Birthday Celebrations — June 15

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 15 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Erroll Garner

Born June 15, 1921 — Died January 2, 1977

Title: Jazz pianist and composer

Erroll Garner was a jazz pianist and composer whose style was instantly recognizable, full of swing, lyricism, and imagination. His composition “Misty” became a jazz standard and helped secure his place as one of the distinctive piano voices in 20th-century music.

Ruby Nash Garnett

Born June 15, 1934

Title: R&B singer and lead vocalist of Ruby & the Romantics

Ruby Nash Garnett led Ruby & the Romantics, the Akron vocal group that reached No. 1 with “Our Day Will Come.” Her voice belongs to the smoother side of 1960s R&B and pop crossover, where Black vocal groups helped shape the sound of romance on radio.

Ice Cube

Born June 15, 1969

Title: Rapper, songwriter, actor, producer, and filmmaker

Ice Cube is a rapper, writer, actor, and filmmaker whose work helped define West Coast hip-hop. From N.W.A and his solo albums to Friday, Barbershop, and other film projects, he became a major figure in both music and Black popular culture.