Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Jan. 16)

Today's birthdays include Ertha Kitt, who was born in 1928 (age 75); Ventures guitarist Bob Bogle in 1937 (age 66); Bill Francis, who plays keyboard and sings with Dr. Hook, in 1942 (age 61); Jim Stafford in 1944 (age 59); country's Ronnie Milsap in 1946 (age 57); Sade (shah-DAY') in 1960 (age 43); and Frank O'Toole of Frankie Goes To Hollywood in 1964 (age 39).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1957, the Cavern Club -- home base for the early Beatles -- opened in Liverpool, England.

In 1963, Los Angeles' first disco, Whiskey-A-Go-Go, opened on Sunset Boulevard, becoming a popular meeting place for record-industry executives. A number of bands, including the Doors, got their start there.

In 1972, Ross Bagdasarian -- probably best known as David Seville of "The Chipmunks" fame -- died at age 52.

In 1975, synthesizer wizard Paul Beaver died at age 49. He did the soundtracks for "The Graduate," "Catch-22" and "Rosemary's Baby."

In 1976, the music variety show "Donny and Marie" premiered, starring 18-year-old Donny Osmond and his 16-year-old sister, Marie.

In 1979, the divorce of Cher and Greg Allman was finalized.

In 1980, Paul McCartney was arrested on marijuana possession charges at the Tokyo Airport. He spent nine days in a Japanese jail and then was deported.

In 1984, Michael Jackson won seven American Music Awards.

Also in 1984, Paul and Linda McCartney were fined $100 each by a judge in Barbados after being arrested for marijuana possession.

In 1986, the Sex Pistols was awarded nearly 1 million British pounds in a court ruling against the group's former manager, Malcolm McLaren.

In 1987, the Beastie Boys became the first act ever to be censored on "American Bandstand."

In 1988, a then-record 180,000 fans filled Rio de Janiero's Americana Stadium for Tina Turner's "Break Every Rule" tour. The concert was broadcast live to an estimated 26 million homes in the United States and Japan.

In 1991, the outbreak of the Gulf War led Michael Jackson to cancel his upcoming trip to Africa.

Also in 1991, the Byrds, Ike and Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, the Impressions, Lavern Baker, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1993, Michael Jackson was named entertainer of the year and his video "Black Or White" named outstanding music video at the NAACP's 25th Annual Image Awards in Los Angeles.

In 1996, Virgin Records announced Janet Jackson had signed a record $80 million recording contract with the label.

Also in 1996, MCA announced the appointment of rapper Heavy D as the president of Uptown Records.

In 1997, Joni Mitchell and Phil Spector were elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In 1999, Warren Zevon, America and Jonny Lang helped former pro-wrestler-turned-Governor Jesse Ventura of Minnesota celebrate his inauguration.

Today's musical quiz:

Before her singing career got rolling, what did the Nigerian-born and London-raised Sade do for a living? Answer: She designed men's clothing.