Category: Heaven & Earth

Isaac Hayes was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born in Covington, Tennessee on August 20th, 1942. He was particularly known for his deep baritone voice, which became one of his trademark features. Among his many accolades, he won a total of three Grammy Awards, and in 2002, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Three years later (in 2005), he was also inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. On this very day, August 10th 2008, Isaac Lee Hayes died at his…

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Jerry Garcia was an American musician and songwriter who was born in San Francisco, California on August 1st, 1942. He was best known as lead guitarist (and front man) for the American rock band, Grateful Dead. Founded in 1965, this eclectic group was particularly known for their extended live performances that contributed to the band’s dedicated fanbase, known as “Deadheads.” Rolling Stone magazine ranked Garcia at #13 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time”, and in 1994, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of…

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Olivia Newton-John was an English-Australian singer who gained international fame for her role as Sandy Olsson in the 1978 musical, “Grease”. Over the years, she recorded many popular songs, including “Let Me Be There”, “You’re the One That I Want”, “Physical”, “Magic”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). With global sales of more than 100 million records, she established herself as one of the best-selling music artists of all-time. Throughout her amazing career, she won multiple Grammy Awards, including “Record of…

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Bruce Dickinson is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who is best known as lead vocalist for the iconic heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. Some of their all-time classic hits include “The Trooper”, “Fear of the Dark”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In 2011, Dickinson’s powerful (and operatic) vocals helped Iron Maiden to win the Grammy Award for “Best Metal Performance”. On this very day, August 7th 1958, Paul Bruce Dickinson was born in Nottinghamshire, England. In celebration of his…

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Rick James was an American singer, songwriter, musician (and record producer) who was born in Buffalo, New York on February 1st, 1948. Some of his most popular and enduring songs include “Super Freak”, “Mary Jane”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In 1981, Rick James released his most successful album, “Street Songs”, that went on to win an American Music Award for “Favourite Soul/R&B Album”. On this very day, August 6th 2004, James Ambrose Johnson (known professionally as Rick James) died of…

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Terri Clark is a Canadian country music singer who had success in both Canada and the U.S. Throughout her career, she has released numerous hit songs, including “If I Were You”, “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”, “I Just Wanna Be Mad”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). The recipient of many accolades, in 2004, she became a certified member of the Grand Ole Opry, and in 2023, she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. On this very day, August…

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The late Louis Armstrong (often referred to as “Satchmo” or “Pops”) was an American trumpeter, composer, and vocalist, who is considered as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music. A beloved figure of his time, he played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, he recorded numerous hits, including classics like “Hello, Dolly!”, “When the Saints Go Marching In”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Having collaborated with…

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James Hetfield is an American singer and musician who is best known as lead vocalist (and primary songwriter) for the heavy metal band, Metallica. Some of this group’s most memorable songs include “Enter Sandman”, “Master of Puppets”, “One”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Led by Hetfield, Metallica has received multiple accolades honoring their contributions to heavy metal, and in 2009, they were officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, August 3rd 1963, James…

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Jimmy Jones was an American singer-songwriter who was born in Birmingham, Alabama on June 2nd, 1930. He was well known for singing in a soulful falsetto tone modeled after greats like Clyde McPhatter and Sam Cooke. His songs often blended a mix of R&B, Pop and Doo-Wop, as shown in his single, “Good Timing” which was a #1 hit in the U.K. On this very day, August 2nd 2012, Jimmy Jones died in Aberdeen, North Carolina (at 82 years of age). In memory of his passing, I’ve chosen a song…

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Joe Elliott is an English singer and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist for the rock band, Def Leppard. His distinctive voice and songwriting contributions played an instrumental part of the band’s success, recording hit singles like “Photograph”, “Rock of Ages”, “Love Bites”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In 2019, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (alongside other members of Def Leppard), recognizing the band’s significant contributions to the rock genre. On this…

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Zac Brown is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as frontman for the Zac Brown Band. This group is particularly known for incorporating elements of country, southern rock, bluegrass, (and even reggae) into their music. Some of the band’s greatest hits include “Colder Weather”, “Toes”, “Highway 20 Ride”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). A winner of multiple Grammy Awards, in 2010, he won the award for “Best New Artist”. On this very day, July 31st 1978, Zachry…

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Paul Anka is a Canadian-American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1950s. Some of his biggest hits include songs like “Lonely Boy”, “Put Your Head on My Shoulders”, “Having My Baby” and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout his career, he has earned many accolades including inductions into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (in 1980), and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (in 2008). On this very day, July 30th 1941, Paul Albert Anka was born in…

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Today’s track is an energetic pop song that was recorded by American boy band, NSYNC. The attached music video features the group members (in a comical manner) as action figures. This song was particularly popular in Canada (reaching the #1 spot on the national charts), and as of October 2023, it has received over 100 million views on YouTube. On this very day, July 29th 2000, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use…

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Geddy Lee is a singer and songwriter who is best known as lead vocalist (and bass player) for the Canadian progressive rock band, Rush. Some of this group’s most popular songs include “New World Man”, “Limelight”, “The Spirit of Radio”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Specifically known for his virtuoso bass playing and unique vocal style, in 2013, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (along with the other members of Rush). On this very day,…

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Dusty Hill was an American musician who was born in Dallas, Texas on May 19th, 1949. He is best remembered as one third of the American rock band, ZZ Top. Alongside (lead vocalist) Billy Gibbons and (drummer) Frank Beard, this trio recorded many hit songs, including “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Legs”, “Gimme All Your Lovin’”, “Sleeping Bag”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). In addition to his skills as a bass guitarist, Dusty Hill also played keyboards, and in 2004, he was…

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