Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. WALTER BECKER!

Walter Becker was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer who was born in Queens, New York on February 20th, 1950. He is best remembered for his services with the jazz rock band, Steely Dan. Over the years, this group produced a string of successful hits, including “Do It Again”, “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, “Peg”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, September 3rd 2017, Walter Carl Becker died from esophageal cancer (at 67 years of age).…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to CEDRIC HAILEY!

Cedric Hailey (also known as K-Ci) is an American singer and songwriter who is one-half of the R&B duo, K-Ci & JoJo. Alongside his younger brother, Joel Hailey, the two siblings gained fame as part of the group Jodeci (before establishing themselves as a successful duo). In 1997, they released their debut album, “Love Always”, which featured the hit single “All My Life” (a song that topped the U.S. charts and earned the brothers a Grammy Award nomination). On this very day, September 2nd 1969, Cedric Renard Hailey was born…

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Chart Toppers 

“LA BAMBA” by LOS LOBOS

“La Bamba” is a traditional Mexican folk-rock song that was made popular (in North America) when the late Ritchie Valens recorded his original version (back in 1958). However, it was Los Lobos’ rendition of the song (almost 30 years later) that garnered massive international attention. This particular version was made for the 1987 soundtrack, “La Bamba,” which told the tale of Ritchie Valens’ glorious, yet tragic, life story. The song’s popularity (supported by the strength of the movie) helped it topped the charts in numerous countries around the world, including…

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Chart Toppers 

“CHEAP THRILLS” by SIA feat. SEAN PAUL

“Cheap Thrills” is a pop song that was originally recorded by Australian singer and songwriter, Sia. However, it wasn’t until Sean Paul was added to this remix version that the song truly came to life. His presence helped to better the track by adding just the right amount of dancehall reggae, which eventually led it to be Grammy-nominated (for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance). Its infectious melody and upbeat rhythm helped it top the charts in several countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and Canada (to name a few). On…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BARRY GIBB!

Barry Gibb is a singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame as a member of the Bee Gees (alongside his younger brothers, Robin and Maurice). Amongst their many hit singles, some of the trio’s most famous songs include “Stayin’ Alive”, “How Deep Is Your Love”, “Night Fever”, “Tragedy, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). The last surviving member of the Bee Gees, in 1994, Barry Gibb was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 1997, he was…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to DEBBIE GIBSON!

Debbie Gibson is an American singer and songwriter who gained fame (in the late 1980s) as a teenage pop sensation. Some of her most memorable singles include “Shake Your Love”, “Only in my Dreams”, “Lost in Your Eyes”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, August 31st 1970, Deborah Ann Gibson was born in New York City. In celebration of her birthday, I’ve chosen a ballad that made Gibson the youngest artist to write and produce a Billboard…

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Chart Toppers 

“THE LOCO-MOTION” by LITTLE EVA

“The Loco-Motion” is an energetic pop song that was co-written by Carole King, and recorded by American vocalist, Little Eva. Another popular version of the song came (in 1974) when American rock band, Grand Funk, released their version. However, it was Little Eva’s rendition of the track that truly catapulted the song to greatness. Not only did it dominate many charts around the world, in 2016, it was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, August 31st 1962, it was the #1 song in America,…

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