Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(Jan. 24)

Today's birthdays include Neil Diamond, Ray Stevens and Aaron Neville, all of whom were born in 1941 (age 61); Warren Zevon in 1947 (age 55); keyboardist Patrick Moraz, who played with -- among other bands -- the Moody Blues, in 1948 (age 54); the late John Belushi was born in 1949; Matthew Wilder in 1953 (age 49); and Squeeze keyboardist Jools Holland in 1958 (age 44).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1962, the Beatles signed a management contract with Brian Epstein -- although Epstein himself never signed it.

In 1964, the Osmonds played a musical family alongside Mickey Rooney in "The Seven Little Foys" on TV.

In 1969, British rock group Jethro Tull played its first U.S. show, opening for Led Zeppelin in New York City.

In 1970, inventor Dr. Robert Moog unveiled a miniaturized synthesizer that'd become known as the mini-moog.

In 1979, the Clash released its first U.S. single, "I Fought The Law," which was written by Buddy Holly associate Sonny Curtis.

In 1984, John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, and their son Sean toured the Liverpool, England, landmarks made famous by the Beatles.

Also in 1984, a London judge fined Linda McCartney 75 pounds for trying to smuggle marijuana into England.

And in 1984, "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood topped the charts in Britain despite restricted radio airplay.

In 1994, Los Angeles prosecutors announced that no extortion charges would be filed against the father of the teenage boy who accused pop star Michael Jackson of molesting him.

In 1995, New York Newsday reported Paul McCartney had secretly visited Yoko Ono to discuss the surviving Beatles recording another of John Lennon's songs, using a tape recording Lennon had done before his death.

Also in 1995, David Cole -- music producer and one-half of C&C Music Factory -- died of complications from AIDS. He was 32.

And in 1995, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Jon Bon Jovi and James Brown performed at a Los Angeles tribute to John Belushi on the 46th anniversary of his birth.

In 1996, Michael Jackson and his "Earth Song" music video won the Doris Day Music Award from The Ark Trust animal protection group.

Also in 1996, the Los Angeles Times reported that MCA was to buy half of Interscope Records, known for its "gangsta rap" roster.

Today's musical quiz:

Before Matthew Wilder achieved solo success with 1983's "Break My Stride," he was a session singer with what artists? Answer: Bette Midler and Rickie Lee Jones.