Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe (Jan. 23) Today's birthdays include Jerry Lawson of the Persuasions, who was born in 1944 (age 59); the Pointer Sisters' Anita Pointer in 1948 (age 55); Bill Cunningham of the Box Tops, Danny Federici of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, and Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers, all in 1950 (age 53); Cheap Trick's Robin Zander in 1953 (age 50); and UB40's Earl Falconer in 1955 (age 48). Advertisement Today's musical milestones: In 1969, Cream released its final album, appropriately titled "Goodbye Cream." In 1970, the judge hearing the trial of the Chicago Seven denied Judy Collins permission to sing as part of her testimony for the defense. In 1972, "Big Maybelle" Smith died at age 47. In 1973, Neil Young interrupted his concert in New York City to announce the end of the Vietnam War. In 1978, Chicago guitarist Terry Kath accidentally shot himself to death during a party in Los Angeles. He was 31. In 1979, Beach Boy Brian Wilson divorced his wife of 15 years. Marilyn Rovell had been 16 when she married Wilson. Advertisement In 1982, Daryl Hall and John Oates collected their first platinum album for "Private Eyes." In 1991, rapper Hammer and vocal group En Vogue became the first recording artists to get five nominations each for the fifth annual Soul Train Music Awards. Also in 1991, the IRS began auctioning off Willie Nelson's property to satisfy the $16.7 million in back taxes owed by the country singer. In 1994, Ray Charles provided the after-dinner entertainment for the largest sit-down dinner party in Britain since 1925. In 1995, a breakdown of the truck carrying the sound equipment forced Boyz II Men to reschedule the group's concert in suburban Detroit. Also in 1995, William Horton -- lead singer of the 1950's R&B group the Silhouettes -- died at age 65. In 1998, "Spice World" -- the film debut of the Spice Girls -- opened nationwide. Today's musical quiz: Who wrote the 1974 Doobie Brothers' hit "Black Water"? Answer: Singer/guitarist Patrick Simmons.
