Author: DJ Rays Music
R.I.P. MEAT LOAF
Marvin Lee Aday (better known by his professional name, Meat Loaf) was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Dallas, Texas on September 27th, 1947. He achieved international fame with the release of his crowning achievement, “Bat Out of Hell”. This album, produced by Jim Steinman, went on to become a trilogy with three separate chapters, released in 1977, 1993, and 2006 respectively. Meat Loaf’s true genius was displayed on his signature hit, “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”, released in 1977. His theatrical and powerful performances, coupled with…
Read More“MY PREROGATIVE” by BOBBY BROWN
The song “My Prerogative” is an upbeat and assertive R&B track that addresses issues of personal freedom and independence. It remains as a notable example of the new jack swing era, combining elements of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. The song’s success contributed to Bobby Brown’s prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It also earned him a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. On this very day, January 20th 1989, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…
Read MoreHAPPY BIRTHDAY DOLLY PARTON
Dolly Parton is an American singer and songwriter who gained prominence in the country music scene (during the late 1960s). She is best known for her distinctive style, including signature blonde wigs andflamboyant fashion. Her catalogue of hits includes iconic songs such as “Jolene”, “I Will Always Love You”, “Coat of Many Colors”, and the song I chose for you today. She also had a great working relationship with the late Kenny Rogers. In 1983, the duo released “Islands in the Stream” that went on to top the charts in…
Read More“I WRITE THE SONGS” by BARRY MANILOW
Ironically enough, “I Write the Songs” was a tune written by Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys (in 1975). When asked who the “I” refers to (in the lyrics), Johnson stated that it refers to God, and that all songs come from the spirit of creativity found within everyone. Although it was written by Bruce Johnston, it was Barry Manilow’s rendition that popularized the song and made it a chart-topping hit. In 1977, It won the Grammy Award for “Song of the Year”, and became one of his signature hits.…
Read MoreR.I.P. GLENN FREY
Glenn Frey was an American singer, songwriter, and founding member of the Eagles, one of the most successful and influential rock bands in music history. Frey co-wrote many of the group’s biggest hits like “Hotel California”, “Take It to the Limit”, and “Lyin’ Eyes”. After the Eagles disbanded (in 1980), he pursued a very successful solo career, releasing singles like “The Heat Is On” and “You Belong to the City” (which was featured in the popular TV series, “Miami Vice”). In 1998, he was officially inducted into the Rock &…
Read More“THE JOKER” by STEVE MILLER BAND
“The Joker” is a classic rock song that was written by Steve Miller, and performed by the Steve Miller Band. Known for its catchy and laid-back sound, it features a very unique guitar riff, and lyrics that blend humor and whimsy. American music magazine, Cashbox, said that the song was on its way to becoming Steve Miller’s most successful release ever, while Record World called it “a smooth piece that is highly reminiscent of Van Morrison”. The song’s overall popularity as a sing-a-long has endured over the years, and it…
Read More