Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOLLY PARTON

Dolly Parton is an American singer and songwriter who gained prominence in the country music scene (during the late 1960s). She is best known for her distinctive style, including signature blonde wigs andflamboyant fashion. Her catalogue of hits includes iconic songs such as “Jolene”, “I Will Always Love You”, “Coat of Many Colors”, and the song I chose for you today. She also had a great working relationship with the late Kenny Rogers. In 1983, the duo released “Islands in the Stream” that went on to top the charts in…

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Chart Toppers 

“I WRITE THE SONGS” by BARRY MANILOW

Ironically enough, “I Write the Songs” was a tune written by Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys (in 1975). When asked who the “I” refers to (in the lyrics), Johnson stated that it refers to God, and that all songs come from the spirit of creativity found within everyone. Although it was written by Bruce Johnston, it was Barry Manilow’s rendition that popularized the song and made it a chart-topping hit. In 1977, It won the Grammy Award for “Song of the Year”, and became one of his signature hits.…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. GLENN FREY

Glenn Frey was an American singer, songwriter, and founding member of the Eagles, one of the most successful and influential rock bands in music history. Frey co-wrote many of the group’s biggest hits like “Hotel California”, “Take It to the Limit”, and “Lyin’ Eyes”. After the Eagles disbanded (in 1980), he pursued a very successful solo career, releasing singles like “The Heat Is On” and “You Belong to the City” (which was featured in the popular TV series, “Miami Vice”). In 1998, he was officially inducted into the Rock &…

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Chart Toppers 

“THE JOKER” by STEVE MILLER BAND

“The Joker” is a classic rock song that was written by Steve Miller, and performed by the Steve Miller Band. Known for its catchy and laid-back sound, it features a very unique guitar riff, and lyrics that blend humor and whimsy. American music magazine, Cashbox, said that the song was on its way to becoming Steve Miller’s most successful release ever, while Record World called it “a smooth piece that is highly reminiscent of Van Morrison”. The song’s overall popularity as a sing-a-long has endured over the years, and it…

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Chart Toppers 

“LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN” by BRUNO MARS

“Locked Out of Heaven” is a song by American pop singer, Bruno Mars, that draws inspiration from various genres. It has been described as a reggae, rock, and pop track, heavily influenced by new wave and funk. Upon its release, the song received positive reviews for its infectious sound and a stellar vocal performance. It went on to become a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in various countries, while also earning several Grammy Award nominations. On this very day, January 17th 2013, it was the #1 song…

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