Today in Music: A look back at pop music

(June 22)

Today's musical birthdays include Kris Kristofferson in 1936 (age 66); Jimmy Castor in 1943 (age 59); Peter Asher, of Peter and Gordon, in 1944 (age 58); Howard Kaylan, singer with the Turtles, Mothers of Invention, and Flo and Eddie, in 1947 (age 55); Todd Rundgren in 1948 (age 54); April Wine's Gary Moffet and Alan Osmond, both in 1949 (age 53); Derek Forbes of Simple Minds in 1956 (age 46); INXS bassist Garry Beers in 1957 (age 45); Green Gartside of Scritti Politti and Jimmy Somerville of Bronski Beat, both in 1961 (age 41); and Wet Wet Wet drummer Tom Cunningham in 1965 (age 37).

Today in music history:

In 1968, the Jeff Beck Group -- featuring Rod Stewart -- debuted in the United States at the Fillmore East in New York City.

In 1969, Blind Faith released its first and only album.

In 1979, former Rolling Stone lead guitarist Mick Taylor released his first solo album. It was a flop.

In 1981, Mark David Chapman pleaded guilty to murder charges in the shooting death of John Lennon.

In 1984, the inaugural flight was made -- from London to Newark, N.J. -- of Virgin Atlantic Airways. It was the first airline owned by a record company.

In 1991, funeral services were held for James Kubert -- an original member of Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels -- in Royal Oaks, Mich. He died of cancer at age 46.

Also in 1991, at an auction in New York, a Jimi Hendrix fan paid $35,200 dollars for handwritten lyrics to the song "Room Full of Mirrors."

In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court said the FBI had to explain why it refused to release its secret files on ex-Beatle John Lennon to a history professor at the University of California.

Also in 1992, three members of Hammer's entourage were wounded -- NONE seriously -- in a drive-by shooting in Albuquerque, N.M.

In 1993, Ozzy Osbourne announced he would not retire -- and was planning a new album and a long-awaited Black Sabbath reunion tour.

Also in 1993, Billy Ray Cyrus's lifelong dream came true when he visited Dodger Stadium.

In 1996, the Sex Pistols kicked off its reunion tour in Helsinki, Finland. Concertgoers were not too excited to see the band -- they threw bottles and called for other acts to take stage.

In 1999, rapper Sean "Puffy" Combs and record executive Steven Stoute were perfect gentlemen at a New York City news conference announcing the upcoming Source Hip Hop Awards. Combs had been accused of beating up Stoute two months earlier.

Also in 1999, "Snowfall in the Sahara," Natalie Cole's first album in 3 years, was released.

In 2000, the surviving members of the Isley Brothers inked an eight-figure deal with The Pullman Group to issue bonds in lieu of future song royalties. There are more than 300 songs in the Isley catalog, including more than 50 Billboard hits such as "Shout," "Twist & Shout," "It's Your Thing" and "Fight The Power." Other artists who have issued bonds include David Bowie, James Brown, Ashford & Simpson and the songwriting team of Holland Dozier Holland.

Today's musical quiz:

Todd Rundgren's 1973 hit "Hello, It's Me" was originally recorded by what group? Answer: Rundgren's band Nazz first recorded the tune back in 1969.

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(June 23)

Today's musical birthdays include country's June Carter Cash, Johnny's wife, in 1929 (age 73); country's Diana Trask and Adam Faith, both in 1940 (age 62); Paul Goddard, bassist with Atlanta Rhythm Section, in 1945 (age 57); and April Wine's Myles Goodwyn in 1948 (age 54).

Today in music history:

In 1967, bassist John Entwistle of The Who married Alison Wise.

In 1970, Ringo Starr began recording sessions in Nashville for "Beaucoups of Blues."

In 1981, Robert Fripp announced re-establishment of King Crimson after a seven-year hiatus. The reincarnation was short-lived.

In 1984, Duran Duran had its first No.1 single in the United States with "The Reflex."

Also in 1984, a collection of John Lennon memorabilia was auctioned off at Sotheby's in London.

In 1990, American producer/songwriter Maurice Starr had seven artists with whom he had been or still was associated with on the Billboard Hot-100 singles chart -- Perfect Gentlemen, Ana, New Kids On The Block, Seiko and Donnie, Bell Biv Devoe, Johnny Gill, and Bobby Brown.

In 1992, the Los Angeles City Council passed a motion asking Time-Warner to pull Ice-T's latest album from store shelves. Critics argued that the lead song, "Cop Killer," was an open invitation to kill police officers.

In 1993, Michael Jackson, Wynonna Judd, Clint Black, Kathy Bates and Ted Danson appeared on a two-hour syndicated special -- taped at UCLA -- about the importance of immunizing kids.

In 1997, Squirrel Nut Zippers kicked off Pepsi World and JAM TV's summer concert Web series with a show in Chicago.

