Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALICE COOPER

DJ Rays Music

Alice Cooper, is an American singer and songwriter who became a prominent figure in the rock music scene during the 1970s. He is credited for being one of the pioneers of shock rock, with his on-stage persona being characterized by dark and macabre themes (often featuring guillotines, fake blood, and other theatrical elements). Some of the songs that made Alice Cooper famous include “I’m Eighteen”, “School’s Out”, “Only Women Bleed”, “No More Mr. Nice Guy”, and “Poison” (to name just a few). Known for his unique impact in the hard…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BUDDY HOLLY

DJ Rays Music

Buddy Holly, a central figure in the early development of rock and roll, was born in Lubbock, Texas on September 7th, 1936. His music and style influenced many legendary artists, including the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. In 1957, he formed the Crickets, and (together) they went on to release their breakthrough hit, “That’ll Be the Day”. His song catalog also includes many other hits, such as “Everyday”, “Peggy Sue”, “Not Fade Away”, “Rave On”, and the song I chose for today. On this very day, February 3rd, 1959,…

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Chart Toppers 

“CAR WASH” by ROSE ROYCE

DJ Rays Music

BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues with a popular seventies track that was recorded by American disco-funk band, Rose Royce. With over 2 million copies sold (in the U.S. alone) it was platinum certified, and in 1977 the “Car Wash” soundtrack went on to win the Grammy Award for “Best Score Soundtrack Album”. In 2004, the song was covered by Christina Aguilera (and Missy Elliott), who released their version as a single for the soundtrack of “Shark Tale”. On this very day, February 3rd 1977, it was the #1 song in America,…

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Chart Toppers 

“INDEPENDENT WOMEN” by DESTINY’S CHILD

DJ Rays Music

Continuing our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s R&B-pop track was recorded by American girl group, Destiny’s Child. The lyrics within celebrate women who are not just financially (but emotionally independent as well). It encourages women (of all races) to take pride in their ability to support themselves (and not rely on others for validation). Ultimately, it became an anthem for female empowerment and gained widespread popularity. It topped the charts in many countries world wide, and was also included in the Guinness Book of World Records, for longest-running #1 song…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAKIRA

DJ Rays Music

Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and record producer who is known for her distinctive voice, unique dance style, and a fusion of various musical influences, including Pop, Rock, and Latin. Often referred to as the “Queen of Latin Music”, some of her most popular songs include “Whenever, Wherever”, “La Tortura”, “Underneath Your Clothes”, “Waka Waka”, “Chantaje”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, February 2nd, 1977, she was born in Barranquilla, Colombia as Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll. In celebration of her birthday, I’ve chosen the song she is…

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Chart Toppers 

“SUPERSTITION” by STEVIE WONDER

DJ Rays Music

Beginning today, it’s time to kick off BLACK HISTORY MONTH (and the integral way it has affected the music industry as a whole). With that said, let’s jump right into it with an artist who epitomizes black history. The song I’ve decided to kick things off with is an iconic funk-rock track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, the legendary, Stevie Wonder. In 1974, this song earned two Grammy awards, including “Best R&B Song” and “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. Years later, in the year 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed…

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