Let's make this birthday one to remember.

75 years old (Born on July 01, 1949)

Happy Birthday, Denis Johnson! Congratulations on aging gracefully like a timeless work of fiction—full of subtle meanings, insightful wisdom, and unpredictable plot twists. From your unforgettable brilliance in "Jesus' Son" to the richly layered depths of "Tree of Smoke," you've managed to woo readers with prose more addictive than birthday cake frosting.

You're not just any literary great; you're the National Book Award winner who always keeps Pulitzer judges on their toes. We celebrate all your notable successes today—but thankfully we don’t have to wait for awards committees when praising someone who's made storytelling an irresistible ride through humor, humanity, and pure genius.