Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Nov. 8)

Today's birthdays include Patti Page, who was born in 1927 (age 75); Bonnie Bramlett, of the duo Delaney and Bonnie, and Atlanta Rhythm Section's Robert Nix, both in 1944 (age 58); Turtles drummer Donald Murray in 1945 (age 57); guitarist/singer Roy Wood of Move and ELO in 1946 (age 56); Minnie Riperton was born in 1948; bassist Alan Berger of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, also in 1948 (age 54); Bonnie Raitt in 1949 (age 53); Firefall guitarist Larry Burnett in 1951 (age 51); Rickie Lee Jones in 1954 (age 48); Adam and the Ants drummer Terry Lee Miall in 1958 (age 44); Glass Tiger's Alan Frew in 1959 (age 43); and Leif Garrett in 1961 (age 41).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1967, the film "How I Won the War," starring John Lennon, premiered in the United States.

In 1968, John and Cynthia Lennon's divorce was finalized.

In 1970, Jim Morrison recorded poetry that, after his death, would be set to music by the surviving members of the Doors as "An American Prayer."

In 1971, the album "Led Zeppelin 4," which included "Stairway to Heaven," was released.

In 1975, Fleetwood Mac's "Over My Head" was released.

In 1980, guitarist Adrian Smith replaced Dennis Stratton in Iron Maiden.

In 1984, world music singer Fela Kuti was convicted of smuggling and sentenced to five years in prison in his native Nigeria. He was released in 1986.

In 1991, a study found that the $61 million raised by USA for Africa's "We Are the World" funded more than 400 projects in more than two dozen African nations.

Also in 1991, doctors in Atlanta announced Temptations singer Eddie Kendrick was doing fine after surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung a few weeks earlier.

In 1994, doctors announced David Crosby had been placed on a national waiting list for a new liver.

Also in 1994, Sonny Bono, running as a Republican, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the Palm Springs area of California.

And in 1994, Ice Cube was sued by six men who said they co-wrote the rapper's 1992 hit song "Wicked" but hadn't been paid all the royalties due.

And in 1994, Bob Dylan performed the first of two shows at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

And in 1994, the "Woodstock '94" double-CD was released.

And in 1994, toymaker Hasbro unveiled its new collection of six Elvis Presley limited-edition commemorative dolls.

In 1995, Michael Jackson and Sony announced a deal to merge their music catalogs. The agreement was worth an estimated $90 million to $100 million to Jackson.

Also in 1995, the Red Hot Chili Peppers postponed its tour after drummer Chad Smith broke his left wrist playing baseball in Los Angeles.

And in 1995, Country Dick Montana, lead singer of the Beat Farmers, collapsed and died on stage in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.

In 1996, Bruce Springsteen performed a benefit concert at his own parochial grade school in his hometown of Freehold, N.J. Only town residents were allowed to buy tickets to the show. The proceeds went to a church-run community center.

In 1999, Time magazine quoted The Artist Formerly Known As Prince saying he didn't like to be called "The Artist Formerly Known As Prince." He said his name was the (unpronounceable) symbol that appeared on his album covers. The musician's wife, Mayte, told the magazine she called her husband "honey."

Topping the charts on this date:

Save the Last Dance for Me - The Drifters (1960), Hey Jude - The Beatles (1968).

Rock'n Me - Steve Miller (1976), Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run) - Billy Ocean (1984).

Today's musical quiz:

Who wrote Minnie Riperton's 1975 hit "Lovin' You"? Answer: Stevie Wonder, who also produced the single. Riperton had been a member of Wonder's backing group Wonderlove in 1973.