," Mathis says, chuckling. "I've been exercising a lot for the past 10 years.

Los Angeles -- On the whole, Grammy would rather have been on the Streets of Philadelphia.At least that's the way it seemed last night, when Bruce Springsteen's AIDS-inspired single, "Streets of Philadelphia," swept the 37th Annual Grammy Awards. Springsteen was up for four awards -- Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Original Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television -- and won all of them but Record of the Year, which went to Sheryl Crow for "All I Wanna Do."

Here is a list of winners of the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards:RECORD OF THE YEAR: "Another Day in Paradise," Phil Collins.ALBUM OF YEAR: Quincy Jones.SONG OF THE YEAR: "From a Distance," Julie Gold.NEW ARTIST: Mariah Carey.POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE, FEMALE: "Vision of Love," Mariah Carey.POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE, MALE: "Oh, Pretty Woman," Roy Orbison.POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCAL: "All My Life," Linda Ronstadt with Aaron Neville.POP INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE: "Twin Peaks Theme," Angelo Badalamentei.

The peculiar psychology of the lottery was on full display yesterday as near-record numbers of Marylanders couldn't resist the lure of a $220 million Big Game jackpot, while game officials urged players to refrain from reckless spending. From the Eastern Shore to Garrett County, Marylanders, joined by vanloads of hopefuls from neighboring states, lined up at ticket outlets for the right to at least dream of being exceedingly lucky - and rich. But on what was likely to be the game's second-biggest sales day ever in the state, Maryland Lottery Director Buddy Roogow delivered a deliberately mixed message.

One of the most respected names in American music doesn't have a recording contract.Yet the power and influence of "Austin City Limits," now in its 20th season on PBS (airing on Maryland Public Television, channels 22 and 67, at 6 pm. Saturdays), carries the clout of multiplatinum record sales and truckloads of industry awards.Ever since its 1976 debut, "Austin City Limits" has steadily carved a reputation for being more concerned about showcasing good music than chasing the trends and one-hit wonders that characterize so many music-oriented TV shows.

HAYWARD 'CHUCK' CARBO, 82 Baritone for Spiders quintet Hayward "Chuck" Carbo, whose ultra-smooth baritone fronted the 1950s quintet the Spiders that made the world aware of New Orleans rhythm & blues, has died. Charbonnet-Labat Funeral Home said he died last Friday after a long illness. Singer Aaron Neville, a longtime friend, said Mr. Carbo and his brother Leonard "Chick" Carbo were part of the premier New Orleans group in their day. A young Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack produced several 1960s singles by Mr. Carbo and considered him an immense, if underappreciated, talent.

IT SEEMS, at a certain point, the thing to do. xxLinda Ronstadt did it back in the '80s. Throughout the '90s, Natalie Cole did it. Although he should have stayed far away from it, Rod Stewart just couldn't resist. And Aaron Neville will do it later this summer. After years of pushing their voices over wailing guitars, funk-seasoned grooves or overblown pop arrangements, some music vets feel the need to "get deep" and interpret the American Songbook once the hits dry up. Some folks pull it off (Linda and Natalie did at first, but both singers eventually drove the formula into the dust)

Anne Arundel County may be known as the seat of state government, home of the Naval Academy and an area rich in maritime traditions - but after a full day of history, education and enlightenment, it's time for a little entertainment. From sophisticated theater and classical music to high-energy bar bands and amateur boxing, the county offers a wide variety of live entertainment, holding its own against the hot spots of nearby Baltimore and Washington. Among the top picks for those seeking to sample the local nightlife: Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise St., Annapolis, 410-268-9212, www.summergarden.

Miami-- --Is it just a coincidence that The Artist Formerly Known as Prince is going to perform at the first Super Bowl featuring the NFL team Formerly Known as the Baltimore Colts? Don't bother writing. I know Prince dropped the "Formerly" and went back to being just Prince when his Warner Bros. recording contract expired in 2000, but I never let a fact get in the way of an interesting turn of phrase. Prince is headlining this year's Super Bowl halftime extravaganza, which is terrific news, especially if you have a particular affinity for people who spend a lot of time dressed in purple, though it's probably small consolation for Ravens fans.

HOLIDAY EVENTS NOVEMBER NOV. 19 - 21 FIRST ANNUAL WreathFEST Neighborhood: Brooklyn Park Area When: Nov. 19: 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 20: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Nov. 21: noon- 5 p.m. (winners announced at 1 p.m.) Venue: Chesapeake Arts Center 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, MD 21225-3649 Phone: 410-636-6597 Description: WreathFEST offers a unique holiday event featuring one-of-a-kind wreaths decorated by community organizations and businesses.Wreaths are available for purchase, so come out and celebrate community spirit and giving.