Editor's Note: First Notes is a weekly update of recent happenings in the world of music.

* N.E.R.D. released its first single in four years — "Squeeze Me," recorded for The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. N.E.R.D. is made up of Pharrell and the Neptunes. The band's last album was Nothing, released in 2010.

* Singer Joe Cocker, 70, died of lung cancer on Dec. 22. Known for his gritty voice and energetic style of performing, Cocker turned the Beatles "With a Little Help From My Friends" into a soulful masterpiece.

* Little Jimmy Dickens, 94, a Grand Ole Opry member since 1948, has been hospitalized in critical condition. He was admitted with an undisclosed illness on Christmas. He last performed at the Opry as part of his 94th birthday celebration on Dec. 20.