Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL ANKA
Paul Anka is a Canadian-American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1950s. Some of his biggest hits include songs like “Lonely Boy”, “Put Your Head on My Shoulders”, “Having My Baby” and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout his career, he has earned many accolades including inductions into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (in 1980), and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (in 2008). On this very day, July 30th 1941, Paul Albert Anka was born in…
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“SHADOW DANCING” by ANDY GIBB
Today’s track is a popular disco song that was recorded by British-Australian singer, Andy Gibb. The lyrics within seem to suggest that the narrator is infatuated by a particular love interest (and dreams of making her his own). Gibb’s brothers, Barry, Morris and Robin (of the Bee Gees) collaborated with Andy to write the song, which ultimately became a platinum recording. On this very day, July 30th 1978, 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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HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEDDY LEE
Geddy Lee is a singer, songwriter, and musician, who is best known as lead vocalist (and bass player) for Canadian progressive rock band, Rush. Some of the group’s most popular songs include “New World Man”, “Limelight”, “The Spirit of Radio”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Especially known for his virtuoso bass playing and unique vocal style, in 2013, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (along with the other members of Rush). On this very day,…
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“IT’S GONNA BE ME” by NSYNC
Today’s track is an energetic pop song that was recorded by American boy band, NSYNC. The attached music video features the group members (in a comical manner) as action figures. This song was particularly popular in Canada (reaching the #1 spot on the national charts), and as of October 2023, it has received over 100 million views on YouTube. On this very day, July 29th 2000, 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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R.I.P. DUSTY HILL
Dusty Hill was an American musician who was born in Dallas, Texas on May 19th, 1949. He is best remembered as one third of the American rock band, ZZ Top. Alongside (lead vocalist) Billy Gibbons and (drummer) Frank Beard, this trio recorded many hit songs, including “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Legs”, “Gimme All Your Lovin’”, “Sleeping Bag”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In addition to his skills as bass guitarist, Dusty Hill also played keyboards, and in 2004, he was inducted…
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“SURF CITY” by JAN & DEAN
Today’s song choice is a classic rock & roll track that was recorded by the American surf-rock duo, Jan and Dean. Co-written by Brian Wilson (of the Beach Boys), the lyrics within describe the excitement of heading to a place where the surf is up (and the action is lively). In 2001, Huntington Beach, California was officially nick-named “Surf City”, and as of 2024, there’s more than 90 businesses in the city that include the song’s title as part of their name. On this very day, July 28th 1963, it…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBIE GENTRY
Bobbie Gentry is an American singer and songwriter who gained fame (in the late 1960s) for her critically acclaimed single, “Ode to Billie Joe”. This folklore classic topped the charts in America, and earned Gentry a total of three Grammy Awards, including “Best New Artist”. In 1971, with her popularity on a high, she was given her own U.K. television variety show called “The Bobbie Gentry Happiness Hour”. Her unique storytelling ability set her apart from other artists of her time, and in the year 2020, she was inducted into…
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