It’s August. We’ve somehow managed to survive 3/4s of a what has been a miserable, soul-wrenching slog of a year, full of gratuitous brutality, endless war, and a slow-burning slide into fascism. Oh and add economic difficulties. But, we’re still here. And we will face whatever it is we’re meant to face, right?
Music, art and community matter more than ever. Let’s not forget that fact. As always, I will spend some time celebrating the birthday of a series of favorites and legends while we still have them.
- MTV was launched 45 years ago on August 1
- Coolio was born 63 years ago on August 1
- Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott celebrated his 67h on August 1
- Public Enemy‘s Chuck D. celebrated his 66th birthday on August 1
- Butch Vig celebrated his 71st birthday on August 2
- Collective Soul‘s frontman Ed Roland celebrated his 63rd on August 3
- Metallica‘s James Hetfield celebrated his 63rd birthday on August 3
The iconic Louis Armstrong was born on this day 125 years ago. You can’t talk about the influence Blacks have had on American culture without mentioning Satchmo.
Armstrong is one of the most important and influential figures in jazz with his work spanning several different eras and styles across its history. And each successive era had artists, who responded to his work in some way or another. Along with his influence on jazz, Armstrong’s influence on pop and all other forms of modern music has been equally towering.
And as native-born Corona, Queens boy, the fact that this towering and legendary figure lived about 15 minutes or so from me and adored my neighborhood fills me with great pride.
Happy birthday, Louis! Happy birthday, wherever you are!
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