Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Oct. 15)

Today's birthdays include Mickey Baker, of Mickey and Sylvia, who was born in 1925 (age 77); Barry McGuire, who had a No.1 single in 1965 with "Eve of Destruction," in 1935 (age 67); Moby Grape drummer Don Stevenson in 1942 (age 60); Richard Carpenter in 1946 (age 56); Chris De Burgh in 1948 (age 54); and Jackson brother Tito Jackson in 1953 (age 49).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1960, the Miracles' "Shop Around" became the first Motown million-seller.

Also in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She was warmly received and invited to return.

In 1966, Pink Floyd played its first major concert, at the London Roadhouse. It was a launch party for the underground newspaper International Times.

In 1969, Howlin' Wolf suffered a severe heart attack. He recovered and would live another six years.

In 1970, Derek and the Dominoes opened what would become an extended U.S. tour.

In 1973, Rolling Stone Keith Richard and girlfriend Anita Pallenburg were given suspended sentences and fined after being convicted on drug charges in Nice, France.

In 1976, Ike and Tina Turner split up to go solo.

Also in 1976, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album was released.

In 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Street Survivors" album was released. The original cover showed group members enveloped in flames. It was changed after three of the rockers were killed in a fiery plane crash five days later.

In 1983, Elvis Costello's "Every Day I Write the Book" debuted at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot-100 chart. It was his first U.S. Top-40 chart appearance.

In 1986, John Denver was among those awarded Ellis Island Medals of Honor by the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation to honor "distinguished members" of various ethnic groups. Denver's heritage was German.

In 1992, rapper Eric Wright --- a.k.a. Eazy-E, founder of the gangsta' rap group NWA -- filed a federal lawsuit, claiming Sony Music Entertainment and others sent thugs to intimidate him into releasing three artists from their recording contracts.

In 1996, a Los Angeles judge ruled that a "Hard Copy" freelance reporter owed Michael Jackson monetary damages for claiming the pop star had been videotaped molesting a teenage boy.

Also in 1996, Cuban Beatles fans gathered in Havana for a three-day exhibit of Beatles music and movies.

In 1997, John Denver's remains were cremated in California and his ashes then flown to Aurora, Colo., where a memorial service was planned by the late singer's mother and brother.

In 1999, TLC kicked off the first leg of its concert tour in Montreal.

Also in 1999, Rob Zombie was honored at the 3rd annual Eyegore Awards. He received the Achievement In Horror award for his CD "Hellbilly Deluxe," which merged horror imagery with rock music.

And in 1999, police in Asbury Park, N.J., reported nine computers worth about $16,000 donated by Bruce Springsteen had been stolen from the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County.

Topping the charts on this date:

Mr. Custer -- Larry Verne (1960), Hey Jude -- The Beatles (1968), A Fifth of Beethoven -- Walter Murphy and The Big Apple Band (1976), I Just Called To Say I Love You -- Stevie Wonder (1984).

Today's musical quiz:

What's Tito Jackson's full name? Answer: Toriano Adaryll Jackson.