A busy week for birthdays, so let’s get started. We have so many that we will split things up into 2 posts. I will try and do a second post tomorrow, personal stuff takes precedence.

First up is Andre Gagnon, a pianist, composer and actor who turned 79 on August 1. Born the youngest of 19 children in Saint-Pacome, Quebec, he began composing music at the age of 6. He released his first album in 1974. Among his many accomplishments, he has received Juno Awards for Instrumental Artist Of The Year in 1974 and in 1995. He has released over 40 albums in his career, an incredible catalogue of work. Out of extensive library, I chose “Wow” to showcase and celebrate his birthday.

Second up is Tim Bachman, born August 1, 1951. Have a great day Tim. Tim is a vocalist and guitar player, best known as a member of Brave Belt and Bachman Turner Overdrive. He was a founding member of BTO, which featured, and how cool is this, his brothers Randy and Robbie and Fred Turner. The band went on to sell 30 million records worldwide. He left the band in 1974 and rejoined in 1984 for a reunion tour. To help celebrate, please enjoy my favourite BTO tune, “Blue Collar”.

Garth Hudson celebrated his birthday on August 2. He was born in 1937 and is best known as the keyboardist and sometimes sax player for the immortal group “The Band”. He and Robbie Robertson are the only surviving members of this influential and groundbreaking troupe. His awards are deserving. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Juno Hall Of Fame in Canada, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and is part of Canada’s Walk of Fame. Amazing musical pedigree. Again, a personal favourite, “The Weight”.