Today in Music: A look back at pop music

(June 8)

Today's musical birthdays include singer/actor James Darren, who was born in 1936 (age 66); Nancy Sinatra in 1940 (age 62); Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night in 1942 (age 60); Boz Scaggs in 1944 (age 58); Julie Driscoll of Brian Auger and Trinity, and Uriah Heep guitarist Mick Box, both in 1947 (age 55); Welsh pop singer Bonnie Tyler in 1953 (age 49); Simply Red's Mick "Red" Hucknall in 1960 (age 42); Nick Rhodes, keyboardist with Duran Duran, in 1962 (age 40); the late Robert Pilatus, half of the lip-synching duo Milli Vanilli, in 1965; and Wet Wet Wet keyboardist Neil Mitchell in 1967 (age 35).

On this day in music history:

In 1961, the Elvis Presley movie "Wild in the Country" opened in Memphis.

In 1969, Brian Jones quit the Rolling Stones, to be replaced by Mick Taylor.

In 1974, Rick Wakeman quit Yes, although he would rejoin Jon Anderson and the gang two years later.

In 1982, Simon and Garfunkel were reunited for their first concert tour in a dozen years. They launched a nine-date European tour in Paris.

In 1984, Paul Young headlined at the Prince's Trust Gala Ball in London's Royal Albert Hall.

In 1987, this was the third day of rioting in EAST Berlin as East German fans gathered near the Berlin Wall to listen to outdoor rock concerts in WEST Berlin. Genesis performed this day.

Also in 1987, Randy Travis won four major honors at the 21st annual Music City News Awards at Opryland. The Statlers were named Entertainer of the Year, and Reba McEntire won best female vocalist.

And in 1987, Yogi Horton -- Luther Vandross's drummer since 1981 -- jumped to his death from the 17th floor of a New York City hotel after telling his wife he was tired of working in Vandross's shadow. As a sessionman, Horton had also played with Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.

In 1992, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson were the big winners at the TNN-Music City News Awards in Nashville.

In 1993, the Houston Chronicle reported that the late Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh was obsessed with Madonna. No comment from the Material Girl.

In 1995, Michael Jackson's new single "Scream" debuted at No.5 on Billboard's singles chart. It was the highest debut ever for a single.

Also in 1995, rocker Eddie Money made a surprise guest appearance on "The Late Show With David Letterman."

In 1998, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison were joined at a London church by Elton John, Sting, Billy Joel, Peter Gabriel, Neil Tennant, Kevin Godley and Dave Gilmore for a memorial service for Linda McCartney. She'd died two months earlier of breast cancer.

And in 1998, limo driver Franco D'Onofrio sued former employer Mariah Carey in New York City -- claiming she failed to pay him and reimburse him for expenses. A Carey spokeswoman said D'Onfrio was fired because his license had been suspended.

In 1999, Def Leppard kicked off the release of its latest album, "Euphoria," with a free concert at Wal-Mart in San Antonio, Texas.

Today's musical quiz:

In interviews with the media, James Darren credits his guest appearances on this TV series with revitalizing his singing career. What show? Answer: "Star Trek: Deep Space 9." Darren had a recurring role as hologram Vic Fontaine, a 1960s-era Las Vegas lounge singer.

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(June 9)

Today's musical birthdays include guitarist Les Paul, who was born in 1915 (age 87); the late Johnny Ace was born in 1929; the late Jackie Wilson was born in 1934; Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord in 1941 (age 61); Mitch Mitchell, drummer with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, in 1947 (age 55); and Uriah Heep bassist Trevor Bolder in 1950 (age 52).

On this day in music history:

In 1970, Bob Dylan received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Princeton University.

In 1972, legendary record executive John Hammond signed Bruce Springsteen to Columbia Records. He also had signed Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin.

In 1984, Cyndi Lauper notched her first No.1 single with "Time After Time."

In 1985, the British magazine New Music Express agreed to pay 1960s pop star Cliff Richard "appropriate damages" for defamatory remarks in a concert review. He gave the money to charity.

In 1987, Casey Kasem -- of "America's Top-40" pop music countdown fame -- was one of more than 100 anti-nuclear activists arrested during a protest in front of White House.

In 1990, a re-united Doobie Brothers played its first U.S. concert since getting back together.

