Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(Feb. 23)

Today's birthdays include guitarist Johnny Winter, older brother of Edgar, who was born in 1944 (age 58); Mike Maxfield, lead guitarist with Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, also in 1944 (age 58); Buffalo Springfield and Poco guitarist Rusty Young in 1946 (age 56); bassist Steven Priest of Sweet in 1950 (age 52); Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford in 1952 (age 50); Howard Jones in 1955 (age 47); and Japan's David Sylvian in 1958 (age 44).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1957, Porter Wagoner joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1979, Dire Straits opened its first U.S. tour in Boston.

In 1986, news of a possible payola scandal broke involving independent record promoters suspected of buying radio time.

In 1991, Whitney Houston topped the U.S. singles charts with "All The Man That I Need." It was her ninth No.1 single in less than six years.

In 1993, Mick Fleetwood said a new Fleetwood Mac album was in the works, but that Stevie Nicks had left the group.

In 1994, a Los Angeles judge threw out a lawsuit filed by Martha Raye against Bette Midler. Raye's suit had accused Midler of stealing her life story for the 1991 movie "For The Boys."

Also in 1994, Bonnie Raitt attended an anti-nuclear rally in St. Paul, Minn.

And in 1994, B.B. King, Eddie Van Halen and Chris Isaak attended the official groundbreaking for the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

In 1995, Michael Jackson made a rare public appearance at a San Diego, Calif., record industry convention to preview his upcoming album "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1."

Also in 1995, the Temptations' Melvyn Franklin died of complications from diabetes. He was 52.

And in 1995, it was reported that Rolling Stone Charlie Watts paid $1 million for an Australian-bred Arabian stallion.

In 1996, Carlos Santana was inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame.

In 1999, Rock the Vote presented its 1999 Patrick Lippert Awards to Neil Young, Wyclef Jean and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Also in 1999, Brian Setzer was given the 1999 Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Orville H. Gibson Awards in Los Angeles.

In 2000, Carlos Santana's top-selling album "Supernatural" won nine trophies at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards.

Also in 2000, U2 lead singer Bono met in Rome with Italian leaders to discuss the campaign for the cancellation of the debts of the world's poorest nations.

Today's musical quiz:

Name the 1970s Sweet tune that was featured in the 1992 movie "Wayne's World." Answer: "Ballroom Blitz."