Today in Music: a look back at pop music

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(April 9)

Today's birthdays include singer/songwriter Tom Lehrer, who was born in 1928 (age 75); rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins in 1932; country singer Margo Smith in 1942 (age 61); drummer Gene Parsons of the Byrds and also the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1944 (age 59); Mud's Les Gray in 1946 (age 57); Paper Lace's Philip Wright and ShaNaNa's Dave "Chico" Ryan, both in 1948 (age 55); and keyboardist Mark Kelly of the Irish band Marillion in 1961 (age 42).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1961, Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces" entered the country music charts.

In 1962, the movie version of the Broadway hit "West Side Story" won 10 Academy Awards, including one for best picture.

In 1965, Bruce Johnston joined the Beach Boys, in place of Brian Wilson.

In 1969, King Crimson -- with Robert Fripp, Greg Lake and Ian McDonald -- debuted at the Speakeasy Club in London.

In 1976, Phil Ochs, one of the most popular singer-songwriters of the 1960s, known for his adamantly left-wing folk songs, died by his own hand at the age of 35.

In 1984, Irene Cara's "Flashdance ... What a Feeling" won the best song Oscar.

In 1987, the National Park Service voted against removing Beale Street in Memphis from the list of National Landmarks.

Also in 1987, Sandi Patti was named Artist of the Year by the Gospel Music Association.

In 1988, Dave Prater, of Sam and Dave, was killed in a car accident. He was 50.

Also in 1988, Brook Benton died from bacterial meningitis at age 56.

In 1992, Sandi Patti won four Dove Awards -- gospel music's most prestigious award -- at ceremonies in Nashville.

In 1993, L.L. Cool J's "14 Shots To The Dome" album entered the Billboard Top-200 Album Chart at No.5. It would drop out of the top-10 the following week.

In 1997, songwriter Mae Boren Axton died at age 82. She co-wrote the Elvis Presley classic hit "Heartbreak Hotel."

Today's musical quiz:

The Beatles recorded some of Carl Perkins' songs. True or false? Answer: True. They include "Honey Don't" and "Matchbox."