Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Aug. 4)

Today's musical birthdays include entertainer Louie Armstrong, who was born in 1901; composer William Schuman in 1910; Frankie Ford in 1940 (age 62); Fortunes keyboardist David Carr in 1943 (age 59); the late Maureen Cox Starkey, Ringo Starr's first wife, in 1946; and Paul Layton of the New Seekers in 1947 (age 55).

Today in music history:

In 1927, Jimmie "The Singing Brakeman" Rodgers held his first recording session in Bristol, Tenn.

In 1942, the film "Holiday Inn" was released on this date and Bing Crosby introduced America to "White Chrismas."

In 1956, Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" was released

In 1957, the Everly Brothers introduced "Wake Up, Little Susie" on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1958, Billboard first published its Hot 100 singles chart. The first No. 1 song was "Poor Little Fool" by Ricky Nelson,

In 1968, the two-day Newport Pop Festival opened in Costa Mesa, Calif. It featured the Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, the Byrds, Animals Steppenwolf, Chambers Brothers, and Country Joe and the Fish.

In 1970, Jim Morrison was arrested and charged with public drunkenness in Los Angeles. He'd fallen asleep on a woman's porch.

In 1975, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, his wife and two children were injured in a car accident in Greece.

In 1979, a galaxy of stars -- including Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald and Nicolette Larson -- played at a Los Angeles benefit concert to raise money for the widow of Lowell George, the inspiration behind the group Little Feat. George had died of a heart attack linked to a drug overdose following a show in Washington, D.C., to promote his first solo album "Thanks, I'll Eat It Here." Little Feat had split up earlier in the year.

In 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began recording "Double Fantasy."

Also in 1980, Pink Floyd presented "The Wall" on stage for the first time.

In 1984, Phil Collins married Jill Tavelman. Collins, Eric Clapton and Robert Plant performed at the wedding reception.

In 1986, country singer Merle Haggard stood up 10,000 Clark County, Wash., Fair fans. Fair officials said he'd had a fight with his wife, but a spokesman for Haggard said the singer had the flu.

In 1987, country singer Kenny Price -- who played Elrod the sheriff on TV's "Hee Haw" -- died of a heart attack at age 56.

Also in 1987, Dolly Parton announced she'd lost 50 pounds.

In 1990, Janet Jackson collapsed backstage in St. Louis after three songs. She was treated for exhaustion at a local hospital.

Also in 1990, $250,000 worth of souvenir programs were stolen from a New Kids On The Block concert in Montreal.

In 1992, the legendary Harlem Apollo Theater "Amateur Night" emcee Ralph Cooper died. He was in his late 80s. Cooper launched careers ranging from Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald to Michael Jackson and New Kids on the Block.

In 1993, Bell Biv DeVoe cancelled its entire summer tour.

In 1994, the Rolling Stones turned down an invitation to tour the White House, although some of the group's entourage showed up.

In 1995, the H.O.R.D.E Tour -- starring the Black Crowes, Ziggy Marley and Blues Traveler -- began in Noblesville, Ind.

In 1996, more than a dozen people were injured in a stampede during a concert by the R&B group Immature at the Wisconsin State Fair.

In 1998, George Strait led with five nominations for the 32nd annual Country Music Association Awards.

Also in 1998, 10,000 Maniacs performed a USO concert for U.S. Marines stationed in the Virgin Islands.

And in 1998, Squirrel Nut Zippers released its "Perennial Favorites" CD, the follow-up to the band's "Hot" album.

Topping the charts on this date:

Lonely Boy - Paul Anka (1959), Light My Fire - The Doors (1967), One of These Nights -- Eagles (1975), Every Breath You Take - The Police (1983).

Today's musical quiz:

Louie Armstrong was known as "Satchmo." What's that short for? Answer: "Satchelmouth."