Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Sept. 24)

Today's birthdays include jazz musician Fats Navarro, born in 1923; actor/singer Anthony Newley, who was born in 1931 (age 71); Linda McCartney, Paul's late wife, in 1942; and Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1942 (age 60).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1957, Alan Freed's semi-autobiographical movie "Mr. Rock and Roll" premiered at New York's Paramount Theater. It featured performances by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, among others.

In 1963, the Beatles launched the band's first-ever tour outside Britain -- a six-date swing through Sweden. The Scandinavian country became among the first to experience "Beatlemania."

In 1974, in his first venture into music promotion -- 10 years before his association with the Jacksons -- Don King promoted a three-day Afro-American music festival in Zaire.

In 1977, at an Elvis Presley convention in Cincinnati, original copies of some of Presley's early singles sold for $300.

In 1983, Annabella Lwin left Bow Wow Wow.

In 1984, the Hard Rock Cafe opened in San Francisco.

Also in 1984, former BarKays guitarist Marcus Price was shot to death as he left a rehearsal.

In 1992, the former members of Jefferson Starship sued guitarist Craig Chaquico and singer Mickey Thomas over their use of "Starship" as part of the name of their new band.

In 1995, a Howard University law student crashed his rented wave runner into Emilio and Gloria Estefan's boat, killing himself and injuring his passenger. The Estefans were not hurt. The accident took place half-a-mile off Miami Beach, Fla.

Topping the charts on this date:

Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel -- Elvis Presley (1956), House of the Rising Sun -- The Animals (1964), Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me -- Mac Davis (1972), Upside Down --Diana Ross (1980).

Today's musical quiz:

Who sang the theme song to "The Cosby Show" spin-off "A Different World"? Answer: Aretha Franklin, who was married to actor Glynn Turman, one of the show's co-stars.