Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BUDDY HOLLY

DJ Rays Music

Buddy Holly, a central figure in the early development of rock and roll, was born in Lubbock, Texas on September 7th, 1936. His music and style influenced many legendary artists, including the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. In 1957, he formed the Crickets, and (together) they went on to release their breakthrough hit, “That’ll Be the Day”. His song catalog also includes many other hits, such as “Everyday”, “Peggy Sue”, “Not Fade Away”, “Rave On”, and the song I chose for today. On this very day, February 3rd, 1959,…

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Chart Toppers 

“CAR WASH” by ROSE ROYCE

DJ Rays Music

BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues with a popular seventies track that was recorded by American disco-funk band, Rose Royce. With over 2 million copies sold (in the U.S. alone) it was platinum certified, and in 1977 the “Car Wash” soundtrack went on to win the Grammy Award for “Best Score Soundtrack Album”. In 2004, the song was covered by Christina Aguilera (and Missy Elliott), who released their version as a single for the soundtrack of “Shark Tale”. On this very day, February 3rd 1977, it was the #1 song in America,…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAKIRA

DJ Rays Music

Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and record producer who is known for her distinctive voice, unique dance style, and a fusion of various musical influences, including Pop, Rock, and Latin. Often referred to as the “Queen of Latin Music”, some of her most popular songs include “Whenever, Wherever”, “La Tortura”, “Underneath Your Clothes”, “Waka Waka”, “Chantaje”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, February 2nd, 1977, she was born in Barranquilla, Colombia as Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll. In celebration of her birthday, I’ve chosen the song she is…

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Chart Toppers 

“INDEPENDENT WOMEN” by DESTINY’S CHILD

DJ Rays Music

Continuing our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s R&B-pop track was recorded by American girl group, Destiny’s Child. The lyrics within celebrate women who are not just financially (but emotionally independent as well). It encourages women (of all races) to take pride in their ability to support themselves (and not rely on others for validation). Ultimately, it became an anthem for female empowerment and gained widespread popularity. It topped the charts in many countries world wide, and was also included in the Guinness Book of World Records, for longest-running #1 song…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY STYLES

DJ Rays Music

Harry Styles is an English singer and songwriter who initially gained fame as a member of the boy band, One Direction. Originally formed (in 2010) on the British music competition, “The X Factor”, this group went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. After One Direction went on hiatus (in 2016), Harry Styles decided to launch a solo career by releasing hit singles like “Sign of the Times”, “Adore You”, and the song I chose for today. Known for his distinctive fashion sense, he often…

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Chart Toppers 

“SUPERSTITION” by STEVIE WONDER

DJ Rays Music

Beginning today, it’s time to kick off BLACK HISTORY MONTH (and the integral way it has affected the music industry as a whole). With that said, let’s jump right into it with an artist who epitomizes black history. The song I’ve decided to kick things off with is an iconic funk-rock track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, the legendary, Stevie Wonder. In 1974, this song earned two Grammy awards, including “Best R&B Song” and “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. Years later, in the year 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

DJ Rays Music

Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame (in the late 1990s) as a member of the boy band, NSYNC. This group achieved immense success with hits like “Bye Bye Bye”, “It’s Gonna Be Me”, “Tearin’ Up My Heart”, and “This I Promise You”. After the hiatus of NSYNC in the early 2000s, Justin Timberlake pursued a solo career. Some of his most popular hit singles include “Cry Me a River”, “Rock Your Body”, “Sexyback”, “My Love”, and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” (to name…

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Chart Toppers 

“FLOWERS” by MILEY CYRUS

DJ Rays Music

“Flowers” is a song that was recorded by American pop singer, Miley Cyrus. The lyrics within express the narrator’s acceptance of being independent (and no longer feeling the need to rely on others). Its massive success helped it receive several nominations, including  “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance”. At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, it was nominated for “Video of the Year”, “Best Pop Video” and “Best Cinematography”. On this very day, January 31st 2023, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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