Today in Music: A look back at pop music

(June 1)

Today's birthdays include Pat Boone, who was born in 1934 (age 67); Rolling Stone guitarist Ron Wood, who also was a member of the Jeff Beck Group as well as Faces, in 1947 (age 54); Graham Russell of Air Supply in 1950 (age 51); Depeche Mode's Alan Wilder in 1959 (age 42); Simon Gallup of the Cure in 1960 (age 41); The Smiths drummer Mike Joyce in 1963 (age 38); and Alanis Morissette in 1974 (age 27).

On this day in music history:

In 1964, the Rolling Stones arrived at JFK Airport in New York on British Airways flight 505, later immortalized as the title of a song on the band's 1966 album "Aftermath."

In 1967, the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album was released -- and certified "gold" the same day.

In 1971, the two-room house in Tupelo, Miss., where Elvis Presley was born was opened to the public.

In 1975, on his 28th birthday, Ron Wood replaced Mick Taylor as the Rolling Stones' lead guitarist.

In 1984, the Platters' lead vocalist Nate Nelson died of heart disease. He was 52.

In 1987, the 20th anniversary of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" album saw its release on CD and some mild Beatlemania.

Also in 1987, Beastie Boy Adam Horowitz was released on bail in Liverpool after allegedly assaulting a fan when a concert turned into a riot.

In 1991, Temptations singer David Ruffin died from an accidental drug overdose after visiting a crack cocaine house in Philadelphia. Michael Jackson later offered to pick up the funeral tab in Detroit.

In 1993, Michael Jackson accepted an invitation to perform in Tel Aviv, Israel, that September.

In 1994, Julio Iglesias launched his U.S. tour in New York in support of his first English-language album in four years.

In 1995, animal-rights activists disrupted rocker/bowhunting advocate Ted Nugent's induction into the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame.

In 1997, Motley Crue's publicist said tickets for the band's much-anticipated "Live Swine" tour had sold out in less than six minutes. The tour began June 10 in Los Angeles and ended June 23 in New York.

In 1998, Stone Temple Pilots lead singer Scott Weiland was arrested at a New York City public housing project and charged with drug possession.

In 1999, a media frenzy was touched off by opera star Luciano Pavarotti's comments at a benefit concert in Modesto, Italy, that Michael Jackson's 2-year-old son, Prince, "may be dying." It turned out the kid had suffered a fever-inducted seizure the previous weekend but was recovering and in no danger.

Also in 1999, Elton John performed a benefit concert at the University of Wyoming Arena-Auditorium in Laramie in the name of Matthew Shepard. He was the gay student beaten and left for dead in Oct. 1998.

And in 1999, actress Jennifer Lopez's debut CD "On The 6" was released.

In 2000, Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson launched his official Web site (http://www.brianwilson.com) with three tracks from his latest album, "Live At The Roxy Theatre." They included his version of the Barenaked Ladies' tune "Brian Wilson."

Today's musical quiz:

Why did some Latino groups protest the casting of singer/actress Jennifer Lopez as Selena in the biopic about the Mexican Tejeno star? Answer: They were upset with the fact that Lopez is of Puerto Rican heritage rather than Mexican.

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(June 2)

Today's birthdays include War's Charles Miller, who was born in 1939 (age 62); drummer Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones in 1941 (age 60); William Guest, one of Gladys Knight's Pips, also in 1941 (age 60); composer Marvin Hamlisch in 1944 (age 57); Bangles bassist Michael Steele in 1959 (age 42); and Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley in 1960 (age 41).

On this day in music history:

In 1953, Elvis Presley graduated from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis.

In 1964, the Rolling Stones opened the group's first U.S. tour with a show at a high school football stadium in Lynn, Mass.

In 1972, Dion and the Belmonts -- which had broken up in 1960 -- reunited for a special concert at New York's Madison Square Garden. The show was recorded and released as a live album in 1973.

In 1973, Electric Light Orchestra launched its first U.S. tour in San Diego, Calif.

In 1984, WHAM! topped the British music charts with "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go."

In 1987, Whitney Houston's second album -- "Whitney" -- was released.

Also in 1987, officials at New York's Madison Square Garden canceled a sold-out Billy Idol concert because of unfinished asbestos-removal work.

In 1991, the Gatlin Brothers announced they were breaking up when their tour ended -- citing health problems, rising business costs and a country music scene dominated by newcomers.

In 1992, Rod Stewart's wife, model Rachel Hunter, gave birth to a girl, the couple's first child, in London.

