Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tommy James

DJ Rays Music

Tommy James is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who is best known as leader of the rock band, Tommy James and the Shondells. Notable hits from this group include “Hanky Panky”, “Mony Mony”, “I Think We’re Alone Now”, and today’s song choice (to name just a few). As the band embraced the sounds of psychedelia, they were invited to perform at the legendary 1969 Woodstock festival, but declined. On this very day, April 29th 1947, Thomas Gregory Jackson (known professionally as Tommy James) was born in Dayton, Ohio. In…

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Chart Toppers 

April 29th 2020, Blinding Lights by The Weeknd

DJ Rays Music

“Blinding Lights” is a song that was recorded by Canadian pop singer, The Weeknd. The track quickly gained widespread acclaim for its 1980s-inspired synth-pop sound and catchy melody. It went on to break several records, while topping charts in over 30 countries globally. On this very day, April 29th 2020 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. Released as a single in 2019, here’s THE WEEKND, with “BLINDING LIGHTS”…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. Bobby Lewis

DJ Rays Music

Bobby Lewis was an American pop singer who was born in Indiana on February 17th, 1933. He rose to prominence (in the 1950s) and eventually recorded his two biggest hits, “One Track Mind” and today’s song choice (which was named by Billboard as the #1 song for the year 1961). On this very day, April 28th 2020, Robert Alan Lewis died of pneumonia (at 95 years of age). In memory of his passing, exactly 4 years ago today, I’ve chosen a true classic from the early days of rock &…

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Chart Toppers 

April 28th 1998, Too Close by Next

DJ Rays Music

“Too Close” is a song that was recorded by American R&B group, Next. The lyrics within discuss the temptation of dancing intimately with someone and trying to maintain composure. One of the smoothest and most popular R&B songs of all-time, this track received a platinum certification by the R.I.A.A.. On this very day, April 28th 1998, 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. Released as a single on January 27th…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sheena Easton

DJ Rays Music

Sheena Easton is a Scottish singer and songwriter who gained international fame (in the 1980s) with songs like “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)”, “For Your Eyes Only”, “Strut”, and today’s song choice. In 1981, she won the prestigious Billboard Music Award for “Top New Artist”, while also winning two Grammy Awards (in 1982 and 1985). On this very day, April 27th 1959, Sheena Shirley Orr (known professionally as Sheena Easton) was born in Scotland (to Annie and Alex Orr). In celebration of her birthday, exactly 65 years ago today, I’ve…

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Chart Toppers 

April 27th 1977, Don’t Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston

DJ Rays Music

“Don’t Leave Me This Way” is a disco song that was initially recorded by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (in 1975). However, it was Thelma Houston’s rendition that truly popularized it. In 1978, her version won the Grammy Award for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance”, and in 2021, Rolling Stone magazine included it on their list of the “500 Best Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, April 27th 1977, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen,…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. George Jones

DJ Rays Music

George Jones (often referred to as “The Possum”) was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Saratoga, Texas on September 12th, 1931. A generational star, he has often been referred to as the “Rolls Royce of Country Music”. Some of his most famous songs include “The Grand Tour”, “She Thinks I Still Care”, “White Lightning”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his entire career, he was a true servant to his genre, which led to his 1992 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. On this very day,…

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Chart Toppers 

April 26th 1978, Night Fever by Bee Gees

DJ Rays Music

“Night Fever” is a disco song that was recorded by the Bee Gees (for the 1977 soundtrack of “Saturday Night Fever”). Known for its catchy melody, danceable rhythm, and falsetto vocals, this dance track played a significant role in popularizing disco music worldwide. It topped the music charts in Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Canada, and the U.K. On this very day, April 26th 1978, it was also 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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