Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE B HAWKINS
Sophie B. Hawkins is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who gained recognition (in 1992) with her debut album, “Tongues and Tails”. Her biggest singles include songs like “Right Beside You”, “As I Lay Me Down”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, November 1st 1964, Sophie Ballantine Hawkins was born in New York City. In celebration of her birthday, exactly 60 years ago today, I’ve chosen a contemporary track that Slant Magazine included on their list of…
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“I’LL BE THERE” by JACKSON 5
The song, “I’ll Be There” is a classic soul ballad that was recorded by the legendary, Jackson Five. It’s considered as Motown Record’s most successful single to be released during it’s “Detroit Era” (that took place between 1959-1972). With a young Michael Jackson on lead vocals, this track was ultimately inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (in 2011). On this very day, November 1st 1970, 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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HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANILLA ICE
Vanilla Ice is an American rapper who gained fame with his hit single, “Ice Ice Baby” (which became the first hip-hop single to top Billboard’s Hot 100 chart). Along with the Beastie Boys and House of Pain, he was one of the earliest white rappers to attain major success. For 8 months (between 1991-1992), he dated the legendary Madonna, while they were both at the peak of their careers. In 1991, Vanilla Ice won a total of two American Music Awards, including “Favorite New Pop Artist”. On this very day, October 31st…
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“MONSTER MASH” by BOBBY “BORIS” PICKETT
“Monster Mash” is a Halloween novelty song that was recorded by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers. The lyrics within describe a party where classic monsters such as Dracula, The Wolfman, and Frankenstein all come together to perform a special dance (called the “Monster Mash”). Narrated in a Boris Karloff-style voice, in 2021 (nearly 60 years after its release), “Monster Mash” re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #37. On this very day, October 31st 1962, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SNOW
Pop artist, Snow, is a Canadian rapper who is best known for his unique blend of reggae and hip-hop. His most notable songs include “Girl, I’ve Been Hurt”, “Everybody Wants to Be Like You”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Among his accolades, he has won a Juno Award and a Billboard Music Award. He also won 8 Billboard Latin Music Awards for Daddy Yankee’s 2020 song, “Con Calma” (which samples Snow’s biggest hit, which happens to be today’s song choice).…
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“THEN CAME YOU” by DIONNE WARWICK & THE SPINNERS
“Then Came You” is a soulful R&B track that was recorded by Dionne Warwick and The Spinners. With vocals and harmonies that are second to none, this song went on to achieve gold certification, and in 1974, it was grammy-nominated for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, October 30th 1974, 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 the provided link. Released in July 1974, here’s…
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R.I.P. DUANE ALLMAN
Duane Allman was an American rock and blues guitarist who was born in Nashville, Tennessee on November 20th, 1946. Co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band, his exceptional slide guitar playing made him a key contributor to the Southern rock genre. In 1995, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Allman Brothers). On this very day, October 29th 1971, Howard Duane Allman died in a motorcycle crash (at the tender age of 24). In memory of his passing, exactly 53 years…
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“YESTERDAY” by THE BEATLES
“Yesterday” is a classic ballad that was recorded by the legendary, Beatles. Praised for its emotional depth and melody, it features Paul McCartney on vocals (as he strums his acoustic guitar). With well over 2,000 versions of this iconic track, it’s considered one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music. MTV and Rolling Stone magazine named it the #1 pop song of all-time, and in 1997, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, October 29th 1965, it was the #1…
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