Author: DJ Rays Music
“PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE” by THE RASCALS
“People Got to Be Free” is a classic pop song that was recorded by American rock band, The Rascals. A soulful and uplifting track (that promotes unity and equality), this single became an anthem for the civil rights movement of the 1960s. After the song’s release, the Rascals would only perform at concerts that featured an African-American act. When that condition wasn’t met, they canceled several shows in protest. On this very day, August 18th 1968, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELINDA CARLISLE
Belinda Carlisle is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist for American pop-rock band, the Go-Go’s. In 2021, this revolutionary all-girl group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 1985, the Go-Go’s broke up, and Belinda Carlisle decided to pursue a solo career, recording hits like “Mad About You”, “I Get Weak”, “Heaven Is a Place on Earth”, “Circle in the Sand”, and “Leave a Light On”. On this very day, August 17th 1958, Belinda Jo Carlisle was born in Los…
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“BREAK MY SOUL” by BEYONCE
“Break My Soul” is an up-tempo dance track that was recorded by American singer and songwriter, Beyoncé. With an emphatic departure from her usual vibe, this song incorporated a distinct house sound similar to the classic 1990 Robin S track, “Show Me Love”. In 2023, it won the Grammy Award for “Best Dance/Electronic Recording”, while also receiving two other nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year”. On this very day, August 17th 2022, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…
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R.I.P. GREG KIHN
Greg Kihn was an American singer and musician, who founded the Greg Kihn Band back in 1976. His three biggest singles all placed within the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. His first song (to break through) was called “The Breakup Song” which peaked at #15 (in the U.S.). They also had a track called “Lucky”, which reached the #30 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100. However, their biggest hit, “Jeopardy”, was released in 1983 and climbed all the way to the #2 spot in America. On August 13th 2024, Gregory…
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R.I.P. JACK RUSSELL
Jack Russell was an American vocalist, who was a founding member of the 1980’s rock band, Great White. With Russell at the helm, this group went on to score two Top 40 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. The first one was “The Angel Song” which peaked at #30 in the U.S., while their biggest single, “Once bitten, twice shy” reached the #5 spot (on the Hot 100). In 2001, Great White disbanded but continued to perform under the name “Jack Russell’s Great White”. Unfortunately, this version of the band is best…
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R.I.P. ARETHA FRANKLIN
Aretha Franklin was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25th, 1942. Often referred to as the “Queen of Soul” (for her powerful vocal style), Rolling Stone magazine named her as the greatest singer of all-time. With global sales of over 75 million records, some of her most iconic songs include “Natural Woman”, “Chain of Fools”, “Think”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Aside from winning 18 Grammy Awards, in 1987, she became the first…
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“A BIG HUNK O’ LOVE” by ELVIS PRESLEY
“A Big Hunk o’ Love” is a classic rock and roll track that was recorded by the icon, Elvis Presley. The lyrics within describe the narrator’s desire to be loved by a romantic interest. The song’s rockabilly vibe and energetic tempo make it a true staple of the times (when America was a pure and guiding light for the rest of the world). On this very day, August 16th 1959, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please…
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