Valerie Simpson Turns 80, Celebrates Six-Decade Motown Career

As Aug. 26, 2026 approaches, Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson is celebrated for turning 80 and for crafting timeless songs like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and I’m Every Woman that defined generations of soul and pop. The Cowsills, a real-life family band whose hits helped spark The Partridge Family’s premise, mark Bob Cowsill’s 77th birthday and are recalled for their role in shaping 1960s pop history. Elvis Costello, who turns 72, is highlighted for his remarkable evolution from punk-rock prodigy to a versatile songwriter who has explored jazz, classical, and other genres, including a famed SNL moment in his early career. Judas Priest’s Rob Halford turns 75, with his powerful vocals and image shaping heavy metal’s sound and aesthetic, as well as his later openness about his sexuality. Together, the pieces reflect how these artists’ enduring legacies continue to influence popular music across multiple decades and styles, from soul and pop to rock and metal.