Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(Jan. 5)

Today's birthdays include Sam Phillips, founder of the legendary Sun Records, who was born in 1923 (age 79); Kool and the Gang drummer George "Funky" Brown in 1949 (age 53); Blondie's Chris Stein in 1950 (age 52); and Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, in 1969 (age 33).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1956, Elvis Presley recorded "Heartbreak Hotel." The song -- written by Mae Axton, Hoyt's mother -- was a No.1 hit four months later.

In 1959, Coral Records released Buddy Holly's "It Doesn't Matter Anymore." It turned out to be Holly's last record before his death.

In 1967, folk singer Jesse Winchester moved to Canada after getting his draft notice.

In 1976, former Beatles bodyguard and road manager Mal Evans was shot to death during a scuffle with Los Angeles police. The gun he refused to give up turned out to be unloaded.

In 1978, the Sex Pistols opened the band's only U.S. tour, in Atlanta.

In 1979, the soundtrack to "Saturday Night Fever" sold its 25 millionth copy.

In 1987, two days after his wedding to Diahann Carroll, Vic Damone was admitted to a Connecticut hospital suffering from kidney stones.

In 1991, ZZ Top was honored by the state of Tennessee, Shelby County and the city of Memphis for helping to "keep the blues alive."

In 1992, Ozzy Osbourne resumed his tour in Miami. The road trip had been interrupted in late November after the rocker broke his foot during a concert in Chicago.

In 1994, Whitney Houston was named Entertainer of the Year at the 26th NAACP Image Awards.

In 1995, newcomer Sheryl Crow tied with veterans Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and singer/producer Babyface for the most Grammy nominations -- five each.

In 1998, Rep. Sonny Bono, R-Calif. -- one-half of the pop duo Sonny and Cher -- was killed in a skiing accident in Lake Tahoe, Nev. He was 62.

In 1999, Lauryn Hill led the list of nominees for the 41st annual Grammy Awards, with 10 nominations. Eight of the 10 nominations for record and album of the year went to women.

Today's musical quiz:

What sport did Sheryl Crow participate in while in high school? Answer: Track. She ran the hurdles in the Missouri state track meet.