July is a very busy month in music history:
- The iconic Debbie Harry celebrated her 79th birthday on July 1
- The B-52s Fred Schneider celebrated his 73rd birthday on July 1
- Missy Elliott, one of the most forward thinking artists of her generation — and perhaps of any generation, really — celebrated her 53rd birthday on July 1
- Evelyn “Champagne” King celebrated her 64th birthday on July 1
- Depeche Mode‘s Yaz’s/Yazoo’s and Erasure‘s Vince Clarke celebrated his 63rd birthday on July 3
Because of a busy travel schedule, there are a couple of music birthdays that I just hadn’t had a chance to post about — or I just shamefully missed. But I’ll always try to get it as right as I possibly could.
The great jazz organist Dr. Lonnie Smith was born 82 years ago on July 3. 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!