Also in 1990, Michael Jackson was admitted to the hospital with a mysterious illness. He was later diagnosed with suffering from inflammed cartilage in his rib cage.

In 1991, Bruce Springsteen married girlfriend Patty Scialfa, the mother of his son.

In 1993, the U.S. Post Office unveiled its "Legends of American Music, Rock and Roll/Rhythm & Blues" stamp series. The stamps featured Otis Redding, Buddy Holly, Dinah Washington, Bill Haley, Ritchie Valens, Clyde McPhatter and Elvis Presley.

Also in 1993, Carly Simon said she was considering an offer to write an all-singing episode of CBS's quirky drama "Northern Exposure."

In 1997, Sinead O'Connor canceled an appearance at a peace concert in Jerusalem after she said a threat was made against her.

Also in 1997, rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins, 65, underwent surgery in Memphis to clear a blockage in his neck arteries.

In 1998, the fifth annual Pavarotti and Friends charity concert featured the Spice Girls, minus Ginger Spice -- as well as Jon Bon Jovi and Vanessa Williams.

Also in 1998, John Fogerty released "Premonition," a live concert album and a home video.

In 2000, Mitch Ryder threw a free concert in his hometown of Detroit to celebrate the release, on J-Bird Records, of seven of his previously unavailable solo CDs.

Today's musical quiz:

Jon Bon Jovi's first solo album, 1990's "Blaze of Glory," was written for what film? Answer: "Young Guns II." Bon Jovi had a cameo in the movie.

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(June 10)

Today's musical birthdays include the late Howlin' Wolf, whose real name was Chester Burnett, born in 1910; the late Judy Garland in 1922; Shirley Alston of the Shirelles in 1941 (age 61); Wizzard bassist Rick Price in 1944 (age 58); Procol Harum keyboardist Matthew Fisher in 1946 (age 56); Taste of Honey's Perry Kimble in 1949 (age 53); and the late Fat Boys rapper Darren "The Human Beat Box" Robinson in 1967.

On this day in music history:

In 1964, Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry visited as the Rolling Stones recorded at Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1967, Bob Dylan and The Band began recording "The Basement Tapes" album at their house in Woodstock, N.Y.

In 1969, the Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Byrds, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and others appeared at the Fantasy Faire and Magic Mountain Music Festival in California.

In 1971, police fired tear gas at fans climbing the barricades to get in free to a Jethro Tull show at Red Rocks Amphitheater near Denver. The band played on.

In 1972, Elvis Presley played his first-ever concert in New York. The shows were recorded for a live album, "Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden."

In 1977, the Clash's Joe Strummer and Topper Headon were arrested for painting the name of their band on a wall in London.

In 1981, Steve Howe and Geoff Downes of Yes; John Wetton of King Crimson, Roxy, and Uriah Heep; and Carl Palmer of Emerson Lake and Palmer formed the supergroup Asia.

In 1986, Queen Elizabeth awarded an honorary knighthood -- Knight of the British Empire -- to Boomtown Rat rocker Bob Geldof.

In 1991, David Ruffin of the Temptations was laid to rest in Detroit. Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder sang, and Michael Jackson paid for the funeral. At the service, fellow Temptation Eddie Kendricks was arrested for failing to pay child support.

In 1992, outraged Texas lawmen called for a ban on rapper Ice-T's song "Cop Killer." Warner Bros. Records reacted by saying it was committed to freedom of expression. Later in the year, it dropped the rapper from the label.

In 1993, Don Henley, Sting and Paul McCartney were among the 21 people to receive the first annual Earth Day International Awards.

In 1994, Paul Simon performed at an AIDS benefit concert in Dallas.

Also in 1994, TLC's Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez was arrested in Alpharetta, Ga., in connection with the fire that burned down the mansion of her boyfriend, Atlanta Falcon Andre Rison.

In 1996, a Los Angeles judge dismissed an arrest warrant against Rob Pilatus -- formerly one-half of the lip-synching duo Milli Vanilli -- after the musician turned up at a rehabilitation clinic. The warrant had been issued after Pilatus disappeared from the drug treatment center, where he'd been ordered to stay for six months for assaulting a woman.

In 1998, Ronnie Spector testified in a New York Supreme Court lawsuit against her ex-husband, Phil Spector. She and the other Ronettes were suing Spector for unpaid royalties they claimed they were owed.

