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Today in Music: A look back at pop music

By United Press International
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(June 13)

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).

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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.

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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.

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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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