Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN MELLENCAMP
John Mellencamp is an American singer and songwriter who gained fame (in the 1980s) with a series of hit singles, including “Jack and Diane”, “Pink Houses”, “Crumblin’ Down”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). He has sold over 60 million albums worldwide, and has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards. In 2008, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2018, he was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. On this very day, October…
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“JACK & DIANE” by JOHN MELLENCAMP
“Jack and Diane” is a classic rock song recorded by American singer-songwriter, John Mellencamp (formerly known as John Cougar). The lyrics within tell the story of a teenage couple (from a small American town) who experience young love (and the challenges of growing up). With its catchy sing-a-long hook and distinct guitar riffs, it went on to top the mainstream charts in Canada. On this very day, October 7th 1982, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen,…
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R.I.P. EDDIE VAN HALEN
Eddie Van Halen was a Dutch-American musician and songwriter who was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on January 26th, 1955. Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in music history, he co-founded and played lead guitar for the legendary, Van Halen. Some of the band’s most popular singles include songs like “Runnin’ with the Devil”, “Jump”, “Hot for Teacher”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at #4 on their list of the “Greatest Guitarists of All-Time”,…
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“A MOMENT LIKE THIS” by KELLY CLARKSON
“A Moment Like This” is a soft ballad that was recorded by American pop singer, Kelly Clarkson. It was released as her debut single after winning season one of the reality TV series, “American Idol”. The lyrics within celebrate the joy and significance of achieving a personal milestone or accomplishment. When Clarkson was announced as the winner of “American Idol”, she became emotional, and sang the song as her final performance. On this very day, October 6th 2002, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE MILLER
Steve Miller is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is best known as leader of the Steve Miller Band. Some of the group’s most well-known songs include “Take the Money and Run”, “Fly Like an Eagle”, “Rock’n Me”, “Abracadabra”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). The godson of legendary guitar virtuoso, Les Paul, in 2016, Steve Miller was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, October 5th 1943, Steven Haworth Miller was born in…
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“PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC” by WILD CHERRY
“Play That Funky Music” is an iconic seventies track that was recorded by American funk-rock band, Wild Cherry. Its distinct bassline (and disco-infused sound) helped it top the Soul charts in America. After selling approximately 2.5 million copies (in the U.S. alone), it earned a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. On this very day, October 5th 1976, 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. From their…
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R.I.P. LORETTA LYNN
Loretta Lynn was an American country singer who was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky on April 14th, 1932. Most of her success came from hits like “Honky Tonk Girl”, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)”, “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout her career, she has received many accolades including 3 Grammy Awards, and inductions into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. On September…
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“OH, PRETTY WOMAN” by ROY ORBISON
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a classic rock & roll track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Roy Orbison. The lyrics within tell the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman while walking down the street (and expresses his admiration for her). Within months of its release, this single was gold certified, and ultimately went on to sell more than 7 million copies. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and was named as one of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll”. On…
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