Author: DJ Rays Music
R.I.P. BROOK BENTON
Brook Benton was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Lugoff, South Carolina on September 19th, 1931. Most of his success took place in the 1950s and 1960s (with a style that combined elements of R&B, Pop, and Soul). His best-known singles include “Endlessly”, “Rainy Night in Georgia”, “Kiddio”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, April 9th 1988, Benjamin Franklin Peay (known professionally as Brook Benton) died from pneumonia (at 56 years of age). In memory of his passing, I’ve chosen a song that topped the…
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“BILLIE JEAN” by MICHAEL JACKSON
“Billie Jean” is a popular dance song that was recorded by the late, great Michael Jackson. Regarded as one of his signature tracks, the lyrics within tell the story of a woman (named Billie Jean) who claims that Jackson is the father of her son. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #58 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time. It also received several other accolades, including two Grammy Awards and an AMA. On this very day, April 9th 1983, it was the #1 song in…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIAN LENNON
Julian Lennon is an English musician and songwriter who is famously known for being the only child of the Beatles’ legendary musician, John Lennon. He was actually the inspiration on three different Beatles’ songs, including “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, “Good Night”, and “Hey Jude”. Throughout his career, his two biggest hits included the single, “Valotte”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, April 8th 1963, John Charles Julian Lennon was born in Liverpool England (to Cynthia Powell and John Lennon). In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen…
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“ALL MY LIFE” by K-CI & JOJO
“All My Life” is a romantic ballad that was recorded by brothers, K-Ci & JoJo (who were originally part of the R&B group, Jodeci). The lyrics within express a deep and enduring love, with the commitment of a lifelong relationship. In 1999, this song was Grammy-nominated for “Best R&B Vocal Performance” and “Best R&B Song”. It was also nominated for “Best R&B Video” at the MTV Video Music Awards (that same year). On this very day, April 8th 1998, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…
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HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY BILLIE HOLIDAY
The late Billie Holiday was an American singer who is considered one of the greatest (and most influential) vocalists in the history of jazz music. Some of her most well-known songs include “God Bless the Child”, “Lady Sings the Blues”, “Summertime”, and today’s song choice. On July 17th 1959, she died of heart failure at 44 years of age. However, today isn’t about eulogies, it’s about celebrating. On this very day, April 7th 1915, Eleanora Fagan (known professionally as Billie Holiday) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In celebration of her…
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