Category: Heaven & Earth

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”.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Sara Bareilles is an American singer and musician who’s known for her piano-driven arrangements, powerful vocals, and introspective songwriting. Her most popular singles include “King of Anything”, “Brave”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout her career she has received many accolades, including 2 Grammy Awards, and in 2012, VH1 named her as one of the “100 Greatest Women in Music”. On this very day, December 7th 1979, Sara Beth Bareilles was born in Eureka, California. In celebration of her birthday, exactly 45 years ago…

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Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was born in Vernon, Texas on April 23rd, 1936. He was particularly known for wearing dark sunglasses, which became a trademark of his image. Orbison achieved international fame with a string of hit songs, including “Only the Lonely”, “Running Scared”, “Oh, Pretty Woman”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In the late 1980s, Orbison joined The Traveling Wilburys (alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty). In 1987, shortly…

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Johnny Rzeznik is an American singer, musician, and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist for the Goo Goo Dolls. Some of the dolls’ most popular songs include “Slide”, “Name”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Over the years, the Goo Goo Dolls have sold more than 15 million records worldwide, and in 2008, Johnny Rzeznik was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 5th 1965, John Joseph Theodore Rzeznik was born in Buffalo, New…

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Jay-Z is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop artists of all time. In 1995, he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records (which played a crucial role in launching his career). Some of his biggest singles include “Big Pimpin’”, “Izzo”, “Dirt off Your Shoulder”, “Empire State of Mind”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout his storied career, he has won 24 Grammy Awards, and was the first rapper to be…

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Scott Weiland was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who was born in San Jose, California on October 27th, 1967. He is best remembered as lead vocalist for rock bands, the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver. As frontman for STP, he recorded popular songs like “Plush”, “Interstate Love Song”, and “Vasoline”. After leaving the Pilots (in 2003), he joined forces with former Guns N’ Roses members to form Velvet Revolver. On this very day, December 3rd 2015, Scott Richard Cline (known professionally as Scott Weiland) was found dead on…

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Britney Spears is an American singer who rose to fame (in the late 1990s) and became one of the most iconic pop stars of her generation. Her most well-known hits include “Baby One More Time”, “Oops, I Did It Again”, “Stronger”, “Womanizer”, “Hold it Against Me”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout her career, she has received many accolades, including 1 Grammy Award, 6 VMAs, 7 Billboard Music Awards, 15 Guinness World Records, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On this…

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