Author: DJ Rays Music

Chart Toppers 

“IT’S STILL ROCK & ROLL TO ME” by BILLY JOEL

DJ Rays Music

Today’s track is a classic rock song that was recorded by American singer, songwriter and pianist, Billy Joel. The lyrics within express Joel’s thoughts on the music industry’s changing trends and the pressure for artists to conform to certain images and styles. The underlying message seems to be a jab against the new wave movement that was resonating in America (during the early eighties). Eventually, this song would go on to reach platinum status and top the pop charts in Canada. On this very day, July 21st 1980, it was…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLOS SANTANA

DJ Rays Music

Carlos Santana is a highly influential Mexican-American guitarist and songwriter, who is best known for his fusion of rock, blues, jazz, and Latin American music styles. In 1969, he and his band catapulted to fame after their electrifying performance at the legendary Woodstock Festival. Some of his most popular songs include “Evil Ways”, “Smooth”, “Maria Maria”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Considered as one of the greatest guitar players of all-time, in 1998, he was inducted into the Rock and…

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Chart Toppers 

“HOT IN HERE” by NELLY

DJ Rays Music

Today’s song is a popular hip-hop track that was recorded by American rapper, Nelly. It features a prominent sample from Chuck Browns’ 1979 hit, “Bustin’ Loose”. The lyrics within revolve around a party or nightclub atmosphere where things are really starting to heat up. In 2003, this song earned Nelly the award for “Best Male Rap Solo Performance”, and in 2008, VH1 ranked it on its list of the “100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop”. On this very day, July 20th 2002, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN MAY

DJ Rays Music

Brian May is an English musician and songwriter who is best known as lead guitarist (and a founding member) of the rock band, Queen. Led by Freddie Mercury (on vocals), this group recorded many classics, including “Somebody to Love”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “I Want It All”, “Fat Bottomed Girls”, “Another One Bites the Dust”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Celebrated for his virtuoso guitar playing, Brian May often used the “Red Special”, a guitar he built with his father when he…

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Chart Toppers 

“CROCODILE ROCK” by ELTON JOHN

DJ Rays Music

Today’s track is a classic rock song that was written by Bernie Taupin, and recorded by British singer and pianist, Sir Elton John. The lyrics within reminisce about the good old days of rock and roll, with references to a fictional dance that captures the spirit of the era. Billboard magazine referred to it as a “clever easy beat rocker with a sound and flavor of the 1950s”. I must admit that I love a lot of Elton John songs, but this one is hands down, my personal favorite. On…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BOBBY FULLER

DJ Rays Music

Bobby Fuller was an American singer and musician who was born in Baytown, Texas on October 22nd, 1942. He initially gained prominence (in the mid-1960s) with his band, the Bobby Fuller Four (which included Randy Fuller on bass, Jim Reese on guitar, and DeWayne Quirico on drums). On this very day, July 18th 1966, Robert Gaston Fuller (known professionally as Bobby Fuller) was found dead in a car that was parked outside his Hollywood apartment. He was just 23 at the time. In memory of his passing, exactly 58 years…

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Chart Toppers 

“EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE” by THE POLICE

DJ Rays Music

Today’s track is a popular eighties ballad that was recorded by English rock band, The Police. The lyrics within convey a message of love and intrigue, but despite its seemingly romantic sound, it actually tells a story of possessiveness and surveillance. Rolling Stone magazine included it on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”, and in 1984, it won the Grammy Award for “Song of the Year”. It was also famously sampled on Puff Daddy’s 1997 hit single, “I’ll Be Missing You” (which was a tribute to the…

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