Before the end of this amazing month, I thought I'd write about some of the world's most talented artists who were born in March. I guess I will ignore the mediocre ones and, because I will not have enough space to include all those I like, I will only mention music artists. Rock idol Jon Bon Jovi was born on the second of the month. This is one person I really admire. His strength is not only in his impressive singing and vocal abilities, but also in the wonderful material he writes. The songs he writes, whether for himself as a solo artist or for his band Bon Jovi, are catchy and quite meaningful. Can you believe he turned 51 this year? Rock on Jon. On the 12th of the month Liza Minnelli celebrated her 67th birthday. Many people won't know who she is and frankly I'm not a big fan of Liza, but we can't ignore her. Who said, “We can't ignore her"? Never ever tell me whom to ignore or not! Before ignoring her, I will tell you that she is the daughter of director Vincent Minnelli and actress Judy Garlic... Judy Garfield... I believe she is called Judy Garland. Liza is a singer/actress and is mainly known for her musical and cabaret style singing. Someone very special turned 80 on March 14. Yes, I am talking about legendary composer/producer Quincy Jones, who composed the biggest-selling album ever – Michael Jackson's ‘Thriller'. The man also produced ‘USA' for Africa's ‘We Are the World', which raised millions to help famine victims in Africa and featured everyone from Stevie Wonder to Bruce Springsteen. His stunning career involved working with Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. That's what I call ‘impressive'. On March 18, two ladies that I like a lot were born. The year 1970 saw the birth of rapper/actress Queen Latifah, whom I find quite funny and 1963 was the year another ‘queen' was born – beauty queen Vanessa Williams. She became a singer and also an actress after winning the Miss America title in 1984. You should seriously listen to her duet with Brain McKnight, ‘Love Is'. Now the most important day of the month is the 19th, as you know. I was born on that day. Isn't this enough? Who had the pleasure of sharing the same day with me? Bruce Willis was born on the 19th, but that was 58 years ago. Most people don't know that Bruce had a couple of hit songs in the 1980s. Gary Jules was born on that day as well in 1969, which makes him 44. Gary had a huge hit with his cover of Tears for Fears track ‘Mad World', which he recorded with Michael Andrews. Who is exactly ten years older than Gary? English singer Terry Hall of Fun Boy Three and the Colourfield. That is the end of a long list of superb artists who were born under the star sign known as ‘Pisces'. Starting March 21st, a new cycle begins with the ‘Aries' sign. A real diva was born on the 23rd March and she is Chaka Khan, who is now 60. Chaka was somehow Whitney Houston's mentor and the song ‘I'm Every Woman', which was a big hit for Whitney, was originally a hit for Chaka. That's why Whitney sang the words ‘Chaka Khan' twice towards the end of the song. Yesterday, two music icons celebrated their birthdays, Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, turned 71 and Sir Elton John became 66. The two of them became famous in the 1960s and are still going strong. While Aretha's voice has been declared a ‘national treasure', Elton was knighted by the Queen. Of course he is English, but with those weird fur coats and accessories he looks like my Dutch friend's grandmother! Today the world of music celebrates the birthday of two exceptional artists. One of them was huge in the 1970s as a member of the Supremes, pursued a very successful career as a solo artist and was also considered Michael Jackson's mentor – Diana Ross is 69 today. Steven Tyler is precisely four years younger than her. If you don't know who he is, then I will confiscate your iPod. Steven is one of the world's finest rock singers ever. His amazing vocals led Aerosmith to international stardom and he is also the father of gorgeous actress Liv Tyler. I really want to marry her. The one and only Mariah Carey will be 43 tomorrow. I have never heard anyone who sings like her. She really deserves to be the most successful female singer ever. Her exceptional vocal range and technique placed her on top of the charts since the release of her debut single 23 years ago. Fergie was born on the same day as Mariah, but she is five years younger. She is known as a solo singer and also as the female vocalist of Black Eyed Peas. On the 28th someone crazy will turn 27. Lady Gaga is that person and, although I am not a fan of her ‘art', I just can't ignore her presence. The woman is successful, but I think she is counting on her bizarre image rather than her talent. No wonder she is trying to compete with Madonna and not with Mariah. As the month of March approaches its end, Celine Dion will celebrate her 45th birthday on the 30th. No-one can question her vocal abilities, but frankly I find her quite boring with all those repetitious songs and ultra-high notes. Nevertheless, she is probably the best female singer Canada has given us so far. On that day, rap icon MC Hammer will celebrate his 51st birthday as well. Angus Young is the lead guitarist of Australian rockers AC/DC and most people don't know that he is originally Scottish. I do like this band a lot, but Angus has to know that, despite his schoolboy in short trousers image, he will be 58 in only five days' time. Thank-you all for being born in the same month that I was. You are so very lucky.
