Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. SYD BARRETT

DJ Rays Music

Syd Barrett was a singer and songwriter who was born in Cambridge, England on January 6th, 1946. He is best remembered as the co-founder and original frontman for Pink Floyd. Unfortunately, his mental health issues and erratic behavior led to his departure from Pink Floyd (in 1968). In the beginning, he was the band’s primary songwriter, who was known for his whimsical style of psychedelia. As a guitarist, he employed various sound effects like dissonance, distortion, echo, and feedback. In 1996, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 50 CENT

DJ Rays Music

50 Cent is an American rapper who’s known for his gritty lyrics, distinctive flow, and his early association with Eminem and Dr. Dre. His most popular tracks include “21 Questions”, “P.I.M.P.”, “Disco Inferno”, “Candy Shop”, “Just a Lil Bit”, and today’s attached song link. Throughout his career, he has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and garnered many accolades, including 4 BET Awards, 3 AMAs, and a Grammy Award (in 2010). On this very day, July 6th 1975, Curtis James Jackson (known professionally as 50 Cent) was born in New York…

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Chart Toppers 

“ROCK THE BOAT” by HUES CORPORATION

DJ Rays Music

“Rock the Boat” is a popular track that was recorded by American soul trio, the Hues Corporation. Its danceable rhythm (and catchy sound) helped it contribute to the popularity of disco music (during the 1970s). Over the years, it has been especially popular at weddings and birthday parties, as guests sit down in single file and pretend to row in unison. On this very day, July 6th 1974, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free…

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Chart Toppers 

“DON’T YOU WANT ME” by HUMAN LEAGUE

DJ Rays Music

“Don’t You Want Me” is a retro dance track that was recorded by British pop band, the Human League. Often associated with the new wave movement, in 2022, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it as one of the “Greatest Dance Songs of All-Time”. Considered as one of the most successful singles ever to chart in the U.K., it peaked at #1 in many countries around the world (including Canada). On this very day, July 5th 1982, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUEY LEWIS

DJ Rays Music

Huey Lewis is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist for American pop-rock band, Huey Lewis and the News. Some of this group’s greatest hits include “The Heart of Rock & Roll”, “I Want a New Drug”, “Heart & Soul”, “The Power of Love”, and today’s attached song link (to name just a few). In an interview with David Letterman, Huey Lewis spoke about his hitchhiking adventures (across America) and how he learned to play harmonica (while on the road).  On this very day, July 5th 1950, Hugh…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BARRY WHITE

DJ Rays Music

Barry White was an American singer, songwriter, and composer who was born in Galveston, Texas on September 12th 1944. Known for his sensual style and distinct baritone vocals, his most popular songs include “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe”, “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up”, and today’s attached song link. On September 12th, 2013, which would have been his 69th birthday, Barry White was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2023, Rolling Stone magazine added him to their list of the “200 Greatest Singers…

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Chart Toppers 

“I GET AROUND” by BEACH BOYS

DJ Rays Music

“I Get Around” is a classic surf-rock song that was recorded by All-American sensation, The Beach Boys. The lyrics within capture a carefree spirit of California’s surfing culture (as a young man proudly describes his adventures with different girls). An upbeat and energetic track, in 2017, it was inducted into the prestigious, Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, July 4th 1964, 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.…

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