Author: DJ Rays Music

Chart Toppers 

“SILLY LOVE SONGS” by PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS

DJ Rays Music

“Silly Love Songs” is a classic seventies track that was recorded by Paul McCartney and Wings. The lyrics within address the criticism McCartney often receives for writing (what some perceive as) lightweight love songs. In 2008, Billboard magazine listed it at #31 on their list of the “Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, June 18th 1976, 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 the provided link. Released in April 1976, here’s…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY MANILOW

DJ Rays Music

Barry Manilow is an American singer and songwriter who is known for his popular ballads and contemporary sound. His best-known songs include “Looks Like We Made It”, “Mandy”, “Can’t Smile Without You”, “I Write the Songs”, and today’s attached song link. Throughout his career, he has won several Grammy Awards, including “Best Pop Vocal Performance” (for today’s song choice). On this very day, June 17th 1943, Barry Alan Pincus (known professionally as Barry Manilow) was born in New York City. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen a song with…

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Chart Toppers 

“SISTER GOLDEN HAIR” by AMERICA

DJ Rays Music

“Sister Golden Hair” is a popular 1970s song that was recorded by classic rock band, America. It features a folk-rock sound with harmonious vocals and a distinctive guitar riff. The lyrics within are often considered to be symbolic, with the title referring to a hypothetical sister figure and the golden hair referring to a particular image or ideal. On this very day, June 17th 1975, it was the #1 song in the U.S., 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 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINO VANELLI

DJ Rays Music

Gino Vannelli is a Canadian singer and songwriter who’s known for his distinctive voice, eclectic music style, and a career that spans over many years. A winner of multiple Juno Awards, some of his biggest hits include “I Just Wanna Stop”, “Living Inside Myself”, “Wheels of Life”, “Black Cars”, and today’s attached song link. On this very day, June 16th 1952, Gino Vanelli was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen a sexy disco-infused song that was one of his first hits in the U.S.…

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Chart Toppers 

“OLD TOWN ROAD” by LIL NAS X

DJ Rays Music

“Old Town Road” is a country rap song that was recorded by American rapper, Lil Nas X. In 2019, it gained widespread popularity (after becoming a viral sensation on the social media platform, TikTok). The song’s fusion of hip-hop and country elements, along with its catchy hook, contributed to its popularity. However, controversy arose when the track was removed from the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart (with some arguing it didn’t fit the genre’s criteria). In 2020, it won two Grammy Awards for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” and “Best Music…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. ELLA FITZGERALD

DJ Rays Music

Ella Fitzgerald (often referred to as the “Queen of Jazz”) was an iconic singer who was born in Newport News, Virginia on April 25th, 1917. She was particularly known for her mastery of scat singing (a vocal improv with wordless syllables and nonsensical phrases). Throughout her incredible career, she won an unprecedented 13 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award (in 1967). On this very day, June 15th 1996, Ella Jane Fitzgerald died from a stroke (at her home in Beverly Hills, California). She was 79 at the time of…

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