Author: DJ Rays Music
R.I.P. ADAM YAUCH
Adam Yauch (also known by his stage name, “MCA”) was an American musician and rapper who was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 5th, 1964. Alongside Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz, Yauch helped form the Beastie Boys in 1981. Some of the trios’ biggest hits include “Brass Monkey”, “Hey Ladies”, “Intergalactic”, and today’s song choice. In 2012, Adam Yauch and the Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to the music industry. On this very day, May 4th 2012, Adam…
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“SOUTHERN NIGHTS” by GLENN CAMPBELL
“Southern Nights” is a song that was written and originally recorded by American musician, Allen Toussaint. However, it was crossover-country artist, Glen Campbell’s version that ended up topping the charts in America. The lyrics within celebrate a particular beauty and warmth associated with evenings in the American South. In 1977, Glen Campbell’s version (of “Southern Nights”) was nominated for “Song of the Year” by the Country Music Association. On this very day, May 4th 1977, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like…
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HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY JAMES BROWN
James Brown was an American singer and songwriter, often referred to as the “Godfather of Soul”. Some of his most popular hit songs include “I Got You”, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”, and “Sex Machine” (to name a few). Throughout his glorious career, he received numerous awards and honors, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On this very day, May 3rd 1933, James Joseph Brown was born in Barnwell, South Carolina.…
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“HYPNOTIZE” by NOTORIOUS BIG
“Hypnotize” is a late nineties rap song that was recorded by The Notorious B.I.G. (also known as Biggie Smalls). It was the final song posthumously released (shortly after he died in a drive by shooting in Los Angeles). The song’s catchy sound earned Biggie a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap Solo Performance”, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #30 on its list of the “100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, May 3rd 1997, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK
Engelbert Humperdinck is a British pop singer who has sold more than 140 million records worldwide. His most popular songs include “Release Me”, “The Last Waltz”, “A Man Without Love”, and today’s song choice (to name a few). In the 2021 birthday honours ceremony, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (in recognition for his services to music). On this very day, May 2nd 1936, Engelbert Humperdinck was born in Chennai, India (as Arnold George Dorsey). In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen an emotional…
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“SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW” by GOTYE
“Somebody That I Used to Know” is an indie-pop song that was recorded by Belgian-Australian musician, Gotye. Known for its very distinctive sound, the lyrics within resonate with those who have dealt with complicated relationships and eventual breakups. In spite of being a “one hit wonder” throughout North America, in 2013, this song won two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”. On this very day, May 2nd 2012, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…
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