I know I can’t speak for everyone but 2026 has been a very odd and very disappointing year so far. But we’ve survived to July. And that means we have five months left for the year. May the rest of 2026 get better for me — and if you’ve been struggling with things this year, may it get better for you, too. But even in struggle, there’s music, friends and community that can sustain us.
Of course, July is a busy month of music birthdays. So, as always, let’s celebrate our legends and favorites, eh?
- Missy Elliott, celebrates her 55th birthday today
- Evelyn “Champagne” King celebrates her 66th birthday today
- The B-52s Fred Schneider celebrates his 75th birthday today
- The iconic Debbie Harry celebrates her 81st birthday today
- Syl Johnson, who wrote some of the most moving, most lived-in songs full of novelistic attention to details was born on this day 90 years ago
- Legendary bluesman, James Cotton was born on this day in 91 years ago
One of the most important figures of the blues, Chicago blues especially, Willie Dixon was born on this day in 1915. Dixon was a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, talent scout, session musician and house songwriter at Chess Records. And with all of those various roles, he played major parts in some of the most beloved and oft-covered songs ever written or recorded.
Happy birthday, legend! happy birthday, wherever you are!
____
The Joy of Violent Movement is a completely independent and completely D.I.Y. media outlet. Over the course of this site’s 15+ year history, I’ve used my fiercely independent stance to cover music with an eclectic and global perspective that a lot of other publications just don’t have — and will likely never have.
To that end, I could use your support to continue to keep bringing you my unique global perspective on music. There are a number of ways that you can support this work.
I’ve been told that some people would prefer to make a one-time donation because it’s easy and less of an obligation. So, if you’re able to make a one-time donation, there’s a donation box below.
If you can give more regularly, please feel free to check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement.
Anything you can give is very much appreciated. It can and does make a real difference, y’all.
I know that a lot of folks are struggling to make ends meet in an uncertain and tumultuous economic climate. So there are other, non-financial ways in which you can support this work.
You can follow me on the following social platforms:
X/Twitter: @yankee32879 and @joyofviolent
Instagram: @william_ruben_helms
Threads: @william_ruben_helms
Bluesky: @williamrubenhelms.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyofViolentMovement
As always, if there are posts that you dig, share them with your friends. The more eyeballs on my work, the better.