Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS YOUNG

Chris Young is an American vocalist who gained prominence (in 2006) after winning the television singing competition, “Nashville Star”. Since then, he has released several hit singles, including “Gettin’ You Home”, “Tomorrow”, “I’m Comin’ Over”, and today’s attached song link. In 2011, he won the ACM award for “Single of the Year” with his hit song, “Voices”. On this very day, June 12th 1985, Christopher Alan Young was born in Murfeesboro, Tennessee. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen a country party tune that gets me riled up every time…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAHAM RUSSELL

Graham Russell is a songwriter, musician, and vocalist who is best known as a founding member of the soft rock band, Air Supply. This group achieved international success with a string of popular ballads, including “Lost in Love”, “Every Woman in the World”, “The One That You Love”, and today’s attached song link. In 2013, Graham Russell (and band mate Russell Hitchcock) were both inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame (in recognition of their contributions to the music industry). On this very day, June 11th 1950, Graham Russell was…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. RAY CHARLES

Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23rd, 1930. In spite of losing his sight at a young age, his career was full of chart-topping hits, including “What I’d Say”, “Georgia on My Mind”, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and today’s attached song link. Throughout hiscareer, he received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2004, the biography film, “Ray” (played by Jamie Foxx), brought renewed attention to his incredible life in…

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Heaven & Earth 

HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY JACKIE WILSON

Jackie Wilson was an American singer who is often cited for being an influence on legends like Elvis Presley and James Brown. One of his most enduring hits is “Higher and Higher” (which is particularly known for its uplifting melody and passionate vocal performance). Nicknamed “Mr. Excitement”, in 1997, Jackie Wilson was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, June 9th 1934, Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. was born in Highland Park, Michigan. In celebration of his heavenly birthday, I’ve chosen a classic track…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BONNIE POINTER

Bonnie Pointer was an American singer who was born in Oakland, California on July 11th, 1950. She was best known as being a founding member of The Pointer Sisters (alongside siblings Ruth, Anita, and June). Together, this popular group released a string of hit singles, including “Fire”, “He’s So Shy”, “Slow Hand”, and “Jump for My Love”. In 1974, she co-wrote the hit single, “Fairytale“, which won the group their first Grammy Award, and in 1994, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (along with her sisters).…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM JONES

Tom Jones is an iconic Welsh singer who’s best known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. His most popular singles include “What’s New Pussycat?”, “Delilah”, “Green Grass of Home”, “She’s a Lady”, and today’s attached song link. Throughout his spectacular career, he has received many accolades, including the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” (in 1966). In 2006, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his services to music and charity. On this very day, June 7th 1940, Thomas John Woodward (known professionally as Tom Jones) was born…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BILLY PRESTON

Billy Preston was an American singer and musician who was born in Houston, Texas on September 2nd, 1946. He was often referred to as the “Fifth Beatle” due to his association with the boys from Liverpool. Some of his most notable hits include “Will It Go Round in Circles”, “Outa-Space”, and today’s attached song link. Throughout his career, he received several Grammy Awards, including “Best Pop Instrumental Performance” for “Outa-Space” (in 1973) and “The Wildest Organ in Town” (in 1974). On this very day, June 6th 2006, William Everett Preston…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. CONWAY TWITTY

Conway Twitty was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Friars Point, Mississippi on September 1st, 1933. Some of his most well-known songs include “Hello Darlin’”, “I’d Love to Lay You Down”, “Tight Fittin’ Jeans”, and today’s attached song link. He was not only a successful solo artist but also collaborated with Loretta Lynn on the duets, “Lead Me On” and “After the Fire Is Gone”. His many awards include a 1999 induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame with his popular single, “Tight Fittin’ Jeans”. On this…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EL DEBARGE

El DeBarge is an American vocalist and songwriter who rose to prominence as lead singer of the family music group, DeBarge. This band gained popularity (in the early 1980s) with a string of hits, including “All This Love”, “Love Me in a Special Way”, and of course, today’s included song link. El DeBarge’s falsetto vocals were a primary feature of their distinctive sound. In 1986, El DeBarge pursued a solo career, and went on to release hits such as “Who’s Johnny” and “Love Always”. On this very day, June 4th…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN HILL

Dan Hill is a Canadian singer and songwriter who is best known for his soft rock and pop ballads. His most notable hits include “Can’t We Try”, “Never Thought That I Could Love”, and today’s included song link. In addition to his own successful singing career, Dan Hill has been a prolific songwriter. He has written songs for many artists, including Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Reba McEntire.Top of Form On this very day, June 3rd 1954, Daniel Grafton Hill (the fourth) was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In celebration…

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY HADLEY

Tony Hadley is an English singer and songwriter who is best known as the former lead vocalist for British new wave band, Spandau Ballet. This group’s most notable hits include “Through the Barricades”, “Gold” and today’s song choice.Top of Form Known for his expressive vocal range and style, author Dave Rimmer described his voice as emulating both Frank Sinatra and David Bowie On this very day, June 2nd 1960, Anthony Patrick Hadley was born in London, England. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen a very romantic ballad that took…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALANIS MORISSETTE

Alanis Morissette is a Canadian-American singer and songwriter whose music often explores themes of personal growth, relationships, and introspection. Her musical style incorporates elements of alternative rock, post-grunge, and folk. In 1995, she gained international fame with the release of her third album, “Jagged Little Pill”. This masterpiece became a huge success, selling millions of copies worldwide and earning Morissette a Grammy Award for “Album of the Year”. On this very day, June 1st 1974, Alanis Nadine Morissette was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In celebration of her birthday, I’ve…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COREY HART

Corey Hart is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician who gained international fame (in the 1980s) with a series of popular songs. One of his most well-known tracks is “Never Surrender”, which became a chart-topping hit in Canada, and earned him a 1985 Juno Award for “Single of the Year”. In 2016, he was officially inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the Canadian music scene. On this very day, May 31st 1962, Corey Mitchell Hart was born in Montreal, Quebec. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WYNONNA JUDD

Wynonna Judd is an American singer who’s known for blending elements of country, rock, and blues. Alongside her mother, Naomi, the Judd’s were formed in the early 1980s. Together, this duo rose to fame with popular songs like “Mama He’s Crazy”, “Why Not Me”, and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)”. After The Judd’s disbanded (in 1991), she embarked on a successful solo career, releasing hit singles like “I Saw the Light”, “My Strongest Weakness”, “To Be Loved by You”, and today’s song choice. On this very day,…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BJ THOMAS

B.J. Thomas was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Hugo, Oklahoma on August 7th, 1942. Throughout his career, he produced a string of popular singles, including “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head”, “Hooked on a Feeling”, and today’s song choice. Between the years 1977 to 1981, he earned a total of 5 Grammy Awards, including four that won in the category of “Best Inspirational Performance”. On this very day, May 29th 2021, Billy Joe Thomas died of lung cancer (at 78 years of age). In memory of…

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