In 1999, the Hard Rock RockFest, a six-city tour, kicked off in San Antonio, Texas. Headliners included Smashmouth and Marvelous 3.

Today's musical quiz:

Michael Jackson built a $500 million amusement park in Warsaw. True or false? Answer: False. Jackson WANTED to build an amusement park in the Polish capital but plans stalled after local residents protested the proposed site.

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(June 24)

Today's musical birthdays include comedian/bandleader Phil Harris, a regular on "The Jack Benny Show," who was born in 1906; Mick Fleetwood in 1942 (age 60); Jeff Beck and Arthur Brown of the Crazy World of Arthur Brown, both in 1944 (age 58); Traffic's Chris Wood, also in 1944; Colin Blunstone of the Zombies in 1945 (age 57); Dire Straits bassist John Illsley in 1949 (age 53); Derrick "Duckie" Simpson of Black Uhuru in 1950 (age 52); UB40's Astro, whose real name is Terence Wilson, in 1957 (age 45); Andy McCluskey of Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark in 1959 (age 43); Tears for Fears' Curt Smith in 1961 (age 41); Jeff Cease of The Black Crowes in 1967 (age 35); and Glenn Medeiros in 1970 (age 32).

Today in music history:

In 1965, John Lennon published his second book, "A Spaniard In The Works."

In 1966, Lenny Bruce played his last show at the Fillmore West in San Francisco.

In 1987, Ella Fitzgerald was a sell-out at the JVC Jazz Festival in New York. It was her first performance since a heart ailment in July 1986.

In 1988, Carlos Santana and jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter opened a five-week tour at Pittsburgh's Mellon Festival.

In 1989, a reunited Who launched a North American tour in Toronto, at the same venue where the band had played its farewell performance in 1982.

Also in 1989, Rosanne Cash topped the country music charts with a song written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, "I Don't Want to Spoil the Party."

In 1990, Donnie Wahlberg of the New Kids On The Block was injured when he fell through a trap door on stage during a New York concert.

In 1993, the illegitimate daughter of Hank Williams, Sr., reached an out-of-court settlement with her half-brother, Hank Williams, Jr., over their father's estate.

In 1995, Neil Young filled in for Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder in San Francisco. Vedder was sick with the flu.

In 1997, Motley Crue released "Generation Swine" -- the band's first CD since the return of original lead vocalist Vince Neil -- and appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman."

Also in 1997, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince and champion boxer Muhammad Ali announced plans for a benefit concert that October in Los Angeles. The show would raise money for groups that fight racial and religious prejudice.

And in 1997, a judge in Raleigh, N.C., fined rapper Foxy Brown $500 and ordered her to perform community service for spitting on two hotel clerks after being told the hotel didn't have an iron.

And in 1997, Disney reportedly pulled the new CD by the Insane Clown Posse off store shelves due to "foul and offensive" lyrics. The group's manager accused Disney of caving in to a recently announced boycott by Southern Baptists.

And in 1997, LaToya Jackson was divorced from husband/manager Jack Gordon after six years of marriage.

In 1999, Christie's in New York auctioned off 100 of Eric Clapton's guitars. A total of $5 million was raised for the Crossroads Center, a substance abuse treatment center founded by Clapton on the Caribbean island of Antigua.

Today's musical quiz:

Whatever happened to Prince's wife, Mayte? Answer: The couple, wed in 1996, had their marriage annulled in 1999 but remained together.

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(June 25)

Today's musical birthdays include R&B singer Eddie Floyd, a member of the 1950s group The Falcons, in 1935 (age 67); Carly Simon in 1945 (age 57); guitarist Ian McDonald of King Crimson and, later, Foreigner, and Blue Oyster Cult keyboardist Allen Lanier, both in 1946 (both 56); Moody Blues bassist Clint Warwick in 1949 (age 53); Tim Finn of Split Enz and later, Crowded House, in 1952 (age 50); Toto keyboardist David Paich in 1954 (age 48); and George Michael in 1963 (age 39).

Today in music history:

In 1961, the Spinners debuted on the national singles charts with "That's What Girls Are Made For."

In 1967, the Beatles starred in a TV special, "Our World," which was beamed by satellite from Abby Road Studios in London to 26 countries and an estimated 400 million viewers.

In 1969, Mick Taylor made his concert debut as the Rolling Stones' lead guitarist in a show at the Coliseum in Rome.

In 1982, the Rolling Stones performed at Wembley Stadium in London. It was the band's first British show in six years.

In 1984, Prince's "Purple Rain" album was released.

In 1986, the 13-year-old daughter of country singer George Strait was killed in a car accident in Texas.

In 1987, Reba McEntire filed for divorce from husband and former rodeo performer Charlie Battles.

