Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAHAM RUSSELL

DJ Rays Music

Graham Russell is a songwriter, musician, and vocalist who is best known as a founding member of the soft rock band, Air Supply. This group achieved international success with a string of popular ballads, including “Lost in Love”, “Every Woman in the World”, “The One That You Love”, and today’s attached song link. In 2013, Graham Russell (and band mate Russell Hitchcock) were both inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame (in recognition of their contributions to the music industry). On this very day, June 11th 1950, Graham Russell was…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. RAY CHARLES

DJ Rays Music

Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23rd, 1930. In spite of losing his sight at a young age, his career was full of chart-topping hits, including “What I’d Say”, “Georgia on My Mind”, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and today’s attached song link. Throughout hiscareer, he received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2004, the biography film, “Ray” (played by Jamie Foxx), brought renewed attention to his incredible life in…

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Chart Toppers 

“IT’S MY PARTY” by LESLEY GORE

DJ Rays Music

“It’s My Party” is a classic pop song that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Lesley Gore. The lyrics within capture the heartbreak of a girl whose boyfriend leaves her during her birthday party. Eventually he returns with the narrator’s best friend Judy, who’s wearing his ring. Lesley Gore’s emotive and expressive vocal delivery, combined with the catchy melody, contributed to the song’s massive success. On this very day, June 10th 1963, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen,…

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Chart Toppers 

“EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE” by TEARS FOR FEARS

DJ Rays Music

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is a 1980s pop song that was recorded by British rock band, Tears for Fears. The lyrics within touch upon themes of power, control, and the desire for influence. In 1986, the song won “Best Single” at the Brit Awards, and in 2021, Rolling Stone magazine placed it on their updated list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. On this very day, June 9th 1985, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel…

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Heaven & Earth 

HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY JACKIE WILSON

DJ Rays Music

Jackie Wilson was an American singer who is often cited for being an influence on legends like Elvis Presley and James Brown. One of his most enduring hits is “Higher and Higher” (which is particularly known for its uplifting melody and passionate vocal performance). Nicknamed “Mr. Excitement”, in 1997, Jackie Wilson was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, June 9th 1934, Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. was born in Highland Park, Michigan. In celebration of his heavenly birthday, I’ve chosen a classic track…

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Chart Toppers 

“LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA” by RICKY MARTIN

DJ Rays Music

“Livin’ la Vida Loca” is an up-tempo Latin-pop song that was recorded by Puerto Rican singer, Ricky Martin. The lyrics within describe a wild and carefree lifestyle, often associated with nightlife and a sense of abandon. The phrase “livin’ la vida loca” itself translates into English as “living the crazy life.” Nominated for several Grammy Awards, this track marked a significant moment in the Latin pop explosion (of the late 1990s). On this very day, June 8th 1999, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BONNIE POINTER

DJ Rays Music

Bonnie Pointer was an American singer who was born in Oakland, California on July 11th, 1950. She was best known as being a founding member of The Pointer Sisters (alongside siblings Ruth, Anita, and June). Together, this popular group released a string of hit singles, including “Fire”, “He’s So Shy”, “Slow Hand”, and “Jump for My Love”. In 1974, she co-wrote the hit single, “Fairytale“, which won the group their first Grammy Award, and in 1994, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (along with her sisters).…

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