Birthday Celebrations — July 27

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 27 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Maya Rudolph

Full name: Maya Khabira Rudolph

Born July 27, 1972

Actress, comedian, singer, voice actor, and Saturday Night Live performer.

Rudolph brought music, comedy, character work, and emotional range into a career that spans sketch comedy, film, television, and voice acting. As the daughter of soul singer Minnie Riperton and composer Richard Rudolph, she also carries a deep connection to Black music history.

Young Dolph

Birth name: Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.

Born July 27, 1985 — died November 17, 2021

Rapper, songwriter, independent label founder, and Memphis hip-hop figure.

Young Dolph built his career around independence, hustle, and ownership. Through Paper Route Empire and his Memphis-rooted sound, he became a major voice in Southern hip-hop before his life was cut short by violence.