Category: Heaven & Earth

Joe Cocker was a bluesy-rock singer who was born in Yorkshire, England on May 20th, 1944. He was particularly known for his soulful interpretations of other artists’ songs, including “Unchain My Heart”, “The Letter”, “With a Little Help from My Friends”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In 1983, he won a Grammy Award for his song “Up Where We Belong” (a duet with Jennifer Warnes), and in 2008, Rolling Stone magazine included him on its list of the “100 Greatest…

Read More

Nick Gilder is a British-Canadian singer and songwriter who initially gained attention as a member of the glam rock band, Sweeney Todd. His solo breakthrough came with his 1978 hit single, “Hot Child in the City”. This song topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart (in the U.S.) and won the Juno Award for “Single of the Year”. In 1979, he also won the Juno Award for “Most Promising Male Vocalist”. In addition to his singing career, he was a proficient songwriter, penning tracks like “The Warrior” (which became a hit for…

Read More

Bobby Darin was an American singer and songwriter who explored various music genres, including Rock, Pop, Swing, and folk. Some of his biggest chart hits, include “Dream Lover”, “Beyond the Sea”, “If I Were a Carpenter”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). During the 1960s, he became politically active and passionate about social issues. He was particularly involved in the civil rights movement (and was an advocate for racial equality). In 1990, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall…

Read More

Limahl is a British pop singer who is best known as lead vocalist for the 1980s band, Kajagoogoo. He gained international fame with the group’s 1983 hit single, “Too Shy”. He also had a successful solo hit with the song, “Never Ending Story” (which was the title track for the film of the same name). On this very day, December 19th 1958, Christopher Hamill (known professionally as Limahl) was born in Lancashire, England. In celebration of his birthday, exactly 66 years ago today, I’ve chosen a track that topped the…

Read More

Christina Aguilera is an American singer and songwriter who is known for her four-octave vocal range (and is often referred to as the “Voice of a Generation”). Her most popular singles include “Genie in a Bottle”, “What a Girl Wants”, “Come on Over Baby”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Having sold over 90 million records worldwide, she is one of the best-selling music artists of all-time. Among her many accolades, she has earned 5 Grammy Awards, and a star on…

Read More

Paul Rodgers is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who first gained recognition as lead vocalist of the rock band, Free (whose most famous song was “All Right Now”). After his time with Free, Rodgers formed Bad Company (in 1973) and achieved success with hits like “Can’t Get Enough”, “Shooting Star”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). His lifetime collaborations include working with Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, and Queen. Named as one of the greatest singers of all time…

Read More

Sylvester (often referred to as the “Queen of Disco”) was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Los Angeles, California on September 6th, 1947. Known for his distinctive falsetto voice and flamboyant stage presence, he was a prominent figure in the 1970s dance music scene. His biggest hit singles include “Dance (Disco Heat)”, “Do You Wanna Funk”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine included him on their list of the “Greatest Singers of All-Time”.…

Read More

Glenn Miller was an American musician, bandleader, and composer who was born in Clarinda, Iowa on March 1st 1904. He (and his orchestra) achieved great popularity during the “Swing Era” (in the 1930s and 1940s). His most popular recordings include “Moonlight Serenade”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). During World War II, Miller put his music career on hold to serve in the U.S. Army. He led the Army Air Force Band, entertaining troops and boosting morale. In…

Read More

Dinah Washington was an American jazz and blues singer who was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on August 29th 1924. In the early 1950s, she achieved success with recordings like “Unforgettable”, “Teach Me Tonight”, and “What a Difference a Day Makes” (which won the Grammy Award for “Best Rhythm & Blues Performance”). All of these songs were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 1993, Dinah Washington, herself, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 14th 1963, Ruth Lee Jones (known…

Read More

Taylor Swift is an American singer and songwriter who has become one of the most prominent and influential figures in the music industry. Throughout her storied career, she has recorded numerous #1 hits, including “Shake It Off”, “Blank Space”, “Bad Blood”, “Anti-Hero”, and “Cruel Summer” (to name just a few). With approximately 200 million records sold internationally, she is one of the world’s best-selling musicians. She has won a total of 14 Grammy Awards, and in 2023, Time magazine named her as “Person of the Year”. On this very day, December…

Read More

Charley Pride was an American country singer who was born in Sledge, Mississippi on March 18th, 1934. He is best remembered as a trailblazer who helped break down racial barriers (in the genre) and opened doors for future black country artists (like Darius Rucker). Over the years, he has recorded over thirty #1 country hits, and has released more than 50 albums. Throughout his career, Charley Pride received numerous accolades, including 3 Grammy Awards, several CMA Awards, and an induction into the prestigious, Grand Ole Opry. In 2017, he received…

Read More

Sam Cooke was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 22nd, 1931. Motivated by the changing times, Sam Cooke used his platform to advocate for racial equality. His song “A Change Is Gonna Come” is considered an anthem for the civil rights era. Many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Rod Stewart, have cited him as an inspiration. He had the rare honor of being twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1999, he received the Grammy Lifetime…

Read More

Otis Redding was an American soul singer and songwriter who was born in Dawson, Georgia on September 9th, 1941. Throughout his short career, he produced a string of hits, including “Try a Little Tenderness”, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, “Respect”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Otis Redding was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (in 1989) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (in 1994). In 1999, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On this very…

Read More

Donny Osmond is an American singer (and former teen idol) who gained fame (alongside his brothers) as a member of the Osmonds. The group’s success spanned between the late 1960s (and early 1970s), with hits like “One Bad Apple” and “Yo-Yo”. As a solo artist, his most popular songs were “Soldier of Love”, “Go Away Little Girl”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In addition to his music career, in the 1970s, he also co-hosted “The Donny and Marie Show” (with…

Read More

John Lennon was an English singer, musician, and songwriter who was born in Liverpool, England on October 9th, 1940. He initially rose to fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles (who spearheaded the 1960s British Invasion). After The Beatles disbanded (in 1970), he embarked on a solo career, and recorded hits like “Give Peace a Chance”, “Just Like Starting Over”, “Woman”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In 1987, he was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of…

Read More