Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEWEL

Jewel Kilcher, known mononymously as Jewel, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who gained fame (in the mid-1990s) with her debut album, “Pieces of You”. Her music is often characterized by introspective lyrics, and a blend of folk, pop, and country elements. Some of her biggest singles include “Pieces of You”, “Who Will Save Your Soul”, “Foolish Games”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 23rd 1974, Jewel Kilcher was born in Payson, Utah. In celebration of her birthday, I’ve chosen a track that won the 1997…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORRISSEY

Morrissey is an English singer and songwriter who rose to prominence as front man for alternative rock band, The Smiths. He’s especially known for his introspective (and often poetic) lyrics that explore themes of alienation, love, and social commentary. Some of the Smiths’ most notable songs include “How Soon Is Now?”, “There’s a Light That Never Goes Out”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 22nd 1959, Steven Patrick Morrissey was born in Lancashire, England. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen an up-tempo track that was the…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEO SAYER

Leo Sayer is a British-Australian singer and songwriter who achieved international success (in the 1970s) with a string of hit songs, including “Long Tall Glasses”, “More Than I Can Say”, “You make Me Feel Like Dancing”, and today’s song choice. In 1974, he received Grammy Award nominations for “Best New Artist” and “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male”. On this very day, May 21st 1948, Gerard Hugh Sayer (known professionally as Leo Sayer) was born in Sussex, England. In celebration of his birthday, I’ve chosen an emotional ballad that topped the…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHER

Cher is an American singer (and pop culture icon) who initially gained fame (in the 1960s) as part of the musical duo, Sonny & Cher. Alongside her then-husband Sonny Bono, they produced popular songs like “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On”. After the dissolution of Sonny & Cher, she embarked on a solo career, producing hits like “Gypsy’s, Tramps & Thieves”, “Half-Breed”, “Believe”, and today’s song choice. Throughout her career, she has sold over 100 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all-time.…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETE TOWNSHEND

Pete Townshend is an English musician who is best known as the principal songwriter (and guitarist) for legendary rock band, The Who. Founded in 1964, this group is known for many popular songs including “My Generation”, “I Can See for Miles”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, and today’s song choice. In 1990, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2001, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. On this very day, May 19th 1945, Peter Townshend was born in Greater London, England. In celebration of…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. CHRIS CORNELL

Chris Cornell was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Seattle, Washington on July 20th, 1964. He is best known as lead vocalist for the rock bands, Audioslave and Soundgarden. Founded in 1984, Soundgarden became a pioneer of the Seattle grunge scene. Their biggest hits include songs like “Spoonman”, “Fell on Black Days”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 18th 2017, Christopher John Boyle (known professionally as Chris Cornell) died of suicide (after hanging himself in his Detroit hotel room). He was 52 at the…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. DONNA SUMMER

Donna Summer was an American singer and songwriter who was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 31st, 1948. Often referred to as the “Queen of Disco”, she released a string of popular dance hits, including “I Feel Love”, “Hot Stuff”, “She Works Hard for the Money”, and today’s song choice (to name just a few). In 2013, she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (in recognition for her many contributions to the music industry). On this very day, May 17th 2012, Donna Adrian Gaines (known…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. SAMMY DAVIS JR.

Sammy Davis Jr. was an American singer who was born in New York City on December 8th, 1925. He is mostly remembered as a part of the legendary “Rat Pack” (a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop). His most popular hits (as a solo artist) include “Mr. Bojangles”, “I’ve Gotta Be Me”, and today’s song choice. On this very day, May 16th 1990, Samuel George Davis Jr. died of complications from throat cancer (at 64 years of age). In memory of his…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. JUNE CARTER CASH

June Carter Cash was an American singer who was born in Maces Spring, Virginia on June 23rd, 1929. She was a key part of the Carter Family, a legendary country music group that included her mother Maybelle, and her sisters, Anita and Helen. She also had a successful solo career, recording hits like “Juke Box Blues” and “Ring of Fire”. A five-time Grammy Award winner, she was also the second wife of legendary country music singer, Johnny Cash. On this very day, May 15th 2003, June Carter Cash died from…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. FRANK SINATRA

Frank Sinatra, was an iconic American singer who was born in New Jersey on December 12th 1915. Regarded as one of the greatest entertainers in music history, he was also a key member of the “Rat Pack” (that included other legends like Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop). Often referred to as “Old Blue Eyes”, some of his signature songs include “New York, New York”, “Strangers in the Night”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, and today’s song choice (to name just a few). On this very…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARIUS RUCKER

Darius Rucker is an American singer and songwriter who initially gained fame as lead vocalist for Hootie & the Blowfish, a band he formed (in 1986) before pursuing a solo career in country music. Some of his biggest singles (as a solo artist) include “Alright”, “Come Back Song”, “If I Told You”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has won 3 Grammy Awards, and in 2012, he became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. On this very day, May 13th 1966, Darius Rucker was born in…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE WINWOOD

Steve Winwood is a British musician who gained prominence (as a teenage prodigy) back in the 1960s. He initially rose to fame (in 1964) as lead vocalist for British rock band, the Spencer Davis Group. In 1967, he co-founded the band Traffic where he explored a more eclectic and psychedelic sound. As a solo artist, his most popular singles include “Valerie”, “Roll with It”, and today’s song choice. Throughout his career, he has won several Grammy Awards, and in 2004, he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer and songwriter who was born in Nine Mile, Jamaica on February 6th, 1945. Credited with popularizing reggae music worldwide, his songs often convey messages of peace, love, and social justice. Some of his most famous singles include “No Woman, No Cry”, “Redemption Song”, “Buffalo Soldier”, “Three Little Birds”, and today’s song choice (to name a few). In 1994, Bob Marley was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On this very day, May 11th 1981, Robert Nesta Marley died due to the spread of…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BONO

Bono is an Irish singer and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist for the rock band, U2. Some of this group’s most popular songs include “With or Without You”, “Where the Streets Have No Name”, “Beautiful Day” and today’s song choice (to name just a few).With Bono as their lead singer, U2 has received numerous accolades, including 22 Grammy Awards, and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, May 10th 1960, Paul David Hewson (known professionally as Bono) was born in…

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Heaven & Earth 

R.I.P. LITTLE RICHARD

Little Richard was an American singer, musician, and songwriter who helped play a crucial role in the development of early rock and roll. Known for his androgynous and flamboyant stage persona, he was one of the first musicians to break away from traditional gender norms. His most popular songs include tracks like “Long Tall Sally”, “Good Golly, Miss Molly”, “Lucille”, and today’s song choice. In 1986, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1993, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On this very…

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