Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(Dec. 23)

Today's birthdays include the late Little Esther Phillips, who was born in 1935; guitarist Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, and Chi-Lites lead singer Eugene Record, both in 1940 (age 61); the late Tim Hardin was born in 1941; Iron Butterfly drummer Ron Bushy in 1945 (age 56); guitarist Luther Grosvenor of Spooky Tooth in 1949 (age 52); Sha Na Na's Johnny Contardo in 1951 (age 50); Iron Maiden's Dave Murray in 1955 (age 46); and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder in 1965 (age 36).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1961, the Beatles impressed a Decca Records talent scout during a show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. The man arranged for the band to audition for the label Jan. 1, 1962, in London. However, Decca passed on signing the Beatles.

In 1964, Brian Wilson suffered a nervous breakdown during a flight from Los Angeles to Houston, where the Beach Boys was to launch a concert tour.

In 1966, The Who performed on the last broadcast of BBC-TV's pioneering rock show "Ready Steady Go!"

Also in 1966, Pink Floyd's first public performance was at the UFO Club in London.

In 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Foxy Lady" was released.

In 1969, Elton John began collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin.

In 1970, John Lennon premiered his new song "Imagine" on national television.

In 1991, James Brown sued the makers of "The Commitments" for $3 million, saying the film used his likeness and music without his permission.

Also in 1991, Jon Bon Jovi played two benefit concerts in Red Bank, N.J., to raise money for charity.

In 1992, Lamont Dozier -- one-third of the 1960s songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland -- sued Berry Gordy Jr. He accused the Motown founder of illegally profiting from their songs.

In 1996, Hollywood, Fla., police filed DUI charges against Bobby Brown in connection with a one-car traffic accident on Aug. 17, 1996. Authorities said the singer was under the influence of alcohol, cocaine and marijuana at the time of the crash.

Also in 1996, Tony Bennett was released from a Washington, D.C., hospital following emergency hernia surgery.

In 1997, in a statement released by Mercury Records, the surviving members of INXS denied rumors that the band was looking for a new lead singer to replace Michael Hutchence, who'd committed suicide one month earlier (Nov. 22, 1997).

In 2000, legendary classical pianist Victor Borge, who mixed comedy with his musical skills, died in his sleep at his home in Greenwich, Conn. He was 91.

Today's musical quiz:

How did Elton John and Bernie Taupin meet? Answer: A record company executive introduced the two after both failed to find work through a want ad looking for songwriters.