Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(July 13)

Today's musical birthdays include Roger "Jim" McGuinn, founder of the Byrds, and drummer Stephen Jo Bladd of the J.Geils Band, both of whom were born in 1942 (age 60; Cheech Marin of Cheech and Chong in 1946 (age 56); Louise Mandrell, Barbara's sister, in 1954 (age 48; and bassist Lawrence Donegan of Lloyd Cole and The Commotions in 1961 (age 41.

Today in music history:

In 1977, NRBQ responded to the New York power outage by taping flashlights to the microphone stands and continuing with an acoustic set at the BottomLine.

In 1978, the BBC banned the Sex Pistols single "No One Is Innocent" because it featured "Great Train Robbery" fugitive Ronnie Biggs.

In 1984, Eddie Van Halen joined the Jacksons onstage in Dallas to perform Michael Jackson's hit song "Beat It."

Also in 1984, Jeff Beck left the Rod Stewart tour after seven concerts.

In 1985, organized by Boomtown Rats lead singer Bob Geldof, the "Live Aid" concerts in London and Philadelphia provided 18 hours of music and raised millions of dollars to help African famine victims.

Also in 1985, Elton John re-signed with MCA Records.

In 1986, Teddy Pendergrass was released from the hospital after being injured when he ran his van into a utility pole 11 days earlier. The crash came two years after the accident that paralyzed him.

In 1987, a Los Angeles federal judge threw out Bette Midler's $10 million lawsuit against Ford, but said the automaker acted like a "common thief" in using a Midler "sound-alike" voice in its TV ads.

In 1988, Sting performed a benefit concert for tropical rain forests at Washington's Kennedy Center.

In 1993, the trial began in Los Angeles in the lawsuit filed by singer Yvette Marine, who claimed she sang "co-lead" vocals on four songs on Paula Abdul's 1988 debut album "Forever Your Girl." Virgin Records and Abdul denied the charges. Marine would lose the case.

Also in 1993, a stretch of Tennessee Highway 56 near McMinnville was named for the late country singer Dottie West.

In 1994, a Whitney Houston spokeswoman announced the singer had suffered a miscarriage. Houston had announced the pregnancy only a week earlier.

In 1995, Sony announced it had released George Michael from his recording contract, freeing him to sign with Virgin Records and Dreamworks SKG.

Also in 1995, the soundtrack to "Pocahontas" ousted Michael Jackson's "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1" from the top of the Billboard Top-200 album chart.

Again in 1995, legendary guitarist Les Paul collapsed with chest pains outside his New Jersey home as he was leaving for Nashville to attend his 80th birthday party.

In 1996, members of the Goo Goo Dolls were among the nearly 1,000 people at Nashville's Riverfront Park trying to set a world guitar marathon record. Unfortunately, they fell short of the record set in Vancouver in 1994 with 1,320 guitarists.

In 1997, Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis suffered a shattered wrist when his motorcycle was hit by a car in Los Angeles.

In 2000, Veruca Salt, Less Than Jake and Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise were among the bands that took part in a coast-to-coast cyber-concert event. Midnight Mayhem was Web cast live from clubs in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Topping the charts on this date:

Teddy Bear -- Elvis Presley (1957), (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction -- The Rolling Stones (1965), Will It Go Round in Circles - Billy Preston (1973), Bette Davis Eyes -- Kim Carnes (1981).

Today's musical quiz:

Bette Midler has carefully cultivated the image of a New Yorker, but where did she spend the first 21 years of her life? Answer: In Hawaii, where she was born.

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(July 14)

Today's musical birthdays include the late Woody Guthrie, who was born in 1912; country's Del Reeves in 1933 (age 68); and Chris Cross of Ultravox in 1952 (age 49).

Today in music history:

In 1967, the Who began its first major U.S. tour, opening for the Herman's Hermits.

