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Family sings Benny Michel’s praises at 100
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.
Robyn
July 1, 2024 at 6:26 pm
My Mom is an old friend of Benny’s and cannot get hold of him on the landline! Does anyone know how to contact him? Thank you
Nook Belonsky
August 14, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Happy birthday Ben
I am your step sister living in New York.
Estelle Ash
September 1, 2024 at 4:15 am
Hi
Estelle Ash
September 1, 2024 at 4:19 am
Hi Nook,
So wonderful to hear from you. It’s Estelle. Didn’t even know that this article had been published. My dad currently is in hospital with a broken femur and bowel obstruction. He will be 101 on the 1st October. Except for being blind and deaf he is of sound mind. I visited him for a month only got back a week ago