Let's make this birthday one to remember.

77 years old (Born on April 20, 1948)

Happy Birthday, Joe Bonner! From stepping into Chick Corea's shoes at Harlem’s legendary Count Basie's Club to dazzling audiences with your soulful hard bop and modal jazz melodies, you've always hit the right notes. Roy Haynes knew exactly what he was doing when he brought you aboard—though rumor has it even Chick himself secretly took notes!

Here's wishing a timeless maestro another year filled with smooth rhythms and spontaneous improvisations. May your keys stay lively, your chords forever vibrant—and may every gig remind us why you're still jazz royalty today. Keep swinging strong; after all these years—you've definitely earned an encore!