Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Sept. 25)

Today's birthdays include Ian Tyson of Ian and Sylvia, who was born in 1933 (age 69); Jesse Russell of the Persuasions in 1939 (age 63); keyboardist John Locke of Spirit and Nazareth, Onnie McIntyre of the Average White Band, and Gary Alexander of The Association, all in 1943 (age 59); Ambrosia's Burleigh Drummond in 1951 (age 51); Steve Severin of Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1955 (age 47); and rapper-turned-actor Will Smith in 1968 (age 34).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1954, Elvis Presley's second single, "Good Rockin' Tonight," was released. That night, Presley made what would be his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry -- after which he was advised to go back to truck driving.

In 1975, Jackie Wilson suffered a heart attack onstage in Cherry Hill, N.J. He lapsed into a coma from which he would never recover.

In 1976, Wings played a UNESCO benefit concert in Venice, Italy, raising $500,000 to restore water-damaged Venetian art treasures.

In 1979, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita" premiered on Broadway.

In 1980, Led Zeppelin drummer John "Bonzo" Bonham died from an alcohol overdose. He was 33. His death precipitated the break-up of Led Zeppelin.

In 1981, the Rolling Stones kicked off a 10-week U.S. tour in Philadelphia.

In 1990, a street was named Little Richard Boulevard in the legendary rock 'n' roll star's hometown of Macon, Ga.

In 1993, Madonna kicked off her "Girlie Show" world tour in London.

In 1994, Metallica's Lars Ulrich and jazz musician Herbie Hancock jammed at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.

In 1995, Hole lead singer Courtney Love pleaded guilty to hitting Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hannah during the July 4 Lollapalooza '95 show in Washington state.

In 1996, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that Beach Boy Al Jardine and Warner Bros. Records could sue former Beach Boy Brian Wilson for libel stemming from Wilson's 1991 book "Wouldn't It Be Nice?"

In 1997, the FBI released more of its secret files on John Lennon's anti-war activities. The files had been sought by University of California professor Jon Wiener.

In 1998, Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs was found unharmed in Southern California after his family had reported him missing. It turned out he'd just switched hotels without telling them.

Topping the charts on this date:

The Yellow Rose of Texas -- Mitch Miller (1955), Blue Velvet -- Bobby Vinton (1963), Go Away Little Girl -- Donny Osmond (1971), My Sharona -- The Knack (1979).

Today's musical quiz:

What's Will Smith's full first name? Answer: Willard.