Throwback: Happy Belated 101st Birthday, Charles Mingus!

April has a host of music birthdays, including: 

• The 84th anniversary of the legendary Marvin Gaye‘s birth was on April 2
• The 59th anniversary of Biz Markie‘s birth was on April 8
• A Tribe Called Quest‘s Q-Tip celebrated his 53rd birthday on April 10
• The legendary and pioneering Herbie Hancock celebrated his 83rd birthday on April 12
• R&B and soul legend Al Green celebrated his 77th birthday on April 13
• Onyx’s Fredro Starr celebrated his 52nd birthday on April 18
• The Cure‘s founding member frontman, guitarist and principle songwriter Robert Smith celebrated his 64th birthday on April 21
• The legendary Iggy Pop also celebrated his 76th birthday on April 21

The 101st anniversary of Charles Mingus‘ birth was the other day. Mingus is largely considered one of the greatest and most beloved composers and musicians in jazz history. His compositions can be mischievous, complex yet accessible. And they always reveal something you hadn’t noticed before in previous listens.

Happy birthday, Mr. Mingus! Happy birthday, wherever you are!