Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALICIA KEYS
Alicia Keys is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer, who gained international fame in the early 2000s with her debut album, “Songs in A Minor”. Some of her most popular singles include hits like “If I Ain’t Got You”, “No One”, “Fallin’”, “A Woman’s Worth”, “You Don’t Know My Name”, and the song I chose for you today. In 2009, she collaborated with Jay-Z and recorded a Billboard #1 hit with “Empire State of Mind”. Throughout her career, she has won numerous Grammy Awards, including “Best New Artist”…
Read More
“DOWN UNDER” by MEN AT WORK
The song “Down Under” is a popular eighties track that was recorded by the Australian rock band, Men at Work. The lyrics within depict an Australian man who’s travelling the globe, meeting people who are interested in his homeland. The story is based in part on singer Colin Hay’s own travels abroad, including a prominent reference to a Vegemite sandwich (a popular snack in Australia). In October 2006, VH1 added it to their list of the “100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s”. On this very day, January 25th 1983, it was the…
Read More
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEIL DIAMOND
Neil Diamond is an American singer and songwriter whose career has spanned over many decades. Over the years he has produced a string of iconic singles, including “I Am… I Said”, “America”, “Song Sung Blue”, “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Forever in Blue Jeans”, and the song I chose for you today. Throughout his lengthy career, he has received multiple accolades, including a “Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award”, and an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. On this very day, January 24th, 1941, Neil Leslie Diamond was born in New York City. In…
Read More
“LE FREAK” by CHIC
Written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, “Le Freak” is a song by American disco band, Chic. It features a very distinctive sound including the guitar riff, funky bassline, and catchy chorus. The lyrics within tell the story of Rodgers and Edwards being denied entry into Studio 54, a famous New York City nightclub (back in the 1970s). Nile Rodgers stated that the lyrics were originally meant to be “F Off” rather than “Freak Out”. Inevitably, the song became a massive hit, and is considered a disco anthem. The success…
Read More
R.I.P. BOBBY FREEMAN
Bobby Freeman was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born in Alameda County, California on June 13th, 1940. He began his music career at a young age, forming a doo-wop group called the Romancers. He later signed with Josie records and embarked on a solo career. Eventually, he appeared on “American Bandstand” and toured with many legendary musicians including Fats Domino, The Coasters, and Jackie Wilson. His iconic hit single, “Do You Want to Dance” (released in 1958), remains a classic that has stood the test of…
Read More
“SORRY” by JUSTIN BIEBER
“Sorry” is a song (by Canadian singer Justin Bieber) that received critical acclaim for its infectious melody and vocal performance. It features an upbeat and catchy pop sound with elements of tropical house and dancehall. The lyrics revolve around the theme of apologizing and asking for forgiveness in a relationship. The song achieved commercial success, topping the charts in several countries, and showcasing a more mature and polished sound for Justin Bieber. This new sound marked a transition from his earlier teen pop image to a more adult and contemporary…
Read More