Birthday Playlist

Surely, amongst your hundreds of Facebook friends, it’s somebody’s birthday out there today. Pick a song from this playlist and celebrate by posting it on their wall. Or ‘Play All’ and enjoy the party!

Marilyn Monroe – Happy Birthday Mr. President (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Happy Birthday Mr. President” was sung by sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe, for President John F. Kennedy’s fourty-fifth birthday. President Kennedy later came on stage and joked: “I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way”. This song is famous for a couple reasons: 1. Rumour had it that Monroe and Kennedy had an affair. 2. The song was one of Monroe’s last public appearances before her death.

Lesley Gore – It’s My Party (Play this video in Creation 5)

When it’s your birthday, do what you want! – Lesley Gore sent out an important message when her version of “It’s My Party” became a number 1 hit in the US pop and R&B charts in 1963. Quincy Jones was the man behind Gore’s first hit single. Quincy Jones also produced Amy Winehouse’s cover of the song, which leaked in 2010.

Destiny’s Child – Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

“It’s your birthday, you don’t have to do nothing/ We gon’ celebrate” – A beautiful birthday song sung by beautiful women with beautiful voices, harmonies and lyrics.

Katy Perry – Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Birthday” was released in 2014 for Katy Perry’s fourth studio album, Prism. The music video shows Perry entering four different parties in disguise and revealing her identity at the end. Perry makes sexual references throughout the song… How could the pop goddess of controversy not?

Bon Jovi – Have A Nice Day (Play this video in Creation 5)

Drum beats, power chords and classic Bon Jovi hooks – Released in 2005, “Have A Nice Day” made it to the top 10 charts in 11 different countries. The song is included in Bon Jovi’s Greatest Hits album.

Jimy Hendrix – Happy Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

With plenty of distortion, reverb and a melodic guitar hook, guitar & rock genius, Jimi Hendrix, sings: “Everybody’s wishing me a happy birthday/ Everybody’s wishing me a real good time”.

Stevie Wonder- Happy Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

Stevie Wonder originally recorded “Happy Birthday” as part of a campaign to have Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday celebrated as a national holiday. The campaign succeeded and the song hit number 2 in the UK pop single charts. It’s the classic birthday song.

Alphaville – Forever Young (Play this video in Creation 5)

The German rock/synthpop group released “Forever Young” on their 1984 debut album. It has since been covered by numerous artists and has become part of pop culture.

Rihanna – Birthday Cake (Play this video in Creation 5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK4eoqwmfU
“Birthday Cake” was not to be considered for Rihanna’s 6th studio album “Talk That Talk” until it leaked on the Internet. It was featured as a 1:18 minute interlude on the album, after fans expressed interest in the track. The full-length version (official remix) of the track, featuring Chris Brown, was released on February 20, 2012, the day Rihanna turned 24.

Parchis – Cumpleaños Feliz (Play this video in Creation 5)

Parchis was a Spanish children’s group formed in the 1980’s who reached international fame. The band was named after a board game, where each player represents a different coloured pawn.

Jeremih – Birthday Sex (Play this video in Creation 5)

Jeremih’s debut single peaked at number 4 on Billboard Hot 100 and certified Platinum. The lyrics originally sang “birthday text” but were later revisited and recorded as “birthday sex”. The song has sort of become a birthday anthem.

Neil Sedaka – Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen (Play this video in Creation 5)

Released in 1961, the song reached number 6 on Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the UK single Charts. The song is about a girl’s transition from her awkward tomboy phase into a beautiful young lady.

The Beatles – Happy Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

Featured on their 1968 “White Album”, “Happy Birthday” marks The Beatles’ return to traditional rock and roll. McCartney and Ringo Starr performed the song for Starr’s birthday on July 7, 2010, at Radio City Music Hall.

The Sugarcubes – Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Birthday” was written and recorded by Icelandic band, The Sugarcubes. It was their first international single, released on their 1988 debut album Life’s Too Good. Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, Björk, is easily recognizable on lead vocals, as her haunting voice pervades the song.

The Crest – 16 Candles (Play this video in Creation 5)

R&B doo-wop group, The Crest, released “16 Candles” in 1958. It was their most popular song, rising to number 2 on Billboard Hot 100, selling more than 1 million copies, and certifying gold.

The Tune Weavers – Happy Happy Birthday Baby (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Happy, Happy Birthday Baby” was The Tune Weavers’ only hit. Written by Margo Sylvia and Gilbert Lopez in 1957, the single reached number five on Billboard Hot 100. On the B-side of the record is The Tune Weavers’ own version of “Ol’ Man River”.

The Innocence Mission – Happy Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

American rock band, centered around husband-wife singer/songwriters Karen and Don Peris, formed in the 80s during a Catholic school production of Gospell. Karen’s sweet and soothing voice is just so fitting!

Candles On The Cake (Play this video in Creation 5)

Nobody seems to know whose song this is! Youtube says it’s Quincy Jones, Shazam says its Mark G Hart & Emil Dudas, yet it sounds just like James Brown. Anybody know who the mystery artist is…?

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Play this video in Creation 5)

Pharrell’s “Happy” song is perhaps the happiest song of 2014! It leaves an uplifting, soulful, and funky tone ringing in your ear.