Author: DJ Rays Music

Everlast is an American singer, and songwriter who is best known as frontman for the hip-hop group, House of Pain.After H.O.P. disbanded, he decided to pursue a solo career, transitioning towards a more blues and folk-influenced style. In 1998, from his 2nd album (“Whitey Ford Sings the Blues”), he released the single, “What It’s Like” (which became his most popular hit as a solo artist). In the year 2000 (alongside Carlos Santana), he received a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. On this…

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Les Paul was an American guitarist and songwriter who was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on June 9th, 1915. Alongside his wife Mary Ford, the duo produced a series of hit songs, including “Mocking Bird Hill”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In the early 1940s, he designed the first solid-body electric guitar, known as “The Log”. This design laid the foundation for the iconic Gibson Les Paul model (introduced in the 1950s). In 1988, he was inducted into the Rock and…

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Eric Carmen was an American singer and songwriter who initially gained prominence as lead vocalist of the Raspberries (a pop rock band that drew inspiration from the “British Invasion” era). In 1975 (after the Raspberries disbanded), he started a solo career emphasizing a more contemporary, soft rock vibe. Some of his biggest solo hits include “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again”, “Hungry Eyes”, “Make Me Lose Control”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, August 11th 1949, Eric Howard Carmen…

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Isaac Hayes was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born in Covington, Tennessee on August 20th, 1942. He was particularly known for his deep baritone voice, which became one of his trademark features. Among his many accolades, he won a total of three Grammy Awards, and in 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Three years later (in 2005), he was also inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. On this very day, August 10th 2008, Isaac Lee Hayes died at his…

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Jerry Garcia was an American musician and songwriter who was born in San Francisco, California on August 1st, 1942. He was best known as lead guitarist (and front man) for the American rock band, Grateful Dead. Founded in 1965, this eclectic group was particularly known for their extended live performances that contributed to the band’s dedicated fanbase, known as “Deadheads.” Rolling Stone magazine ranked Garcia at #13 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time”, and in 1994, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of…

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