'Music Keeps You Happy': Beverly Drummer Celebrates 100th Birthday

BEVERLY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Roger Wonson celebrated his 100th birthday with a party at his assisted living facility on Wednesday, where the longtime musician played the drums and talked about how music keeps you young.

A resident at The Current Beverly, Wonson was joined by family and other residents to celebrate his birthday, which was officially on April 20.

Wonson is a retired electrical engineer, but he's also a musician who has been playing instruments for decades.

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Asked what the secret is to living as long as he has, Wonson said, “Music. That keeps you happy.”

Music also keeps you young, he added. “It’s a win-win. When you’re up there and you get people smiling and feeling the music, ... I’m having a blast.”

At his 100th birthday party, Wonson hopped behind a drum set to celebrate a long life filled with what he loves: music and connecting with people through music.

Wonson also received a citation from Governor Maura Healey in honor of the big day.

“I am pleased to confer upon you this governor’s citation in recognition of your 100th birthday,” read the proclamation.

And a representative of the Zildjian cymbal company presented Wonson with a framed cymbal signed by the owners of the company.

He still plays his Zildjian cymbal that he purchased 86 years ago.

WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.

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