2025 is rushing by. It’s now April. How did that happen, y’all? April is a busy month in music history.
- Gil Scott-Heron was born 76 years ago on April 1
- The legendary Marvin Gaye was born 85 years ago on April 2
- Bella Union Records founder and label head, singer/songwriter, musician and Cocteau Twins‘ Simon Raymonde celebrated his 63rd birthday on April 3
- David Roback, one-half of acclaimed and beloved dream pop duo Mazzy Star was born on this day 67 years on April 4
- The great Jill Scott, “Jilly from Philly” celebrated her 53rd on April 4
- The legendary bluesman Muddy Waters was born 112 years ago on April 4
- Smash-hit producer, songwriter and artist Pharrell Williams celebrated his 52nd birthday on April 6
- Merle Haggard, one of the most beloved figures of the Outlaw Country movement was born on this day 85 years ago on April 6
- Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV, a.k.a. Black Francis, a.k.a Frank Black celebrates his 60th — yes, y’all 60th! — birthday on April 7
John Oates, best known for his work with the blue-eyed soul duo Hall & Oates one of the most commercially successful duos ever, celebrates his 76th birthday today.
If you’ve grown up in the 70s and 80s, you remember these songs fondly — and they’re a major part of your life’s soundtrack.
Happy birthday, John!
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