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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 Dixon was 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 celebrates his 64th birthday today
The great jazz organist Dr. Lonnie Smith was born 83 years ago today. As a musician, composer, performer and recording artist, Smith was considered a master of the Hammond B-3 organ for over five decades.
He was featured on over 70 albums and has recorded and performed with a Who’s Who list of jazz, blues and R&B legends himself.
I had the distinct pleasure of catching him play a showcase at BRIC House during CMJ, I believe. And the thing I remember was that he was charming as hell.
Happy birthday sir. Happy birthday, wherever you are!