Today In Music: A look back at pop music

(March 22)

Today's birthdays include George Benson, who was born in 1943 (age 59); Keith Relf of the Yardbirds and Renaissance also in 1943; Jeremy Clyde of Chad and Jeremy in 1944 (age 58); Easybeats guitarist Harry Vanda in 1947 (age 55); composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and McCoys bassist Randy Hobbs, both in 1948 (age 54); and singer/actress Stephanie Mills in 1956 (age 46).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1952, country's Uncle Dave Macon died at age 81.

In 1958, Buddy Holly and the Crickets played The Gaumont Cinema in Salisbury, England, during the band's United Kingdom tour.

Also in 1958, an eight-year-old Hank Williams Jr. made his stage debut in Swainsboro, Ga.

In 1963, the Beatles released the band's first album in Britain -- "Please Please Me."

In 1974, Ten Years After played a final concert in London. Four years later, the group's singer/guitarist Alvin Lee would revive Ten Years Later without his ex-bandmates.

In 1978, Police signed with A&M Records.

In 1986, Mark Dinning died of a heart attack at age 52. 26 years earlier -- in 1960 -- he'd been the first to top the singles charts with a "teenage death" song, titled "Teen Angel."

In 1994, Ted Nugent recorded public service announcements warning teenagers about the dangers of inhaling aerosal sprays to get high.

In 1995, a judge in Waco, Texas, dropped marijuana possession charges against Willie Nelson after ruling the police search of the country singer's car was illegal.

In 1998, Sarah McLachlan took home four awards from the 27th annual Juno Music Awards, the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys. Our Lady Peace won two awards.

In 1999, Wu Tang Clan rapper Russell Jones, a.k.a. Ol' Dirty Bastard or ODB, was arrested yet again in New York City and charged with drug possession and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

In 2000, two people were injured when someone opened fire outside a Toronto music store where hundreds of teenage girls were waiting to get autographs from members of 'N Sync.

Also in 2000, former Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee and his new band, Methods of Mayhem, kicked off a 21-day North American tour in Los Angeles.

Today's musical quiz:

Who was it that urged Hank Williams Jr. to perform on stage for the first time? Answer: His mother.