July 30

July 30 is the birthday of alto saxophonist David Sanborn, who is 67. He grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri, and began playing the saxophone at a young age on a doctor's advice to strengthen his weakened chest muscles and improve his breathing, which had been compromised by polio. Since the 1980s Sanborn has been influential in the areas of pop, R&B and crossover. It may be noted that Mr. Sanborn was the single, overwhelming reason why certain persons took up playing the saxophone in the late 1980s.