Author: DJ Rays Music
“EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORN” by POISON
The song “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a power ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Poison. Written by lead vocalist Bret Michaels, the lyrics within use the metaphor of a rose and its thorn to convey the idea that even beautiful things can have their flaws. VH1 added it to their lists of the “Top 25 Power Ballads”, “100 Greatest Love Songs”, and “100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s”. On this very day, December 28th 1988, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…
Read MoreHAPPY BIRTHDAY to JOHN LEGEND!
John Legend is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who (throughout his career) has won a total of 12 Grammy Awards. In 2015, he won an Academy Award for “Best Original Song” with his passionate anthem, “Glory”, which he performed with rapper, Common. Recorded for the film, “Selma”, this song also won a Golden Globe Award. Among his many accolades, in 2007, he received the Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 28th 1978, John Roger Stephens (known professionally as John…
Read More“LOSE YOURSELF” by EMINEM
“Lose Yourself” is a popular hip-hop track that was recorded by American rapper, Eminem. The song’s powerful message and energetic production contributed to its widespread appeal (making it a timeless anthem for perseverance). In 2003, it won the Academy Award for “Best Original Song” (making it the first ever rap single to receive this honor). One year later (in 2004), it won two Grammy Awards for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Male Rap Solo Performance”. On this very day, December 27th 2002, it was the #1 song in America, topping…
Read MoreHAPPY BIRTHDAY to MICK JONES!
Mick Jones is an English songwriter and musician who is best known as co-founder (and lead guitarist) of the rock band, Foreigner. With worldwide sales topping 80 million records, some of this group’s most popular hits include songs like “Feels Like the First Time”, “Cold as Ice”, “Urgent”, “I Want to Know What Love Is”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout Foreigner’s career, there were several lineup changes, but Mick Jones remained a constant and integral part of the band.…
Read More“MY SWEET LORD” by GEORGE HARRISON
“My Sweet Lord” is a spiritual track (from the early 1970s) that was recorded by English singer and ex-Beatle, George Harrison. The lyrics within were inspired by Harrison’s exploration of Hindu spirituality (and his experience with meditation). In 1972, it was grammy nominated for “Record of the Year”, and in 2004, Rolling Stone magazine added it to their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, December 26th 1970, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…
Read MoreR.I.P. CURTIS MAYFIELD!
Curtis Mayfield was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who played a significant role in the development of soul and funk music. He began his career as a member of The Impressions (in the late 1950s). With Mayfield’s distinct falsetto vocals at the forefront, this group achieved success with hits like “People Get Ready” and “It’s All Right”. Throughout his career, he was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, (once as a member of The Impressions, and again as a solo artist). He was also a…
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