In 1973, the Everly Brothers broke up in spectacular fashion when Phil smashed his guitar and stalked off stage during a concert at Knotts Berry Farm in Southern California.

In 1973, former Byrds guitarist Clarence White was struck and killed by a car near Lancaster, Calif. He was 29.

In 1977, Elvis Costello and his new band -- The Attractions -- debuted in Cornwall, England.

In 1980, Allen Klein -- who'd managed both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones -- began serving a two-month prison sentence for income tax fraud.

In 1984, former Spinners lead singer Philippe Wynne suffered a fatal heart attack on stage at an Oakland, Calif., nightclub. He was 43.

In 1986, Motley Crue singer Vince Neil entered the Gardena, Calif., city jail to begin serving a 30-day sentence for vehicular homicide and drunken driving. The sentence stemmed from the December 1985 car accident that killed Neil's drummer friend, Nicholas Dingley.

Also in 1986, a Miami jury acquitted former Shalamar singer Howard Hewett Jr. on cocaine trafficking charges.

In 1987, Steve Miller attended the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1988, a Nashville radio station (WYHY) said it wanted to dispel rumors that Elvis Presley was still alive. It offered $1 million to anyone who could produce him. The money went unclaimed.

In 1992, Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose pleaded innocent to charges stemming from the July 2, 1991, riot at a suburban St. Louis concert.

Also in 1992, Olivia Newton-John announced she had breast cancer and canceled her upcoming tour. Doctors at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles said they expected the 43-year-old singer to make a full recovery. She did.

In 1994, more rumors about the Michael Jackson-Lisa Marie Presley marriage: a New York newspaper reported the two were holed up in Jackson's duplex apartment in Trump Tower in Manhattan.

Also in 1994, Aerosmith, the Beastie Boys, R.E.M. and Icelandic rock singer Bjork topped the list of nominees for the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.

And in 1994, country star Garth Brooks held a benefit concert in Los Angeles to raise money for local charities.

In 1998, Madonna and Garbage topped the list of nominees for the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. Madonna grabbed nine nominations for her videos "Ray of Light" and "Frozen," while Garbage received eight for its video "Push It."

Also in 1998, Arista Records President Clive Davis hosted a party for Sarah McLachlan in New York to celebrate her latest album "Surfacing" going "triple platinum."

In 2000, Nike and Bo Diddley settled their legal differences over the production and sale of t-shirts bearing his likeness and the slogan "Bo knows." The blues legend had been featured in Nike's "Bo knows" ad campaign but hadn't authorized the shirts.

Also in 2000, Cheap Trick performed at the 23rd Annual Hennepin Avenue Block Party in Minneapolis.

Topping the charts on this date: The Wayward Wind -- Gogi Grant (1965), I Get Around -- The Beach Boys (1964), Lean on Me - Bill Withers (1972), Coming Up - Paul McCartney and Wings (1980).

Today's musical quiz:

How did Elvis Costello get his first recording contract? Answer: Costello was signed by CBS Records after he performed on the sidewalk outside the hotel where the label was holding a sales conference.

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(July 15)

Today's musical birthdays include Dorothy Fields, lyricist, born in 1905, country singer Cowboy (Lloyd) Copas in 1913; Tommy Dee (Thomas Donaldson), singer,record exective, in 1940; Moby Grape guitarist Peter Lewis, who was born in in 1945 (age 57); - ardino Linda Ronstadt in 1947 (age 55); producer Trevor Horn in 1949 (age 53); and David Pack of Ambrosia in 1952 (age 50).

Today in music history:

In 1952, 8-year-old Gladys Knight won $2,000 and a gold cup for her rendition of the song "Too Young" on the "Ted Mack Amateur Hour."

In 1958, John Lennon's mother, Julia, was killed in an auto accident in Liverpool, England.

In 1969, Judy Collins appeared in a production of "Peer Gynt" at New York's Shakespeare Festival.

