Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Dec. 9)

Today's birthdays include bandleader Freddy Martin born in 1906; Dan Hicks of Hot Licks, who was born in 1941 (age 61); Sammy Strain, of Little Anthony and the Imperials as well as the O'Jays, also in 1941 (age 61); The Band's bassist Rick Danko and Jay and the Americans' Kenny Vance (age 59), both in 1943; Alice Cooper bassist Dennis Dunaway and "Screamin'" Scott Simon of Sha Na Na, both in 1948 (age 54); Joan Armatrading in 1950 (age 52); and Donny Osmond in 1957 (age 45).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1926, a young clarinetist named Benny Goodman recorded his first solo, 16 bars of a song called "He's The Last Word" while playing with Ben Pollack's jazz band.

In 1967, Cream's "Disraeli Gears" entered the U.S. charts.

In 1972, Helen Reddy became the first Australian female artist to top the U.S. singles charts with the song "I Am Woman."

Also in 1972, Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" was released.

In 1973, The Who's rock opera "Tommy" premiered as a stage production in London, to negative reviews. The all-star cast also included Rod Stewart, Steve Winwood, Maggie Bell, Sandy Denny, Richie Havens, Ringo Starr and Richard Harris.

In 1978, the Blues Brothers' cover version of the Sam and Dave classic "Soul Man" was released.

In 1981, Sonny Til, former lead vocalist with the doo-wop group The Orioles, died from a heart attack. He was 51.

In 1984, the Jacksons ended their 23-city Victory tour.

In 1986, Luther Vandross pleaded "no contest" to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charges in the death of a passenger killed when his car went out of control in Los Angeles. The judge ordered Vandross to perform a benefit concert, with the proceeds to go to a scholarship fund established by the victim's family.

In 1989, Rodney Crowell (husband of Johnny Cash's daughter, Roseanne) became the first artist to release an album with five country No. 1 singles.

In 1990, Paula Abdul was slightly injured in a car accident in Los Angeles.

In 1991, George Harrison sued The Globe for portraying him as a Nazi supporter.

Also in 1991, the Jamaican Supreme Court ordered the trustees for Bob Marley's estate to sell its assets -- including the song catalog -- to Marley's widow, children and a small record company for $11.5 million.

In 1993, LaToya Jackson told an Israeli news conference that her brother, Michael, DID molest young boys.

Also in 1993, a video duet featuring Frank Sinatra and U2's Bono singing "I've Got You Under My Skin" debuted.

In 1996, Michael Jackson performed in suburban Manila in his first concert in the Philippines since the 1970s, when he was part of the Jackson 5.

Topping the charts on this date: Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes (1961), Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye - Steam (1969), You Light Up My Life - Debby Boone (1977), Broken Wings - Mr. Mister (1985).

Today's musical quiz:

U2 once opened for themselves. True or false? Answer: True. In November 1987, U2 -- disguised as the country-rock band The Dalton Brothers -- opened at the Los Angeles Coliseum.