Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Oct. 26)

Today's birthdays include singer Mahalia Jackson, born in 1911, Neal Matthews of the Jordanaires, who was born in 1929 (age 73); Keith Hopwood of the Herman's Hermits in 1940 (age 62); Michael Piano of the Sandpipers in 1944 (age 58); Maggie Roche and William "Bootsy" Collins, both in 1951 (age 51); and the B-52's Keith Strickland in 1953 (age 49).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1961, Bob Dylan signed with Columbia Records.

In 1965, in a Buckingham Palace ceremony, the Beatles were awarded the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queeen Elizabeth. The Fab Four later revealed they were very nervous about meeting the queen and, to bolster their confidence, retreated to a Palace bathroom for a quick joint (according to John Lennon).

It was during the Buckingham Palace session that Lennon made his highly controversial statement to a reporter, "We're more popular than Jesus Christ right now."

In 1971, Al Green's first hit, "Tired of Being Alone," was certified "gold."

In 1980, Paul Kantner suffered a brain hemorrhage during a recording session for Jefferson Starship's "Modern Times" album. He was hospitalized for two weeks in Los Angeles but recovered completely.

In 1981, the David Bowie-Queen collaboration "Under Pressure" was released.

In 1985, Whitney Houston scored her first No. 1 hit, "Saving My Love for You."

In 1991, it was "Tom Petty Day" in Gainesville, Fla. Petty and members of his band, the Heartbreakers, attended Gainesville High School in the 1960s.

In 1992, a Madison Square Garden security guard sued Elton John for $100 million, saying the singer beat him during a New York concert 2 1/2 weeks earlier.

In 1993, Rick James sued his former manager and his bank for allowing unauthorized withdrawals from his account.

In 1994, Israeli officials had earlier announced that Barbra Streisend would sing at the Israel-Jordon peace-treaty signing, but she didn't.

In 1995, Selena's convicted killer, Yolanda Saldivar, was sentenced to life in prison.

Also in 1995, jury selection began in Los Angeles in the murder trial of rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg and his bodyguard. They would be acquitted.

In 1999, Counting Crows kicked off a tour in Atlanta in support of the band's new CD "This Desert Life." It was the Crows' third full-length studio album and their first in three years.

Also in 1999, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed a private, radio station-sponsored concert on the 107th floor of New York's World Trade Center to celebrate the release of their new single "Around the World."

And in 1999, singer, songwriter and actor Hoyt Axton died after suffering a heart attack during surgery. He was 61. Axton wrote tunes for Elvis Presley, the Kingston Trio and Ringo Starr, among others.

Topping the charts on this date:

Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley (1957), Yesterday - The Beatles (1965). Angie - The Rolling Stones (1973), Arthur's Theme (Best that You Can Do) - Christopher Cross (1981).

Today's musical quiz:

Hoyt Axton's mother, Mae --- a composer in her own right --- co-wrote what song that became a huge hit for Elvis Presley? Answer: "Hound Dog."