Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Nov. 30)

Today's birthdays include longtime "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark, often called "the world's oldest teenager," who was born in 1929 (age 73); Paul Stookey of Peter Paul and Mary in 1937 (age 65); Ten Years After bassist Leo Lyons in 1943 (age 59); Grass Roots lead singer Rob Grill and Luther Ingram, both in 1944 (age 58); Roger Glover of Deep Purple in 1945 (age 57); Shuggie Otis in 1953 (age 49); June Pointer of the Pointer Sisters in 1954 (age 48); Billy Idol in 1955 (age 47); Psychedelic Furs guitarist John Ashton, and Japan keyboardist Richard Barbieri, both in 1957 (age 45); and Des'ree in 1970 (age 32).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1969, Simon and Garfunkel's first television special aired.

In 1973, jazz drummer Buddy Rich was arrested on marijuana possession charges during his Australian tour. He pleaded innocent and the charges were later dropped.

In 1977, David Bowie appeared on Bing Crosby's 42nd annual Christmas Special. He did a duet with Bing on "Little Drummer Boy." The show had been taped prior to Crosby's death the previous month.

In 1980, Elvis Costello and Squeeze jointly headlined a benefit concert in Swansea, South Wales, for the family of boxer Johnny Owen, who'd died from injuries received during a fight in the United States.

In 1983, the Jackson family and promoter Don King announced plans for the "Victory" tour.

Also in 1983, Boy George made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show" and got chummy with guest host Joan Rivers.

In 1985, the Dead Kennedys released its "Frankenchrist" album, which included a poster later deemed to be obscene.

In 1991, Rob Pilatus of Milli Vanilli infamy was hospitalized in Los Angeles following a suicide attempt.

In 1992, authorities in Bogota, Colombia, banned large-scale rock concerts after rioting erupted following a Guns N' Roses show.

Also in 1992, Sinead O'Connor donated her Hollywood mansion to be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to humanitarian aid to Somalia.

In 1994, the Boyz II Men's single "On Bended Knee" knocked their "I'll Make Love to You" out of the top slot of Billboard's pop single chart after 14 weeks. Only Elvis Presley and the Beatles had ever succeeded themselves in the No. 1 position. "I'll Make Love to You" also tied Whitney Houston's record, since broken, for the longest-running No. 1 pop song of the rock era. That record had been set in February 1993 with "I Will Always Love You."

Also in 1994, the new Beatles double album "Live at the BBC" was released in Britain.

And in 1994, Michael Jackson biographer Randy Taraborelli sparked rumors that Jackson's marriage to Lisa Marie Presley was breaking up when he said lawyers were working to nullify the union. One day later, he backed off his statement and said he'd been given the wrong information.

And in 1994, rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and wounded during a robbery in New York. Both he and his lawyer claimed he was "set up."

In 1996, the Scorpions performed in Beirut, Lebanon, for the first time. The German band's arrival in Lebanon four days earlier caused something like "Beatlemania" in the Middle Eastern country.

Also in 1996, ukulele-strumming entertainer Tiny Tim, whose real name was Herbert Khaury, died from an apparent heart attack. He was 74.

In 1998, Jewel's former manager, Inga Vainshtein, filed a lawsuit against the singer in Los Angeles. She said Jewel had wrongfully fired her without cause after working for her for five years.

Also in 1998, U2, Sinead O'Connor, Van Morrison and Boyzone were among the artists on an album released in Britain to raise money for the victims of a car bombing in Northern Ireland three months earlier.

In 1999, the Foo Fighters appeared on "The Late Show With David Letterman." A live Webcast of the band's performance during the show's taping was cybercast on the CBS Web site.

In 2000, Creed was the big winner at the "My VH1 Music Awards." The newcomers were named Group of the Year, and their hit single "Higher" was named Song of the Year. The band also won the Welcome to the Big Time award. Other artists winning multiple awards included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band, country's Faith Hill and veteran rocker Carlos Santana.

In 2000, the Catholic League called for a boycott of Marilyn Manson's new album "Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)," accusing the rocker of being "at war with Christ."

Topping the charts on this date:

Big Girls Don't Cry - The 4 Seasons (1962), I Think I Love You - The Partridge Family (1970), MacArthur Park - Donna Summer (1978), You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi (1986).

Today's musical quiz:

How did Dick Clark begin his career? Answer: He was a radio disc jockey.