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Kid Cashmir & Winnie LeCoux

In 1976, many people in the United States were caught up in the celebration of the Bicentennial of the birth of the country. People showed their patriotism in different ways, but two young songwriter/musicians from Connecticut chose to show their patriotism in the form of the song “Happy Birthday U.S.A.” While unknown at the time, both of these young songwriters would go on to become famous just a few years after this song was recorded. The two men responsible for writing and recording this song are Vinnie (Vincent) Cusano and David Wolff (best known for dating Cyndi Lauper and being her former manager). Both men were from Connecticut, so it is very likely that this is where the two met and recorded the song. The interesting thing about “Happy Birthday U.S.A.” is that neither man is credited on the record by their actual names as having performed on the song or as having written it. Instead, the song is credited as being both performed and written by “Kid Cashmir & Winnie LeCoux.” Wolff (Cashmir) sings lead vocals and plays keyboards, while Vinnie (LeCoux) plays guitars and also sings lead vocals.