Today's birthdays include Joey Heatherton, who was born in 1944 (age 58); Nazareth bassist Pete Agnew in 1946 (age 56); Sha Na Na's John "Bowser" Baumann in 1947 (age 55); Lynyrd Skynyrd's Steve Gaines in 1949; Paul Kosoff of Free in 1950; Barry Cowsill of the Cowsills in 1955 (age 47); and a-ha's Morten Harket in 1959 (age 43).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1920, at a Detroit station, Paul Specht's orchestra broadcast live dance music over the radio for the first time. Within months, dance music became a radio staple.

In 1955, Little Richard recorded "Tutti Frutti" in New Orleans.

In 1968, in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, The Who's Pete Townshend mentioned a rock opera he was writing about a boy who was deaf, dumb and blind and "sure played a mean pinball."

Also in 1968, the cartoon group The Archies first appeared on TV.

In 1974, Eric Clapton had his first No. 1 hit, his version of Bob Marley's reggae song "I Shot the Sheriff."

In 1976, Jeff Beck's instrumental jazz/rock album "Wired" was certified gold.

In 1981, filming began on "Pink Floyd: The Wall," starring Bob Geldof.

In 1984, the first annual MTV Video Music Awards were held at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Bette Midler and Dan Aykroyd co-hosted the ceremonies.

In 1986, the man credited with creating the Top-40 radio format -- Gordon McLendon -- died of cancer at his home in Lake Dallas, Texas. He was 65.

In 1992, the New Kids On The Block dropped from first to fourth place on Forbes magazine's "Top 40" list of the world's highest-paid entertainers.

Also in 1992, Ink Spots lead singer Jim Nabbe died in Atlanta following coronary bypass surgery. He was 72.

In 1993, the 13-year-old boy who'd accused Michael Jackson of molesting him filed a lawsuit against the pop star in Los Angeles.

Also in 1993, Bette Midler's first concert tour in 10 years opened at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

In 1994, the National Association of Recording Arts and Science announced that the 1995 Grammy Awards would be held in Los Angeles once again.

In 1995, blues greats Buddy Guy and Junior Wells joined "The Blues Brothers Show Band" -- Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi and John Goodman -- in a jam at the announcement of the building of a new House of Blues nightclub in Chicago.

Also in 1995, Earth Wind and Fire received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1998, about 30 veteran rock 'n' rollers sued EMI-Capitol Music Records in Los Angeles -- accusing the label of selling their music without first buying the rights. The plaintiffs included Chubby Checker, Pat Boone, William Berry (son of Jan Berry of Jan and Dean), Freddy Fender, the Dovells' Jerome Gross, Rod Bainbridge of the Fortunes, and Anthony Butala of the Lettermen.

Today's musical quiz:

Where did Little Richard come up for the song title "Tutti Frutti"? Answer: It's a flavor of ice cream.