Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANILLA ICE

DJ Rays Music

Vanilla Ice is an American rapper who gained fame with his hit single, “Ice Ice Baby” (which became the first hip-hop single to top Billboard’s Hot 100 chart). Along with the Beastie Boys and House of Pain, he was one of the earliest white rappers to attain major success. For 8 months (between 1991-1992), he dated the legendary Madonna, while they were both at the peak of their careers. In 1991, Vanilla Ice won a total of two American Music Awards, including “Favorite New Pop Artist”. On this very day, October 31st…

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Chart Toppers 

“MONSTER MASH” by BOBBY “BORIS” PICKETT

DJ Rays Music

“Monster Mash” is a Halloween novelty song that was recorded by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers. The lyrics within describe a party where classic monsters such as Dracula, The Wolfman, and Frankenstein all come together to perform a special dance (called the “Monster Mash”). Narrated in a Boris Karloff-style voice, in 2021 (nearly 60 years after its release), “Monster Mash” re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #37. On this very day, October 31st 1962, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SNOW

DJ Rays Music

Pop artist, Snow, is a Canadian rapper who is best known for his unique blend of reggae and hip-hop. His most notable songs include “Girl, I’ve Been Hurt”, “Everybody Wants to Be Like You”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Among his accolades, he has won a Juno Award and a Billboard Music Award. He also won 8 Billboard Latin Music Awards for Daddy Yankee’s 2020 song, “Con Calma” (which samples Snow’s biggest hit, which happens to be today’s song choice).…

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Chart Toppers 

“THEN CAME YOU” by DIONNE WARWICK & THE SPINNERS

DJ Rays Music

“Then Came You” is a soulful R&B track that was recorded by Dionne Warwick and The Spinners. With vocals and harmonies that are second to none, this song went on to achieve gold certification, and in 1974, it was grammy-nominated for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, October 30th 1974, 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 in July 1974, here’s…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. DUANE ALLMAN

DJ Rays Music

Duane Allman was an American rock and blues guitarist who was born in Nashville, Tennessee on November 20th, 1946. Co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band, his exceptional slide guitar playing made him a key contributor to the Southern rock genre. In 1995, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Allman Brothers). On this very day, October 29th 1971, Howard Duane Allman died in a motorcycle crash (at the tender age of 24). In memory of his passing, exactly 53 years…

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Chart Toppers 

“YESTERDAY” by THE BEATLES

DJ Rays Music

“Yesterday” is a classic ballad that was recorded by the legendary, Beatles. Praised for its emotional depth and melody, it features Paul McCartney on vocals (as he strums his acoustic guitar). With well over 2,000 versions of this iconic track, it’s considered one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music. MTV and Rolling Stone magazine named it the #1 pop song of all-time, and in 1997, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, October 29th 1965, it was the #1…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. JERRY LEE LEWIS

DJ Rays Music

Jerry Lee Lewis (also known as the “Killer”) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who was born in Ferriday, Louisiana on September 29th, 1935. Known for his energetic performances and flamboyant piano-playing style, he emerged (in the 1950s) as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. Some of his most well-known songs include “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, “Breathless”, “High School Confidential”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout his career, he won 4 Grammy Awards, and in 1986,…

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Chart Toppers 

“RISE” by HERB ALPERT

DJ Rays Music

The song “Rise” is an instrumental jazz track that was recorded by American trumpeter and bandleader, Herb Alpert. Known for its smooth and jazzy sound, it helped showcase Alpert’s distinctive trumpet-playing skills. In 1979, this popular single earned a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Instrumental Performance”, and in 1996, a portion of the track was sampled on Biggie Smalls’ hit single, “Hypnotize”. On this very day, October 28th 1979, it was 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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