Author: DJ Rays Music
“PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE” by TEMPTATIONS
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is a funky soul track that was recorded by American vocal group, The Temptations. The lyrics within tell the story of a man whose father was absent and left a legacy of extreme hardship and instability. In my personal opinion, this song is particularly special for having the best bassline of all-time. In 1973, it won three Grammy Awards, and many years later (in 1999), this classic was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 8th 1972, it was the #1…
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R.I.P. JOHN LENNON
John Lennon was an English singer, musician, and songwriter who was born in Liverpool, England on October 9th, 1940. He initially rose to fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles (who spearheaded the 1960s British Invasion). After The Beatles disbanded (in 1970), he embarked on a solo career, and recorded hits like “Give Peace a Chance”, “Just Like Starting Over”, “Woman”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In 1987, he was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of…
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“WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO” by WHAM
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is a high energy pop song that was recorded by the English singing duo known as Wham. Written by lead singer, George Michael, his lyrical inspiration came one day before he and bandmate (Andrew Ridgely) were going out on the town. Michael fell asleep, but before he drifted off, he wrote a scribbled note with directions for Ridgely to wake him up before he goes. Ranked at #28 on VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Songs From the 1980s”, this track sold 2 million…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA BAREILLES
Sara Bareilles is an American singer and musician who’s known for her piano-driven arrangements, powerful vocals, and introspective songwriting. Her most popular singles include “King of Anything”, “Brave”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout her career she has received many accolades, including 2 Grammy Awards, and in 2012, VH1 named her as one of the “100 Greatest Women in Music”. On this very day, December 7th 1979, Sara Beth Bareilles was born in Eureka, California. In celebration of her birthday, exactly 45 years ago…
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“SMOOTH” by SANTANA featuring ROB THOMAS
The song “Smooth” is a slightly Latin-infused rock track that was recorded by Santana (featuring vocals by Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20). The music video for this single was particularly cool as it showcased just how talented Carlos Santana is as a guitarist. In the year 2000, it won several Grammy Awards, including “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals”. On this very day, December 6th 1999, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…
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R.I.P. ROY ORBISON
Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was born in Vernon, Texas on April 23rd, 1936. He was particularly known for wearing dark sunglasses, which became a trademark of his image. Orbison achieved international fame with a string of hit songs, including “Only the Lonely”, “Running Scared”, “Oh, Pretty Woman”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In the late 1980s, Orbison joined The Traveling Wilburys (alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty). In 1987, shortly…
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