Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY CLARKSON

Kelly Clarkson is an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame (in 2002) as the inaugural winner of “American Idol”. Some of her most popular hits include “Since U Been Gone”, “A Moment Like This”, “Because of You”, “Stronger”, “Breakaway”, and today’s song choice (just to name a few). Among her numerous accolades, she has received 3 Grammy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On this very day, April 24th 1982, Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas. In celebration of her birthday, I’ve chosen an…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH KISZKA

Josh Kiszka is an American singer who is the lead vocalist for Greta Van Fleet (a band that gained widespread attention for their classic rock-inspired sound). Kiszka’s exceptional vocal abilities have led many experts to draw comparisons between himself and Led Zeppelins’ iconic frontman, Robert Plant. Some of the band’s most popular hits include “Safari Song”, “Black Smoke Rising”, and today’s song choice. In 2019, Greta Van Fleet won the Grammy Award for “Best Rock Album”. On this very day, April 23rd 1996, Josh Kiszka was born in Frankenmuth, Michigan…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. PRINCE

Prince Rogers Nelson, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 7th, 1958. Some of his most famous tracks include “Little Red Corvette”, “1999”, “When Doves Cry” “Kiss”, and today’s song choice (to name just a few). He was the recipient of 7 Grammy Awards, and in the year 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all-time, in 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him in their Top 20 All-Time…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P.AVICII

Avicii (also known as Tim Bergling) was a DJ, Music Producer, and songwriter who was born in Stockholm, Sweden on September 8th, 1989. His contributions to the EDM genre helped him gain international fame. His most popular hits include songs like “Levels”, “Wake Me Up”, “Hey Brother”, and “Without You”. Throughout his brief career, he received many accolades, including 2 Grammy nominations, 1 AMA, and an MTV Video Music Award. On this very day, April 20th, 2018, Tim Bergling died of apparent suicide at just 28 years of age. In…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. LEVON HELM

Levon Helm was an American singer and musician who was born in Elaine, Arkansas on May 26th, 1940. He is best remembered as drummer (and vocalist) for the influential rock group, The Band. Some of their most popular songs (featuring Helm’s vocals) include “The Weight”, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, and today’s song choice. In 1994, the Band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2008, the group received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On this very day, April 19th, 2012, Mark Lavon…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY HANSEN

Kelly Hansen is an American vocalist who is best known as the current lead singer of Foreigner. He joined the band (in 2005) taking over the role from his predecessor, Lou Gramm. A British-American rock band (that was formed in 1976) Foreigner is known for many hit songs, including “I Want to Know What Love Is”, “Waiting for a Girl Like You”, “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” and many others. On this very day, April 18th 1961, Kelly Hansen was born in Hawthorne, California. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. EDDIE COCHRAN

Eddie Cochran was an American singer, musician, and songwriter who was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on October 3rd 1938. His most famous singles include “Summertime Blues”, “Somethin’ Else”, and today’s song choice. His image (as a rebellious young man) epitomized the stance of the 1950s rocker, which helped him go on to achieve iconic status in the music industry. In 1987, he was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, April 17th 1960, Ray Edward Cochran died in a tragic car accident…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AKON

Akon is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with a series of hit singles. Some of his best-known songs include “Lonely”, “Smack That”, “Don’t Matter”, and today’s song choice. As a record producer, he has signed a number of successful acts, including Lady Gaga, T-Pain, and Kardinal Offishall. On this very day, April 16th 1973, he was born in St. Louis, Missouri (but grew up mostly in Senegal, West Africa). In celebration of his birthday, I’ve literally chosen a beautiful R&B dance…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. JOEY RAMONE

Joey Ramone was an American singer and musician who provided lead vocals for punk rock band, the Ramones. Known for his distinctive voice and tall, lanky appearance, he was a central figure in the bands’ overall image and sound. Some of their most well-known songs include “Blitzkrieg Bop”, “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker”, “Rockaway Beach”, and today’s song choice. In 2011, the Ramones were awarded with the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On this very day, April 15th 2001, Jeffrey Ross Hyman (known professionally as Joey Ramone) died of lymphoma (just…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AL GREEN

Al Green is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest soul performers of all time. Some of his most famous songs include “Let’s Stay Together”, “Tired of Being Alone”, “I’m Still in Love with You”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards, and a 1995 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, April 13th 1946, Albert Leornes Greene was born in Forest City, Arkansas. In celebration…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VINCE GILL

Vince Gill is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose smooth tenor voice and well-crafted songwriting, has made him a legend in the world of country music. Some of his notable hits include “When I Call Your Name”, “Go Rest High on That Mountain”, “Look at Us”, and today’s song choice. In 2007, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and as of 2022, he has earned a total of 22 Grammy Awards (which is more than any other male country star). On this very day, April…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. JUNE POINTER

June Pointer was an American singer who was born in Oakland, California on November 30th, 1953. Alongside her siblings, Ruth, Anita and Bonnie, she was one of the founding members of the Pointer Sisters. Together, this group gained prominence with hits such as “I’m So Excited”, “Jump for My Love”, “Neutron Dance”, and today’s song choice. Throughout their illustrious career, the Pointer Sisters have won a total of three Grammy Awards, and in 1994, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On this very day, April 11th 2006, June Antoinette…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN SETZER

Brian Setzer is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is particularly known as being lead vocalist for the Stray Cats. A rockabilly revival band (formed in the early 1980s), this group achieved success with hits like “Stray Cat Strut”, “Sexy & 17”, “Runaway Boys”, and today’s song choice. In addition to his work with the Stray Cats, he’s had a successful solo career with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a swing and blues band that he created in 1990. On this very day, April 10th 1959, Brian Robert Setzer was…

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Heaven & Earth 

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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Heaven & Earth 

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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