Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. ROY ORBISON

Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was born in Vernon, Texas on April 23rd, 1936. He was particularly known for wearing dark sunglasses, which became a trademark of his image. Orbison achieved international fame with a string of hit songs, including “Only the Lonely”, “Running Scared”, “Oh, Pretty Woman”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In the late 1980s, Orbison joined The Traveling Wilburys (alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty). In 1987, shortly…

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Chart Toppers 

“SMOOTH” by SANTANA featuring ROB THOMAS

The song “Smooth” is a slightly Latin-infused rock track that was recorded by Santana (featuring vocals by Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20). The music video for this single was particularly cool as it showcased just how talented Carlos Santana is as a guitarist. In the year 2000, it won several Grammy Awards, including “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals”. On this very day, December 6th 1999, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHNNY RZEZNIK

Johnny Rzeznik is an American singer, musician, and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist for the Goo Goo Dolls. Some of the dolls’ most popular songs include “Slide”, “Name”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Over the years, the Goo Goo Dolls have sold more than 15 million records worldwide, and in 2008, Johnny Rzeznik was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 5th 1965, John Joseph Theodore Rzeznik was born in Buffalo, New…

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Chart Toppers 

“FAMILY AFFAIR” by SLY & THE FAMILY STONE

The song “Family Affair” is a very soulful track that was recorded by American funk band, Sly and the Family Stone. Celebrated for its sultry bassline, and Sly Stone’s unique vocal style, this song had a major influence on the development of R&B and funk music. In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #57 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time” On this very day, December 5th 1971, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY-Z

Jay-Z is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop artists of all time. In 1995, he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records (which played a crucial role in launching his career). Some of his biggest singles include “Big Pimpin’”, “Izzo”, “Dirt off Your Shoulder”, “Empire State of Mind”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout his storied career, he has won 24 Grammy Awards, and was the first rapper to be…

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Chart Toppers 

“EMPIRE STATE OF MIND” by JAY-Z featuring ALICIA KEYS

“Empire State of Mind” is an R&B-infused Hip-Hop track that was recorded by American rapper, Jay-Z (featuring vocals by Alicia Keys). Written as an ode to New York City, this song celebrates many of the Big Apple’s cultural influences and iconic landmarks. In 2011, it won two Grammy Awards for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”. A long-time fan of the New York Yankees, Jay-Z said that he was elated whenever this song was played during the 2009 World Series. On this very day, December 4th 2009, it was the #1…

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