Also in 1992, a 23-year-old parole was sentenced to die in Texas for the July 1991 kidnapping and murder of the wife of ZZ Top manager Bill Ham.

In 1993, Aerosmith kicked off its first concert tour in nearly three years in Topeka, Kan.

In 1994, a Long Island, N.Y., couple sued Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, claiming the celebrity couple's bodyguard attacked them in Puerto Rico as they took pictures -- not knowing the couple was near by.

Also in 1994, a London newspaper reported that Julian Lennon, 32, was pressing his stepmother, Yoko Ono, to give him his share of his father's estate that was due him when he turned 30.

And in 1994, Barbra Streisand resumed her concert tour in Anaheim, Calif., after canceling four shows due to laryngitis.

In 1995, Barry White launched his North American tour in Birmingham, Ala.

Also in 1995, a Pasadena, Calif., music store owner filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against six major U.S. record labels, accusing them of conspiring to keep CD prices artificially high.

In 1998, the Smashing Pumpkins CD "Adore" was released.

Also in 1998, Hootie and the Blowfish were honored by the American Society of Young Musicians as the "inspirational band of the year."

In 2000, Virgin Records announced that A Perfect Circle made history when its first album "Mer De Noms" debuted on the Billboard Top 200 album chart at No.4, the highest chart entry ever for a rock band's first album.

Today's musical quiz:

What was the original name of the Bangles? Answer: The Bangs.

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(June 3)

Today's birthday's include the late Curtis Mayfield, who was born in 1942; drummer Michael Clark of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1944 (age 57); Mott the Hoople's Ian Hunter in 1946 (age 55); Suzi Quatro in 1950 (age 51); Deneice Williams in 1951 (age 50); and Lynyrd Skynyrd pianist Billy Powell in 1952 (age 49).

On this day in music history:

In 1964, the Rolling Stones made the group's U.S. TV debut on "The Hollywood Palace," hosted by Dean Martin.

Also in 1964, the Beatles launched a world tour but without an exhausted Ringo Starr. The stand-in drummer was Jimmy Nicol until Starr could join the band nine days later in Melbourne, Australia.

In 1967, the Doors released "Light My Fire."

Also in 1967, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell made their duo debut on the R&B charts with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

In 1972, the Eagles released "Take It Easy."

In 1975, Ozzie Nelson -- father of pop star Rick Nelson -- died at age 68. He was the patriarch of the Nelson family in the radio and TV series "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet."

In 1978, Deneice Williams celebrated her 27th birthday when her duet with Johnny Mathis -- "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" -- topped the Billboard Hot-100 singles chart.

In 1979, Rickie Lee Jones and Boz Scaggs joined Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band for a three-hour jam at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in Los Angeles during a wedding party for Springsteen's lighting director.

In 1981, Genesis' Phil Collins released his first solo album, "Face Value."

In 1991, rapper Vanilla Ice was arrested in Los Angeles after he reportedly pulled a gun on a man trying to sell him a necklace.

Also in 1991, Willie Nelson released the "Who'll Buy My Memories: The IRS Tapes" album -- sales of which would help pay off the back taxes he owed the federal government.

And in 1991, British police seized about 5,000 copies of NWA's latest album from a warehouse near London. Authorities said the song lyrics promoted drug use and encouraged sex with 14-year-olds.

In 1998, Van Halen drummer Alex Van Halen injured his arm when a piece of plaster fell on him during a sound check in Hamburg, Germany. The 43-year-old musician suffered no broken bones but the concert was canceled anyway.

Also in 1998, producer Glen Ballard announced that Lisa Marie Presley had signed deal with Java Records to make an album.

In 1999, Paul Simon and Lou Reed were among the artists who performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of a tribute to Harvey Lichtenstein, who was retiring after running the BAM for 31 years.

In 2000, a run-in between bad boy rapper Eminem and an associate of the rival rap band Insane Clown Posse in Royal Oak, Mich., led to Eminem being charged with felony possession of a concealed weapon and misdemeanor brandishing of a firearm in public. One day later, the rapper would be accused of pushing an unloaded gun into the face of a man he saw kissing his wife in the parking lot of a Warren, Mich., nightclub -- and face additional weapons offenses.

Also in 2000, country singers Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney were arrested following a concert in Buffalo, N.Y. -- Chesney for taking a police horse for a ride without permission and McGraw for coming to his buddy's aid when officers went after Chesney. They would later be acquitted.

