Author: DJ Rays Music

Chart Toppers 

“SUPERSTITION” by STEVIE WONDER

DJ Rays Music

Beginning today, it’s time to kick off BLACK HISTORY MONTH (and the integral way it has affected the music industry as a whole). With that said, let’s jump right into it with an artist who epitomizes black history. The song I’ve decided to kick things off with is an iconic funk-rock track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, the legendary, Stevie Wonder. In 1974, this song earned two Grammy awards, including “Best R&B Song” and “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. Years later, in the year 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

DJ Rays Music

Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame (in the late 1990s) as a member of the boy band, NSYNC. This group achieved immense success with hits like “Bye Bye Bye”, “It’s Gonna Be Me”, “Tearin’ Up My Heart”, and “This I Promise You”. After the hiatus of NSYNC in the early 2000s, Justin Timberlake pursued a solo career. Some of his most popular hit singles include “Cry Me a River”, “Rock Your Body”, “Sexyback”, “My Love”, and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” (to name…

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Chart Toppers 

“FLOWERS” by MILEY CYRUS

DJ Rays Music

“Flowers” is a song that was recorded by American pop singer, Miley Cyrus. The lyrics within express the narrator’s acceptance of being independent (and no longer feeling the need to rely on others). Its massive success helped it receive several nominations, including  “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance”. At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, it was nominated for “Video of the Year”, “Best Pop Video” and “Best Cinematography”. On this very day, January 31st 2023, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHIL COLLINS

DJ Rays Music

Phil Collins is an English singer and musician, who gained fame (in 1970) after becoming drummer for the progressive rock band, Genesis. Over time, he took over as lead vocalist, and would go on to play a key role in the band’s transition from progressive rock to a more pop-oriented sound. In the 1980s, he embarked on a successful solo career producing multiple chart-topping hits like “Against All Odds”, “One More Night”, “Another Day in Paradise”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has won numerous awards, including several…

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Chart Toppers 

“NEED YOU TONIGHT” by INXS

DJ Rays Music

Co-written by lead singer, Michael Hutchence, “Need You Tonight” is a popular eighties song recorded by Australian rock band, INXS. Known for its distinctive guitar riff, funky bassline, and seductive lyrics, it blends elements of rock, funk, and new wave, creating a sound that is both energetic and danceable. The success of “Need You Tonight” solidified INXS’s status as one of the prominent bands of the late 1980s, and the song remains one of the band’s most iconic and recognizable tracks. On this very day, January 30th 1988, it was…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. JAMES INGRAM

DJ Rays Music

James Ingram was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born on February 16th, 1952, in Akron, Ohio. Known for his soulful R&B vocals, he gained widespread recognition (in 1983) with his debut studio album, “It’s Your Night”. This album featured the hit single “Yah Mo B There,” a duet with Michael McDonald. Beside his work with McDonald, he also collaborated with Quincy Jones on the song I chose for today. Some of his other well-known duets include “Somewhere Out There” (with Linda Ronstadt) and “Baby, Come to…

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Chart Toppers 

“SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES” by THE PLATTERS

DJ Rays Music

“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is a classic ballad that was written by American composer, Jerome Kern and lyricist, Otto Harbach. Over the years, it has been recorded by various artists, but the most popular version was released by The Platters (who were well-known for their soulful harmonies). Considered one of the group’s most memorable and enduring songs, in 2019, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, January 29th 1959, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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