In 1999, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and former Fugee Lauryn Hill was inducted into the alumni Hall of Fame at Columbia High School, her old high school, in Maplewood, N.J.

In 2000, Mary J. Blige launched "The Mary Show," her 44-city summer tour, with a two-day engagement at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.

Today's musical quiz:

How old was Steve Howe of Yes and Asia fame when he first began playing the guitar? Answer: 12.

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(June 11)

Today's musical birthdays include the late jazz drummer Shelly Manne, who was born in 1920; James "Pookie" Hudson of the Spaniels in 1934 (age 68); Joey Dee of Joey Dee and the Starlighters in 1940 (age 62); Peter Albin in 1944 (age 58); Uriah Heep's John Lawton in 1946 (age 56); Glenn Leonard, one of many to join the line-up of the Temptations, in 1947 (age 55); Frank Beard of ZZ Top in 1949 (age 53); Bonnie Pointer of the Pointer Sisters in 1951 (age 51); and .38 Special's Donnie Van Zandt, the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zandt, in 1952 (age 50).

On this day in music history:

In 1949, county music great Hank Williams debuted at The Grand Old Opry.

In 1966, Janis Joplin made her debut with Big Brother and the Holding Company at San Francisco's Avalon Ballroom.

In 1968, a fire at the Olympic Studios in London disrupted a session by the Rolling Stones, which was recording "Beggars Banquet."

In 1969, David Bowie's "Space Oddity" was released to coincide with the Apollo 11 moon mission.

In 1976, the Australian rock band AC/DC kicked off its first headlining tour of Great Britain in Scotland -- where several members of the group were born.

In 1983, Naked Eyes peaked in the top-10 pop singles chart with "Always Something There To Remind Me."

In 1984, Dio, Big Country, the Pretenders, Jimmy Cliff and others appeared at the 15th annual Pink Pop Festival in the Netherlands.

In 1987, the Seattle Center Arena canceled a June 17 concert by the Beastie Boys and Run DMC because of concerns about teen violence and vandalism.

In 1988, an 11-hour concert in London for 72,000 fans in 50 countries honored imprisoned South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. The 70th Birthday Party featured -- among others -- Dire Straits, Stevie Wonder, Simple Minds, the Eurythmics, Harry Belafonte, Roberta Flack, Joe Cocker and Natalie Cole.

In 1991, James Brown performed his first concert since getting out of prison after serving two-and-a-half years.

In 1992, Texas law officers called for a Time-Warner boycott if subsidiary Sire Records refused to pull Ice-T's album "Body Count" from stores. The album contained the song "Cop Killer," which authorities said promoted the killing of police officers.

In 1993, Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars accidentally shot and wounded a female companion while target shooting in the California desert.

In 1995, Courtney Love was briefly hospitalized in Seattle after what was called an accidental overdose of prescription medicine.

In 1996, Carl Perkins was inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk in Los Angeles.

In 1998, the 28-year-old son of the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin was sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading guilty to crack cocaine possession.

In 1999, Sister Hazel rhythm guitarist Andrew Copeland won a new Ford Escort on the game show "The Price Is Right." He said he'd give it to his dad.

Also in 1999, thousands of teenage fans turned out at New York's Rockefeller Center to hear Latin pop star Ricky Martin perform on NBC's "Today" show.

Today's musical quiz:

Latin pop star Ricky Martin made his Broadway debut in what production? Answer: "Les Miserables" in 1996.

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(June 12)

Today's musical birthdays include Vic Damone, who was born in 1928 (age 74); Chick Corea and Roy Harper, both in 1941 (age 61); Reg Presley of the Troggs in 1943 (age 59); Atlantic Rhythm Section guitarist Barry Bailey in 1948 (age 54); bassist John Wetton, who has played with King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep and Asia -- among others -- in 1949 (age 53); Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos -- real name, Brad Carlson -- and Boston's Brad Delp, both in 1951 (age 51); the late Pete Farndon of the Pretenders in 1952; and Rocky Burnette in 1953 (age 49).

On this day in music history:

In 1957, bandleader Jimmy Dorsey died. He was 53.

Also in 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" entered the charts.

In 1965, the Beatles learned they were going to be named Members of the Order of the British Empire. Previously, the honor had been reserved just for military heroes.

In 1966, the Dave Clark Five made a record 12th appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1972, John Lennon's and Yoko Ono's "Sometime In New York City" -- featuring Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, the Plastic Ono Band and Elephant's Memory -- was released.

