Let's make this birthday one to remember.

50 years old (Born on February 23, 1975)

Happy Birthday, Wayne Escoffery! May your special day have more swing than a Mingus bassline and be smoother than those unforgettable solos of yours. Whether lighting up the stage with the legendary Charles Mingus band or soaring in brilliant harmony with your own remarkable quartet (and quintet—because clearly four musicians weren't always enough to contain that talent!), you continue crafting pure jazz magic.

Here's wishing you another timeless year filled not just with great gigs and standing ovations, but also plenty of laughter offstage—and fewer moments when someone asks if saxophone players are paid per note. Cheers to many more soulful performances ahead!