Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(Oct. 16)

Today's birthdays include Nico of the Velvet Underground, who was born in 1938; Bachman-Turner-Overdrive bassist Fred Turner in 1943 (age 58); Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead in 1947 (age 54) (correct); Rainbow keyboardist Tony Carey in 1953 (age 48); Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet in 1960 (age 41); and former Wilson-Phillips singer Wendy Wilson in 1969 (age 32).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1954, Elvis Presley appeared on the "Louisiana Hayride" radio show in Shreveport, La., and was given a one-year contract to appear on the program.

In 1957, Sam Cooke's biggest hit, "You Send Me," was released.

In 1967, Joan Baez was among the more than 100 anti-draft protesters arrested outside an army induction center in Oakland, Calif.

In 1969, Leonard Chess, the founder of Chess Records, died at age 52. He'd signed Chuck Berry to his first recording contract.

In 1971, Isaac Hayes' "Theme From 'Shaft'" was released.

In 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival broke up.

In 1986, Dizzy Gillespie donated his trumpet to the Smithsonian.

In 1986, Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Julian Lennon and Eric Clapton performed at Berry's 60th birthday concert in St. Louis. The show was filmed for the rockumentary "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll." Berry's birthday actually is Oct. 18.

Also in 1986, John Denver performed a benefit concert in Kiev for the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Another concert was held the next day in Moscow.

In 1991, Jane's Addiction lead singer Perry Farrell was arrested at a Santa Monica, Calif., motel on drug charges.

In 1992, a two-day concert tribute to the late Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations began in Redondo Beach, Calif. Featured artists included Lou Rawls, Bill Withers, and Hall and Oates. Kendricks had died 11 days earlier.

Also in 1992, Billy Preston was sentenced to 90 days house arrest and five years probation on assault and drug charges stemming from his alleged attacks on two laborers at his Malibu, Calif., home the year before.

And in 1992, Barbara Mandrell's tour was disrupted when her tour bus caught fire in North Dakota.

In 1995, Stevie Wonder and rapper Ice-T were among the celebrities at the Million Man March in Washington, D.C.

In 1996, a London tabloid (The Sun) reported Mick Jagger's wife, Jerry Hall, had retained Princess Diana's divorce lawyer to begin divorce proceedings against the Rolling Stone frontman. The couple later reconciled, but finally divorced in July 1999.

Also in 1996, the first of Michael Jackson's three concerts in Taiwan was postponed after the plane carrying the stage equipment had mechanical trouble and arrived from South Korea too late to set up for the show. The concert was rescheduled for six days later.

In 1997, Bob Dylan showed up and actually gave a brief speech in accepting an award from the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize Trust in New York City.

Also in 1997, Alice Cooper was honored with the 1st Eyegore Award from Universal Studios Hollywood for contributions to the world of fantasy and horror.

In 2000, Madonna reclaimed her name on the Internet when the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, ruled in her favor -- returning to her the right to use Madonna.com as her Web address.

Also in 2000, rapper-turned-Rev. Joseph "Run" Simmons was among the speakers at the Million Family March in Washington, D.C.

Today's musical quiz:

Wilson-Phillips had two No.1 hit singles. Can you name them? Answer: "Hold On" and "Release Me."