In 1982, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and Gary "U.S." Bonds appeared at a rally for nuclear disarmament in New York's Central Park. More than three-quarters-of-a-million people showed up for what was the biggest political rally in American history.

In 1987, U2 filled London's Wembly Stadium during the band's world tour promoting "The Joshua Tree." The album became the Irish group's first No.1 album in America, topping the Billboard Top-200 for nine weeks.

Also in 1987, the Los Angeles coroner announced that blues musician Paul Butterfield -- who'd been found dead a month earlier at his home -- had died from a lethal mixture of drugs and alcohol.

In 1992, a New York jury acquitted New Kids on the Block Jordan Knight and Danny Wood, and their friend Tommy Page, of copyright infringement charges. The trio had been accused of stealing the chorus on the song "I'll Be Your Everything" from Percy Sledge.

In 1994, Cab Calloway suffered a massive stroke at his home in White Plaines, N.Y.

In 1995, Pearl Jam canceled concerts near San Diego, Calif., after police raised concerns about security.

Also in 1995, Diana Ross performed at the opening ceremonies of Israel's Hapoel Games in Jerusalem. It was her first performance in Israel.

And in 1995, rapper Luther Campbell -- formerly with 2 Live Crew -- filed for bankruptcy in Miami.

In 1998, the first-ever U.S. tour of the Phil Collins Big Band began in Saratoga, Calif.

In 1999, Michael Jackson paid more than $1.5 million for the Best Picture Oscar statuette producer David O. Selznick won for "Gone With the Wind" at a Sotheby's auction in New York.

In 2000, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the National Music Publishers Association sued Napster, demanding the online music-trading company remove all major record label songs from its MP3 digital music-trading database.

Also in 2000, Bobby Brown pleaded guilty to two of three counts stemming from a 1996 drunken driving conviction and was sentenced to 75 days, less time served, in the Broward County (Fla.) Jail. Brown's wife, pop star Whitney Houston, did not attend the hearing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Today's musical quiz:

Where did U2's Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson, get his stage name? Answer: Bono took his professional name from a billboard advertising Bono Vox, a hearing aid retailer.

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Today's musical birthdays include Bobbie Freeman, who was born in 1940 (age 62); Dennis La Corriere, better known as Dr. Hook, in 1949 (age 53); Howard Leese, formerly with Spirit before joining Heart, in 1951 (age 51); and Twisted Sister bassist Mark Mendoza in 1954 (age 48).

On this day in music history:

In 1958, Frank Zappa graduated from Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, Calif.

In 1969, the Rolling Stones introduced new lead guitarist Mick Taylor to the news media during a photo-op in London's Hyde Park. He replaced Stones co-founder Brian Jones.

Also in 1969, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Sam and Dave, the Staple Singers and others appeared at the Soul Bowl '69 at Houston's Astrodome.

In 1970, "The Long and Winding Road" topped the Billboard Hot-100 pop singles chart. It was the 20th and final No.1 single for the Beatles.

In 1972, Clyde McPhatter of the Drifters died of a heart attack. He was just 38. Elvis Presley had often said he wished his voice was the equal of McPhatter's.

In 1980, "Roadie" -- a film starring Meat Loaf -- opened in the United States. The rocker starred as a road manager who could fix any problem. The film soundtrack included Deborah Harry and Blondie, Pat Benatar, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, Styx, Teddy Pendergrass, Roy Orbison and Emmylou Harris.

In 1986, just one month after pulling records by 11 comics and rockers -- including Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, AC/DC and Black Sabbath -- off store shelves in 22 states, Wal-Mart ordered nearly three dozen rock magazines, including Rolling Stone and Tiger Beat, removed.

Also in 1986, "The King of Swing" Benny Goodman died of a heart attack in his New York apartment at age 77.

In 1991, Mick Jagger and his wife, Jerry Hall, announced they were expecting their third child in January.

In 1992, then-Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Clinton criticized remarks by rap singer Sister Souljah about Los Angeles riots in 1992. (The Washington Post had quoted her asking, "If black people kill black people every day, why not have a week and kill white people?") Clinton's criticism sparked even more controversy.

In 1994, Don Henley attended a special premiere of the new movie "Wolf" in Boston. It was a benefit for Henley's Walden Woods Project in Massachusetts.

