Author: DJ Rays Music
“RISE” by HERB ALPERT
The song “Rise” is an instrumental jazz track that was recorded by American trumpeter and bandleader, Herb Alpert. Known for its smooth and jazzy sound, it helped showcase Alpert’s distinctive trumpet-playing skills. In 1979, this popular single earned a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Instrumental Performance”, and in 1996, a portion of the track was sampled on Biggie Smalls’ hit single, “Hypnotize”. On this very day, October 28th 1979, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel…
Read More
R.I.P. JERRY LEE LEWIS!
Jerry Lee Lewis (also known as the “Killer”) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who was born in Ferriday, Louisiana on September 29th, 1935. Known for his energetic performances and flamboyant piano-playing style, he emerged (in the 1950s) as one of the pioneers of early rock and roll. Some of his most well-known songs include “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, “Breathless”, “High School Confidential”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout his career, he won 4 Grammy Awards, and in…
Read More
“MACK THE KNIFE” by BOBBY DARIN
“Mack the Knife” is a golden standard that was originally written for the 1928 musical, “Three Penny Opera”. However, it was Bobby Darin’s rendition of this classic that turned it into one of the greatest popular jazz songs of all-time. Many believe the lyrics within tell the tale of a scandalous criminal known as Mack the Knife, who’s actually a reference to notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper. Without listening closely to the lyrics, you’d never know about its true message, as it gives off a fun, feel good vibe…
Read More
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to SIMON LeBON!
Simon Le Bon is an English singer who is best known as lead vocalist for the popular new wave band, Duran Duran. Some of this group’s biggest hits include “Rio”, “Notorious”, “The Reflex”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout their illustrious career, Duran Duran went on to achieve 2 Grammy Awards, 2 Brit Awards, and a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. In the year 2022, Simon LeBon was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (along with…
Read More
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to KEITH URBAN!
Keith Urban is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who’s known for his unique contributions to country music. Some of his most popular songs include “Day’s Go By”, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”, “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Among his many accolades, he has won 4 Grammys, 15 ACM Awards, and 13 CMA Awards. In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine added him to their list of the “Greatest Guitarists of All-Time”. On this very day, October 26th 1967,…
Read More