[PROBLEM] Spotify stops after a couple of songs...

[the_bertrum]

very frustrating...nothing helps.  The last thing I will try before giving up is a wifi dongle...seems this is a network issue since I've changed out every component possible.

Been there, done that. But my latest Pi (I've tried almost any model made in the past decade except the 4) is a 3 connected wired to the house network. WiFi and BT turned off but no dice. And I have changed every single component in the chain, modem, router, cables etc. 
The only thing I did not change is my provider. But my neighbours have the same provider without my problems.
I now used an old iPad as an Apple Music machine, streaming via Airplay. Still not ideal, but at least it does not stop every five minutes.

All this points to it being something amiss with about the only thing you have not changed, your Spotify account.
Could you sign up for a free trial on another email address and see if that works?