Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOWARD JONES
Howard Jones is a British musician, singer, and songwriter who played a key role in the synth-pop movement of the 1980s. He became known for hits like “What Is Love?”, “New Song”, “Things Can Only Get Better”, and today’s song choice. In July 1985, he performed at Wembley Stadium as part of the Live Aid concert. In 2018, Howard Jones released his autobiography, titled, “Always Running”, where he reflects on his life and career in the music industry. On this very day, February 23rd, 1955, he was born in Southhampton, Hampshire, England (the eldest…
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“MISS JACKSON” by OUTKAST
It’s Day 23 of our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, and today’s song choice comes to us from the American hip-hop duo known as OutKast. In 2002, this track won the award for “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” (at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards). It also won the BET Award for “Video of the Year” and the MTV Video Music Award for “Best Hip-Hop Video”. On this very day, February 23rd 2001, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES BLUNT
James Blunt is a British singer, songwriter, and musician who gained fame with hit singles like “You’re Beautiful”, “Goodbye My Lover” and today’s song choice. His debut LP, “Back to Bedlam”, is one of the best-selling albums in U.K. history. He has sold over 20 million records worldwide, and has received two Brit Awards, including “Best British Male” (in 2006). On this very day, February 22nd, 1974, he was born in Tidworth, Hampshire, England. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen a song that topped the charts in several different countries. If…
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“GOD’S PLAN” by DRAKE
It’s Day 22 of BLACK HISTORY MONTH, featuring the song, “God’s Plan”, which was recorded by Canadian rapper, Drake. Topping the charts in multiple countries, this urban track broke first day streaming records on both, Apple Music and Spotify. The lyrics within reflect Drake’s gratitude for all his success and (express the idea that his achievements are all part of a greater plan). In 2019, it received three Grammy nominations for “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Rap Song”, winning the latter. On this very day,…
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R.I.P. PETER TORK
Peter Tork was an American musician and singer who was best known as a key member of the 1960s pop-rock band, The Monkees. Alongside fellow bandmates Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Micky Dolenz, the group recorded a string of popular hits including “Last Train to Clarksville”, “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone”, “Daydream Believer”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, February 21st, 2019, Peter Tork died of a rare cancer (at 77 years of age). In memory of his passing, I’ve chosen the bands’ most recognizable track. If you’d…
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“BABY, COME TO ME” by PATTI AUSTIN & JAMES INGRAM
Let’s continue BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a classic R&B ballad performed (as a duet) by Patti Austin and James Ingram. Written by Rod Temperton, “Baby, Come to Me” is a smooth and romantic ballad that showcases the vocal chemistry between these two incredible singers. Several months after its release, American soap opera, General Hospital began to heavily feature this track as the love theme for character, Luke Spencer. It’s chart success eventually led to Austin and Ingram both receiving Grammy nominations. On this very day, February 21st 1983, it was the #1 song in…
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