music: 60's Chart Toppers: Name The Artist: Games People Play?

Questions

In 1986 James ---------- died at his farm in Stanfordville, NY, at age 86.?

In 1719 Sir John---------- , wrote first history of music in English, born.?

In 1834 First published reference to the game of ---------- describes it as a Mississippi riverboat game. ?

In 1950 First ---------- player in National Basketball Association, Fort Wayne, IN. ?

In 1951 First ---------- explosion witnessed by troops, NM. ?