Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANN WILSON

DJ Rays Music

Ann Wilson is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist of the rock band, Heart. Alongside her sister (and lead guitar player) Nancy Wilson, Heart produced a string of hit songs, including “Magic Man”, “Crazy on You”, “Alone”, “What About Love”, and today’s attached song link. In the year 2013, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Heart). On this very day, June 19th 1950, Ann Dustin Wilson was born in San Diego, California. In celebration of…

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Chart Toppers 

“I’ll Be Missing You” PUFF DADDY

DJ Rays Music

“I’ll Be Missing You” is a melancholic rap song that was recorded by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans. A tribute to the late Christopher Wallace (also known as Biggie Smalls) this track heavily samples the guitar riff and melody from the 1983 song, “Every Breath You Take” (by the Police). The lyrics within express grief and mourning over the loss of Biggie (and the impact of his death). Faith Evans, who was married to the late rapper, helped it win a 1998 Grammy Award for “Best Rap Performance by a…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL McCARTNEY

DJ Rays Music

Paul McCartney is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who gained worldwide fame as a primary member of the legendary Beatles. Aside from his countless tracks with the “Fab Four”, his solo hits (featuring his backup band, Wings) include songs like “Maybe I’m Amazed”, “Live and Let Die”, “Jet”, and today’s chosen song link (to name just a few). In 1997, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music. On this very day, June 18th 1942, James Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool, England. In celebration…

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Chart Toppers 

“Silly Love Songs” PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS

DJ Rays Music

“Silly Love Songs” is a classic seventies track that was recorded by Paul McCartney and Wings. The lyrics within address the criticism McCartney often receives for writing (what some perceive as) lightweight love songs. In 2008, Billboard magazine listed it at #31 on their list of the “Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, June 18th 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. Released in April 1976, here’s…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY MANILOW

DJ Rays Music

Barry Manilow is an American singer and songwriter who is known for his popular ballads and contemporary sound. His most well-known songs include “Looks Like We Made It”, “Mandy”, “Can’t Smile Without You”, “I Write the Songs”, and today’s attached song link. Throughout his career, he has won several Grammy Awards, including “Best Pop Vocal Performance” (for today’s song choice). On this very day, June 17th 1943, Barry Alan Pincus (known professionally as Barry Manilow) was born in New York City. In celebration of his birthday, exactly 81 years ago…

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Chart Toppers 

“Sister Golden Hair” AMERICA

DJ Rays Music

“Sister Golden Hair” is a popular 1970s song that was recorded by classic rock band, America. It features a folk-rock sound with harmonious vocals and a distinctive guitar riff. The lyrics within are often considered to be symbolic, with the title referring to a hypothetical sister figure and the golden hair referring to a particular image or ideal. On this very day, June 17th 1975, it was the #1 song in the U.S., topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINO VANELLI

DJ Rays Music

Gino Vannelli is a Canadian singer and songwriter who’s known for his distinctive voice, eclectic music style, and a career that spans various genres. A winner of multiple Juno Awards, some of his biggest hits include “I Just Wanna Stop”, “Living Inside Myself”, “Wheels of Life”, “Black Cars”, and today’s attached song link. On this very day, June 16th 1952, Gino Vanelli was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In celebration of his birthday, exactly 72 years ago today, I’ve chosen a sexy disco-infused song that was one of his first…

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Chart Toppers 

“Old Town Road” LIL NAS X

DJ Rays Music

“Old Town Road” is a country rap song that was recorded by American rapper, Lil Nas X. In 2019, it gained widespread popularity (after becoming a viral sensation on the social media platform, TikTok). The song’s fusion of hip-hop and country elements, along with its catchy hook, contributed to its popularity. However, controversy arose when the track was removed from the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart (with some arguing it didn’t fit the genre’s criteria). In 2020, it won two Grammy Awards for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” and “Best Music…

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