The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
Coffee Break

Coffee Break: Happy Birthday, David Byrne

by Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala

May 14, 2026

David Byrne
David ByrneShervin Lainez

Songwriter, composer, theater producer, and filmmaker David Byrne is celebrating his 74th birthday on May 14! Byrne formed new wave band The Talking Heads with drummer Chris Frantz, bassist Tina Weymouth, and guitarist and keyboardist Jerry Harrison in 1975. He fronted the group for 16 years before it disbanded in 1991, and he launched a solo career.

Byrne is an avid collaborator and has worked with artists like St. Vincent, Hayley Williams, Brian Eno, Fat Boy Slim, and more. His work also features covers of songs from musicians like Olivia Rodrigo, Paramore, and even Whitney Houston.

Today, let’s celebrate this prolific artist — and wish him a happy birthday — with song!

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs from the David Byrne universe would you like to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played

Coffee Break: Happy Birthday, David Byrne