In 1995, Paula Abdul's "Head Over Heels" album was released.

In 1997, two members of the rap group Naughty By Nature were arrested in New York on weapons and reckless driving charges.

In 2000, Tonic headed overseas to entertain U.S. and NATO peacekeeping troops in England and in the war-torn Yugoslav provinces of Bosnia and Kosovo.

Also in 2000, Alice Cooper's latest album, "Brutal Planet" (on Spitfire Records), hit stores.

Today's musical quiz:

When Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall split in 1999, the courts annulled their marriage rather than issue a divorce. Why? Answer: Jagger convinced the courts, and Hall, that their 1990 Hindu marriage on Bali was invalid due to incomplete paperwork.

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(June 14)

Today's musical birthdays include the late Burl Ives, who was born in 1909; Muff Winwood of the Spencer Davis Group in 1943 (age 59); keyboardist Rod Argent of the Zombies, who also played with Argent, in 1945 (age 57); Alan White, who played with the Plastic Ono Band before joining Yes, in 1949 (age 53); Slade's Jimmy Lea in 1952 (age 50); Boy George, whose real name is George O'Dowd, in 1961 (age 41); and Queensryche's Chris DeGarmo in 1963 (age 398).

On this day in music history:

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

In 1961, country singer Patsy Cline was seriously injured in a car accident near Madison, Tenn.

In 1969, R&B singer Wynonie Harris -- who claimed Elvis Presley "stole" his hip shaking and sneer -- died.

In 1970, Blood Sweat and Tears opened a tour of Yugoslavia, Romania and Poland. The road trip was the first of the Soviet bloc by a Western rock band.

In 1979, Little Feat broke up, two weeks before leader Lowell George died of a heart attack.

In 1981, Bruce Springsteen, Graham Nash, Steve Stills, Gary "U.S." Bonds and Bonnie Raitt appeared at the "No Nukes" benefit at the Hollywood Bowl. Recordings of the event were later released as a triple album and a feature film.

In 1984, the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Madison Square Garden Hall of Fame in New York.

Also in 1984, Boy George unveiled his wax statue at Madame Tussaud's in London.

And in 1984, MTV announced an exclusivity deal with four record companies.

In 1986, songwriter Alan Jay Lerner died at age 67.

In 1988, Chuck Berry was sued for $5 million by a woman who claimed he slugged her in the mouth six months earlier.

In 1993, Pepsi pulled its Ray Charles Diet Pepsi TV commercials following a spate of tampering reports involving needles or syringes in cans of the soft drink.

In 1994, AT&T introduced Whitney Houston as the star of a new series of TV commercials for the long-distance phone company.

Also in 1994, Henry Mancini died of cancer at age 70.

In 1995, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley gave their first TV interview as a married couple. However, they didn't say anything new or revealing to Diane Sawyer on ABC's "PrimeTime Live."

Also in 1995, Whitney Houston was granted a restraining order against an overzealous fan her lawyer thought was bent on violence.

In 1996, the Beach Boys played for 15,000 fans at Nashville's Fan Fair.

In 1997, Sinead O'Connor, Natalie Merchant, Van Morrison and the Saw Doctors were among the performers at the two-day Guinness Fleadh at New York's Randall's Island.

Also in 1997, it was reported that an investigation by Minnesota authorities had concluded that the newborn son of The Artist Formerly Known As Prince had died the previous October of natural causes. The boy had been born Oct. 16, 1996, suffering from an often fatal skeletal defect. The death investigation had been prompted by two former employees of The Artist, who had objected to the parents' decision to take the baby off life support.

And in 1997, the lawyer for Naughty By Nature rapper Vincent Brown claimed racism was behind the arrests one day earlier of Brown and bandmate Anthony "Treach" Criss. He said New York police had stopped the rappers because they were black and driving luxury cars.

In 2000, the "Return to Love" tour, Diana Ross's reunion with former Supremes Lynda Laurence and Scherrie Payne, began in Philadelphia. It marked the first time Ross performed the hit songs of the Supremes, in their entirety, since she left the group in 1970. (Less than a month later, the tour was canceled due to poor ticket sales.)

Today's musical quiz:

How old was Natalie Merchant when she joined 10,000 Maniacs as their lead singer. Answer: Just 17. She left the band to go solo in 1992.