And in 2000, a series of musical pieces by Paul McCartney and a number of other British composers paying tribute to McCartney's late wife, Linda -- "A Garland for Linda" -- had its U.S. broadcast premiere on National Public Radio.

And in 2000, the Goo Goo Dolls, Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Hanson, Don Henley, Jennifer Lopez, Macy Gray, Sugar Ray, Third Eye Blind, Blessid Union of Souls and Eiffel 65 performed at a benefit concert sponsored by a Boston radio station (KISS 108 FM).

And in 2000, Whitney Houston's first career-spanning DVD and VHS home video collection, "Whitney: The Greatest Hits" (Arista Records), was certified "platinum" for U.S. sales of more than 100,000 copies.

Today's musical quiz:

Before striking out on her own, with whom did Deneice Williams sing backing vocals for in the 1970s? Answer: Stevie Wonder.

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(June 4)

Today's birthday's include jazz/pop vocalist Morgana King, who was born in 1930 (age 71); country's Freddie Fender in 1937 (age 64); Average White Band saxophonist Roger Ball in 1944 (age 57); Gordon Waller, of Peter and Gordon, and singer/actress Michelle Phillips, of the Mamas and the Papas, both in 1945 (age 56); the late Jimmy McCulloch, of Wings, was born in 1952; and El DeBarge in 1961 (age 40).

On this day in music history:

In 1942, Capitol Records was launched by Glenn Wallichs, who invented the art of promotion by sending copies of singles to prominent disc jockeys.

In 1965, the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" entered the U.S. singles charts.

In 1969, keyboardsman Nicky Hopkins quit the Jeff Beck Group to become a top-rated studio player.

In 1973, Murray Wilson -- the father of Beach Boys Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson -- died of a heart attack at age 55.

In 1975, the Rolling Stones became the first rock group to be paid royalties for sales of their records in the Soviet Union.

In 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" was released.

In 1986, a Los Angeles judge ruled that the Broadway show and movie "Beatlemania" was too much like the real Beatles. The producers were ordered to pay approximately $10 million to the Beatle-owned Apple Corps Ltd.

In 1987, George Michael's "I Want Your Sex" proved too hot for some radio stations. CBS supplied them with a toned-down version.

In 1992, U.S. postal officials announced that the young Elvis had won over the old Elvis in voting to pick which Elvis Presley portrayal to put on a first-class stamp being issued Jan. 8, 1993.

In 1993, Simon and Garfunkel announced plans to reunite for a series of 10 New York City concerts that October.

Also in 1993, Seattle police arrested Nirvana's Kurt Cobain after his wife, Courtney Love, reported he'd beat her up. She later denied the police account of the incident and no charges were ever filed.

In 1994, the all-star band that did the music for "Backbeat" -- the 1994 film about the early Beatles -- performed at the MTV Movie Awards. The group was composed of REM's Mike Mills, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, Soul Asylum's Dave Pirner, Afghan Whig's Greg Dulli and Nirvana's Dave Grohl. It was Grohl's first public performance since the April suicide of Nirvana bandmate Kurt Cobain. At the ceremonies, Janet Jackson won two MTV Movie Awards for her role in "Poetic Justice," while her brother, Michael, won the Best Song award for his tune from "Free Willy."

Also in 1994, a concert in Mansfield, Mass., by NKOTB -- formerly known as New Kids On the Block -- was canceled when only one member of the quintet bothered to show up.

In 1997, Ronnie Lane -- co-founder with Steve Marriot of the British rock band Small Faces -- died at his Trinidad, Colo., home. He was 51 and suffered from multiple sclerosis.

Also in 1997, the body of Jeff Buckley -- missing for six days after going for a swim at a Memphis marina -- was found in the Mississippi River. He was 30. The cause of death was presumed to be drowning.

In 2000, Eminem faced weapons charges after he allegedly pushed an unloaded gun in the face of a man he saw kissing his wife early Sunday in the parking lot of the Hot Rocks Café in Warren, Mich.

Also in 2000, Atlanta area fans got an unexpected gem from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band when they performed an unrecorded song that had never been performed in public before. The tune - "American Skin (41 Shots)'" -- was about the death of Amadou Diallo, the African immigrant who was shot and killed by New York City police as he stood, unarmed, in the vestibule of his apartment building.

Today's musical quiz:

How did the Mamas and the Papas celebrate Michelle Phillips' birthday in 1966? Amswer: They released the single "Monday, Monday" -- which became one of the quartet's biggest hits.