Also in 1987, composer Boudleaux Bryant died at age 67. Bryant wrote "Bye Bye Love," "All I Have to Do Is Dream" and "Wake Up Little Susie" -- all of which were recorded by the Everly Brothers.

In 1988, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played London's Wembley Stadium on the European leg of The Boss's "Tunnel of Love" tour.

In 1991, several female musicians -- including Debbie Harry, Lady Miss Kier of Deelite, M.C. Lyte, Queen Latifah, Tina Weymouth of the Talking Heads, Kate Pierson of the B52s, and Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon -- taped a public service announcement in support of legalized abortion.

In 1993, Bruce Springsteen was David Letterman's last guest on his final "Late Night" show for NBC. He sang "Glory Days."

In 1995, it was reported that George Michael was close to a deal with Virgin Records and Dreamworks SKG that would end his dispute with Sony.

In 1996, the Smashing Pumpkins kicked off the U.S. leg of the band's "Infinite Sadness" tour in Saginaw, Mich.

Also in 1996, Def Leppard -- with Tripping Daisy as its opening act -- launched its North American tour in Kalamazoo, Mich.

And in 1996, police in the Detroit suburb of Oak Park, Mich., identified a body found in the basement of an abandoned house as Arthur Ross, the 47-year-old younger brother of Diana Ross. A second body was later identified as his wife. Their deaths were ruled homicides.

In 1997, Bob Seger was charged with drunken driving after hitting a tree and wrecking his BMW near a Lake Superior town in Ontario, Canada.

Also in 1997, Motown singers gathered in Detroit for the funeral of Lawrence Payton of The Four Tops. He'd died the previous week of liver cancer.

In 1998, the "Rewind Tour" -- with Boy George and Culture Club -- began in Atlanta. Boy George was quoted by the Advocate, a gay magazine, saying he wasn't in it for the money.

Today's musical quiz:

How much did Chrysler chairman Lee Iaccoca offer Bruce Springsteen in 1986 for permission to use "Born in the U.S.A." in commercials for the automaker? Answer: $12 million. Springsteen turned him down.

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(June 26)

Today's musical birthdays include Elvis Presley's manager, the late "Colonel" Tom Parker, who was born in 1910; Billy Davis of the Fifth Dimension in 1940 (age 62); Canned Heat bassist Larry Taylor in 1942 (age 60); Georgie Fame (real name: Clive Powell) in 1943 (age 59); Dire Straits bassist John Illsley in 1949 (age 3); Rindy Ross, who co-founded Quarterflash with her husband, Marv, in 1951 (age 51); Mick Jones, formerly with The Clash, in 1955 (age 47); Chris Isaak in 1956 (age 46); and Patty Smyth of Scandal in 1957 (age 45).

Today in music history:

In 1964, the Beatles' first all-original album, "A Hard Day's Night," was released in the United States.

In 1965, the Byrds topped the charts with a rock version of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man."

In 1973, backing vocalist Marsha Hunt filed a paternity suit against Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stone frontman would later acknowledge Hunt's daughter as his own.

In 1975, Sonny and Cher's divorce was finalized.

In 1976, Roxy Music announced a trial separation.

In 1977, Elvis Presley made what turned out to be his last public appearance -- at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.

In 1979, Elvis Presley's father, Vernon, died of a heart attack. He was 63.

In 1982, Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry married Lucy Helmore.

In 1993, despite announced plans to, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler said he did not eat a special Elvis peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich during a private tour of Graceland. He said Priscilla Presley, Elvis's ex-wife, asked him not to -- explaining that Elvis had suffered from an eating disorder.

In 1994, Michael Bolton, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge, country's Garth Brooks, Al Green and Kenny G were honored for their charity work by VH-1 with an hourlong TV special.

In 1995, Pearl Jam canceled the rest of its summer tour -- citing Eddie Vedder's bad case of the flu and the hassles of trying to book venues not linked to Ticketmaster.

Also in 1995, MTV went on-the-air in Singapore.

In 1998, teenage heartthrob brother trio Hanson opened their summer tour at Great Woods in Mansfield, Mass.

In 1999, Michael Jackson performed a benefit concert in Seoul, South Korea. The show raised money for children's charities.

Today's musical quiz:

Melissa Etheridge was educated at what famous music school in Boston? Answer: Berklee College of Music.

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(June 27)

Today's musical birthdays include songwriter Jerome "Doc" Pomus, who was born in 1925; Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys in 1942 (age 60); B.T. Express's Louis Risbrook in 1953 (age 49); and country singer Lorrie Morgan in 1959 (age 43).

Today in music history:

In 1964, Jan and Dean released "Little Old Lady From Pasadena."

In 1968, Elvis Presley began taping his first TV special, in Burbank, Calif.

In 1969, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby Stills and Nash, Joe Cocker and Johnny Winter headlined the Denver Pop Festival at Mile High Stadium.