In 1978, Bob Dylan drew an estimated 200,000 fans without playing a note -- the fans gathered at England's Blackbush Airport to see him off following his hugely successful British concert tour.

In 1980, on her 34th birthday, Linda Ronstadt made her dramatic debut as Mabel in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta "The Pirates of Penzance."

In 1987, a British children's TV show barred Boy George from appearing, fearing the former drug addict might be a bad influence on young viewers.

In 1989, Simply Red's "If You Don't Know Me By Now" became the group's second No.1 single.

In 1991, Charles Freeman -- the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., record store owner who sold the 2 Live Crew album "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" after a federal judge declared it obscene -- was arrested on drug charges.

In 1994, Phil Collins confirmed he was seeking a divorce but was not going through a midlife crisis, as his wife claimed in news reports.

In 1995, Sinead O'Connor performed in Chicago and then dropped out of Lollapalooza '95, saying she couldn't take the heat because she was pregnant with her second child. She gave birth to a boy the following February.

In 1996, New York police said the heroin that killed Smashing Pumpkins touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin was 70- to 80-percent pure.

Also in 1996, Michael Jackson helped the sultan of Brunei celebrate his 50th birthday.

In 1998, Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer suffered second-degree burns on his arms, hands and legs in a freak gas station fire in the Boston suburb of Scituate, Mass. His injuries forced the postponement of the first 13 dates of the band's North American tour.

Also in 1998, Tori Amos kicked off her summer North American tour in Milwaukee in support of her latest CD "from the choirgirl hotel."

In 1999, Bruce Springsteen kicked off the U.S. leg of his reunion tour with the E-Street Band at the first of 15 sold-out shows at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

Also in 1999, the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, 51, finally gave up on bachelorhood and married his 31-year-old girlfriend in an outdoor ceremony at their home in Mill Valley, Calif.

Topping the charts on this date:

Rock Around the Clock -- Bill Haley and his Comets (19550, Easier Said Than Done -- Th Essex (1963), It's Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move -- Carol King (1971), Bad Girls -- Donna Summer (1979).

Today's musical quiz:

What is Fiona Apple's full name? Answer: Fiona Apple McAfee Maggart. She was named after a character in "Brigadoon."

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July 16

Today's musical birthdays include Cal (Callen) Tjader (Grammy Award-winning musician: vibes, piano, percussion; composer) in 1925; Nat Pierce (musician: jazz rhythm pianist; co-bandleader) also in 1925; singer Mindy Carson in 1927; bassist Tony Jackson of the Searchers in 1940 (age 62); reggae pioneer Desmond Dekker in 1942 (age 60); Box Tops drummer Thomas Boggs in 1947 (age 55); singer/actor Ruben Blades and violinist Pinchass Zukerman, both in 1948 (age 54), and drummer Stewart Copeland of Police in 1952 (age 50).

Today in music history:

In 1964, jazz great John Coltrane died of liver cancer in Huntington, N.Y. A saxophone player and composer, Coltrane was one of the most influential jazz figures of the 1960s and 70s.

In 1965, Dusty Springfield achieved her only U.S. Top-5 single with "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me."

In 1966, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker formed Cream.

In 1972, Smokey Robinson performed his final show with the Miracles, capping a six-month tour in Washington, D.C.

In 1976, Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina broke up after six years.

In 1981, Harry Chapin was killed when his Volkswagen Rabbit was rear-ended by a truck on the Long Island, N.Y., Expressway. He was 39.

In 1991, jazz musician Miles Davis was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal by the French Culture Ministry in Paris.

In 1992, the Charlie Watts Quintet -- a side project of Rolling Stone Charlie Watts -- walked off the set of "Late Night With David Letterman" due to what was termed "artistic differences" with Letterman's producer.

In 1993, a judge in Buenos Aires, Argentina, dismissed a complaint against the members of Guns N' Roses after a former police officer accused the rockers of drug possession. A police search of the band's hotel rooms turned up only vitamins.

