Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(July 9)

Today's musical birthdays include Ed Ames of the Ames Brothers, who was born in 1927 (age 75); Lee Hazlewood in 1929 (age 73); the late Donald McPherson of Main Ingredient was born in 1941; the late Bon Scott of AC/DC was born in 1946; Mitch Mitchell, drummer with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, also in 1946 (age 56); John Tesh in 1952 (age 50); Debbie Sledge, one of four sisters in Sister Sledge, in 1954 (age 48); Jim Kerr of Simple Minds and Soft Cell's Marc Almond, both in 1959 (age 43); singer/actress Courtney Love and Anthrax bassist Frank Bello, both in 1965 (age 37); and Musical Youth's Kevin Grant in 1971 (age 31).

Today in music history:

In 1955, "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and His Comets was No.1 on the Billboard pop singles chart, then known as the "Best Sellers in Stores" chart. The event is considered by many to mark the beginning of the rock music era.

In 1956, this was Dick Clark's first official day as the regular host of "Bandstand" -- then based in Philadelphia.

In 1968, The Temptations played its first concert with new group member Dennis Edwards, who had replaced David Ruffin.

In 1972, Paul McCartney and Wings launched its first scheduled tour in Chateauvillon, France. It was McCartney's first scheduled live appearance since the Beatles' San Francisco concert in 1966.

In 1978, the Rolling Stones -- minus Bill Wyman -- jammed with Muddy Waters at a Chicago nightclub (the Quiet Knight).

In 1981, the Jacksons began a 36-city tour that earned $5.5 million. The road trip yielded the album "The Jacksons Live."

In 1984, Britain's Princess Anne visited the Los Angeles office and studios of Capitol Records. She was presented with a gold album.

In 1991, Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose interrupted the band's concert in Dallas after someone threw an empty whiskey bottle on stage. He lectured the audience about responsibility and safety.

In 1993, Barbra Streisand's 50th album, "Back to Broadway," debuted at No.1 on the charts.

In 1994, Meat Loaf was awarded a star on the "Walk of Fame" at Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe.

In 1996, Deep Purple performed "Smoke On the Water" at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. It was the first time the band had played the song in the Swiss city that inspired the tune.

Also in 1996, REO Speedwagon released "Building the Bridge," its first album in six years.

Again in 1996, Farm Dogs, Bernie Taupin's new band, released its first album -- "Last Stand in Open Country."

In 1997, Stanley Howse -- a.k.a. rapper Flesh-N-Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony -- was arrested for a second time in less than a week. He was charged with intimidating a witness and possession of illegal explosives.

In 1998, Janet Jackson began her "Velvet Rope Tour" in Washington, D.C.

Also in 1998, Alice Cooper, Dave Koz and Kenny G played in a golf tournament at the Calabasas Country Club near Los Angeles. The event was a benefit for the T.J. Martell Foundation and Neil Bogart Memorial Fund for Chidren's Cancer Research.

In 1999, Tom Maxwell announced he had quit the Squirrel Nut Zippers. He said he left "with an open heart" but refused to discuss the reasons why.

Topping the charts on this date: "Quarter to Three" by U.S. Bonds (1961), "Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet": by Henry Mancini (1969), "Undercover Angel" by Alan O'Day (1977). "Sussudio" by Phil Collins (1985).

Today's musical quiz:

In her early teens, Courtney Love ended up in juvenile detention for what crime? Answer: She'd been caught stealing a KISS t-shirt from a department store.