Author: DJ Rays Music
HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY ERIC CARMEN
Eric Carmen was an American singer and songwriter who initially gained prominence as lead vocalist of the Raspberries (a pop rock band that drew inspiration from the “British Invasion” era). In 1975 (after the Raspberries disbanded), he started a solo career emphasizing a more contemporary, soft rock vibe. Some of his biggest solo hits include “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again”, “Hungry Eyes”, “Make Me Lose Control”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, August 11th 1949, Eric Howard Carmen…
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“BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO” by NEIL SEDAKA
“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” is a classic pop song that was written and recorded by American singer, songwriter, and pianist, Neil Sedaka. The lyrics within reflect the heartbreak (and emotional pain) associated with ending a romantic relationship. Today’s version was first released as an upbeat, pop tune, that became one of Neil Sedaka’s signature songs. In 1975, he recorded a slower, ballad version of the song which also became a huge hit. On this very day, August 11th 1962, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s…
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R.I.P. ISAAC HAYES
Isaac Hayes was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born in Covington, Tennessee on August 20th, 1942. He was particularly known for his deep baritone voice, which became one of his trademark features. Among his many accolades, he won a total of three Grammy Awards, and in 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Three years later (in 2005), he was also inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. On this very day, August 10th 2008, Isaac Lee Hayes died at his…
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“CHEERLEADER” by OMI
“Cheerleader” is a reggae influenced pop song that was recorded by Jamaican-American singer, OMEE. The positive lyrics within express admiration for a woman who acts in a very supportive and uplifting manner. Its immense popularity helped it top the charts in many countries around the world, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. (to name just a few). On this very day, August 10th 2015, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel…
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R.I.P. JERRY GARCIA
Jerry Garcia was an American musician and songwriter who was born in San Francisco, California on August 1st, 1942. He was best known as lead guitarist (and front man) for the American rock band, Grateful Dead. Founded in 1965, this eclectic group was particularly known for their extended live performances that contributed to the band’s dedicated fanbase, known as “Deadheads.” Rolling Stone magazine ranked Garcia at #13 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time”, and in 1994, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of…
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“WHEN DOVES CRY” by PRINCE
“When Doves Cry” is a unique and popular song that was recorded by the late American icon known as Prince. The lyrics within explore themes of love, pain, and conflict (mostly found in relationships). It’s particularly notable for Princes’ soulful vocals and his distinctive guitar riff. While topping the charts in Australia and Canada, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, August 9th 1984, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…
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R.I.P. OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
Olivia Newton-John is an English-Australian singer who gained international fame for her role as Sandy Olsson in the 1978 musical, “Grease”. Over the years, she recorded many popular songs, including “Let Me Be There”, “You’re The One That I Want”, “Physical”, “Magic”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). With global sales of more than 100 million records, she established herself as one of the best-selling music artists of all-time. Throughout her amazing career, she won multiple Grammy Awards, including “Record of…
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