Renowned former musician Benny Michel celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family in Killarney, Johannesburg, on Sunday, 1 October.
Michel was born in a small shtetl in Lithuania on 1 October 1923, and moved to South Africa with his family in 1927.
In spite of many health complications throughout his life including polio as an infant, Michel had a music career spanning more than five decades, earning him legendary status locally and internationally. His band was a staple at weddings, Barmitzvahs, anniversaries, and many other events during the 1960s and 1970s.
“My dad is a very knowledgeable man and taught me many skills. Most of all, he taught me love and compassion. Benny has a great sense of humour and an engaging personality. He was such a prankster,” said his daughter, Estelle Ash.
