By The Associated Press
On Dec. 30, 1942, a near-riot of bobby-soxers in Times Square in New York greeted Frank Sinatra’s singing engagement at the Paramount Theater.
In 1944, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1962, singer Brenda Lee was slightly injured when she tried to rescue her dog from her burning home in Nashville. The dog died of smoke inhalation.
In 1979, composer and lyricist Richard Rodgers died in New York at the age of 77. His musicals include “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music.”
Also in 1979, Emerson, Lake and Palmer announced they were splitting up. They later reunited.
In 1981, XTC played their first American concert, in Philadelphia.
In 1999, an intruder broke into George Harrison’s home outside London and stabbed Harrison and his wife. Michael Abram was later found innocent by reason of insanity.
Also in 1999, singer Johnny Moore of The Drifters died on his way to a London hospital after having breathing difficulties. He was 64.
In 2002, singer Diana Ross was arrested for drunk driving in Tucson, Arizona.
In 2020, “Gilligan’s Island” actor Dawn Wells died of COVID-19 in Los Angeles. She was 82.
Today’s birthdays: Actor Russ Tamblyn is 90. Singer Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary is 87. Director James Burrows (“Cheers,” ″Taxi”) is 84. Actor Concetta Tomei (toh-MAY’) (“Providence,” ″China Beach”) is 79. Singer Patti Smith is 78. Musician Jeff Lynne is 77. TV host Meredith Vieira (vee-AYR’-ah) (“Today,” ″The View”) is 71. Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary,” “Moesha”) is 69. Country singer Suzy Bogguss (BAHG’-us) is 68. Actor Patricia Kalembar (“Sisters”) is 68. Former “Today” show anchor Matt Lauer is 67. Actor-comedian Tracey Ullman is 65. TV host Sean Hannity is 63. Actor George Newbern (“Providence”) is 61. Singer Jay Kay of Jamiroquai (jah-MEER’-oh-kway) is 55. Drummer Byron McMackin of Pennywise is 55. Actor Meredith Monroe (“Dawson’s Creek”) is 55. Actor Daniel Sunjata (“Rescue Me”) is 53. Actor Maureen Flanigan (“7th Heaven”) is 52. Actor Jason Behr (“The Grudge,” ″Roswell”) is 51. Actor Lucy Punch (“Ben and Kate”) is 47. Singer-actor Tyrese is 46. Actor Eliza Dushku (DOOSH’-koo) (“Dollhouse,” ″Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) is 44. Guitarist Tim Lopez of Plain White T’s is 44. Actor Kristin Kreuk (CROOK) (“Smallville”) is 42. Singer-guitarist Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers is 42. Singer Andra (AN’-drah) Day is 40. Actor Anna Wood (“Falling Water,” ″Reckless”) is 39. Singer Ellie Goulding (GOL’-ding) is 38. Actor Caity Lotz (“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) is 38. Actor Jeff Ward (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) is 38. Guitarist Eric Steedly of LANCO is 34. Drummer Jamie Follese (FOL’-eh-say) of Hot Chelle (SHEL) Rae is 33.
