Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(April 29)

Today's birthdays include the late Duke Ellington, who was born in 1899; Carl Gardner of the Coasters in 1928 (age 75); Lonnie Donegan in 1931 (age 72); April Stevens of the duo Nino Tempo and April Stevens in 1937 (age 66); Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys in 1943 (age 60); Tommy James in 1947 (age 56); Status Quo's Francis Rossi in 1949 (age 54); and Wilson-Phillips singer Carnie Wilson in 1968 (age 35).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1962, Jerry Lee Lewis launched his second tour of the United Kingdom. His first -- in 1958 -- ended in an uproar when the British media discovered he was married to his 13-year-old cousin.

In 1960, Dick Clark testified before a House subcommittee and denied involvement in the payola scandal that had shaken the radio industry in 1959 and 1960. Several disk jockeys had been accused of accepting money illegally from record companies for playing their releases.

In 1969, Duke Ellington was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on his 70th birthday. The musical legend was the son of a White House butler.

In 1971, Bill Graham announced plans to close the two Fillmores -- East in New York and West in San Francisco.

In 1972, New York Mayor John Lindsay asked immigration authorities not to deport John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

In 1980, Black Sabbath began its first tour with Ronnie James Dio, who replaced Ozzy Osbourne.

In 1987, a high school in South Beloit, Ill., moved up the time of its graduation ceremony so students could make it to a Bon Jovi concert.

In 1988, a reunited Little Feat made its debut on a Mississippi River steamboat at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

In 1991, Alan Jackson and Michael Irwin won song of the year honors at the Music City News Country Songwriters Awards in Nashville for "Here In The Real World," the title track from Jackson's first album.

In 1992, singer/dancer Paula Abdul married actor Emilio Estevez in Santa Monica, Calif. The marriage lasted about two years.

Also in 1992, Garth Brooks was named entertainer of the year and top male vocalist at the 27th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Los Angeles.

And in 1992, singer/actress Sheena Easton collapsed while on stage in "Man of La Mancha" -- her Broadway debut role. She was hospitalized overnight for an intestinal ailment.

In 1993, a New York entertainment company sued Michael Jackson after it said he reneged on a deal for it to record rap artists doing rap versions of Beatles songs. Jackson owns the rights to the Lennon-McCartney catalog.

Also in 1993, Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke broke his left wrist in a motorcycle accident, forcing the rockers to cancel a string of concerts.

And in 1993, a Nashville newspaper reported that Garth Brooks would record a song with Kiss on the band's upcoming album.

In 1994, Tupac Shakur was arrested after Los Angeles police stopped the rapper's car and found a loaded pistol as well as marijuana in the vehicle.

In 1995, rapper Tupac Shakur -- jailed after being convicted of sexual assault -- wed his longtime girlfriend in a New York prison ceremony. The marriage was later annulled.

In 1996, Boyz II Men's manager announced the quartet had agreed to a $100 million, five-album deal with Motown Records. It was said to be the richest recording contract ever.

Also in 1996, a Pasadena, Calif., judge ordered Stone Temple Pilot frontman Scott Weiland into residential drug treatment program for three months. That -- following Weiland's arrest in 1995 on cocaine and heroin possession charges.

And in 1996, Kenny Rogers underwent laser gall bladder surgery in Athens, Ga.

In 1998, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler whacked himself in the knee with a 20-pound microphone base, tearing ligaments and causing other damage. The injury forced the band to postpone the rest of its North American tour.

In 1999, Billy Joel's first classical composition premiered at New York's Carnegie Hall.

Also in 1999, officials in Littleton, Colo., pulled the plug on Lenny Kravitz when his concert ran past the city's 10:30 p.m. curfew.

In 2000, Chaka Khan, Rufus Wainwright, Garth Brooks, Melissa Etheridge, kd lang, George Michael, Queen Latifah and the Pet Shop Boys performed at Equality Rocks, a benefit concert for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation held in Washington, D.C.

In 2001, R.E.M., Hugh Masekela and Spice Girl Mel B headlined a concert in London's Trafalgar Square that celebrated seven years of multi-racial government in South Africa.

Today's musical quiz:

Where did Melissa Etheridge "come out"? Answer: At a Bill Clinton inaugural ball. Etheridge leaped onstage, kissed movie hostess Elvira and declared herself a lesbian.