Throwback: Happy Belated 65th Birthday, Vince Clarke!

I know I can’t speak for everyone but 2026 has been a very odd and very disappointing year so far. But we’ve survived to July. And that means we have five months left for the year. May the rest of 2026 get better for me — and if you’ve been struggling with things this year, may it get better for you, too. But even in struggle, there’s music, friends and community that can sustain us. 

Of course, July is a busy month of music birthdays. So, as always, let’s celebrate our legends and favorites, eh? 

• Missy Elliott, celebrates her 55th birthday on July 1
• Evelyn “Champagne” King celebrates her 66th birthday on July 1
• The B-52s Fred Schneider celebrates his 75th birthday on July 1
• The iconic Debbie Harry celebrated her 81st birthday on July 1
• Syl Johnson, who wrote some of the most moving, most lived-in songs full of novelistic attention to details was born 90 years ago on July 1
• Legendary bluesman, James Cotton was born 91 years ago on July 1 
• One of the most important figures of the blues, Chicago blues especially, Willie Dixon was born 111 years ago on July 1

Depeche Mode‘s Yaz’s/Yazoo’s and Erasure‘s Vince Clarke celebrated his 65th birthday on July 1. Clarke has been behind some of the most beloved and iconic synth pop songs ever written and recorded.

Happy belated birthday, Vince!

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