Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Dec. 7)

Today's birthdays include Harry Chapin, who was born in 1942; country's Gary Morris in 1948 (age 54); Tom Waits in 1949 (age 53); and Psychedelic Furs' Tim Butler in 1958 (age 44).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1968, "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me," a collaboration between Diana Ross and the Supremes and the Temptations, was released.

In 1974, Linda Ronstadt's "You're No Good" was released.

In 1978, Sid Vicious, awaiting trial for the stabbing death of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, was arrested for assaulting Patti Smith's brother, Todd, with a beer mug in a New York nightclub.

In 1986, Ray Charles received the Kennedy Center Honor.

In 1990, R&B pioneer Delecta "Dee" Clark died of an apparent heart attack at age 52.

In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to touch a federal appeals court ruling that said 2 Live Crew's album "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" was not obscene.

In 1996, the oversales of tickets for Aretha Franklin's appearance at a Detroit church left many fans out in the cold.

In 1998, Garth Brooks, Celine Dion and the "Titanic" soundtrack, R&B group Next and Usher were the big winners at the 1998 Billboard Music Awards.

Also in 1998, Tony Bennett was feted with an all-star tribute to his 50th anniversary in show business on A&E's "Live By Request."

In 1999, "Born Again," the second posthumous CD from The Notorious B.I.G., was released. The rapper had been killed in an as-yet unsolved drive-by shooting in March 1997.

Also in 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America presented the Eagles with a plaque honoring the band's album "Greatest Hits, 1971-1975" as the best-selling album of the century.

Topping the charts on this date: Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford (1955), Dominique - The Singing Nun (1963), Family Affair - Sly and the Family Stone (1971), No More Tears (Enough is Enough) - Barbra Streisand/Donna Summer (1979).

Today's musical quiz:

Tom Waits often opened for what rocker in the 1970s? Answer: Frank Zappa.