We’ve somehow managed to survive through July so far, eh? Well, July is a busy month in music history.
- One of the most important figures of the blues, Chicago blues especially, Willie Dixonwas born 110 years ago on July 1
- James Cotton was born 90 years ago on July 1
- Syl Johnson was born 89 years ago on July 1
- The B-52s Fred Schneider celebrated his 74th birthday on July 1
- The iconic Debbie Harry celebrated her 80th birthday today on July 1
- Evelyn “Champagne” King celebrated her 65th birthday on July 1
- Depeche Mode‘s Yaz’s/Yazoo’s and Erasure‘s Vince Clarke celebrated his 64th birthday on July 3
- Dr. Lonnie Smith was born 83 years ago on July 3
- Bill Withers was born 87 years ago on July 4
- Huey Lewis and The News‘ frontman Huey Lewis celebrated his 75th birthday on July 5
- Acclaimed, Wu-Tang mastermind and producer The RZA celebrated his 56th birthday on July 5
- 50 Cent celebrated his 50th birthday on July 6
- The Beatles‘ Ringo Starr celebrated his 85th birthday on July 7
- Depeche Mode co-founder Andy “Fletch” Fletcher was born 64 years ago on July 8
- AC/DC‘s first frontman, Bon Scott was born 79 years ago on July 9
- Simple Minds‘ founder and frontman Jim Kerr celebrated his 66th birthday on July 9
- Pet Shop Boys‘ frontman Neil Tennant celebrated his 71st birthday on July 10
- The legendary and incomparable Mavis Staples celebrated her 86th birthday on July 10
Lil’ Kim celebrates her 51st birthday today. She’s one of the most commercially successful female rappers ever: Her full-length debut, 1996’s Hard Corehad the highest chart debut in the US for a female rapper/rap album at the time, as a result of its three biggest singles “No Time,” “Not Tonight (Ladies Night)” and “Crush on You.” Since its release, the album has sold more than six million copies globally — with the album being certified double platinum in March 2001.
2000’s The Notorious K.I.M. and 2003’s La Bella Mafia were also certified platinum.
Of course, the remake of LaBelle’s 1974 classic single “Lady Marmalade” with Christina Aguilera, Mýa and Pink landed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — and the track won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. And “Magic Stick” with 50 Cent landed at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
But most importantly, that woman can spit fire.
Happy birthday, Kim! May there be many, many more!
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