Author: DJ Rays Music
R.I.P. DESMOND DEKKER
Desmond Dekker was a ska and reggae singer who was born in Saint Andrew, Jamaica on July 16th, 1941. Considered a pioneer of reggae music, his lyrics often addressed social and political issues. His most successful songs include “007 (Shanty Town)”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 25th 2006, Desmond Dekker died of a heart attack (at his home in London, England). He was 64 years old at the time of his death. In memory of his passing, I’ve…
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“HOLLABACK GIRL” by GWEN STEFANI
“Hollaback Girl” is a song that was co-written and recorded by American pop singer, Gwen Stefani. The term “holla back girl” refers to someone who responds to insults with non-violent retaliation. The lyrics within were inspired by a feud between Stefani and “Friends” star, Courtney Love. In 2006, it received several Grammy Award nominations, including “Record of the Year” and “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, May 25th 2005, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…
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R.I.P. TINA TURNER
Tina Turner (often referred to as the “Queen of Rock & Roll”) was a legendary singer and songwriter who rose to fame (in the 1960s) as lead vocalist for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. After a tumultuous marriage to Ike Turner, she left the relationship and embarked on a solo career. A symbol of female empowerment, her biggest solo hits include “Private Dancer”, “Better Be Good to Me”, “The Best”, and today’s song choice. Throughout her amazing career, she has earned numerous accolades, including 12 Grammy Awards and an…
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“LET’S DANCE” by DAVID BOWIE
“Let’s Dance” is a 1980s song that was recorded by one of the greatest stars in music history, the late David Bowie. With production assistance from Nile Rodgers (of Chic), this track went on to top the charts in many countries around the world, including New Zealand, Spain, Canada, and the U.K. (to name a few). In 1984, this song earned David Bowie a Grammy Award nomination for “Record of the Year”. On this very day, May 24th 1983, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEWEL
Jewel Kilcher, known mononymously as Jewel, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who gained fame (in the mid-1990s) with her debut album, “Pieces of You”. Her music is often characterized by introspective lyrics, and a blend of folk, pop, and country elements. Some of her biggest singles include “Pieces of You”, “Who Will Save Your Soul”, “Foolish Games”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 23rd 1974, Jewel Kilcher was born in Payson, Utah. In celebration of her birthday, I’ve chosen a track that won the 1997…
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“CATHY’S CLOWN” by EVERLY BROTHERS
“Cathy’s Clown” is an early rock classic that was recorded by a very harmonious duo, better known as the Everly Brothers. The lyrics within express deep heartbreak after the narrator has been deceived by a romantic interest. Recognized as the brothers’ best-selling single of their career, in 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed it on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, May 23rd 1960, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please…
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