Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Feb. 8)

Today's birthdays include "Star Wars" music composer and multi-Oscar winner John Williams, who was born in 1932 (age 71); Shadows drummer Brian Bennett in 1940 (age 63); Tom Rush in 1941 (age 62); Grass Roots guitarist and banjo player Creed Bratton in 1943 (age 60); Traffic's Jim Capaldi in 1944 (age 59); drummer Adolpho de la Parra of Canned Heat in 1946 (age 57); Dan Seals, one-half of the pop duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, in 1948 (age 55); country singer Merle Watson was born in 1949; and Motley Crue's Vince Neil in 1961 (age 42).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1960, Congress opened hearings into "payola," with disc jockeys Alan Freed and Dick Clark among those accused.

In 1967, Peter and Gordon -- a.k.a. Peter Asher and Gordon Wells -- split up after 14 hit singles.

In 1972, two years after the Beatles broke up, the group's official fan club went out of business.

In 1973, Max Yasgur -- the upstate New York farmer on whose land the 1969 Woodstock Festival was held -- died at age 53.

In 1980, David Bowie divorced Angela, his wife of 10 years, in London. The rocker was given custody of their nine-year-old son, Zowie.

In 1990, Del Shannon killed himself at his home in Santa Clarita, Calif. He was 50.

In 1995, "I Sent a Letter to My Love" -- a stage musical written by Melissa Manchester -- opened off-Broadway.

Also in 1995, Boyz II Men sued writer Rita Henderson, claiming she broke the terms of her deal to write a biography of the R&B group and instead was planning an unauthorized history.

In 1996, Michael Jackson, and country's Garth Brooks and Vince Gill were each nominated in the favorite male musical performer category for the 22nd annual People's Choice Awards. Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and country's Reba McEntire would vie for the female musical performer award.

In 1997, Whitney Houston picked up three honors at the NAACP Image Awards, including best soundtrack and best gospel artist for "The Preacher's Wife."

Today's musical quiz:

Peter Asher almost became this musician's brother-in-law. Who? Answer: Paul McCartney, who was engaged to Peter's sister, Jane, briefly.