Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. CHARLEY PRIDE

DJ Rays Music

Charley Pride was an American country singer who was born in Sledge, Mississippi on March 18th, 1934. He is best remembered as a trailblazer who helped break down racial barriers (in the genre) and opened doors for future black country artists (like Darius Rucker). Over the years, he has recorded over thirty #1 country hits, and has released more than 50 albums. Throughout his career, Charley Pride received numerous accolades, including 3 Grammy Awards, several CMA Awards, and an induction into the prestigious, Grand Ole Opry. In 2017, he received…

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Chart Toppers 

“I AM WOMAN” by HELEN REDDY

DJ Rays Music

“I Am Woman” is a popular seventies song that was recorded by Australian-American singer, Helen Reddy. Celebrated for its message of gender equality, it ultimately became an anthem for female empowerment. Released during the counterculture era, it was a staple for the women’s liberation movement, and in 1973, it won a Grammy Award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, December 12th 1972, 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…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. SAM COOKE

DJ Rays Music

Sam Cooke was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 22nd, 1931. Motivated by the changing times, Sam Cooke used his platform to advocate for racial equality. His song “A Change Is Gonna Come” is considered an anthem for the civil rights era. Many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Rod Stewart, have cited him as an inspiration. He had the rare honor of being twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1999, he received the Grammy Lifetime…

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Chart Toppers 

“FLY ROBIN FLY” by SILVER CONVENTION

DJ Rays Music

“Fly, Robin, Fly” is a catchy disco song that was recorded by German dance group, Silver Convention. Characterized by its catchy disco beat (and pulsating rhythm), in 1976, this song received a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Instrumental Performance”. On this very day, December 11th 1975, 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 the album, “Save Me”, here’s SILVER CONVENTION, with “FLY ROBIN FLY”…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. OTIS REDDING

DJ Rays Music

Otis Redding was an American soul singer and songwriter who was born in Dawson, Georgia on September 9th, 1941. Throughout his short career, he produced a string of hits, including “Try a Little Tenderness”, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, “Respect”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Otis Redding was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (in 1989) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (in 1994). In 1999, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On this very…

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Chart Toppers 

“FAMILY AFFAIR” by MARY J BLIGE

DJ Rays Music

“Family Affair” is a popular urban track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Mary J. Blige. The song’s modern R&B sound, coupled with Mary J. Blige’s powerful and soulful delivery, contributed to its success. It topped the charts in France and Canada, and Rolling Stone magazine would eventually add it to their list of the “100 Best Songs of the 2000s”. On this very day, December 10th 2001, it was also 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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