Famous Veterans Celebrating Birthdays Today (February 24th):

Famous Veterans Born February 24, 1945:

Clarence “Mac” McDonald – was a Los Angeles-based American pianist, composer, arranger, and producer. McDonald was known for his musical diversity, enduring melodies and signature groove. His most famous composition is Silly sung by Deniece Williams in 1981 and Taral Hicks in 1997. In 2010, the song’s instrumental intro and bridge were sampled in Monica’s seven week-long Billboard No. 1 R&B Grammy nominated song “Everything To Me”. He worked with a long list of entertainment icons including Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, Carole King, Taral Hicks, Freddy Hubbard, Nancy Wilson, Boz Scaggs, Seals & Crofts, Bill Withers, and the Jackson 5. McDonald performed on the all-star benefit album Jazz For Japan (Avatar Records), released in September 2011. In 1966, when his ascent in the music world appeared to anticipate no limit, McDonald was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Vietnam, where he served for two years. His division was sent home on January 7, 1968, the day before the North Vietnamese overran and destroyed their base camp in the Tet Offensive. McDonald received an Honorable Discharge and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. McDonald returned to the music business, contributing to thousands of songs as a session player. Some of his first sessions were for Motown (Los Angeles) recording with Diana Ross, Gladys Knight & the Pips and the Jackson 5, leading him to play on a number of Motown recordings throughout the years, including the Jackson 5’s first hit, I Want You Back. Clarence “Mac” McDonald passed away July 21, 2021 at the age of 76 from complications related to cancer.

Famous Veterans Born February 24, 1922:

Steven Hill – Actor: Mission Impossible, Law & Order – (Navy WWII) – Died: August 23, 2016

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