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(June 5)

Today's birthday's include Bill Hayes, who had a hit single in 1955 with "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," was born in 1926 (age 75); Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch in 1946 (age 55); Fred Stone, guitarist with Sly and the Family Stone, also in 1946 (age 55); Badfinger's Tom Evans in 1947; Air Supply keyboardist Frank Esler-Smith in 1948 (age 53); Richard Butler of the Psychadelic Furs in 1956 (age 45); and rapper-turned-actor Mark Wahlberg in 1971 (age 30).

On this day in music history:

In 1959, Robert Zimmerman -- the future Bob Dylan -- graduated from Hibbing High School in Hibbing, Minn.

In 1960, Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry" was released.

In 1964, Davie Jones and the King Bees released "Liza Jane." It was the first single for the artist who later changed his name to David Bowie.

In 1965, Joan Baez and Donovan performed at an anti-nuclear rally in London's Trafalgar Square.

In 1971, tickets for Grand Funk Railroad's concert at New York's Shea Stadium sold out in 72 hours -- even faster than the Beatles at the height of the Fab Four's popularity.

In 1974, Sly Stone, then 30, married 21-year-old Kathy Silva on stage at Madison Square Garden in New York.

In 1975, the Ramones' first album -- titled simply "The Ramones" -- was released.

In 1977, Alice Cooper's pet boa constrictor died after being bitten by a rat that was supposed to have been its meal. Cooper later held auditions for a replacement snake.

In 1979, Eric Clapton joined the wedding party as Muddy Waters, then 64, married 25-year-old Marva Jean Brooks.

In 1980, the Houston country & western bar Gilley's was featured in the movie "Urban Cowboy."

In 1982, Roxy Music's "Avalon" became Britain's best-selling album.

In 1987, Soviet psychology professor G.A. Aminev told Soviet newspapers that rock music produces physical addiction similar to narcotics.

Also in 1987, Princess Diana wore a Sgt. Pepper-style jacket to a London charity concert -- the Prince's Trust, sponsored by Prince Charles -- and met Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

And in 1987, Sly Stone surrendered in Fort Myers, Fla., on charges of violating probation for his 1983 conviction on drug possession charges.

In 1993, Mariah Carey, then 23, wed Sony Music Chairman Tommy Mottola, then 43, in New York City. The marriage lasted less than five years.

Also in 1993, country singer Conway Twitty collapsed and died from a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. He was 59.

And in 1993, someone stole thousands of dollars worth of equipment from the truck of British glam-rockers Suede in Toronto.

In 1995, a copyright infringement suit filed by a New York salsa pianist against Gloria Estefan was dropped after an investigation proved she did not steal her 1989 song "Oye Mi Canto" from him.

In 1998, former Eagle Don Henley was joined by President and Mrs. Clinton at the grand opening of the Thoreau Institute in Lincoln, Mass. It had been built with donations raised by rock concerts organized by Henley.

In 2000, Stevie Wonder led an all-star lineup of performers at the Tree of Life Celebration Gala at the United Nations in New York. The bash supports the Children Uniting Nations mission, which gives kids worldwide a voice to express their concerns about politics and the environment.

Today's musical quiz:

Something had to be air-brushed out of the Calvin Klein underwear ads Mark Wahlberg did. What? Answer: Wahlberg has a third nipple, which was air-brushed out of the ads.

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(June 6)

Today's birthdays include Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs in 1936 (age 65); Gary "U.S." Bonds in 1939 (age 62); country's Joe Stampley of Moe and Joe in 1943 (age 58); Peter Albin, bassist with Big Brother and the Holding Company, and Tangerine Dream's Edgar Froese, both in 1944 (age 57); Cor "Shorty" Beck of Shocking Blue in 1948 (age 53); and jazz/pop saxophonist Kenny G in 1956 (age 45).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1955, Bill Haley and the Comets' "Rock Around the Clock" hit No.1 on the U.S. singles charts.

In 1956, Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps' "Be-Bop-a-Lula" was released.

In 1962, the Beatles auditioned for EMI Records producer George Martin, who later produced some of the band's finest work.

In 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono made an unannounced appearance at the Fillmore East in New York, joining Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention on stage. It was Lennon's first stage appearance in nearly two years. The session later turned up on a 1972 double album by Lennon and Ono titled "Some Time in New York City."

Also in 1971, Gladys Knight and the Pips performed on the final edition of "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1972, David Bowie's classic "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars" was released.