In 1995, New York carjackers stole Queen Latifah's BMW, shooting and wounding her bodyguard in the process. Two men were arrested next day and the car was recovered.

Also in 1995, Wayne Osmond underwent 12-hour brain surgery to remove a tumor.

In 1996, Styx co-founder John Panozzo died from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. He was 47.

In 1997, Quiet Riot lead guitarist Carlos Cavazo escaped serious injury when burglars tied him up and pistol-whipped him during a robbery at his home. He managed to escape and flag down police, who arrested two men.

Also in 1997, the Presidents of the United States of America gave a free concert at Seattle's Ballard nightclub to mark the closing of the landmark venue.

In 1998, Foghat announced it was cancelling two weeks worth of concert dates between July 29 and August 12 so lead singer Dave Peverett could be with his wife, who was having cancer surgery.

Topping the charts on this date:

Roses Are Red -- Bobby Vinton (1962), Mama Told Me (Not to Come) -- Three Dog Night (1970), Shadow Dancing -- Andy Gibb (1978). Holding Back the Years - Simply Red (1986).

Today's musical quiz:

Does Sting own the Internet address sting.com? Answer: No. In 2000, he was unable to gain ownership of the URL because he'd never registered the name "Sting" as a trademark. The rocker was the first celebrity to lose such a case before the World Intellectual Property Organization.

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(July 17)

Today's musical birthdays include Diahann Carroll, who was born in 1935 (age 67); Stan Bronstein of Elephant's Memory in 1938 (age 64); Spencer Davis in 1942 (age 60); Sweet drummer Mick Tucker in 1948 (age 54); Terry "Geezer" Butler, bassist with Black Sabbath, and Tommy James and the Shondells bassist Mike Vale, both in 1949 (age 53); actor David Hasselhoff (who's a hit singer overseas) and Phoebe Snow were both born in 1952 (both age 50), and so was the late Nicolette Larson.

Today in music history:

In 1954, the first Newport Jazz Festival opened in Rhode Island for a two-day run.

In 1959, Billie Holiday died from liver disease at age 44.

In 1967, the Jim Hendrix Experience opened for the Monkees at Forest Hills Stadium in New York.

In 1968, the Beatles' animated film "Yellow Submarine" premiered in London.

In 1972, police in Santa Monica, Calif., arrested Sly Stone on drug possession charges. The "drugs" turned out to be over-the-counter cold medication.

Also in 1972, a mysterious bomb blew up the Rolling Stones equipment truck in Montreal.

In 1974, the Moody Blues opened its own studio in London -- the first in Britain designed for quadraphonic recording.

In 1979, Gary Moore left Thin Lizzy -- not for the first time -- and was replaced by Midge Ure.

In 1982, "Valley Girl" by Frank Zappa and his 14-year-old daughter Moon Unit entered the pop music charts.

In 1991, a reconstituted Lynyrd Skynyrd kicked off a national tour in Baton Rouge, La. That's where the band was headed Oct. 21, 1977, when its plane crashed -- killing six, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines.

In 1992, Guns N' Roses launched a 25-concert tour with Metallica and Faith No More in Washington, D.C.

In 1993, former Who Pete Townshend opened his tour in Toronto.

In 1994, Whitney Houston sang at the World Cup soccer finals in Pasadena, Calif.

Also in 1994, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley found some stolen Kiss costumes during a surprise visit to a Kiss convention in Pontiac, Mich.

In 1996, the Smashing Pumpkins announced drummer Jimmy Chamberlin had been fired after his arrest on drug possession charges the week before and the death of a backing musician in a New York hotel room.

In 1998, the Smashing Pumpkins performed a free show at a block party in downtown Minneapolis.

