On February eighth, 1915, the motion picture “The Birth of a Nation,” directed by D.W. Griffith, premiered in Los Angeles.

In 1969, the supergroup Blind Faith was formed, featuring Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Steve Winwood.

In 1971, the Bob Dylan film “Eat The Document” was shown at the New York Academy of Music. Dylan had wanted the documentary to appear on TV, but it didn’t until ten years later.

In 1973, Carly Simon received a gold record for the single “You’re So Vain.”

In 1990, singer Del Shannon was found shot to death at his home in Santa Clarita, California. Police found a rifle near his body, suggesting he committed suicide. His biggest hits were “Runaway” and “Hats Off To Larry.”

Also in 1990, CBS News suspended “60 Minutes” commentator Andy Rooney for racial remarks he allegedly made about blacks in the gay magazine “The Advocate.” Rooney denied the quotes.

In 2006, Sly and the Family Stone reunited for a performance at the Grammys. Stone had not performed live in 19 years.

In 2009, Chris Brown was arrested and accused of beating up Rihanna. He later pleaded guilty to felony assault.

Today’s Birthdays: Composer-conductor John Williams is 81. Newscaster Ted Koppel is 73. Actor Nick Nolte is 72. Comedian Robert Klein is 71. Actor-guitarist Creed Batton (“The Office”) (The Grass Roots) is 70. Actress Brooke Adams is 64. Actress Mary Steenburgen is 60. Author John Grisham is 58. Singer Vince Neil of Motley Crue is 52. Singer-guitarist Sammy Llanas of The BoDeans is 52. Actress Mary McCormack is 44. Guitarist Keith Nelson of Buckcherry is 44. Actor Seth Green (“Austin Powers,” ”Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) is 39. Bassist Phoenix of Linkin Park is 36. Bassist Jeremy Davis of Paramore is 28. Drummer Max Grahn of Carolina Liar is 25. Actor Ryan Pinkston is 25. Actress Karle Warren (“Judging Amy”) is 21.