Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(July 27)

Today's musical birthdays include the late Homer Haynes of Homer and Jethro, who was born in 1920; Nick Reynolds of the Kingston Trio in 1933 (age 69); Gary Lewis and the Playboys guitarist Al Ramsey in 1943 (age 59); Bobbie Gentry in 1944 (age 58); Maureen McGovern in 1949 (age 53); and Paper Lace lead guitarist Michael Vaughn in 1950 (age 52).

Today in music history:

In 1955, "Maybelline" -- Chuck Berry's first hit -- entered the R&B singles chart.

In 1967, Britain's "pirate" radio stations were declared illegal, and BBC Radio One was launched.

In 1976, U.S. immigration officials gave in and issued a "green card" -- or permanent residence card -- to John Lennon.

In 1982, Sting and Virgin Music Publishing settled a lawsuit out of court involving a contract he'd signed when an unknown musician.

In 1984, Prince's "Purple Rain" opened at movie theaters nationwide.

Also in 1984, Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor married Giovanna Cantone in Naples, Italy.

In 1985, Paul Young -- former lead singer of the British soul band the Q-Tips -- topped the U.S. singles chart with a cover of Hall and Oates' "Every Time You Go Away."

In 1986, a man stabbed himself at a Cure concert in Los Angeles --apparently to impress a girl.

In 1990, members of the Grateful Dead announced they would tour despite the death of keyboardist Brent Mydland the day before.

Also in 1990, Madonna launched the British leg of her "Blonde Ambition" tour in London.

And in 1990, Bobby Day died of cancer in Los Angeles. He was 60.

In 1991, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Little Richard, the Dells, Johnny Taylor, and the Winans were no-shows at the Chicago Music Festival. They said they hadn't been paid in advance. But James Brown and the Chi-Lites performed. The promoter later sued Franklin, saying he had tried to pay her but she rebuffed him. The lawsuit was settled out of court.

In 1992, Michael Jackson sued a British tabloid Daily Mirror for libel over its claims that the pop singer was "hideously disfigured" by repeated plastic surgeries.

In 1995, four months after her murder, Selena's first English-language album -- "Dreaming Of You" -- debuted at No.1 on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart.

Topping the charts on this date:

Lonely Boy - Paul Anka (1959), Windy - The Association (1967),The Hustle - Van McCoy and The Soul City Symphony (1975), Every Breath You Take - The Police (1983).

Today's musical quiz:

Maureen McGovern's biggest hit song comes from a 1970s disaster movie. Can you name the tune, and the film? Answer: The song was "The Morning After" and it's from the flick "The Poseidon Adventure."