Let's make this birthday one to remember.

78 years old (Born on May 02, 1946)

Happy Birthday, Joel! You're so admired even Monk couldn't resist giving you wise advice. Thankfully, instead of trying to out-piano the legend himself (a feat best left for your wildest dreams), you wisely embraced composition—giving us endless masterpieces and jazz standards as unique as your signature hats.

Here's wishing many more years filled with new inspirations—even though we still marvel at how you've turned notes into pure comedic genius on stage lately. May each year ahead bring fresh compositions, timeless jams, big laughs, and applause loud enough to drown out anyone who's ever told a jazz joke badly!