Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Nov. 12)

Today's birthdays include Jimmy Hayes of the Persuasions, Brian Hyland, and The Walker Brothers' John Maus, who were all born in 1943 (age 59); Neil Young in 1945 (age 57); Arthur Tavares of the R&B group Tavares in 1946 (age 56); Blue Oyster Cult's Buck Dharma, whose real name is Donald Roeser, in 1947 (age 55); Taste of Honey drummer Donald Johnson and Hot Chocolate's Erroll Brown, both in 1948 (age 54); and Leslie McKeown of the Bay City Rollers in 1955 (age 47).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1966, Donovan's "Mellow Yellow" was released.

In 1970, the Doors played its last concert as a four-some in New Orleans.

In 1973, Queen launched its first tour of Britain, opening for Mott the Hoople in Yorkshire, England.

In 1980, John Lennon's last single -- at least while he was still alive -- was released. "(Just Like) Starting Over" would top the charts following his death.

Also in 1980, Bruce Springsteen topped the U.S. album charts for the first time with the double album "The River."

In 1985, Jerry Lee Lewis underwent emergency stomach surgery.

In 1986, Priscilla Presley, Elvis's ex-wife, announced she was pregnant by her live-in boyfriend with no marriage plans.

In 1990, Rolling Stone guitarist Ron Wood suffered two broken legs in a car accident in Swindon, England. His wife and two children also were slightly injured.

Also in 1990, Willie Nelson's golf course and recording studio outside Austin, Texas, were padlocked after the IRS seized properties in six states to satisfy the $6.5 million in back taxes the country singer owed.

In 1991, a Los Angeles jury ruled Lionel Richie did not steal two songs from a part-time songwriter.

In 1993, Michael Jackson -- hounded by child molestation allegations -- cancelled the rest of his "Dangerous" world tour, citing an addiction to painkillers.

Also in 1993, Simon and Garfunkel played a special United Way fund-raising concert in Toronto.

In 1996, Michael Jackson arrived in Sydney for the Australian leg of his "HIStory" concert tour. It marked the first time he performed "down under."

Also in 1996, the Temptations attended ground-breaking ceremonies for the new Motown Cafe in Las Vegas.

In 1997, Kenny Loggins performed on A&E's "Live By Request" program.

Also in 1997, Russell Jones, a.k.a. rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard of the Wu-Tang Clan, was arrested and charged in New York City with failure to pay child support for three kids.

In 1998, Celine Dion's husband and manager told Radio Canada that his pop star wife would take a two-year break from show business beginning in 2000, right after a Millennium Eve concert in Montreal.

Topping the charts on this date:

Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley (1956), Baby Love - The Supremes (1964), I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash (1972), Woman in Love - Barbra Streisand (1980).

Today's musical quiz:

Celine Dion reportedly likes to collect what fashion accessory? Answer: Shoes. She is said to own more than 500 pairs of shoes.