Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(Oct. 20)

Today's birthdays include country's Wanda Jackson, who was born in 1937 (age 64); Jay Siegel of The Tokens in 1939 (age 62); drummer Ric Lee of 10 Years After in 1945 (age 56); Larry Gonsky of Looking Glass in 1949 (age 52); Foreigner keyboardist Al Greenwood in 1951 (age 50); Tom Petty in 1953 (age 48); Level 42 bassist Mark King in 1958 (age 43); and rapper Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, in 1972 (age 29).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1956, Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" was released.

In 1964, the Rolling Stones performed in Paris for the first time, triggering a near riot that resulted in the arrests of 150 people.

In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono released "The Wedding Album," supposedly a souvenir of their marriage seven months earlier. It was Lennon's third non-Beatle album in 12 months.

In 1973, the Rolling Stones' "Angie" topped Billboard's Hot-100 singles chart.

Also in 1973, Steve Miller's "The Joker" was released.

In 1974, Animals vocalist Eric Burton and his wife, Rose, became the proud parents of a daughter they named Mirage.

In 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, his sister and backing singer Cassie Gaines, and roadie Dean Kilpatrick were killed when their charter plane crashed near Gillsburg, Miss.

In 1990, the run of top-10 singles by Taylor Dayne ended when her "Heart of Stone" peaked at No.12.

In 1991, country's Clint Black married actress Lisa Hartman at his farm in Katy, Texas, near Houston.

In 1992, the Seattle City Council approved the opening of talks for a museum honoring native son Jimi Hendrix.

Also in 1992, Kenny Rogers was sued by an aspiring actress who said he promised to help her career in exchange for sexual favors.

In 1993, the late John Lennon, the Animals, the Band, Duane Eddy, the Grateful Dead, Elton John, the late Bob Marley and Rod Stewart were named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1995, the defense began arguing its case at the Houston trial of the woman accused of killing Tejano star Selena.

In 1998, Geri Halliwell --- a.k.a. Ginger Spice before she quit the Spice Girls the previous May -- was named an ambassador of the U.N. Population Fund.

In 2000, Smashing Pumpkins, No Doubt and Macy Gray were among the winners at the 2000 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, handed out at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Today's musical quiz:

Tom Petty's hit single "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" was a duet. With whom? Answer: Stevie Nicks.

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(Oct. 21)

Today's birthdays include the late, great jazz titan "Dizzy" Gillespie, who was born in 1917; Del Vikings lead singer Norman Wright in 1937 (age 64); Manfred Mann, whose real name is Michael Leibowitz, in 1940 (age 61); guitarist Steve Cropper of Booker T and MGs and, later, the Blues Brothers in 1941 (age 60); Elvin Bishop in 1942 (age 59); Ron Elliot of the Beau Brummels in 1943 (age 58); Chicago's Lee Loughnane in 1946 (age 55); bassist Tetsu Yamauchi, who played with Free and with Faces, in 1947 (age 54); GoGos guitarist Charlotte Caffey in 1953 (age 48); Eric Faulkner of the Bay City Rollers in 1954 (age 47); and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather in 1957 (age 44).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1958, in New York, Buddy Holly recorded "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" at what turned out to be his last studio recording session.

In 1961, Bob Dylan recorded his first album -- the self-titled "Bob Dylan" -- in one day. The production cost: $400.

In 1965, a brain tumor took the life of Bill Black, Elvis Presley's bassist and the leader of the Bill Black Combo. He was 39.

In 1971, a daughter, Jade, was born to Mick and Bianca Jagger.

In 1972, "My Ding-a-Ling" became Chuck Berry's first No.1 pop single.

In 1976, the Led Zeppelin film "The Song Remains The Same" premiered in New York.

In 1985, Carl Perkins was honored by a concert in London commemorating the 30th anniversary of his classic song "Blue Suede Shoes."

In 1989, Polygram purchased A&M Records from founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss for between $400 million and $500 million.

In 1992, Boyz II Men's "End Of The Road" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the 12th week, breaking the 11-week record set back in 1956 by Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog."

Also in 1992, Madonna's photo book "Sex" was published.

And in 1992, rapper Hammer was sued by an independent producer, who said he was owed $5.7 million in royalties.

And in 1992, protesters in New York used a steamroller to crush Sinead O'Connor cassette tapes and CDs. They were protesting the Irish pop singer's tearing up of the pope's picture on "Saturday Night Live" earlier that month.

And in 1992, Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, gave birth to her second child, a boy, in a Florida hospital. She and her then-husband, Danny Keough, named their new son Benjamin Storm Keough.

In 1993, Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose settled out-of-court with a man who claimed he was injured when the singer jumped on him during the infamous suburban St. Louis concert that ended in a riot.

Also in 1993, an animated version of the Ramones performed on Fox TV's "The Simpsons."

In 1994, Neil Diamond announced that he and his wife of 24 years were divorcing.

In 1995, Blind Melon lead singer Shannon Hoon was found dead on the band's tour bus in New Orleans. He was 28. Cause of death -- an accidental drug overdose.

In 1996, Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora conducted the first-ever online clinic for aspiring guitarists.

Also in 1996, the Cincinnati, Ohio, Historic Conservation Board voted to investigate whether the old King Records plant should be granted landmark status. James Brown, Hank Ballard and Clyde McPhatter were among the singers who had recorded there.

In 1997, the Guinness Book of World Records declared Elton John's tribute to Princess Diana, "Candle In the Wind 1997," to be history's biggest-selling single -- with 31.8 million copies distributed.

Also in 1997, the Smashing Pumpkins agreed to pay $10,000 to the widow of backing musician Jonathan Melvoin, who died from a drug overdose in July 1996 after shooting heroin with drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Chamberlin had been arrested on drug charges and subsequently kicked out of the band. He rejoined in 1999.

In 1998, Fastball launched the band's first-ever headlining U.S. club tour in Birmingham, Ala.

Also in 1998, Seal performed his only live concert appearance of the year at the third annual "GQ Men of the Year Awards" at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Today's musical quiz:

This song was just starting to climb the charts when Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash in February 1959. What song? Answer: "It Doesn't Matter Anymore." The tune was written by Paul Anka.

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(Oct. 22)

Today's birthdays include bassist Ray Jones of Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas, who was born in 1939 (age 62); Annette Funicello in 1942 (age 59); the late Bobby Fuller, who had a hit in 1966 with "I Fought The Law," in 1943; Edward Brigati of the Rascals in 1946 (age 55); and Zac Hanson, the youngest brother of the pop trio the Hansons, in 1985 (age 16).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1966, the Beach Boys released "Good Vibrations." It became the band's third No.1 single.

In 1969, Paul McCartney officially denied the persistent rumor that he was dead.

In 1976, The Who wrapped up their tour with a concert in Toronto. It was the last show Keith Moon would play in North America.

In 1992, Elton John sued the tabloid TV show "Hard Copy" for $35 million, contending a reporter harassed him and invaded his privacy after he refused a request for an interview.

Also in 1992, Sinead O'Connor called off a London news conference, at which she'd promised to explain further her views on the Catholic Church.

In 1994, producer Jimmy Miller died of liver failure at age 52. He'd worked with the Rolling Stones and Blind Faith, among others.

In 1996, Aerosmith was named act of the decade at the Boston Music Awards.

Also in 1996, Van Halen's "Best of Volume 1" album, featuring former lead singer David Roth, was released.

And in 1996, Ted Nugent joined Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole at a political rally in Troy, Mich.

And in 1996, Ahmet and Moon Zappa, Frank Zappa's kids, made guest appearances on the ABC sitcom "Roseanne."

In 1998, Dishwalla kicked off a tour in support of the band's new CD "And You Think You Know What Life's About" in Lafayette, La.

Also in 1998, 4,000-plus fans showed up at an Mentor, Ohio, shopping mall to see a reunited Black Sabbath -- Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terry Butler and Bill Ward -- and have them sign copies of the band's double CD "Reunion."

In 2000, Sheryl Crow, Destiny's Child, Melissa Etheridge, Amy Grant, Heart, Cyndi Lauper and Wynonna headlined Lifetime Television's "Women Rock!: Girls & Guitars." The concert raised funds for breast cancer research.

Today's musical quiz:

How long did it take for the Beach Boys to record "Good Vibrations"? Answer: Six months. The song also cost $4,000 to produce, making it the most expensive single at the time.

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(Oct. 23)

Today's birthdays include Gerry and the Pacemakers drummer Fred Marsden, who was born in 1940 (age 61); bassist Greg Ridley of Spooky Tooth and Humble Pie in 1947 (age 54); Motorhead's Wurzel, whose real name is Michael Burston, in 1949 (age 52); country's Dwight Yoakam in 1956 (age 45); and Alfred "Weird Al" Yankovic in 1959 (age 42).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1962, 12-year-old Stevie Wonder recorded "Thank You For Loving Me All The Way," his first record for Motown.

In 1964, David Box -- one of Buddy Holly's successors as lead vocalist with The Crickets -- was killed in a plane crash.

In 1966, the Supremes became the first female group to top the U.S. album chart. The album was titled "Supremes A Go Go."

In 1978, "Mother" Maybelle Carter died at age 69.

In 1984, James Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians from 1940 to 1958, died at age 92. It was Petrillo who called the strike against the recording industry in 1942, during which no musician recorded for more than a year. The strike finally ended in late 1944 when RCA and CBS agreed to pay the union royalties on every record sold.

In 1987, Madonna's film "Who's That Girl?" premiered in London.

In 1991, Janis Joplin's collection of lyrics, photos, posters and personal items were donated to the future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1995, Smashing Pumpkins performed a free concert in Chicago in support of the band's new album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness."

Also in 1995, a jury in Houston, Texas, convicted Yolanda Saldivar of murder in the March 31, 1995, shooting death of Tejano singer Selena.

And in 1995, rapper Tone Loc was sentenced to three years' probation for stealing money from a pizzaria in a dispute over a pizza.

In 1996, a lawyer for the convicted murderer of Tejano singer Selena argued that his client was entitled to a new trial -- in part because the original trial record couldn't be found. Yolanda Saldivar had been convicted a year earlier in the shooting death of Selena.

In 1998, Madonna won an award for best personal style in the artist category, and also received a special award for courage and creativity that had been named after slain fashion designer Gianni Versace, at the 1998 VH1 Fashion Awards. Janet Jackson won an award for most stylish music video for her song "Got 'Til It's Gone."

Also in 1998, Paul McCartney told BBC Radio that he'd "softened" his opposition to animal research after his late wife Linda "had to take drugs tested on animals" to treat her breast cancer.

In 1999, Garth Brooks, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Melissa Etheridge, N'Sync, Gloria Estefan, Lenny Kravitz, John Mellencamp and John Fogerty performed at VH1's "Save the Music" concert at the White House.

Today's musical quiz:

The lyrics to this "Weird Al" Yankovic "Star Wars" parody started out, "A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far away..." To what tune was "The Saga Begins" sung? Answer: "American Pie." (Don McLean, who originally recorded "American Pie," has been quoted as saying both he and his kids enjoyed the satire.)

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(Oct. 24)

Today's birthdays include J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who was born in 1930; former Rolling Stone bassist Bill Wyman in 1936 or, possibly, 1941 (age 65 or 60); Starland Vocal Band's Taffy Danoff and Ted Templeman of Harpers Bizarre, both in 1944 (age 57); drummer Jerry Edmonton of Steppenwolf and Shocking Blue guitarist Rob van Leeuwen, both in 1946 (age 55); Mott the Hopple drummer Dale "Buffin" Griffin in 1948 (age 53); and Monica (last name: Arnold) in 1980 (age 21).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1962, James Brown recorded the classic "Live at the Apollo, Vol.1."

In 1964, the Ronnettes released "Walking In The Rain."

In 1977, filming began on "The Buddy Holly Story," starring Gary Busey.

In 1978, a Toronto judge found Keith Richards guilty of drug possession. The Rolling Stone was given a suspended sentence and ordered to play a charity concert in Canada.

In 1980, the Guinness Book of Records recognized Paul McCartney as history's biggest-selling songwriter and recording artist.

In 1983, Yoko Ono announced she planned to liquidate some of her vast wealth and donate it to charity.

In 1987, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" marked its 397th week on British album charts, making it the U.K.'s best-selling rock album.

In 1991, the Temptations' Eddie Kendricks underwent surgery for lung cancer in Atlanta. The doctors said the cancer was caught in time. They were wrong. Kendricks died a year later of cancer.

Also in 1991, the Whitehall Hotel in Chicago -- favored by Mick Jagger and other rock stars -- announced it was closing in mid-December. The hotel has since re-opened.

In 1993, Garth Brooks gave a fan an autographed guitar at a North Dakota concert after she gave him a painting she'd had commissioned just for him.

In 1994, the Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde said she'd changed her will so PETA can use her picture in anti-fur campaigns after she dies.

In 1995, Def Leppard performed three concerts on three continents within 24 hours in support of the band's new album "Vault." The shows were held in Tangier, Morocco; London; and Vancouver, Canada.

Also in 1995, an unbilled Bruce Springsteen performed in concert in Chicago with his buddy Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers.

And in 1995, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders sang the national anthem before the World Series game in Cleveland.

In 1996, Michael Jackson's 35-minute movie "Ghosts" finally debuted in 11 cities. The project had been shelved in 1993 after news broke of the child molestation allegations against Jackson.

Also in 1996, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2000, Lenny Kravitz's "Greatest Hits" album was released.

Also in 2000, Bruce Hornsby's first-ever live recording, "Here Come The Noisemakers," was released. The 18-track double album was recorded at various concerts between late 1998 and late 1999.

Today's musical quiz:

Before he became a recording star, what did J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson do for a living? Answer: He was a disc jockey (at KTRM in Beaumont, Texas.)

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(Oct. 25)

Today's birthdays include the late country comedian Minnie Pearl, who was born in 1912; Helen Reddy in 1941 (age 60); Jon Anderson, a founding member of Yes, in 1944 (age 57); Judas Priest guitarist Glen Tipton in 1948 (age 53); and Matthias Jabs of the German heavy metal group the Scorpions in 1956 (age 45).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1961, Hayley Mills became the first British female vocalist to place a song in the U.S. Top 10 since 1952. The tune was "Let's Get Together," Mills's duet with herself from the film "The Parent Trap."

In 1964, the Rolling Stones appeared for the first time on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Also in 1964, it was announced the Beatles had won five prestigious Ivor Novello Awards for their songwriting achievements.

In 1970, Pink Floyd's "Atomic Heart Mother" became the group's first No.1 album in Britain.

In 1973, John Lennon filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging his telephone was being tapped at a time he was fighting a deportation order.

In 1991, legendary rock promoter Bill Graham was killed when the helicopter in which he was riding crashed into a utility pole during a rainstorm near San Francisco.

Also in 1991, a newspaper in Atlantic City, N.J., refused to run ads for Cher's upcoming concerts showing her tattooed butt. The ad was modified with the word "censored" covering up her rear-end.

In 1992, singer Roger Miller died of lung cancer in Los Angeles. He was 56.

Also in 1992, Tiny Tim's ukelele was stolen from a Des Moines, Iowa, hotel lobby. It was found hours later in a trash bin.

In 1993, Elvis Presley fans unveiled a plaque at an airport near Glasgow, Scotland. The plaque commemorated the only visit Presley ever made to Great Britain -- a one-hour stopover in 1960 en route home from Germany.

In 1995, Blind Melon lead singer Shannon Hoon was buried in his hometown of Lafayette, Ind. Hoon had been found dead from an accidental drug overdose four days earlier in New Orleans.

Also in 1995, Queen Elizabeth knighted British pop singer Cliff Richard.

In 1996, Paula Abdul wed Brad Beckerman in Beverly Hills, Calif. It was Abdul's second marriage. The wedding guest list included Rod Stewart, talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, members of Boyz II Men and pop singer Brandy.

In 1997, after opening for the Rolling Stones on the "Bridges to Babylon" tour, Blues Traveler resumed touring in Utica, N.Y., in support of its latest CD "Straight On Til Morning."

Also in 1997, rapper-turned-actor Will Smith, Beck and Courtney Love were winners at the VH1 Fashion Awards.

In 2000, country's Billy Ray Cyrus performed at a benefit for Nashville's Second Harvest Food Bank.

Today's musical quiz:

This pop/Christian singer named her third child after this country legend. Who was the singer and for whom did she name her baby? Answer: The singer was Amy Grant and she and then-husband Gary Chapman named their daughter Sarah after Minnie Pearl, whose real name is Sarah.

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(Oct. 26)

Today's birthdays include Neal Matthews of the Jordanaires, who was born in 1929 (age 72); Keith Hopwood of the Herman's Hermits in 1940 (age 61); Michael Piano of the Sandpipers in 1944 (age 57); Maggie Roche and William "Bootsy" Collins, both in 1951 (age 50); and the B-52's Keith Strickland in 1953 (age 48).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1961, Bob Dylan signed with Columbia Records.

In 1965, in a Buckingham Palace ceremony, the Beatles became Members of the British Empire. The Fab Four later revealed they were very nervous about meeting Queen Elizabeth and, to bolster their confidence, retreated to a Palace bathroom for a quick joint (according to John Lennon).

In 1971, Al Green's first hit, "Tired of Being Alone," was certified "gold."

In 1980, Paul Kantner suffered a brain hemorrhage during a recording session for Jefferson Starship's "Modern Times" album. He was hospitalized for two weeks in Los Angeles but recovered completely.

In 1981, the David Bowie-Queen collaboration "Under Pressure" was released.

In 1991, it was "Tom Petty Day" in Gainesville, Fla. Petty and members of his band, the Heartbreakers, attended Gainesville High School in the 1960s.

In 1992, a Madison Square Garden security guard sued Elton John for $100 million, saying the singer beat him during a New York concert 2 1/2 weeks earlier.

In 1993, Rick James sued his former manager and his bank for allowing unauthorized withdrawals from his account.

In 1994, Israeli officials had earlier announced that Barbra Streisend would sing at the Israel-Jordon peace-treaty signing, but she didn't.

In 1995, Selena's convicted killer, Yolanda Saldivar, was sentenced to life in prison.

Also in 1995, jury selection began in Los Angeles in the murder trial of rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg and his bodyguard. They would be acquitted.

In 1999, Counting Crows kicked off a tour in Atlanta in support of the band's new CD "This Desert Life." It was the Crows' third full-length studio album and their first in three years.

Also in 1999, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed a private, radio station-sponsored concert on the 107th floor of New York's World Trade Center to celebrate the release of their new single "Around the World."

And in 1999, singer, songwriter and actor Hoyt Axton died after suffering a heart attack during surgery. He was 61. Axton wrote tunes for Elvis Presley, the Kingston Trio and Ringo Starr, among others.

Today's musical quiz:

Hoyt Axton's mother, Mae --- a composer in her own right --- co-wrote what song that became a huge hit for Elvis Presley? Answer: "Hound Dog."