Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. NOTORIOUS B.I.G.

Christopher George Latore Wallace was an American rapper who was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 21st, 1972. He is often referred to as Biggie Smalls, Biggie, or by his stage name, The Notorious B.I.G. Growing up, he faced a challenging environment marked by poverty and crime, which later influenced his lyrics. His discography features hits like “Juicy”, “Hypnotize”, “One More Chance”, and today’s song choice. During the mid-1990s, he became a central figure in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, which was marked by tensions between artists like…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY NUMAN

Gary Numan is a singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to prominence (in the late 1970s) as a leading figure in the synth-pop movement. Known for his distinctive visual style, he often adopted a futuristic or post-apocalyptic look. Over time, he developed a dedicated fanbase known as the “Numanoids”. Throughout his career, he has received many accolades, including the Ivor Novello Award for “Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection”. On this very day, March 8th 1958, he was born in London, England (as Gary Anthony James Webb). In celebration of his…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR DAYNE

Taylor Dayne is an American singer and songwriter who rose to prominence (in the late 1980s) with a series of hit songs that showcased her powerful vocals and danceable pop sound. Her biggest singles include “Tell It to My Heart”, I’ll Be Your Shelter”, “Don’t Rush Me”, “Prove Your Love”, “I’ll Always Love You”, and today’s song choice.  In December 2016, Billboard magazine ranked her the 28th most successful dance artist of all time. On this very day, March 7th 1962, she was born in Manhattan, New York City (as Leslie Wunderman).…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. STOMPIN’ TOM CONNORS

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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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. PATSY CLINE

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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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. KEITH FLINT

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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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMILA CABELLO

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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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON BON JOVI

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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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROGER DALTREY

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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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON ALDEAN

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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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. FRANKIE LYMON

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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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL BOLTON

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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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. MARK HOLLIS

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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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE THOROGOOD

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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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOWARD JONES

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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