Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(May 27)

Today's birthdays include jazz man Ramsey Lewis in 1935 (age 68); country's Don Williams in 1939 (age 64); British pop singer Cilla Black, whose real name is Priscilla White, in 1943 (age 60); Pete Sears, bassist for Jefferson Starship, in 1948 (age 55); Siouxsie Sioux -- real name, Susan Dallion -- of Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1957 (age 46); Neil Finn, formerly with Crowded House, in 1958 (age 45); and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC in 1971 (age 32).

On this day in music history:

On this day in 1924, Jules Stein founded the Music Corporation of American in Chicago. MCA initially booked bands into clubs and dance halls, eventually growing into an entertainment conglomerate.

In 1957, Buddy Holly and the Crickets released their first single, "That'll Be The Day."

In 1963, Bob Dylan's classic "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" was released.

In 1977, Virgin Records released the Sex Pistols' widely banned "God Save the Queen."

Also in 1977, Tom Waits and a friend were arrested at a Los Angeles coffee shop for allegedly disturbing the peace.

In 1987, U2 set off an earthquake alarm during a concert in an exclusive area of Rome. Local police were flooded with phone calls.

Also in 1987, members of Menudo appeared at New York's Hard Rock Cafe to announce the newest member of the group -- to the screams of dozens of young girls.

In 1989, the Beach Boys and Chicago began their first joint tour since 1975 at the Pacific Amphitheater in Los Angeles. Brian Wilson sat in on three songs.

In 1992, Cher postponed three of five sold-out shows in New York due to severe bronchitis she'd caught in Europe.

In 1993, a 50-city art tour by various music celebrities opened in Boston. Called "Image Makers: The Rock 'N' Roll Art Expo," it featured artworks by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Jerry Garcia, Carlos Santana, Donna Summer, Stevie Nicks, Roger McGinn, Ron Wood, Eric Burdon, Jon Anderson, Joe Walsh, Mickey Dolenz, Miles Davis and Joan Baez.

Today's musical quiz:

Where did the late Lisa Lopes' nickname "Left Eye" come from? Answer: The nickname stemmed from her habit of wearing a condom over the left eye of her glasses.