Today is the birthday of Swing Out Sister keyboardist Andy Connell, who was

born in England 36 years ago. Another band to hail from the Manchester

region of England during the mid-1980s, Swing Out Sister mastered the art of

pop success straight out of the pen with their first single, "Breakout," in

1987. Formed by Connell, vocalist Corinne Drewery and drummer Martin

Jackson, the trio played together for one album (the 1987 release It's

Better to Travel) before Jackson departed. Swing Out Sister continued as

a duo, enjoying success with their 1989 release Kaleidoscope World

and 1992's Get In Touch With Yourself, which included "Am I The Same

Girl."

This year Swing Out Sister returned with their latest studio offering,

Shapes and Patterns. It continues their longstanding relationship with

pop music, as well as the duo's love for jazz and soul influences.

Other birthdays: Roger Taylor (Queen), Bobby Hebb, Brenton Wood, Dobie

Gray, Mick Jagger, Miranda Joyce (Belle Stars) and director Stanley Kubrick.