Look Ma, no sticks!

Here's how the leader of today's Birthday Band was described in a 1948 article in Drummer World magazine:

“What Jo Jones put down for close to sixty years is timeless: his sense of space and restraint—knowing when to jump in and when to lay out; the endless array of press rolls, rimshots, and timbres that he elicited from his instrument; the way he drove a band; and the hypnotic power of his soloing. Whether demonstrating show- stopping cross-sticking technique or simply making quarter notes swing, his music is not dated. It is stylish and classic.”

We couldn't have been more eloquent, but perhaps more succinct:  Papa Jo Jones was The Man. Check out the video and see for yourself, and tonight raise a glass of cognac -- Papa Jo's favored libation -- and toast today's honorees:

‘Papa’ Jo Jones (1911-1985): Jazz drummer
Played with Count Basie, Bennie Goodman, Coleman Hawkins

Vaughn Monroe (1911-1973): Bandleader, singer
Racing with the Moon, Riders in the Sky, Rum and Coca Cola

Al Martino (1927-2009): Singer
Here in My Heart, Spanish Eyes, Volare

Kevin Godley (1945): Drums, 10cc
Neanderthal Man, Rubber Bullets, The Things We Do for Love

David Hope (1949): Bass, Kansas
Dust in the Wind, Carry On Wayward Son

John Cougar Mellencamp (1951): Singer
Jack and Diane, Hurts So Good, Small Town

Tico Torres (1953): Drums, Bon Jovi
You Give Love a Bad Name, Born to Be My Baby, Love For Sale

Yo-Yo Ma (1955) Cello virtuoso
Obrigado Brazil, Classic Yo-Yo, Bach: Six Unaccompanied Cello Suites

Toni Braxton (1967): Singer
You're Makin' Me High, Un-Break My Heart, He Wasn't Man Enough