Today in Music History: (December 8th, 1968)

Graham Nash , who left the Hollies three days before, forms Crosby, Stills and Nash with ex-Byrds David Crosby and former Buffalo Springfield member Stephen Stills .

Though self-taught, John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie was one of the most important and best-loved musicians in jazz history. His memorable trademarks were distending his cheeks while playing (unlike most trumpet players who are trained to not do this - "Gillespie's pouch" is purportedly a term used by the medical community for cheek distention). And a trumpet whose bell was bent at a 45 degree angle rather than a traditional straight trumpet, this was originally the result of accidental damage, but the constriction caused by the bending altered the tone of the instrument, and Gillespie liked the effect.