Category: Heaven & Earth

Stompin’ Tom Connors was a Canadian country-folk singer who was born in Saint John, New Brunswick on February 9th, 1936. Known for his distinctive voice and signature black cowboy hat, some of his most notable songs include “Bud the Spud”, “The Hockey Song”, and today’s song choice. In the 1970s, he took a stand against what he perceived as mistreatment by the music industry, and returned all six of his Juno Awards (in protest). A rebel through and through, in 1993, he declined to be inducted into the Canadian Country Music…

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Patsy Cline was an American country singer who was born in Winchester, Virginia on September 8th, 1932. The impact she had on country music was profound, and her ability to convey pain and passion within her songs made her one of the most prolific country singers ever. Some of her most famous pieces include “Walking After Midnight”, “I Fall to Pieces”, “She’s Got You”, and today’s song choice (to name just a few). A member of the Grand Ole Opry, she received many posthumous honors, including inductions into the Country…

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Keith Flint, front man for The Prodigy, was born in Redbridge, London, England on September 17th, 1969. Known for their fusion of electronic music, rave, and punk influences, this band became one of the pioneers of EDM (short for Electronic Dance Music). This group’s two biggest hits include the song “Firestarter” and today’s song choice. Flint’s distinctive appearance, characterized by his spiky hair, facial piercings, and intense stage presence, became iconic in the world of electronic dance music. On this very day, March 4th, 2019, Keith Flint died from suicide…

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Camila Cabello is a Cuban-American singer and songwriter who gained prominence as a member of Fifth Harmony. She rose to fame (in 2012) as a contestant on the second season of “The X Factor”. This platform helped form the girl group, Fifth Harmony, which went on to become one of the most successful acts from the show. In December 2016, she left the group to pursue a solo career, and went on to release hit songs like “Havana”, “My Oh My”, and today’s song choice. Her accolades include winning 2…

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Jon Bon Jovi is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as the founder and frontman for his namesake band, Bon Jovi. Some of the group’s most popular singles include “Livin’ on a Prayer”, “You Give Love a Bad Name”, “Wanted Dead or Alive”, “I’ll Be There for You”, “Bad Medicine”, “Always”, and today’s song choice. Over the years, he has received numerous awards and honors, including a 2018 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, March 2nd 1962, he was born…

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Roger Daltrey is an English singer who is both (front man and co-founder) of The Who. Known for his powerful and energetic stage presence, he provided lead vocals on the Whos’ biggest hits, including, “My Generation”, “Baba O’Riley”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, “Behind Blue Eyes”, and today’s song choice. In 1990, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2005, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his services to the music industry. On this very day, March1st 1944, he was born in London, England…

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Jason Aldean is an American singer and songwriter who has become one of the leading figures in modern country music. Particularly known for his rock-infused sound, some of his most popular singles include “Big Green Tractor”, “Dirt Road Anthem”, “Fly Over States”, “Night Train”, and “Try thatin a Small Town”. Over the years, he has received many accolades, including several ACM and CMA Awards. On this very day, February 28th, 1977, he was born in Macon, Georgia (as Jason Aldine Williams). In celebration of his birthday, I’m choosing the song…

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Frankie Lymon was an American singer and songwriter, who was born in Washington Heights, New York on September 30th, 1942. He gained fame as lead singer of the group, Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (which he formed at just 13 years of age). His high tenor voice (and youthful charm) made him a notable figure in the early days of rock and roll. He was often cited as one of the first African American teenage idols in the music industry. In 1998, his life story inspired a biographical film titled,…

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Michael Bolton is an American singer and songwriter who is best known for his powerful voice and emotive ballads. Ironically, he began his music career as lead singer of the heavy metal band, Blackjack. By the late 1980s, he dramatically shifted his musical style toward adult contemporary, which ended up becoming his signature sound. As a solo artist, he is known for a string of hit singles, including “Said I Loved You… But I Lied”, “Time, Love and Tenderness”, and “To Love Somebody”. Over the years, he has received multiple…

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Mark Hollis was a British singer and songwriter who provided lead vocals for the alternative rock band, Talk Talk (which he co-founded in 1981). The group’s most popular singles include “Life’s What You Make It” and today’s song choice. Mark Hollis was known for his deep and introspective approach to music. He believed in the importance of artistic integrity and creating music that genuinely expresses the artist’s vision. On this very day, February 25th, 2019, Mark David Hollis died of cancer (at 64 years of age). In memory of his…

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George Thorogood is an American singer and musician who is best known as frontman for the Destroyers. He formed the band (in 1974) and went on to have success with songs like “Move It on Over”, “I Drink Alone”, “Who Do You Love?”, and today’s song choice. He’s particularly known for his slide guitar playing, a technique where guitarists use a glass or metal tube slide to produce a smooth and distinctive sound. His music has always been heavily influenced by traditional blues, and he often pays homage to blues…

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Howard Jones is a British musician, singer, and songwriter who played a key role in the synth-pop movement of the 1980s. He became known for hits like “What Is Love?”, “New Song”, “Things Can Only Get Better”, and today’s song choice. In July 1985, he performed at Wembley Stadium as part of the Live Aid concert. In 2018, Howard Jones released his autobiography, titled, “Always Running”, where he reflects on his life and career in the music industry. On this very day, February 23rd, 1955, he was born in Southhampton, Hampshire, England (the eldest…

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James Blunt is a British singer, songwriter, and musician who gained fame with hit singles like “You’re Beautiful”, “Goodbye My Lover” and today’s song choice. His debut LP, “Back to Bedlam”, is one of the best-selling albums in U.K. history. He has sold over 20 million records worldwide, and has received two Brit Awards, including “Best British Male” (in 2006). On this very day, February 22nd, 1974, he was born in Tidworth, Hampshire, England. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen a song that topped the charts in several different countries. If…

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Peter Tork was an American musician and singer who was best known as a key member of the 1960s pop-rock band, The Monkees. Alongside fellow bandmates Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Micky Dolenz, the group recorded a string of popular hits including “Last Train to Clarksville”, “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone”, “Daydream Believer”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, February 21st, 2019, Peter Tork died of a rare cancer (at 77 years of age). In memory of his passing, I’ve chosen the bands’ most recognizable track. If you’d…

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Rihanna is a Barbadian singer who rose to fame (in the mid-2000s) and has since become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She is known for a string of chart-topping singles, including “Pon De Replay”, “Umbrella”, “Disturbia”, “Rude Boy”, “Only Girl in the World”, “We Found Love”, and today’s song choice (to name a few). Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including 9 Grammys, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and 6 Guinness world records.  As of 2023, she was ranked as the wealthiest female musician in the world (with…

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