Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RIHANNA
Rihanna is a Barbadian singer who rose to fame (in the mid-2000s) and has since become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She is known for a string of chart-topping singles, including “Pon De Replay”, “Umbrella”, “Disturbia”, “Rude Boy”, “Only Girl in the World”, “We Found Love”, and today’s song choice (to name a few). Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including 9 Grammys, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and 6 Guinness world records. As of 2023, she was ranked as the wealthiest female musician in the world (with…
Read More
“IRREPLACEABLE” by BEYONCE
Let’s continue our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a song that was co-written by Ne-Yo and recorded by Beyoncé. The lyrics within convey a message of independence and female empowerment, as the singer addresses a partner who’s been unfaithful. This song won several accolades, including “Best R&B/Soul Single” at the 2007 Soul Train Music Awards. It was also grammy nominated for “Record of the Year” in 2008. Reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries, it has become one of Beyoncé’s signature songs and remains a popular and…
Read More
“GONNA MAKE YOU SWEAT” by C&C MUSIC FACTORY
Continuing my spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, the song, “Gonna Make You Sweat” was recorded by New York based singing group, C&C Music Factory. Known for its energetic and infectious beat, it is often associated with the early 1990s dance and hip-hop music era. This song features a powerful vocal performance by singer, Martha Wash, alongside some smooth lyrical rapping by Freedom Williams. Topping the charts in multiple countries around the world, it became a dance anthem of its time. On this very day, February 19th 1991, it was the…
Read More
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SMOKEY ROBINSON
Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former frontman of the Miracles. Often referred to as the “King of Motown”, he helped the group produce numerous hits, including “Shop Around”, “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”, “Ooo Baby Baby”, and “The Tracks of My Tears”. In the 1970s, he left the Miracles and pursued a successful solo career. His most popular solo hits include “Cruisin’”, “Just to See Her”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his incredible career, he has received many accolades, including the “Grammy Lifetime…
Read More
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUICE NEWTON
Juice Newton is an American singer and songwriter who achieved mainstream success (in the early 1980s). Her music blurred the lines between pop and country, making her one of the most prominent figures in the country-pop crossover movement. Some of her most successful singles include “Love’s Been a Little Bit Hard on Me”, “Break it to me Gently”, “Queen of Hearts”, “The Sweetest Thing I’ve Ever Known”, and today’s song choice. In 1982, she won the CMA award for “Female Vocalist of the Year”. On this very day, February 18th,…
Read More
“EVERYDAY PEOPLE” by SLY & THE FAMILY STONE
Welcome to Day 18 of BLACK HISTORY MONTH, featuring some of the greatest songs ever released by black artists. Today’s song, “Everyday People”, was recorded by early funk sensation, Sly and the Family Stone. The lyrics within convey a message of unity and acceptance, promoting the idea that (despite our differences) people should come together and treat each other with love and respect. The song addresses issues of race, class, and individuality (emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity). On this very day, February 18th 1969, it was the #1 song…
Read More