Throwback: Happy 85th Birthday, Eric Burdon!

Welp, we’ve made it to May y’all. This year has been yet another infuriating, soul-crushingly brutal slog. I’m furious and exhausted. And if you have a conscience and a soul, you feel the same. There isn’t an easy way out of this hell. 

But there’s music, art, small pleasures, and every day joys. We’ll cling to that as much as possible in between fighting for the rights and futures for our loved ones — and ourselves.

Of course, with this site, it’s important to show respect to our legends and our contemporary artists. And to that end, let’s get to it: 

• The legendary godfather of soul, the Soul Brother #1, James Brown was born 93 years ago on May 3
• Interpol’s Paul Banks celebrated his 48th birthday on May 3
• The legendary Frankie Valli celebrated his 92nd birthday on May 3
• The late and supremely great soul artist Sharon Jones was born on this day 70 years ago today
• Nick Ashford, one-half of beloved husband-and-wife songwriting, production and artist duo Ashford & Simpson was born 85 years ago on May 4
• The legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter celebrated his 89th birthday on May 4
• Motley Crüe co-founder Mick Mars celebrated his 75th birthday on May 4
• Echo & The Bunnymen‘s Ian McCullouch celebrated his 67th birthday on May 5
• Tammy Wynette, one of the most beloved singer/songwriters in country was born 84 years ago on May 5
• Van Halen co-founder, drummer — and most important Eddie’s brother, Alex Van Halen celebrated his 73rd birthday on May 8
• The Talking Heads’ and Tom Tom Club’s Chris Frantz celebrated his 75th birthday on May 8
• Whether as a solo artist or as a member of Earth, Wind and Fire, the legendary Philip Bailey has been a part of some of the most inedible, joyous and important songs ever recorded. Bailey celebrated his 75th — yes, y’all 75th! — birthday on May 8
• Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan celebrated his 64th birthday on May 9
• U2‘s Bono celebrated his 66th birthday on May 10
• Sly Dunbar, one half of the legendary rhythm section and production duo Sly & Robbie was born 74 years ago on May 10
• Greg Dulli, one of the most criminally underrated rock singer/songwriters celebrates his 61st birthday today 

One of the British Invasion’s most soulful and distinctive vocalists, Eric Burdon celebrates his 85th birthday today. Yes, y’all, 85! He’s best known for fronting The Animals — but he also was a member of funk band War. (Yes, War. The “Why Can’t We Be Friends” and “Cisco Kid” band.) 

Happy birthday, Eric!

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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. 

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