Birthday Celebrations — May 4

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 4 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Ron Carter

Born May 4, 1937

Field: Jazz / Bass / Music Education

Ron Carter is a legendary jazz bassist, cellist, composer, and educator. He is widely recognized as one of the most recorded bassists in jazz history and is closely connected to Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet.

Why it matters: Carter gives May 4 a serious Black music entry. His contribution is not just fame — it is musicianship, discipline, tone, recording history, and the architecture of modern jazz rhythm.

Katherine Jackson

Born May 4, 1930

Field: Black Music Family History / Cultural Matriarchs

Katherine Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson family, one of the most influential families in American popular music.

Why it matters: Her entry is not about celebrity alone. It is about the family structure behind one of the most important Black musical dynasties in global pop culture.

Jackie Jackson

Born May 4, 1951

Field: Motown / Pop / R&B / Group Performance

Jackie Jackson is a founding member of The Jackson 5 / The Jacksons. His voice and presence helped shape one of Motown’s most successful family groups.

Why it matters: Jackie’s entry works especially well when paired with Katherine Jackson because they share May 4 and together tell a family-music story.