Author: DJ Rays Music
“WEST END GIRLS” by PET SHOP BOYS
“West End Girls” is a classic eighties song that was recorded by English pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys. It went on to become one of their most iconic and successful tracks, establishing them as significant figures in the synth-pop genre. The lyrics within explore themes of class and social issues, capturing a sense of urban life. In 1987, “West End Girls” won the Ivor Novello Award for “Best International Hit”, and that same year, it won the Brit Award for “Best British Single”. On this very day, May 14th…
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R.I.P. FRANK SINATRA
Frank Sinatra, was an iconic American singer who was born in New Jersey on December 12th 1915. Regarded as one of the greatest entertainers in music history, he was also a key member of the “Rat Pack” (that included other legends like Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop). Often referred to as “Old Blue Eyes”, some of his signature songs include “New York, New York”, “Strangers in the Night”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, and today’s song choice (to name just a few). On this very…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARIUS RUCKER
Darius Rucker is an American singer and songwriter who initially gained fame as lead vocalist for Hootie & the Blowfish, a band he formed (in 1986) before pursuing a solo career in country music. Some of his biggest singles (as a solo artist) include “Alright”, “Come Back Song”, “If I Told You”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has won 3 Grammy Awards, and in 2012, he became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. On this very day, May 13th 1966, Darius Rucker was born in…
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“MONDAY, MONDAY” by THE MAMAS & PAPAS
“Monday, Monday” is a classic folk-rock song that was recorded by popular vocal group, The Mamas & The Papas. The lyrics within convey a sense of melancholy, capturing the ambivalence that can accompany the start of a new workweek. In 1967, it won a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. In 1998, heavily based on the popularity of this track, the Mamas & the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, May 13th 1966, it…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE WINWOOD
Steve Winwood is a British musician who gained prominence (as a teenage prodigy) back in the 1960s. He initially rose to fame (in 1964) as lead vocalist for British rock band, the Spencer Davis Group. In 1967, he co-founded the band Traffic where he explored a more eclectic and psychedelic sound. As a solo artist, his most popular singles include “Valerie”, “Roll with It”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has won several Grammy Awards, and in 2004, he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall…
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“MOTHER-IN-LAW” by ERNIE K DOE
“Mother-in-Law” is a classic R&B track that was recorded by New Orleans based soul singer, Ernie K-Doe. The lyrics within humorously describe the singer’s relationship with his mother-in-law, highlighting the challenges and stereotypes often associated with that type of family connection. On this very day, May 12th 1961, 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. Released as a single in 1961, here’s ERNIE K. DOE, with “MOTHER-IN-LAW”…
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