Happy Birthday to the legendary Dave Brubeck

Happy Birthday to the legendary Dave Brubeck born on this day in 1920.

When he was young, he was not allowed to listen to the radio. His mother had enforced that if he wanted to hear music he must play it. Since he was born cross-eyed, reading music was nearly impossible for him so he learned music mostly by ear.

He later graduated college (in ranching) and joined the army. His commanding officer heard him play accompanying a Red Cross traveling show one day and insisted he not go to The Front. Instead, he then lead a band and played for Troops, never engaging in combat although close to The Front twice, once during Battle of the Bulge.

Later on, he got married and met Paul Desmond, and was involved in many music groups. Eventually forming the well-known ‘Dave Brubeck Quartet’.