Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA BAREILLES
Sara Bareilles is an American singer and musician who’s known for her piano-driven arrangements, powerful vocals, and introspective songwriting. Her most popular singles include “King of Anything”, “Brave”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout her career she has received many accolades, including 2 Grammy Awards, and in 2012, VH1 named her as one of the “100 Greatest Women in Music”. On this very day, December 7th 1979, Sara Beth Bareilles was born in Eureka, California. In celebration of her birthday, exactly 45 years ago…
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“WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO” by WHAM
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is a high energy pop song that was recorded by the English singing duo known as Wham. Written by lead singer, George Michael, his lyrical inspiration came one day before he and bandmate (Andrew Ridgely) were going out on the town. Michael fell asleep, but before he drifted off, he wrote a scribbled note with directions for Ridgely to wake him up before he goes. Ranked at #28 on VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Songs From the 1980s”, this track sold 2 million…
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R.I.P. ROY ORBISON
Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was born in Vernon, Texas on April 23rd, 1936. He was particularly known for wearing dark sunglasses, which became a trademark of his image. Orbison achieved international fame with a string of hit songs, including “Only the Lonely”, “Running Scared”, “Oh, Pretty Woman”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In the late 1980s, Orbison joined The Traveling Wilburys (alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty). In 1987, shortly…
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“SMOOTH” by SANTANA featuring ROB THOMAS
The song “Smooth” is a slightly Latin-infused rock track that was recorded by Santana (featuring vocals by Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20). The music video for this single was particularly cool as it showcased just how talented Carlos Santana is as a guitarist. In the year 2000, it won several Grammy Awards, including “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals”. On this very day, December 6th 1999, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHNNY RZEZNIK
Johnny Rzeznik is an American singer, musician, and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist for the Goo Goo Dolls. Some of the dolls’ most popular songs include “Slide”, “Name”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Over the years, the Goo Goo Dolls have sold more than 15 million records worldwide, and in 2008, Johnny Rzeznik was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 5th 1965, John Joseph Theodore Rzeznik was born in Buffalo, New…
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“FAMILY AFFAIR” by SLY & THE FAMILY STONE
The song “Family Affair” is a very soulful track that was recorded by American funk band, Sly and the Family Stone. Celebrated for its sultry bassline, and Sly Stone’s unique vocal style, this song had a major influence on the development of R&B and funk music. In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #57 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time” On this very day, December 5th 1971, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…
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