Today in Music: A look back at pop music

(June 15)

Today's musical birthdays include the late David Rose, who had a hit back in 1962 with "The Stripper," in 1910; the late Waylon Jennings in 1937; the late Harry Nilsson was born in 1941; Air Supply's Russell Hitchcock and Brownsville Station's Michael Lutz, both in 1949 (age 53); Noddy Holder of Slade in 1950 (age 52); Steve Walsh of Kansas in 1951 (age 51); Foxy's Richie Puente in 1953 (age 49); and Terri Gibbs in 1954 (age 48).

On this day in music history:

In 1963, "Sukiyaki" topped the Billboard Hot-100 singles chart, making Kyu Sakamoto the first Japanese artist to chart -- let alone reach No.1 -- in the United States.

Also in 1963, Jan and Dean's "Surf City," written by Beach Boy Brian Wilson, was released.

In 1965, Bob Dylan recorded "Like a Rolling Stone" in his first "electric session" at Columbia Studios in New York.

In 1967, guitarist Peter Green left John Mayall's Blues Breakers to form Fleetwood Mac.

In 1982, bassist Pete Farndon left the Pretenders. Less than a year later, he died from a drug overdose.

In 1985, all seven of Bruce Springsteen's albums were on the British album charts.

In 1986, the final show in a concert series to celebrate Amnesty International's 25th anniversary drew 55,000 fans to the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Performers include Sting, U2, Miles Davis, the Police, Yoko Ono and Joan Baez.

In 1992, k-d lang canceled a concert in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, after ranchers threatened to protest her vegetarian views.

In 1993, Ella Fitzgerald, Redd Foxx, Billie Holliday and the Ink Spots were inducted into the Apollo Theatre Hall of Fame.

Also in 1993, Paul McCartney ended the American leg of his world tour with a concert broadcast live from Charlotte, N.C.

In 1994, TLC rapper Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes checked into a rehabilitation center following her arrest on charges she torched her football-player boyfriend's Atlanta area home earlier in the month.

Also in 1994, Geffen Records announced plans to release the Aerosmith single "Head First" exclusively on CompuServe.

In 1995, Sinead O'Connor attacked two Israeli photographers who'd been following her as she did some sightseeing in Jerusalem.

In 1999, EMI Music released "Synchronistic Wanderings: Recorded Anthology 1979-1999" to mark the 20th anniversary of Pat Benatar's debut album.

Also in 1999, the American Society of Young Musicians in Los Angeles named Latin pop star Ricky Martin its "artist for the new millennium." It also inducted Little Richard into its Hall of Fame.

And in 1999, the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) honored singer Jewel, songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, composer Jerry Goldsmith and producer Don Was with the prestigious Governors Awards for their "creative talents and community service."

6/15

In 2000, Don Henley and Eagles co-founder Glen Frey were inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in New York. Other inductees included James Brown, James Taylor, Brian Wilson and the late Curtis Mayfield. Neil Diamond and the writing team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were given special awards.

Today's musical quiz:

Where did future Aerosmith members Steve Tyler, Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton first meet? Answer: At Lake Sunapee, N.H., where their families had summer homes.