Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(Feb. 5)

Today's birthdays include Cory Wells of Three Dog Night, who was born in 1942 (age 60); Charles Winfield of Blood Sweat and Tears in 1943 (age 59); Al Kooper, formerly with Blood Sweat and Tears, and Atlanta Rhythm Section guitarist J.R. Cobb, both in 1944 (age 58); the late reggae star Bob Marley was born in 1945; Nigel Olsson, drummer with Elton John's band, in 1949 (age 53); and Bobby Brown in 1969 (age 33).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1961, the Shirelles' "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" topped the charts.

In 1972, "Mother and Child Reunion" -- Paul Simon's first solo single following his break-up with Art Garfunkel -- was released.

In 1976, sax player Rudy Pompill -- formerly of Bill Haley and the Comets -- died.

In 1977, the Rolling Stones signed with EMI. That same day, Iggy Pop signed with RCA.

In 1992, the New Kids on the Block performed on "Arsenio Hall" to deny lip-synching charges made by a Chicago fan as well as the group's former music producer.

Also in 1992, a New Orleans-style funeral was held in Chicago for blues pioneer Willie Dixon, who died a week earlier in California.

And in 1992, disco pioneer Gloria Gaynor underwent surgery described as an alternative to a hysterectomy in Burbank, Calif.

In 1995, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley showed up hand-in-hand at a party in the Los Angeles offices of O.J. Simpson attorney Johnnie Cochran, who was also Jackson's lawyer.

In 1998, Slaughter guitarist Tim Kelly was killed in a traffic accident on an Arizona highway. He was 34.

Also in 1998, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee pleaded innocent to assault charges stemming from a December concert in Phoenix. He and the band's bassist, Nikki Sixx, were accused of attacking a security guard who tried to hold back fans rushing the stage by invitation of the band.

And in 1998, Elton John and Stevie Wonder entertained at a White House state dinner for British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Today's musical quiz:

Musician Al Kooper is credited with "discovering" what bands? Answer: Lynyrd Skynyrd, and also the Tubes.