Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Nov. 21)

Today's birthdays include Dr. John, whose real name is Mac Rebennac, who was born in 1940 (age 62); War keyboardist Lonnie Jordan in 1948 (age 54); The McCoys drummer Randy Zehringer in 1949 (age 53); Livingston Taylor, James Taylor's brother, in 1950 (age 52), and singer-songwriter Bjork in 1965 (age 37).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1877, Thomas Edison reported one of his greatest inventions, the phonograph, with the ability to record and play back sound.

In 1960, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by the Shirelles was released.

In 1964, Marvin Gaye's "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" entered the pop singles chart. It was his fourth straight hit song that year.

In 1967, the Who released "The Who Sell Out." The early "concept" album featured the song "I Can See For Miles."

In 1974, after swearing for years that he'd never do it, Marty Balin surprised everyone by joining Jefferson Starship onstage in San Francisco.

In 1980, Don Henley was arrested after a 16-year-old girl was found nude and drugged at his Los Angeles home. He was charged with possession and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

In 1982, Joni Mitchell married her bass player, Larry Klein, in Malibu, Calif.

In 1983, Michael Jackson's award-winning 14-minute "Thriller" video was screened at the Metro Theater in Westwood, Calif.

In 1991, an animated Aerosmith made a special appearance on "The Simpsons."

In 1993, an 18-by-40-foot mural of Jimi Hendrix was unveiled above the Seattle music store where his father bought him his first electric guitar.

In 1994, a judge threw out a paternity suit against Michael Jackson.

In 1995, "The Beatles Anthology 1" album was released in the United States. 450,000 copies of the CD were sold on the first day.

Also in 1995, Green Day lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong was arrested and charged with indecent exposure after he allegedly mooned a Milwaukee concert audience. He was fined and released.

In 1996, The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince) gave his first in-depth television interview to Oprah Winfrey on her show.

In 1998, Marilyn Manson trashed four rooms at the Sheraton Hotel in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Hotel officials said the band took responsibility for their actions and offered to pay for the damages.

In 2000, Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor went online at Spin.com to chat with fans about the band's new album, "Things Falling Apart."

Topping the charts on this date:

Autumn Leaves - Roger Williams (1955), Deep Purple - Nino Tempo and April Stevens (1963), Theme from Shaft - Isaac Hayes (1971), Still - Commodores (1979).

Today's musical quiz:

Who played organ on Aretha Franklin's recording of "Spanish Harlem"? Answer: Dr. John.