The almanac

(May 20)

Today's birthdays include Vic Ames of the Ames Brothers, who was born in 1924; Jill Jackson, "Paula" of Paul and Paula, in 1942 (age 60); Joe Cocker in 1944 (age 58); Cher in 1946 (age 56); Warren Cann of Ultravox in 1952 (age 50); Black Oak Arkansas' Jimmy Henderson in 1954 (age 48); Mr. Mister's Steve George in 1955 (age 47); Go-Gos guitarist Jane Wiedlin in 1958 (age 44); John and Susan Cowsill of the Cowsills in 1960 (age 42); and Brian "Nasher" Nash of Frankie Goes to Hollywood in 1963 (age 39).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1960, disc jockey and rock 'n' roll promoter Alan Freed pleaded innocent to payola charges.

In 1967, Reprise Records signed the Jimi Hendrix Experience to a recording contract.

In 1971, Peter Cetera of Chicago had four teeth knocked out at a Chicago Cubs game when three men objected to the length of his hair. He needed five hours of surgery.

In 1978, "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac became the first million-selling album in Canada.

In 1993, Bette Midler announced plans for her first concert tour in 10 years, to be launched with a four-week engagement at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

In 1994, laryngitis forced Frank Sinatra to cancel a concert in Ledyard, Conn.

In 1995, the Eagles' Don Henley married model Sharon Summerall in Malibu, Calif.

In 1997, a London newspaper quoted an English businessman saying he had a tape of former John Lennon" class="tpstyle">Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney performing together in 1974, four years after the Fab Four broke up. Also on the tape -- Stevie Wonder and Harry Nilsson.

In 1998, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee began serving a six-month sentence in the Los Angeles County Jail for spousal abuse. The rocker had pleaded no contest to charges he hit his wife, actress Pamela Anderson, while she held their younger son.

Today's musical quiz:

Cher sang backing vocals for what 1960s girl groups? Answer: The Crystals and the Ronettes.