Author: DJ Rays Music

Chart Toppers 

May 4th 1977, Southern Nights by Glen Campbell

DJ Rays Music

“Southern Nights” is a song that was written and originally recorded by American musician, Allen Toussaint. However, it was crossover-country artist, Glen Campbell’s version that ended up topping the charts in America. The lyrics within celebrate a particular beauty and warmth associated with evenings in the American South. In 1977, Glen Campbell’s version (of “Southern Nights”) was nominated for “Song of the Year” by the Country Music Association. On this very day, May 4th 1977, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. James Brown

DJ Rays Music

James Brown was an American singer and songwriter, often referred to as the “Godfather of Soul”. Some of his most popular hit songs include “I Got You”, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”, and “Sex Machine” (to name a few). Throughout his glorious career, he received numerous awards and honors, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On this very day, May 3rd 1933, James Joseph Brown was born in Barnwell, South Carolina…

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Chart Toppers 

May 3rd 1997, Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G.

DJ Rays Music

“Hypnotize” is a late nineties rap song that was recorded by The Notorious B.I.G. (also known as Biggie Smalls). It was the final song posthumously released (shortly after he died in a drive by shooting in Los Angeles). The song’s catchy sound earned Biggie a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap Solo Performance”, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #30 on its list of the “100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, May 3rd 1997, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Engelbert Humperdinck

DJ Rays Music

Engelbert Humperdinck is a British pop singer who has sold more than 140 million records worldwide. His most popular songs include “Release Me”, “The Last Waltz”, “A Man Without Love”, and today’s song choice (to name a few). In the 2021 birthday honors ceremony, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (for his services to music). On this very day, May 2nd 1936, Engelbert Humperdinck was born in Chennai, India (as Arnold George Dorsey). In celebration of his birthday, exactly 88 years ago today, I’ve…

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Chart Toppers 

May 2nd 2012, Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye

DJ Rays Music

“Somebody That I Used to Know” is an indie-pop song that was recorded by Belgian-Australian musician, Gotye. Known for its very distinctive sound, the lyrics within resonate with those who have dealt with complicated relationships and eventual breakups. In spite of being a “one hit wonder” throughout North America, in 2013, this song won two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”. On this very day, May 2nd 2012, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. Duane Eddy

DJ Rays Music

Duane Eddy was a legendary guitarist who was born in Corning, New York on April 26th 1938. Known for his pioneering work in instrumental rock music during the late 1950s, his distinct “twangy” guitar sound was often produced using a Gretsch 6120 guitar and a variety of different effects. His style combined elements of rockabilly, country, and blues, creating a sound that was uniquely his own. Some of his most famous tracks include “Peter Gunn”, “Because They’re Young”, “Forty Miles of Bad Road”, and today’s song choice. Eddy’s influence on…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot

DJ Rays Music

Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian singer, songwriter and musician who was born in Orillia, Ontario on November 17th, 1938. Some of his most popular singles include “Carefree Highway”, “If You Could Read My Mind”, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has received an incredible 16 Juno Awards, and in 1986, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. On this very day, May 1st 2023, Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. died of natural causes (at the Sunnybrook Health Center in Toronto).…

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Chart Toppers 

May 1st 1976, Let Your Love Flow by Bellamy Brothers

DJ Rays Music

“Let Your Love Flow” is a song by American country music duo, The Bellamy Brothers. With its crossover-pop sound, it became the groups’ first major hit (and is considered their signature song). Its mass appeal helped it top the charts in multiple countries around the world, including Austria, Switzerland, West Germany, South Africa, and Canada. On this very day, May 1st 1976, it was also 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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