Today in Music: a look back at pop music

March 6)

Today's birthdays include Sylvia Robinson of Mickey and Sylvia, who was born in 1936 (age 67); Zombie drummer Hugh Grundy in 1945 (age 58); Kiki Dee, whose real name is Pauline Matthews, and Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, both in 1947 (age 56); and basketball star-and-sometime-rapper Shaquille O'Neal in 1972 (age 31).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1967, Nelson Eddy, popular actor and singer, collapsed onstage during a performance in Australia and died of a stroke at the age of 66

In 1970, Awareness Records released an album by Charles Manson. However, he was unable to promote it in person -- having been charged with murder in the August 1969 deaths of actress Sharon Tate and four others.

In 1991, Darrell Royal, former University of Texas football coach, bought his friend Willie Nelson's country club, golf course and recording studio near Austin. The property was being sold by the IRS to help pay off the $16.7 million Nelson owed the government in back taxes.

In 1994, Frank Sinatra fainted onstage in Richmond, Va., and was rushed to the hospital. It turned out he'd passed out from the heat. The doctors said he was okay.

In 1995, Bruce Springsteen showed up unannounced to jam with Soul Asylum at a New York City nightclub.

In 1996, Yoko Ono -- backed by son Sean Lennon and his band -- made a rare concert appearance at the Knitting Factory in New York City.

Also in 1996, Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" was named best movie song at the second annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards.

In 1997, a judge in Reno, Nev., dropped robbery, drug and false imprisonment charges against former Village People Victor Willis after his female accuser couldn't be found. Willis -- who played the cop in the group from 1977 to '79 -- had been arrested Feb. 15.

In 1998, a concert by Oasis in Brisbane, Australia, hit a sour note when the band bickered onstage and then refused to do an encore.

Today's musical quiz:

This singer's duet with Elton John gave John his first No.1 single in his native England. Name the song and John's singing partner. The song was "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and the singer was Kiki Dee.