Author: DJ Rays Music
R.I.P. JIMMY RUFFIN
Jimmy Ruffin was an American soul singer who was born in Collinsville, Mississippi on May 7th, 1936. The older brother of David Ruffin (lead singer of the Temptations), his most notable songs include “I’ve Passed This Way Before”, “Gonna Give Her All the Love I’ve Got”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, November 17th 2014, Jimmy Lee Ruffin died in Las Vegas, Nevada (at 78 years of age). In memory of his passing, exactly 10 years ago…
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“AMANDA” by BOSTON
The song “Amanda” is a powerful ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Boston. The lyrics within express the narrator’s deep affection for a girl named Amanda, as he tries to find the right words to let her know his strong inner feelings. It was eventually certified gold in Canada, where it went on to top the country’s national and contemporary music charts. On this very day, November 17th 1986, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA KRALL
Diana Krall is a Canadian singer and pianist who is one of the most accomplished and popular jazz artists of her generation. She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, and in 2009, Billboard magazine named her the second greatest jazz artist of the decade. To date, she has won a total of 3 Grammy Awards and 8 Junos (including 9 gold, 3 platinum, and 7 multi-platinum albums). On this very day, November 16th 1964, Diana Jean Krall was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia. In celebration of her birthday, exactly 60 years…
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“POOR SIDE OF TOWN” by JOHNNY RIVERS
“Poor Side of Town” is a soulful ballad that was recorded by American singer and musician, Johnny Rivers. The lyrics within convey a form of separation and heartbreak that exists between the affluent and impoverished sides of town. The release of this single marked a turning point in Rivers’ career (which saw him move away from his earlier rock and roll style toward popular ballads). On this very day, November 16th 1966, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAD KROEGER
Chad Kroeger is a Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band, Nickelback. Over the year, this group has released many singles, including songs like “How You Remind Me”, “Someday”, and “Photograph” (to name just a few). A winner of multiple Juno Awards, in 2023, Nickelback was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. On this very day, November 15th 1974, Chad Robert Turton (known professionally as Chad Kroeger) was born in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. In celebration of his birthday, exactly…
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“WILD, WILD WEST” by ESCAPE CLUB
“Wild, Wild West” is an upbeat eighties song that was recorded by English rock band, the Escape Club. Characterized by its rock (and dance-pop) elements, the lyrics within convey a sense of freedom and adventure (similar to the days of America’s old west). Considered by many to be a one-hit wonder, the song’s unique and infectious sound helped it top the music charts in Canada. On this very day, November 15th 1988, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHEN BISHOP
Stephen Bishop is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who bought his first guitar after seeing the Beatles perform live on the Ed Sullivan show. Some of his best-known singles include “Save It for a Rainy Day”, “It Might Be You”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). A prolific songwriter, he penned many songs recorded by musicians like Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Helen Reddy, The Four Tops, Art Garfunkel, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, and Barbara Streisand (to name just…
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