Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN SETZER

Brian Setzer is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is particularly known as being lead vocalist for the Stray Cats. A rockabilly revival band (formed in the early 1980s), this group achieved success with hits like “Stray Cat Strut”, “Sexy & 17”, “Runaway Boys”, and today’s song choice. In addition to his work with the Stray Cats, he’s had a successful solo career with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a swing and blues band that he created in 1990. On this very day, April 10th 1959, Brian Robert Setzer was…

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Chart Toppers 

“THRIFT SHOP” by MACKLEMORE

“Thrift Shop” is a song that was recorded by American rapper Macklemore, and producer Ryan Lewis. Known for its catchy beat and unique subject matter, the lyrics within describe the experience of shopping at a thrift store (while embracing a frugal approach to fashion). In 2014, it won two Grammy Awards for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap Performance”. On this very day, April 10th 2013, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BROOK BENTON

Brook Benton was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Lugoff, South Carolina on September 19th, 1931. Most of his success took place in the 1950s and 1960s (with a style that combined elements of R&B, Pop, and Soul). His best-known singles include “Endlessly”, “Rainy Night in Georgia”, “Kiddio”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, April 9th 1988, Benjamin Franklin Peay (known professionally as Brook Benton) died from pneumonia (at 56 years of age). In memory of his passing, I’ve chosen a song that topped the…

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Chart Toppers 

“BILLIE JEAN” by MICHAEL JACKSON

“Billie Jean” is a popular dance song that was recorded by the late, great Michael Jackson. Regarded as one of his signature tracks, the lyrics within tell the story of a woman (named Billie Jean) who claims that Jackson is the father of her son. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #58 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time. It also received several other accolades, including two Grammy Awards and an AMA. On this very day, April 9th 1983, it was the #1 song in…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIAN LENNON

Julian Lennon is an English musician and songwriter who is famously known for being the only child of the Beatles’ legendary musician, John Lennon. He was actually the inspiration on three different Beatles’ songs, including “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, “Good Night”, and “Hey Jude”. Throughout his career, his two biggest hits included the single, “Valotte”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, April 8th 1963, John Charles Julian Lennon was born in Liverpool England (to Cynthia Powell and John Lennon). In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen…

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Chart Toppers 

“ALL MY LIFE” by K-CI & JOJO

“All My Life” is a romantic ballad that was recorded by brothers, K-Ci & JoJo (who were originally part of the R&B group, Jodeci). The lyrics within express a deep and enduring love, with the commitment of a lifelong relationship. In 1999, this song was Grammy-nominated for “Best R&B Vocal Performance” and “Best R&B Song”. It was also nominated for “Best R&B Video” at the MTV Video Music Awards (that same year). On this very day, April 8th 1998, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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