Category: Heaven & Earth

Chaka Khan is an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame (in the 1970s) as lead singer of the funk band, Rufus. Some of this group’s most popular hits include “Tell Me Something Good”, “Sweet Thing”, and today’s song choice. Her solo career was equally successful, with hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “I Feel for You”. To date, she has won a total of 10 Grammy Awards, including two as a member of Rufus. On this very day, March 23rd 1953, Yvette Marie Stevens (better known as Chaka…

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Dan Hartman was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born in West Hanover, Pennsylvania on December 8th, 1950. An extremely versatile musician, Hartman played multiple instruments, and his work encompassed many different musical styles. As an example, two of his biggest hits were “Instant Replay” (featuring a pure disco sound) and today’s song choice (which showcases a soul and Motown vibe). On this very day, March 22nd, 1994, Daniel Earl Hartman died of a brain tumor (at 43 years of age). In memory of his passing,…

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Roger Hodgson is an English musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as former co-frontman for the progressive rock band, Supertramp. Some of this bands’ most popular songs include “Give a Little Bit”, “Dreamer”, “Take the Long Way Home”, and today’s song choice. In 1983, he left Supertramp to focus on a solo career. On this very day, March 21st 1950, Roger Hodgson was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen a song that is based on Hodgson’s experience of being sent away to boarding school.…

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Kenny Rogers was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Houston, Texas on August 21st, 1938. With a career that spanned over several decades, he was particularly known for his smooth voice and storytelling ability. Some of his most well-known songs include “The Gambler”, “Islands in the Stream”, “Lucille,” “Coward of the County”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his legendary career, he has won many awards, and in 2013, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. On this very day, March 20th, 2020, Kenneth Ray…

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Luther Ingram was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Jackson, Tennessee on November 30th, 1937. He began his career as a gospel singer, and later transitioned to secular music. His most successful songs, include “I’ll Be Your Shelter in Time”, “Do You Love the One You’re With”, and today’s song choice. His soulful voice and heartfelt performances earned him great respect in the music industry. On this very day, March 19th, 2007, Luther Thomas Ingram died of heart failure (after suffering for years from diabetes and kidney…

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Adam Levine is an American singer and songwriter, who is best known as lead vocalist of the pop rock band, Maroon 5. Since their inception (in 2001), this band has produced numerous chart-topping hits, including “Moves Like Jagger”, “Sugar”, “Girls Like You”, and “She Will Be Loved”. During the years 2011 until 2019, Adam Levine served as a coach on the reality TV show, “The Voice”. In 2019 he and Maroon 5 headlined the Super Bowl 53 halftime show. With Adam Levine as their front man, Maroon 5 has received…

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Jermaine Stewart was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter who was born in Columbus, Ohio on September 7th, 1957. Before starting his solo career, he was a backing vocalist for artists like Shalamar and Culture Club. As a solo artist, his most popular singles, included songs like “Jody”, “Don’t Talk Dirty to Me”, “Say It Again”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, March 17th, 1997, William Jermaine Stewart died of AIDS-related liver cancer (at 39 years of age). In memory of his passing, I’ve chosen a classic dance…

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Nancy Wilson is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, who is one of the founding members of Heart. Alongside her sister Ann, she helped the group become one of the most successful rock bands ever. Some of Hearts’ most reputable singles include songs like “Barracuda”, “Magic Man”, “Alone”, “Never”, and today’s song choice (to name a few). Throughout her career, she has received various accolades, including a 2013 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, March 16th 1954, Nancy Wilson was born in San…

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Bret Michaels is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is best known as lead vocalist for the glam rock band, Poison. With Michaels as front man, this group achieved commercial success with hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Talk Dirty to Me”, “Something to Believe In”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has faced significant health challenges, including a brain hemorrhage that he dealt with in 2010. Despite these setbacks, he has continued to tour, and is considered a key figure in the glam metal genre…

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Percy Sledge was an American soul and gospel singer who was born in Leighton, Alabama on November 25th, 1940. Some of his most popular hits include “Warm and Tender Love”, “Take Time to Know Her”, and today’s song choice. Due to his contributions to the R&B/Soul genre, in 2005, he was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, April 14th 2015, Percy Tyrone Sledge died of liver cancer (at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana). He was 74 at the time of his…

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Quincy Jones is an American composer (and record producer) who is one of the most influential and successful figures in the music industry, with a career that has spanned over seven decades. One of his most notable collaborations was with Michael Jackson. He produced Jackson’s albums, “Off the Wall”, “Thriller”, and “Bad”, contributing to some of the best-selling LPs of all time. Throughout his illustrious career, he has won a record 28 Grammys, including a “Grammy Legend” Award. On this very day, March 14th 1933, Quincy Delight Jones was born…

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Neil Sedaka is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who rose to fame (in the late 1950s) and has since enjoyed a long and successful career. His greatest hits include “Oh! Carol”, “Calendar Girl”, “Bad Blood”, “Breaking Up is Hard to Do”, and today’s song choice. His music spans various styles, including pop, rock, doo-wop, and ballads. In 1983, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the music industry. On this very day, March 13th 1939, Neil Sedaka was born in Brooklyn, New…

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James Taylor is an American musician, singer and songwriter who is known for his distinctive voice, introspective lyrics, and a blend of folk, rock, and pop music. He is regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all-time. His most popular singles, include “You’ve Got a Friend”, “Carolina in My Mind”, “Shower the People”, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has won multiple Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Award (in 2000). That same year, he was inducted into the…

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Joel Madden is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is best known as lead vocalist for the pop-punk band, Good Charlotte. Alongside his twin brother, Benji, he co-founded the band in 1996. Their music often deals with themes of teenage angst, relationships, and social issues. Some of their most popular hits include songs like “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”, “I Just Wanna Live”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, March 11th 1979, Joel Reuben Combs (known better as Joel Madden) was born in Waldorf, Maryland. In…

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Carrie Underwood is an American singer and songwriter who gained widespread fame after winning “American Idol” (in 2005). Since then, her powerful vocals (and engaging stage presence) made her one of the most successful and prominent figures in country music. Her most popular singles include “Inside Your Heaven”, “Jesus take the Wheel”, “Cowboy Casanova”, and today’s song choice (to name just a few). The most awarded country artist of all time, she has been the recipient of many accolades, including 8 Grammy Awards. In 2008, she was inducted into the Grand…

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