Author: DJ Rays Music

Chart Toppers 

“SIR DUKE” by STEVIE WONDER

DJ Rays Music

“Sir Duke” is a song by that was recorded by legendary soul singer, Stevie Wonder. With an infectious melody and energetic horn arrangements, this iconic track paid tribute to Duke Ellington (one of the most influential figures in jazz history). In 1977, this up-tempo single earned two Grammy Awards, including “Best R&B Song” and “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance”. On this very day, May 27th 1977, 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 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDRE 3000

DJ Rays Music

André 3000 is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who gained fame as one half of the hip-hop duo, OutKast. Alongside Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, this duo recorded many popular singles, including “Miss Jackson”, “Bombs Over Baghdad”, “Hey Ya”, and today’s song choice. Throughout their career together, Outkast won a total of six Grammy Awards, including “Album of the Year” (in 2004). On this very day, May 27th 1975, Andre Lauren Benjamin (known professionally as Andre 3000) was born in Atlanta, Georgia. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen a…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LENNY KRAVITZ

DJ Rays Music

Lenny Kravitz is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is known for his eclectic music style that blends rock, soul, funk, and retro. Some of his greatest hits include “Are U Gonna Go My Way”, “Again”, “Fly Away”, and today’s song choice (to name a few). Throughout his career, he has won multiple Grammy Awards, including “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” four consecutive years in a row. On this very day, May 26th 1964, Leonard Albert Kravitz was born in the big apple, New York City. In celebration of…

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Chart Toppers 

“GROOVIN” by YOUNG RASCALS

DJ Rays Music

“Groovin’” is a song that was recorded by American pop-rock band, The Young Rascals. It’s often associated with the “Summer of Love” (which occurred in the summer of 1967), when almost 100,000 people, mostly young hippies, converged together in San Francisco. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its lasting cultural and artistic significance. On this very day, May 26th 1967, 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. DESMOND DEKKER

DJ Rays Music

Desmond Dekker was a ska and reggae singer who was born in Saint Andrew, Jamaica on July 16th, 1941. Considered a pioneer of reggae music, his lyrics often addressed social and political issues. His most successful songs include “007 (Shanty Town)”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 25th 2006, Desmond Dekker died of a heart attack (at his home in London, England). He was 64 years old at the time of his death. In memory of his passing, I’ve…

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Chart Toppers 

“HOLLABACK GIRL” by GWEN STEFANI

DJ Rays Music

“Hollaback Girl” is a song that was co-written and recorded by American pop singer, Gwen Stefani. The term “holla back girl” refers to someone who responds to insults with non-violent retaliation. The lyrics within were inspired by a feud between Stefani and “Friends” star, Courtney Love. In 2006, it received several Grammy Award nominations, including “Record of the Year” and “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, May 25th 2005, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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