Author: DJ Rays Music

Chart Toppers 

April 11th 1970, Let It Be by The Beatles

DJ Rays Music

“Let It Be” is a peaceful ballad that was written by Paul McCartney and recorded by The Beatles. It was inspired by a dream McCartney had about his late mother, Mary, who passed away when he was just 14. In his dream, she spoke words of comfort to him during a challenging time in the band’s history. In 2004, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, April 11th 1970, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. June Pointer (Pointer Sisters)

DJ Rays Music

June Pointer was an American singer who was born in Oakland, California on November 30th, 1953. Alongside her sisters, Ruth, Anita and Bonnie, she was one of the founding members of the Pointer Sisters. Together, this group gained prominence with hits such as “I’m So Excited”, “Jump For My Love”, “Neutron Dance” and today’s song choice. Throughout their illustrious career, the Pointer Sisters have won a total of three Grammy Awards, and in 1994, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On this very day, April 11th 2006, June Antoinette…

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Chart Toppers 

April 10th 2013, Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

DJ Rays Music

“Thrift Shop” is a song that was recorded by American rapper Macklemore, and producer Ryan Lewis. Known for its catchy beat and unique subject matter, the lyrics within describe the experience of shopping at a thrift store (while embracing a frugal approach to fashion). In 2014, it won two Grammy Awards for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap Performance”. On this very day, April 10th 2013, 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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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Brian Setzer (Stray Cats)

DJ Rays Music

Brian Setzer is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is particularly known as lead vocalist for the Stray Cats. A rockabilly revival band (formed in the early 1980s), this group achieved success with hits like “Stray Cat Strut”, “Sexy & 17”, “Runaway Boys”, and today’s song choice. In addition to his work with the Stray Cats, he’s had a successful solo career with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a swing and blues band that he created in 1990. On this very day, April 10th 1959, Brian Robert Setzer was born…

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Chart Toppers 

April 9th 1983, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

DJ Rays Music

“Billie Jean” is a popular dance song that was recorded by the late, great Michael Jackson. Regarded as one of his signature tracks, the lyrics within tell the story of a woman (named Billie Jean) who claims that Jackson is the father of her son. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #58 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time. It also received several other accolades, including two Grammy Awards and an AMA. On this very day, April 9th 1983, it was the #1 song in…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. Brook Benton

DJ Rays Music

Brook Benton was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Lugoff, South Carolina on September 19th, 1931. Most of his success took place in the 1950s and 1960s (with a style that combined elements of R&B, Pop, and Soul). His most popular singles include “Endlessly”, “Rainy Night in Georgia”, “Kiddio”, and today’s song choice On this very day, April 9th 1988, Benjamin Franklin Peay (known professionally as Brook Benton) died from pneumonia (at 56 years of age). In memory of his passing, exactly 36 years ago today, I’ve…

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Chart Toppers 

April 8th 1998, All My Life by K-Ci & JoJo

DJ Rays Music

“All My Life” is a romantic ballad that was recorded by brothers, K-Ci & JoJo (who were originally part of the R&B group, Jodeci). The lyrics within express a deep and enduring love, with the commitment of a lifelong relationship. In 1999, this song was Grammy-nominated for “Best R&B Vocal Performance” and “Best R&B Song”. It was also nominated for “Best R&B Video” at the MTV Video Music Awards (that same year). On this very day, April 8th 1998, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Julian Lennon

DJ Rays Music

Julian Lennon is an English musician and songwriter who is famously known for being the only child of the Beatles’ legendary musician, John Lennon. He was actually the inspiration on three different Beatles’ songs, including “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”, “Good Night”, and “Hey Jude”. Throughout his career, his two biggest hits include the single, “Valotte”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, April 8th 1963, John Charles Julian Lennon was born in Liverpool England (to Cynthia Powell and John Lennon). In celebration of his birthday, exactly 61…

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