Author: DJ Rays Music
R.I.P. Donna Summer
Donna Summer was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 31st, 1948. Often referred to as the “Queen of Disco”, she released a string of popular dance hits, including “I Feel Love”, “Hot Stuff”, “She Works Hard for the Money”, and today’s song choice (to name just a few). In 2013, she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, May 17th 2012, Donna Adrian Gaines (known professionally as Donna Summer) died of lung cancer (at 63…
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“I’ll Be There For You” Bon Jovi
“I’ll Be There for You” is a classic power ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Bon Jovi. Written by the group’s primary songwriting duo, Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi, the lyrics within express the narrator’s longing to make things right in a relationship that has been soured. Partially due to its catchy sound and emotive vocals, in 1990, it earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, May 17th 1989, it was the #1 song in…
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R.I.P. Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. was an American singer who was born in New York City on December 8th, 1925. He is mostly remembered as a member of the “Rat Pack” (a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop). His most popular hits (as a solo artist) include “Mr. Bojangles”, “I’ve Gotta Be Me”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 16th 1990, Samuel George Davis Jr. died of complications from throat cancer (at 64 years of age). In memory of his passing,…
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“That’s The Way Love Goes” Janet Jackson
“That’s the Way Love Goes” is an R&B song that was recorded by American pop singer, Janet Jackson. It marked a noticeable departure from her previous work, incorporating a laid-back and sensual sound that resonated with her fans. Overall, this song won various accolades, including the AMA for “Favorite Soul/R&B Single”, and in 1994, it won the Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song”. On this very day, May 16th 1993, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please…
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R.I.P. June Carter Cash
June Carter Cash was an American singer who was born in Maces Spring, Virginia on June 23rd, 1929. She was a key part of the Carter Family, a legendary country music group that included her mother Maybelle, and her sisters, Anita and Helen. She also had a successful solo career, recording hits like “Juke Box Blues” and “Ring of Fire”. A five-time Grammy Award winner, she was also the second wife of legendary country music singer, Johnny Cash. On this very day, May 15th 2003, June Carter Cash died from…
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May 15th 1978 “If I Can’t Have You” Yvonne Elliman
“If I Can’t Have You” is a song that was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees (and was originally intended for the soundtrack of the film “Saturday Night Fever”). However, it was Yvonne Elliman’s version that appeared on the film’s soundtrack, and earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female”. On this very day, May 15th 1978, 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…
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R.I.P. Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra, was an iconic American singer who was born in New Jersey on December 12th 1915. Regarded as one of the greatest entertainers in music history, he was also a key member of the “Rat Pack” (that included other legends like Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop). Often referred to as “Old Blue Eyes”, some of his signature songs include “New York, New York”, “Strangers in the Night”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 14th 1998, Francis…
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May 14th 1986 “West End Girls” Pet Shop Boys
“West End Girls” is a classic eighties song that was recorded by English pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys. It went on to become one of their most iconic and successful tracks, establishing them as significant figures in the synth-pop genre. The lyrics within explore themes of class and social issues, capturing a sense of urban life. In 1987, “West End Girls” won the Ivor Novello Award for “Best International Hit”, and that same year, it won the Brit Award for “Best British Single”. On this very day, May 14th…
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