Birthday Celebrations
Birthday Celebrations — August 23
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Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 23 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.
Rudy Lewis
Full name: Charles Rudolph Harrell
Born August 23, 1936 — died May 20, 1964
R&B singer and lead vocalist of the Drifters.
Lewis gave the Drifters some of their most memorable recordings, including “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Please Stay,” and “On Broadway.” His smooth, emotionally urgent voice helped define the sophisticated sound of early-1960s Black vocal-group music.
Kobe Bryant
Full name: Kobe Bean Bryant
Born August 23, 1978 — died January 26, 2020
Basketball Hall of Famer, five-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and Academy Award winner.
Bryant spent his entire 20-season NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming one of basketball’s most accomplished and intensely competitive players. His global influence extended into youth sports, storytelling, and a philosophy of disciplined preparation known as the “Mamba Mentality.”
Bilal
Full name: Bilal Sayeed Oliver
Born August 23, 1979
Singer, songwriter, producer, and adventurous voice in neo-soul and modern jazz.
Bilal emerged from Philadelphia’s Soulquarians circle with a flexible voice and music that crosses R&B, jazz, funk, rock, gospel, and experimental soul. His fearless performances and collaborations have made him a musicians’ favorite and an influence on progressive Black music.
Seth Curry
Full name: Seth Adham Curry
Born August 23, 1990
NBA guard and one of professional basketball’s most accurate three-point shooters.
Curry built a long NBA career after going undrafted, earning roles through shooting, patience, and adaptability. His path from the G League to becoming an elite specialist demonstrates persistence within one of basketball’s most accomplished families.
Lil Yachty
Birth name: Miles Parks McCollum
Born August 23, 1997
Rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and genre-crossing creative artist.
Lil Yachty rose through the internet-driven Atlanta rap scene with playful melodies and a colorful style he called “bubblegum trap.” His later experimentation with psychedelic rock and alternative music showed an artist willing to challenge the limits placed on young Black rappers.
