Author: DJ Rays Music
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL BOLTON
Michael Bolton is an American singer and songwriter who is best known for his powerful voice and emotive ballads. Ironically, he began his music career as lead singer of the heavy metal band, Blackjack. By the late 1980s, he dramatically shifted his musical style toward adult contemporary, which ended up becoming his signature sound. As a solo artist, he is known for a string of hit singles, including “Said I Loved You… But I Lied”, “Time, Love and Tenderness”, and “To Love Somebody”. Over the years, he has received multiple…
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“ONE SWEET DAY” by MARIAH CAREY & BOYZ II MEN
Welcome to Day 26 of BLACK HISTORY MONTH featuring today’s emotional ballad, “One Sweet Day”. Recorded by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, the lyrics within revolve around losing a loved one (with the hope of being reunited one special day in heaven). In a readers’ poll (conducted by Rolling Stone magazine), this song was ranked first overall in the category of “Best Collaborations of All Time”. In September 1997, this heartfelt track was performed at Princess Diana‘s memorial service. On this very day, February 26th 1996, it was the #1 song…
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R.I.P. MARK HOLLIS
Mark Hollis was a British singer and songwriter who provided lead vocals for the alternative rock band, Talk Talk (which he co-founded in 1981). The group’s most popular singles include “Life’s What You Make It” and today’s song choice. Mark Hollis was known for his deep and introspective approach to music. He believed in the importance of artistic integrity and creating music that genuinely expresses the artist’s vision. On this very day, February 25th, 2019, Mark David Hollis died of cancer (at 64 years of age). In memory of his…
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“HOW WILL I KNOW” by WHITNEY HOUSTON
As I continue my spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s song choice, “How Will I Know”, was recorded by the late, great, Whitney Houston. An upbeat and catchy dance-pop track, the lyrics within express the uncertainty and anticipation of romantic feelings. Aside from the song’s massive chart success, its colourful music video won the award for “Best Female Video” at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards show. On this very day, February 25th 1986, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE THOROGOOD
George Thorogood is an American singer and musician who is best known as frontman for the Destroyers. He formed the band (in 1974) and went on to have success with songs like “Move It on Over”, “I Drink Alone”, “Who Do You Love?”, and today’s song choice. He’s particularly known for his slide guitar playing, a technique where guitarists use a glass or metal tube slide to produce a smooth and distinctive sound. His music has always been heavily influenced by traditional blues, and he often pays homage to blues…
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“KILLING ME SOFTLY” by ROBERTA FLACK
BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues with a classic ballad that was recorded by legendary R&B singer, Roberta Flack. This ballad tells the story of a woman who’s deeply moved by a song that seems to reflect her own experiences and emotions. Often regarded as one of the greatest vocal performances in the history of popular music, this song won two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, February 24th 1973, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…
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