It’s time to break out the streamers and confetti, folks! Today we celebrate the birthday of the man who brought style, substance, and a touch of sass to the world of journalism—Gay Talese! Born in Ocean City, New Jersey in 1932, Gay has been dishing out top-notch journalism for over 60 years.

Gay’s writing style was like nothing the world had ever seen before. He pioneered the New Journalism movement, blending the traditional objectivity of journalism with the literary techniques of fiction writing. With Gay, you got all the facts, plus a hefty dose of personality, drama, and dialogue. He took his readers on a journey, giving them a front-row seat to some of the most captivating characters and stories of our time.

His famous works, including The Kingdom and the Power and “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold,” are still widely read and revered today. And can you blame us? Gay’s writing is simply a delight, painting pictures with words, bringing his subjects to life with a deft touch and a wry smile.

But Gay is more than just a gifted writer. He’s a trailblazer, a true original, and a champion of the truth. He’s been awarded countless accolades for his work, including the Norman Mailer Prize for Distinguished Journalism, the National Book Award, and the George Polk Award for Career Achievement in Journalism. Yet, despite all the praise and recognition, Gay remains humble and dedicated to his craft.

So, as we celebrate Gay’s 91st birthday, let’s take a moment to appreciate the man who brought us some of the most memorable and meaningful journalism of our time. Here’s to Gay Talese, the king of New Journalism, the master of the written word, and a true original. Happy birthday, Gay! May your martinis always be chilled to perfection, your tales always be tall, and your pen never run dry!