In 1987, three days of open-air concerts began in West Berlin, causing confrontations between East Berlin police and youths who gathered near the Berlin Wall to listen to David Bowie.

In 1992, David Bowie and model/actress Iman repeated their wedding vows in a religious ceremony at a church in Florence, Italy. Yoko Ono and Bianca Jagger were among the guests. The couple had been married in a civil ceremony two months earlier in Switzerland.

In 1993, Entertainment Weekly reported that vegetarians Paul McCartney and his wife, Linda, had banned roadies on their U.S. tour from bringing meat to work on pain of losing their jobs.

In 1994, Alan Jackson and Dolly Parton were the big winners at the TNN-Music City News Country Awards in Nashville.

In 1995, Elton John performed the first of two sold-out concerts at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow.

Also in 1995, Primus released its "Tales from the Punchbowl" album.

In 1997, at a news conference in London, Genesis announced the hiring of 28-year-old Scottish singer Ray Wilson as the band's new vocalist --replacing Phil Collins, who'd left the band the previous year.

Also in 1997, Iggy Pop dislocated his shoulder when he dived into the crowd while performing at Polaris Amphitheater in Columbus, Ohio, as part of the ROAR Tour.

In 1999, the 33-city PaulBob '99 tour -- starring Paul Simon and Bob Dylan -- kicked off at the Colorado Springs World Arena in Colorado.

Today's musical quiz:

David Bowie's wife, Iman, co-starred in which "Star Trek" movie? Answer: "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" (1991). She played an alien that could "morph" into different shapes.

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(June 7)

Today's birthdays include Tom Jones, who was born in 1940 (age 61); Clarence White of the Byrds in 1944 (age 57); Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann in 1946 (age 55); Joey Scarbury in 1955 (age 46); and Prince (Prince Rogers Nelson), formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, in 1958 (age 43).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1963, the Rolling Stones' first single -- a cover of Chuck Berry's "Come On" -- was released in England. That night, the Stones made the band's first TV appearance on the British show "Thank Your Lucky Stars."

In 1967, three members of the rock band Moby Group were arrested in San Francisco for "contributing to the delinquency of minors" by having three schoolgirls in the back seat of their car.

In 1969, The Who's "Tommy" entered the U.S. album charts.

Also in 1969, the supergroup Blind Faith -- Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker and Ric Grech -- played its first concert, a free show in London's Hyde Park that drew an estimated 120,000 people, including Mick Jagger, Mick Fleetwood and Donovan. It was also the band's last British live show.

In 1970, The Who performed "Tommy" at New York's Metropolitan Opera House.

In 1975, Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" became the first album to enter the Billboard Top-200 album chart at No.1. Later in the year, John's "Rock of the Westies" did likewise.

In 1979, Chuck Berry performed at the White House -- one week before he was due in court to face income tax evasion charges.

In 1984, PolyGram's Hanover, West Germany, plant produced its 10 millionth compact disc.

In 1986, Air Supply guitarist/lyricist Graham Russell married actress/model Jodi Varble. Four years earlier, Varble had won tickets to an Air Supply concert in Chicago and the chance to meet Russell backstage.

In 1987, further clashes in East Berlin between police and youths wanting to listen as the Eurythmics performed an outdoor concert in West Berlin near the Berlin Wall.

Also in 1987, the Los Angeles Times reported Michael Jackson had left the Jehovah's Witnesses -- meaning he must be shunned by relatives and friends who remained in the sect, including his mother.

In 1993, Prince celebrated his birthday by changing his name to a symbol that combined the male-female symbols, and also by announcing he was breaking from his band, the New Power Generation.

Also in 1993, the official groundbreaking for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum was held in Cleveland.

In 1995, a Los Angeles judge dropped robbery charges against Tone Loc in connection with a dispute with a pizzaria, but prosecutors announced indictments against the rapper.

In 1997, Beastie Boys hosted two days of Tibetan Freedom Concerts at New York's Randall's Island. More than 40,000 fans attended performances by U2, Alanis Morissette, the members of Pearl Jam, Oasis and REM, A Tribe Called Quest, Foo Fighters and Pavement. The shows were dedicated to freedom for Tibet.

In 1999, Jamiroquai kicked off its world tour in the United Kingdom in support of the band's new CD "Synkronized."

Today's musical quiz:

Who played the Pinball Wizard in the movie version of "Tommy"? Answer: Elton John.