In 1971, Bill Graham closed the Fillmore East in New York. The Fillmore West in San Francisco closed three days later.

In 1987, Whitney Houston's second album, "Whitney," entered the Billboard Top-200 album chart at No.1 -- making her the first female artist to debut an album at the top. The same day, her single -- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" -- topped the Billboard pop singles chart, making her the first female artist to top the chart with four consecutive songs. She would beat this record three more times in the next 10 months.

In 1991, Carlos Santana was arrested in Houston after U.S. customs agents found a small amount of marijuana in his luggage. He posted bond and was freed.

Also in 1991, Chicago officials said they'd welcome back the Grateful Dead and the band's fans -- the Deadheads -- anytime. They said the concert went smoothly and the parking lots where the Deadheads camped out were left almost spotless.

In 1992, the European leg of Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" tour kicked off in Munich, Germany.

In 1993, Don Henley was booed in Milwaukee when he dedicated the song "It's Not Easy Being Green" to President Clinton.

Also in 1993, a third Garth Brooks concert -- added in Dallas after the first two sold out -- also sold out, in less than two hours.

In 1994, a New York autograph dealer offered for sale a furious letter from the late John Lennon to his former Beatle-mate, Paul McCartney. In it, Lennon told McCartney's wife, Linda, to "shut up."

In 1995, one day after announcing the cancellation of its summer tour, Pearl Jam said it would perform scheduled concert dates in Chicago and Milwaukee -- but that all other gigs were still off.

In 1996, fireworks sparked a stampede following an outdoor concert in New York City headlined by the rap group The Fugees. 30 people were treated for minor injuries.

In 1999, Michael Jackson suffered a slight injury to one of his knees while climbing from one malfunctioning piece of scenery to another during a benefit concert in Munich, Germany.

Also in 1999, the London Sunday Times quoted Eric Clapton saying there was a time he was so strung out on alcohol and drugs in the 1980s that he abused his then-wife, Patti Boyd.

Today's musical quiz:

This hip-hop artist sang at the memorial service for John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1999. Who? Answer: Wyclef Jean.

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(June 28)

Today's musical birthdays include Procol Harum bassist Dave Knights, who was born in 1945 (age 57); and actress/singer Danielle Brisebois in 1969 (age 33).

Today in music history:

In 1969, Crosby Stills and Nash's first album entered the U.S. album charts.

In 1973, British groups from the 1960s recreated the "British Invasion" when The Searchers, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Herman's Hermits and Wayne Fontana played a revival concert at New York's Madison Square Garden.

In 1978, UNICEF named Kansas "Deputy Ambassadors of Goodwill."

In 1986, Wham! -- George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley -- played their farewell concert at a sold-out Wembly Stadium in London.

In 1989, The Pet Shop Boys launched a concert tour in Hong Kong.

In 1992, Eric Clapton and Elton John co-headlined a concert at London's Wembly Stadium that featured Bonnie Raitt as their opening act.

In 1993, the New York Post reported Whitney Houston had been hospitalized in Miami after overdosing on diet pills. The newspaper later retracted the story, but not before Houston filed a $60 million libel suit.

Also in 1993, Wilson Pickett pleaded guilty to drunken driving charges in New Jersey.

In 1994, someone threw a homemade pipebomb into the front yard of 2 Live Crew rapper Luther Campbell's home in Miami Lakes, Fla. No one was injured.

Also in 1994, David Lee Roth kicked off the North American leg of his concert tour in Los Angeles.

In 1995, O.J. Simpson's lawyers threatened to sue a rock radio station (KRFX) in Denver after it put up billboards with pictures of O.J. and Charles Manson and the caption "Bad Company." The rock group Bad Company issued a statement in support of the radio station.

In 1996, Kiss began its "The Greatest Show Ever" reunion tour in Detroit. The concert marked the first time the band was on stage together in 15 years.

Also in 1996, The Who's Roger Daltry suffered a bruised left eye after rocker Gary Glitter accidentally whacked him with a microphone stand during rehearsals for a charity concert held two days later in London's Hyde Park.

Again in 1996, Tiny Tim was involved in a bizzare luggage cart accident at the Philadelphia International Airport that injured two people.

In 1998, former Beatle George Harrison revealed that he'd had a cancerous tumor removed from his throat in August 1997 and underwent radiation treatment. Harrison blamed smoking for his illness.

In 1999, Chicago (the band) was honored by Chicago (the city) as municipal officials put up a sign at Chicago Ave. that featured the street name scripted like the group's logo.

Today's musical quiz:

Elton John began charting hits in 1970, yet his very first Grammy didn't come until 1986. What was it for? Answer: John shared the Best Pop Performance, Duo or Group, Grammy for "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick and Friends. John was among the "friends."