Let's make this birthday one to remember.

82 years old (Born on January 16, 1943)

Happy Birthday, Gavin Bryars! May your day be as delightfully unpredictable and endlessly inventive as the eclectic symphonies you've gifted us. From jazz grooves to minimalist masterpieces, you’ve plucked our heartstrings with more finesse than anyone else wielding a double bass.

Your fearless journey through neoclassicism into avant-garde experimentation has inspired countless listeners—and confused just enough critics—to keep things interesting. Here's hoping this year brings even greater success (and perhaps fewer puzzled looks from traditionalists). Keep improvising life’s melody; after all these years of musical brilliance, you're still hitting every note perfectly offbeat!

Cheers to another timeless classic—you!