Today in Music: a look back at pop music

• Tweet

(Dec. 5)

Today's birthdays include Little Richard (Perriman), who was born in 1932 (age 70); Chad Mitchell, leader of The Chad Mitchell Trio, in 1936 (age 66); singer/songwriter J.J. Cale in 1938 (age 64); Andy Kim in 1946 (age 56); Jim Messina in 1947 (age 55); Def Leppard's Phil Collen in 1957 (age 45); and Jack Russell of Great White in 1960 (age 42).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1964, the Zombies' "She's Not There" and the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" first appeared on the U.S. music charts.

In 1968, Graham Nash quit the Hollies. He disagreed with the group's plans to record an album of Bob Dylan songs.

Also in 1968, the Rolling Stones hosted a "Beggar's Banquet" in London to celebrate the release of the band's album of the same name.

In 1990, a judge ordered Madonna to trim the foliage at her Hollywood Hills home. The court order stemmed from a lawsuit filed against the pop star by a neighbor.

In 1991, Beach Boy Brian Wilson settled out-of-court a lawsuit brought by his family who claimed he was being "brainwashed" by his therapist.

In 1993, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel ended their brief "Together Again" reunion tour in Singapore.

In 1996, Michael Jackson and his "HIStory" tour entourage arrived in the Philippines for two concerts.

In 1997, drummer Matt Walker played his last gig with the Smashing Pumpkins as the band opened for the Rolling Stones at the Orange Bowl in Miami. Walker left the Pumpkins to devote more time to his band, the Cubcakes.

In 2000, hip-hopper Sisqo, R&B trio Destiny's Child, country artists Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks, rockers 3 Doors Down and pop heartthrobs 'N Sync were the big winners at the 2000 Billboard Music Awards. The Artist of the Year award went to Destiny's Child, while the country-pop tune "Breathe," by Faith Hill, was named Hot 100 Single of the Year. 'N Sync's "No Strings Attached" was named Top 200 Album of the Year.

Also in 2000, controversial rapper Eminem, rockers Radiohead and your computer's hard drive topped Spin magazine's "Best of 2000" in its January "Year In Music" issue.

Topping the charts on this date:

April Love - Pat Boone (1957), Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds (1965), Top of the World - Carpenters (1973), Physical - Olivia Newton-John (1981).

Today's musical quiz:

Little Richard is an ordained minister. True or false? Answer: True. He has officiated at many rock weddings, and at one time announced he was quitting show business to take up religion fulltime. He soon returned to music.