Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday with three stunning concerts over three days, which featured Sheryl Crow, Tom Jones, Snoop Dogg, Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead and Margo Price alongside sons Lukas and Micah to entertain an enthusiastic crowd each evening.
Katy Perry’s upbeat song celebrating birthdays and life is an irresistibly joyful pop classic! Katy’s vocals glide effortlessly over its lively instrumentation for an infectiously catchy song!
The Smiths – Happy Birthday to You
Although Complete is not The Smiths’ top album (that would belong to Meat is Murder or Hand in Glove), it still presents an impressive collection of songs. Johnny Marr’s sublime guitar work complements Morrissey’s heartbreaking lyrics beautifully for an incredible listening experience that lacks even one weak track.
This album opens with a song that is typically representative of their sound – a melancholic ballad called “Title Track.” This track stands as an exceptional demonstration of how their music could tap into profound feelings while communicating them effectively and expressively.
Another standout track on A Little Bit More Time is Morrissey’s haunting acoustic ballad, A Little Bit More Time. This song showcases Morrissey’s outstanding vocal range and ability to express heartbreak using only his voice.
Runaway marks the end of The Smiths’ album in style with an upbeat song featuring infectiously catchy beats and brilliant guitar work by Sting and Gibbons that really elevate the track’s impact. A perfect track to end an album on as it shows they were more than just punk musicians singing about loneliness and alienation.
Marilyn Monroe – I’ll Be There For You
Lana Del Rey’s second studio album, Born To Die, contains numerous references to Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe; but this B-side from New Order may be her most blatant tribute – you may even hear the original rendition of ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’ performed by Marilyn herself for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes on its soundtrack! Although some artistic license may have been taken here – as Marilyn died a full year prior to John Kennedy’s assassination – but nevertheless it makes for an amazing song!
This Kinks song from their 1973 ode to 20th-century film industry includes Marilyn Monroe. She’s mentioned by name and the bridge rap reveals the following line from their lyrics: Grace Kelly, Harlow Jean Gene Kelly Fred Astaire dance on air
Elton John’s 1974 song Bennie And The Jets may seem to pay tribute to David Bowie, but it actually offers an in-depth ode to Marilyn. From its opening lines referencing her given name Norma Jeane all the way through its narrative it gives a sympathetic portrayal of Marilyn’s tragic life; making this track one of the finest tributes ever paid her.
The Beatles – Happy Birthday
If it is your birthday and this classic rocker from The White Album hasn’t made your playlist, you are missing out. Packed with powerful drumbeats and an unforgettable bluesy guitar riff, “Love Me Do” should be required listening for any Beatles fan.
The Beatles originally recorded “Birthday” during their recording sessions for The White Album double album on September 18, 1968. This original version appeared on Side Three of LP editions of the record, as well as disc two for CD versions of it.
This uptempo song features a straightforward vocal progression over two and a half measures, starting off with an introduction drum fill before transitioning into a blues progression and guitar riff instrumental section, then McCartney singing lead in a lower voice than Lennon followed by eight measures of pre-bridge music before finishing up with piano accompaniment on repeating sections of vocalization as Lennon had originally done earlier.
Paul Weller covered this song to commemorate Sir Paul’s 70th birthday celebrations in 2012. The download was available for only one day, raising money for War Child charity while simultaneously reaching number 64 on the UK Singles Chart.
Stevie Wonder – I Have a Dream
Wonder enlisted several prominent figures from politics, sports, business and entertainment – including Barack and Michelle Obama, Dave Chappelle, Katy Perry and Smokey Robinson – to assist him in producing this moving tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. It was posted online at 7:05 p.m. central time, the exact moment Dr. King was killed on April 4, 1968. This powerful call to action saw such notable names as Barack and Michelle Obama; Dave Chappelle; Katy Perry and Smokey Robinson among many others join this effort.
Kevin Gaines, professor of music history at the University of Virginia, notes that Wonder’s bid to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national holiday followed in the tradition of musicians and popular artists joining movements for social change throughout the 20th Century. According to Gaines, Wonder was at the forefront of this movement: he first addressed civil rights in his music as early as 1963 with his hit Fingertips song; this 13-year-old singer sang about having control over where and when they lived and worked – something denied them by southern authorities at that time.
Innervisions was his best, if not his masterpiece album that wrote songs about the Civil Rights Movement and tackled issues of race and class in America through jazzy soulful compositions with high energy tracks that explored race, class, and the freedom struggle.
Loretta Lynn – I Wish You a Happy Birthday
May is an especially busy birthday month for country music stars. Many have written special birthday songs to wish their friends and fans well on their special day, such as this touching tune by Loretta Lynn who is widely revered as “The Queen of Country”. Her timeless tunes remain among fans today.
This classic song from Ron Kitson and Lynn was a party anthem with its uptempo rhythm, making it perfect for dancing at parties. Released as one of Lynn’s most successful singles (she even won the Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance that year!).
On Dolly Parton’s 90th birthday, many members of country music came together to honor her with a heartfelt birthday message. Artists including Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire and Tim McGraw teamed up together and recorded a video message which they shared via her social media accounts and which also honored her for opening doors for them in music. They collectively thanked Dolly for creating such a legacy in country music as they celebrated her honor with love.
Lynn presented some of her personal memorabilia to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. This included her yellow gingham dress designed herself in the 1960s; original handwritten lyrics from Coal Miner’s Daughter first edition copy and red heels from her personal shoe collection.
Max Bemis – Happy Birthday
Max Bemis is one of the greatest rock singers, renowned for his incredible voice. Since Say Anything began releasing music over time, he has been frontman. Additionally, he’s performed with Pistolita and Brighten.
This song makes a fantastic birthday song as it reminds us to appreciate every moment of our lives. Often it can be easy to become wrapped up in all that goes wrong in life; but this track reminds us to savor every second we have with loved ones on special days like birthdays. It will add even more enjoyment and memories for years to come!
Max Bemis and the Painful Splits was an album of acoustic songs released by Bemis in September 2010, for fans’ satisfaction before his band Saves the Day and Motion City Soundtrack went on tour. It wasn’t intended as solo work; instead it provided fans a taster before seeing Saves the Day or Motion City Soundtrack perform live.
Bemis is an expert of melodrama, and his storytelling of romantic double lives and unrequited passion are always riveting. A highly talented musician himself, Bemis can switch effortlessly between Bontempi keyboard bleeps and Borscht Belt swagger to deliver electrifying performances at any venue he performs at. An amazing singer as well, his live shows are must-sees for fans of rock music!