It was February 12, 2008. My daughter Wendy was very tired of winter and was longing for spring. I mean she was really looking forward to it!
And then the idea came to me. I decided to play a song on my site, hoping it would cheer her up. I called it a Smile Song and I had no intention of doing it again.
The reaction to the song was better than I had anticipated so I decided to do another one … and then another and another. Before long, Smile Songs became a regular routine and over time, they morphed into 50s Smile Songs, 60s Smile Songs, #1 Smile Songs, and eventually, Medleys of songs.
I have counted up those individual Smile Songs (over 2,000 of them) and Medleys (over 2,000 of those … and counting) and all of it started because a father wanted to cheer his daughter up on a cold winter day 14 years ago.
Today I dedicate this one-song “medley” to Wendy and go back to that one song that started it all. ❤️
Your Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
The First Smile Song
History repeats its self & it’s good :), back to the beginning of the musical melodies that make us smile. Thank you to your muse Wendy whose comments through the years have also made us all smile & thank you Ray for sharing the music & the love your music brings <3 Love is in the air & Spring has sprung in many a heart.
Thank you, Lee 🥰
Wendy’s comments always reflect the gentle and loving nature of her soul.
Thank YOU for always (ALWAYS) being so positive and upbeat. The world could use a few more like you. ❤️
There’s nothing more pure, than a fathers love! And wanting to see your daughter happy!
Thank you, Donna ❤️
That comment was a beautiful way to start my day!
Awww, 14 years and thousands of Smiles! 🙂 I know I am a lucky woman to have the Sweetest Daddy who has always only wanted me to have a happy life full of smiles and love. You are my Ray of Sunshine! Thanks for cheering me up all those years ago and sharing the love with your friends and followers as well. We are all so grateful for the Smiles and memories and hope it makes you Smile in return. Thanks for all of it!
🙂 XOXOXOXO 🙂
I’ll keep this simple, Wendyl…
I LOVE YOU (but I think you and everyone else knows that)
❤️XOXOXOXO❤️
Wowser! What a wonderful representation of a smile song! It would be so difficult to top that. Here comes the sun oh my gosh every single morning, I say this to the cats! The sheer luxury of just lying in the sun and getting toasty warm seems to be their best achievement in life sometimes. This is the happiest song and if it didn’t make everybody smile then they need to go back and take a nap! I can see why you chose this for Wendy, who seems to be one of the happiest people I know. And though I’ve never met her in person or you for that matter, you both make me happy. Thanks so much for this Ray! ❤️
Thank you, Sandy ❤️
If you ever meet her, Sandy, you will find she is everything she appears to be.
For all the credit I get for being a caring person, I can say unequivocally that she outdoes me every single day of her life. ❤️
What a great song to lift Wendy up all those years ago! I think both you and Wendy lift each other up every day with the love for each other as well as your mutual love for music. And to think that one inspiration started a spiral that have touched so many!!
You Mr DJ are one amazing man!! Have a wonderful, safe and warm day!
Bless your heart, Penny ❤️
I don’t think the “spiral” is ever going to end! If any of it has touched people, than I am one very content man.
Be Safe ❤️
Remember this being blasted from many speakers on the quad at college in upstate NY after cabin fever finally broke.
I did suggest several themes going forward the other day, but smile songs are the best…a wonderful reflection of a beautiful love story from father to daughter
Thanks, Mary Helen, for the kind words about my relationship with my daughter. 🥰
Smile songs were certainly easier to do than 20-25 minute medleys but I think it is far too late to go back to one song a day. I love the theme ideas you suggested the other day and I will be getting to them.
Ray one reason why I listen to your magic is because you always have a message for us!! And as always showing the love for your daughter is so special!! Wendy is a special person and I can see her smiling as I type this!! We go back so many years and this just reminds me of the man you are!! Wendy you are a part of this and I just want to say…Keep smiling love you and may the sunshine never stop shining on you!! Ray love ya!! Stay warm and yes you put a smile on my face!!
Thank you, Fred
We certainly do go back many, many years. I have so many special memories of those days back in our little hometown. Seems like it has all gone by in such a blur.
Wendy probably is smiling because she is always smiling! She may have been the impetus for me starting all of this but it’s people like you, Sandy, Penny, Rosa-Lee, Nancy M., Donna, Mary Helen, Don, Pat, and so many more who keep me motivated.
Thank you for that!
Love Ya!
Such love- A beautiful read for a perfect song.
Thank you, Nancy ❤️ ❤️
As Wendy said, you are a Ray of sunshine, Ray! I know when I have time, to listen, the music always lifts me up and I hope you realize how thankful I am to have you for a friend!
Thank you so much, Pat 🥰
You are a blessing. You have supported my efforts for so long and I am beyond grateful to call you my friend. ❤️
A wonderful memory that I’m sure Wendy will always cherish Ray. And isn’t that what makes the difference in our lives? Memories and the most valuable aspect of life that we can ever hope for. Without memories nothing else really matters …. or has value at all.
Thanks for sharing a caring memory you made for your daughter. And now for all of us. Take care. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you, Barbara 🥰
It certainly was the start of something I never envisioned taking on, but I am so glad I did.
Happy Valentine’s Day!