Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(March 28)

Today's birthdays include Turtles bassist Charles Portz, who was born in 1945 (age 58); John Evans, keyboardist with Jethro Tull, and Milan Williams of the Commodores, both in 1948 (age 55); country's Reba McEntire in 1954 (age 48); and Cheryl "Salt" James of Salt 'n' Pepper in 1969 (age 34).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1958, W.C. Handy died at age 84.

On this day in 1964, the Beatles broke Elvis Presley's seven-year record for most hits on Billboard's Hot 100 at the same time with 10. The Beatles continued to add to their record until April 11 when they occupied 14 positions on the chart.

Also in 1964, Britain's first "pirate" rock radio station, Radio Caroline, began broadcasting from a barge anchored off shore to circumvent British broadcast laws.

In 1969, Ringo Starr announced in London that there'd be no further public appearances by the Beatles. John Lennon disputed that, but it turned out Starr was right.

In 1974, Arthur "Big Boy" Cruddup -- who wrote "That's All Right Mama" -- died at the age of 69.

In 1979, Eric Clapton married Patti Boyd, George Harrison's ex-wife and the inspiration for Clapton's song "Layla."

In 1982, David Crosby was arrested on various drug and weapons possession charges. When asked why he was carrying a concealed .45, Crosby replied -- "John Lennon."

In 1984, drummer Mick Fleetwood filed for bankruptcy.

Also in 1984, Culture Club arrived in Montreal, Canada, for the group's North American tour. The band was greeted at the airport by about 2,500 screaming fans.

In 1985, a wax effigy of Michael Jackson was unveiled at Madame Tussaud's in London.

In 1987, the Doobie Brothers moved a benefit concert from Phoenix to Las Vegas to protest Arizona Gov. Evan Mecham's decision to rescind the state holiday honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1991, rock 'n' roll broadcast pioneer Dick Clark was honored on the Hollywood Rock Walk.

In 1993, Willie Nelson performed a benefit concert in Hillsboro, Texas, to raise money to restore the Hill County Courthouse that'd been destroyed by fire. Nelson spent his childhood in the area.

In 1994, more New York dates were added to Barbra Streisand's upcoming tour. All of the shows sold out within minutes.

Also in 1994, police announced a total of 91 arrests at a weekend series of Grateful Dead concerts on Long Island, N.Y.

Again in 1994, 25 unruly fans were arrested outside a Pearl Jam concert in Miami.

In 1999, Freaky Tah -- a.k.a. Raymond Rogers -- of the gangsta rap group The Lost Boyz was shot to death by masked gunmen outside a New York City hotel. He was 28. Two men later were arrested in connection with the murder.

In 2000, country singer Trisha Yearwood's new album, "Real Live Woman," was released.

Today's musical quiz:

In 1993, Boy George had a solo hit single from this Neil Jordan movie. What? Answer: George sang the theme song from the film "The Crying Game."