Happy birthday, Michael Stipe.

The legendary singer and songwriter, who rose to fame with his band R.E.M., turned 62 on Tuesday, and fans took to social media to wish him well.

Stipe was born in Decatur in 1960 and attended the University of Georgia, where he met Mike Mills, Bill Berry and Peter Buck and formed the iconic band.

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Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez