Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(Feb. 19)

Today's birthdays include Bob Engemann, formerly of the Lettermen, who was born in 1936 (age 66); William "Smokey" Robinson in 1940 (age 62); Lou Christie, who topped the charts in 1966 with "Lightnin' Strikes," in 1943 (age 59); guitarist Mark Andes, whose bands include Spirit, Jo Jo Gunne, Firefall and Heart, and Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, both in 1948 (age 54); guitarist Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash, and former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz, both in 1950 (age 52); Dave Wakeling, guitarist with The English Beat and also General Public, in 1956 (age 46); Falco, a.k.a. Johann Holzel, who had a No.1 hit in 1986 with "Rock Me Amadeus," in 1957; William "Holly" Johnson of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and Fat Boy rapper Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales, both in 1960 (age 42); Seal, who was born Sealhenry Samuel, in 1963 (age 39); and Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell in 1975 (age 27).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1958, Carl Perkins of "Blue Suede Shoes" fame left Sun Records and became the first major rockabilly artist to sign with Columbia Records.

In 1972, the British government banned airplay of Paul McCartney's "Give Ireland Back to the Irish."

In 1976, Donna Summers' first disco hit -- "Love To Love You Baby" -- was certified "gold."

In 1977, Fleetwood Mac released its masterpiece album "Rumours."

In 1980, AC/DC lead singer Bon Scott died from alcohol poisoning following a drinking bout in London. He was 35.

In 1981, in a case of what the judge called "subconscious plagiarism," George Harrison was ordered to pay $587,000 to Allen Klein's ABKCO Music for lifting the melody of The Chiffons' 1963 hit "He's So Fine" for his own 1970 hit "My Sweet Lord."

In 1992, Michael Jackson cut short his African trip, reportedly due to emergency business matters. The non-singing tour had been plagued by controversy due to Jackson's "habit" of touching his nose. African newspapers claimed the singer couldn't stand the smell of the continent.

Also in 1992, Ray Charles was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

In 1993, Whitney Houston's cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" topped the Billboard charts for the 14th week -- breaking the record for longest-running No.1 single in history. That record had been set just the previous October by Boyz II Men's "End of the Road." (Since then, the record has been broken -- yet again -- by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day," which topped the charts for 16 weeks in 1996.)

In 1994, the Canadian rock group Crash Test Dummies debuted on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

In 1995, Roxette performed in Beijing, becoming the first major western pop group in a decade to play China.

Also in 1995, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee and "Baywatch" star Pamela Anderson were married in Cancun, Mexico.

And in 1995, a second child -- a boy -- was born to Jon Bon Jovi and his wife in New York City.

In 1996, the New York Post reported that Michael Jackson wanted to recreate his Neverland Ranch near EuroDisney outside Paris. The same day, Jackson was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual BRIT Awards in London.

In 1998, Everclear launched a concert tour in Sacramento, Calif., in support of its new album "So Much For The Afterglow."

Also in 1998, country legend Louis Marshall "Grandpa" Jones -- the star of TV's "Hee-Haw" and host of the Grand Ole Opry -- died from complications of a stroke he'd suffered a month earlier. Jones was 84.

In 1999, Elton John began his first-ever solo American tour -- just him and a piano -- in Roanoke,Va.

Also in 1999, "Scary Spice" Melanie Gulzar gave birth to girl in London. It was the first child for her and husband Jimmy Gulzar.

Today's musical quiz:

The first single released by the Miracles, in 1958, was a response to the Silhouettes' tune "Get A Job." What was its title? Answer: "Got A Job."