Today in music: a look back at pop music

(Feb. 3)

Today's birthdays include Johnny "Guitar" Watson, who was born in 1935 (age 68); Angelo D'Aleo of Dion and the Belmonts in 1940 (age 63); Dennis Edwards of the Temptations and also formerly with the Contours, and Hollies bassist Eric Haydock, both in 1943 (age 60); Kinks guitarist Dave Davies in 1947 (age 56); Melanie, whose full name is Melanie Schekeryk, also in 1947 (age 56); and Laurence "Lol" Tolhurst of the Cure in 1959 (age 44).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1959, this is "The Day the Music Died." Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Mason City, Iowa. Holly was 22, Valens, 17;and Richardson 28.

In 1969, John Lennon" class="tpstyle">Beatles John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr appointed Rolling Stones manager Allen Klein as their new Mr. Fix-It. Paul McCartney refused to sign with Klein, preferring his father-in-law, Lee Eastman.

In 1984, a ZZ Top concert in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, ended in chaos -- with two fans in hospitalized and 149 chairs destroyed.

In 1992, Michael Jackson announced a concert tour that would begin in June and raise money for his new "Save The World" foundation.

Also in 1992, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young announced plans for the fifth Farm Aid concert March 14 in Irving, Texas.

In 1993, Billy Idol denied reports that he was ill. Rumors to that effect had begun circulating after the British rocker collapsed in the parking lot of a Los Angeles nightclub.

Also in 1993, Gloria Estafan received the 1,974th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1997, Graham Nash was honored by the New York Institute of Technology with an Arts and Technology Medal and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree for his work in bridging arts and technology.

In 1999, a New York grand jury decided not to induct Wu Tang Clan rapper Russell Jones, a.k.a. Ol' Dirty Bastard, on attempted murder and other charges. Jones had been arrested Jan. 15, 1999, after police said he shot at them when they stopped his car. The rapper said he didn't even have a gun and the cops reportedly found no weapon in the car.

Also in 1999, Creed made its national television debut on CBS's "The Late Show with David Letterman."

Today's musical quiz:

For what did Melanie win an Emmy? Answer: Melanie won an Emmy Award for writing the theme to TV's "Beauty and the Beast."