Today in Music: A look back at pop music

(June 8)

Today's musical birthdays include singer/actor James Darren, who was born in 1936 (age 66); Nancy Sinatra in 1940 (age 62); Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night in 1942 (age 60); Boz Scaggs in 1944 (age 58); Julie Driscoll of Brian Auger and Trinity, and Uriah Heep guitarist Mick Box, both in 1947 (age 55); Welsh pop singer Bonnie Tyler in 1953 (age 49); Simply Red's Mick "Red" Hucknall in 1960 (age 42); Nick Rhodes, keyboardist with Duran Duran, in 1962 (age 40); the late Robert Pilatus, half of the lip-synching duo Milli Vanilli, in 1965; and Wet Wet Wet keyboardist Neil Mitchell in 1967 (age 35).

On this day in music history:

In 1961, the Elvis Presley movie "Wild in the Country" opened in Memphis.

In 1969, Brian Jones quit the Rolling Stones, to be replaced by Mick Taylor.

In 1974, Rick Wakeman quit Yes, although he would rejoin Jon Anderson and the gang two years later.

In 1982, Simon and Garfunkel were reunited for their first concert tour in a dozen years. They launched a nine-date European tour in Paris.

In 1984, Paul Young headlined at the Prince's Trust Gala Ball in London's Royal Albert Hall.

In 1987, this was the third day of rioting in EAST Berlin as East German fans gathered near the Berlin Wall to listen to outdoor rock concerts in WEST Berlin. Genesis performed this day.

Also in 1987, Randy Travis won four major honors at the 21st annual Music City News Awards at Opryland. The Statlers were named Entertainer of the Year, and Reba McEntire won best female vocalist.

And in 1987, Yogi Horton -- Luther Vandross's drummer since 1981 -- jumped to his death from the 17th floor of a New York City hotel after telling his wife he was tired of working in Vandross's shadow. As a sessionman, Horton had also played with Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.

In 1992, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson were the big winners at the TNN-Music City News Awards in Nashville.

In 1993, the Houston Chronicle reported that the late Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh was obsessed with Madonna. No comment from the Material Girl.

In 1995, Michael Jackson's new single "Scream" debuted at No.5 on Billboard's singles chart. It was the highest debut ever for a single.

Also in 1995, rocker Eddie Money made a surprise guest appearance on "The Late Show With David Letterman."

In 1998, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison were joined at a London church by Elton John, Sting, Billy Joel, Peter Gabriel, Neil Tennant, Kevin Godley and Dave Gilmore for a memorial service for Linda McCartney. She'd died two months earlier of breast cancer.

And in 1998, limo driver Franco D'Onofrio sued former employer Mariah Carey in New York City -- claiming she failed to pay him and reimburse him for expenses. A Carey spokeswoman said D'Onfrio was fired because his license had been suspended.

In 1999, Def Leppard kicked off the release of its latest album, "Euphoria," with a free concert at Wal-Mart in San Antonio, Texas.

Today's musical quiz:

In interviews with the media, James Darren credits his guest appearances on this TV series with revitalizing his singing career. What show? Answer: "Star Trek: Deep Space 9." Darren had a recurring role as hologram Vic Fontaine, a 1960s-era Las Vegas lounge singer.