Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. HANK WILLIAMS

DJ Rays Music

Hiram King Williams (aka Hank Williams) was born on September 17th, 1923, in Mount Olive, Alabama. An influential singer-songwriter, and one of the pioneers of country music, he had a profound impact on the genre, earning him the nickname, “The Hillbilly Shakespeare”, for his poignant and often poetic lyrics. Unfortunately, his career was tragically short-lived as he struggled with health issues and alcoholism. Despite a relatively brief time in the spotlight, he left a lasting legacy with his timeless classics and distinctive singing style. Some of his most famous and…

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Chart Toppers 

“THE SOUND OF SILENCE” by SIMON & GARFUNKEL

DJ Rays Music

“The Sound of Silence” is a classic song recorded by the American folk-rock duo, Simon & Garfunkel. This song was written by Paul Simon and was first released (in 1964) as an acoustic ballad. This folk classic is known for its poetic lyrics and haunting melody, and it remains one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most iconic and enduring songs. On this very day, January 1st 1966, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, simply click on the provided…

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Chart Toppers 

“JUST LIKE STARTING OVER” by JOHN LENNON

DJ Rays Music

“Just Like Starting Over” is a classic ballad that was recorded by English singer-songwriter, John Lennon (who referred to it as a tongue in cheek impersonation of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison’s vocal styles).  It reached the top of the charts in multiple countries, and is often remembered as one of the last songs recorded by Lennon (before his untimely assassination). On this very day, December 31st 1980, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. RICKY NELSON

DJ Rays Music

Ricky Nelson was an American singer and musician who was born in Teaneck, New Jersey on May 8th, 1940. His entertainment career began when he joined his family’s TV show, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” (in 1952). This platform eventually catapulted him as one of America’s first teen idols. As a musician, Ricky Nelson recorded many popular songs, including “Travelin’ Man”, “Poor Little Fool”, “Lonesome Town”, “Garden Party”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, December 31st…

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Chart Toppers 

“LIKE A VIRGIN” by MADONNA

DJ Rays Music

The song “Like a Virgin” is an eighties pop track that was recorded by legendary singer, Madonna. The lyrics within convey the feeling of being in a new relationship, describing the freshness and excitement of the experience. On September 14th, 1984, Madonna opened the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards ceremony by playing this song (while donning a white wedding dress with a bustier, pearls, lace fingerless gloves, and a belt buckle with the words “Boy Toy” inscribed on it. On this very day, December 30th 1984, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF LYNNE

DJ Rays Music

Jeff Lynne is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who is best known as frontman (and co-founder) of the rock band, Electric Light Orchestra. Some of the group’s best-know tracks include “Mr. Blue Sky”, “Don’t Bring Me Down”, “Evil Woman”, “Telephone Line”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Jeff Lynne was also a member of The Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup (formed in the late 1980s) that included music legends, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison. In the year…

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Chart Toppers 

“OVER & OVER” by DAVE CLARK FIVE

DJ Rays Music

“Over and Over” is a classic rock song that was originally recorded (in 1958) by American singer-songwriter, Bobby Day. However, the most successful version of this track was recorded several years later by English rock band, The Dave Clark Five. A formidable part of the British Invasion (in the 1960s), this group’s mass appeal helped launch the single to #1 on the U.K. charts. On this very day, December 29th 1965, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen,…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEXTER HOLLAND

DJ Rays Music

Dexter Holland is an American singer and songwriter who provides lead vocals for alternative rock band, The Offspring. Formed in 1984, this group had success with songs like “Come Out and Play”, “Pretty Fly for a White Guy”, “Hit That”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). As their primary songwriter, Dexter Holland helped the band record a total of 10 albums between the years 1989 and 2021. On this very day, December 29th 1965, Dexter Holland was born in Garden Grove,…

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