Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADAM ANT
Adam Ant is an English singer and musician who gained fame as lead vocalist of the new wave and post-punk band, Adam and the Ants. This group achieved commercial success with their second album, “Kings of the Wild Frontier”, which included singles like “Antmusic” and “Dog Eat Dog”. He later pursued a solo career and released his 1982 album, “Friend or Foe”, which includes the song I chose for you today (which you can listen to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, November 3rd 1954, Stuart…
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“SOMEONE YOU LOVED” by LEWIS CAPALDI
“Someone You Loved” is a heartfelt ballad that was recorded by Scottish singer-songwriter, Lewis Capaldi. With his emotive vocals and raw honesty, the narrator conveys the sadness he feels inside (after breaking up with his ex-lover). With over 3 billion streams on Spotify, this track went on to win “Song of the Year” at the 2020 Brit Awards show. It has since been certified Diamond (or higher) in Brazil, France, Germany, Poland, Australia, and Canada. On this very day, November 3rd 2019, it was also the #1 song in America,…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY NELLY
Urban artist, Nelly, is an American rapper and songwriter who started his career (in 1993) as a member of the mid-west Hip-Hop group, St. Lunatics. Several years later, he embarked on a solo career and released a string of hit singles, including “Hot in Here”, “Grillz”, “E.I.”, “Just a Dream”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout his career, he has won multiple accolades, including 9 Billboard Music Awards and 3 Grammys. On this very day, November 2nd 1974, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (known…
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“HOT CHILD IN THE CITY” by NICK GILDER
“Hot Child in the City” is a seventies pop song that was recorded by British-Canadian musician, Nick Gilder. The lyrics within convey the many challenges and dangers faced by a young girl who’s navigating the streets of Los Angeles on her own. After reaching platinum status (and winning two Juno Awards), this song went on to top the charts in his native country, Canada. On this very day, November 2nd 1978, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE B HAWKINS
Sophie B. Hawkins is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who gained recognition (in 1992) with her debut album, “Tongues and Tails”. Her biggest singles include songs like “Right Beside You”, “As I Lay Me Down”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, November 1st 1964, Sophie Ballantine Hawkins was born in New York City. In celebration of her birthday, exactly 60 years ago today, I’ve chosen a contemporary track that Slant Magazine included on their list of…
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“I’LL BE THERE” by JACKSON 5
The song, “I’ll Be There” is a classic soul ballad that was recorded by the legendary, Jackson Five. It’s considered as Motown Record’s most successful single to be released during it’s “Detroit Era” (that took place between 1959-1972). With a young Michael Jackson on lead vocals, this track was ultimately inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (in 2011). On this very day, November 1st 1970, 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…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANILLA ICE
Vanilla Ice is an American rapper who gained fame with his hit single, “Ice Ice Baby” (which became the first hip-hop single to top Billboard’s Hot 100 chart). Along with the Beastie Boys and House of Pain, he was one of the earliest white rappers to attain major success. For 8 months (between 1991-1992), he dated the legendary Madonna, while they were both at the peak of their careers. In 1991, Vanilla Ice won a total of two American Music Awards, including “Favorite New Pop Artist”. On this very day, October 31st…
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“MONSTER MASH” by BOBBY “BORIS” PICKETT
“Monster Mash” is a Halloween novelty song that was recorded by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers. The lyrics within describe a party where classic monsters such as Dracula, The Wolfman, and Frankenstein all come together to perform a special dance (called the “Monster Mash”). Narrated in a Boris Karloff-style voice, in 2021 (nearly 60 years after its release), “Monster Mash” re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #37. On this very day, October 31st 1962, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…
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