Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(March 16)

Today's birthdays include Jerry Lewis, who had a hit song in 1956 with "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby," born in 1926 (age 77); Jerry Jeff Walker in 1942 (age 61); Alice Cooper guitarist Michael Bruce in 1948 (age 55); Ray Benson of Asleep At The Wheel in 1951 (age 52); and Nancy Wilson of Heart in 1954 (age 49).

Today's musical milestones:

The Beatles' smash album "Can't Buy Me Love," largest advance-selling record in history with 2.1 million advance orders placed around the world, was released on this day in 1964.

In 1968, "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by the late Otis Redding topped the Billboard Hot-100 singles chart.

Also in 1968, singer Tammi Terrell -- best known for her duets with Marvin Gaye -- died of brain cancer following a series of operations. She was only 24.

In 1971, Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" captured six Grammy Awards --including record, album and song of the year.

In 1974, the Grand Ole Opry held its first show in the new Opry house at Opryland USA. On hand: President Nixon.

In 1975, London's historic Rainbow Theater closed its doors following a show that featured Procol Harum, John Martyn and Kevin Coyne.

In 1977, A&M Records tore up its contract with the Sex Pistols only a week after signing the band with much hoopla.

In 1991, seven members of Reba McEntire's band were killed in a plane crash in Southern California.

Also in 1991, a boy was born to rocker Eddie Van Halen and his wife, actress Valerie Bertinelli. They named him Wolfgang.

In 1995, rapper Eazy E -- real name Eric Wright -- announced he had AIDS. He died a few weeks later.

In 1997, Courtney Love told a London newspaper that she planned to sell the Seattle mansion where her husband, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, killed himself in April 1994. The singer said Cobain's ever-present fans had robbed her and her young daughter of privacy.

In 1998, Donna Summer made her debut at New York's Carnegie Hall at a benefit concert for the Gay Men's Health Crisis.

In 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America unveiled the Diamond Award to recognize record sales of 10-million units.

In 2000, Carlos Santana revealed in Rolling Stone magazine how he had been sexually molested as a child for almost two years.

Today's musical quiz:

President Nixon performed at the opening of the Grand Ole Opry House. True or false? Answer: True. Nixon played three songs on the piano and also played with a yo-yo on stage like Opry star Roy Acuff.