Topping the charts on this date:

Tossin' and Turnin' -- Bobby Lewis (1961), In the Year 2525 -- Zager and Evans (1969), Da Doo Ron Ron -- Shaun Cassidy (1977), View to a Kill -- Duran Duran (1985)

Today's musical quiz:

When Paul McCartney wanted to use "Yesterday" in his 1984 film "Give My Regards to Broad Street," what did he had to do? Answer: He needed the publisher's permission, since he no longer owned the rights to the song.

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(July 18)

Today's musical birthdays include - Lou Busch (Joe 'Fingers' Carr) musician: piano, arranger ,born in 1910; Dion DiMucci, of Dion and the Belmonts, who was born in 1939 (age 63) keyboardist Brian Auger also in 1939 (age 63; Martha Reeves, of Martha and the Vandellas, in 1941 (age 61); the late jazz/R&B trumpeter David Hines in 1942; guitarist Robin MacDonald of Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas in 1943 (age 59); Raspberries guitarist Wally Bryson in 1949 (age 53); Glenn Hughes of the Village People and Golden Earring drummer Cesar Zuiderwyk, both in 1950 (age 52); country's Ricky Skaggs in 1954 (age 48); XTC drummer Terry Chambers in 1955 (age 47); and Alarm drummer Nigel Twist in 1958 (age 44).

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Today in music history:

In 1952, Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" debuted on the country music charts.

In 1966, Bobby Fuller was found dead in his car in Los Angeles. An exact cause of death was never determined. Fuller was 22. His group -- the Bobby Fuller Four -- is best known for the hit song "I Fought the Law."

In 1974, the U.S. Justice Department announced it had ordered John Lennon out of the United States by Sept. 10. That, following the denial by immigration officials of Lennon's non-immigrant visa due to a 1968 marijuana possession conviction in Britain. Lennon fought the order and eventually won.

In 1975, Bob Marley and the Wailers recorded "Live!" -- a concert album -- at the Lyceum Ballroom in London.

In 1980, Billy Joel topped the Billboard Top-200 album chart with "Glass House" and the Hot-100 singles chart with "It's Still Rock 'N' Roll to Me."

In 1989, Paul Kantner -- one of the founders of Jefferson Airplane -- reunited the band's original 1966 line-up, including Marty Balin, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, as well as Grace Slick.

In 1991, the British coroner ruled that the April death of rocker Steve Marriott in a cottage fire was an accident.

Also in 1991, jazz/R&B trumpeter David Hines was killed on his 49th birthday when his motorcycle was hit by a car in the St. Louis suburb of University City, Mo.

In 1992, singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown were married at Houston's New Jersey mansion. Stevie Wonder sang at the wedding.

In 1994, Meat Loaf was sued by a Milwaukee songwriter who claimed the rocker's song "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are" was a rip-off of his tune.

Also in 1994, the Rolling Stones performed a surprise concert at a Toronto nightclub.

In 1995, fans in Texas lined up to buy "Dreaming of You" -- the last album Tejano star Selena recorded before death four months earlier.

Also in 1995, Billboard said its annual music awards was being moving from Los Angeles to New York for first time.

In 1997, the Foo Fighters performed at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco at the second Miller Genuine Draft Blind Date, a contest run by the beer company.

In 1999, Michael Jackson had lunch with former South African President Nelson Mandela at Mandela's home in Johannesburg. It was Mandela's 81st birthday.

Topping the charts on this date:

I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee (1960), This Guy's In Love with You - Herb Alpert (1968), Afternoon Delight -- Starland Vocal Band (1976), When Doves Cry -- Prince (1984).

Today's musical quiz:

Billy Joel once worked for "Changes" magazine. As what? Answer: He was a rock critic.

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(July 19)

Today's musical birthdays include: Charles Teagarden trumpeter, bandleader, brother of Jack, in 1913; Papa Dee Allen of War, who was born in 1931, country singer George Hamilton IV in 1937 (age 65); Vikki Carr in 1941 (age 61; Average White Band bassist Alan Gorrie in 1946 (age 56; guitarist Bernie Leadon of the Flying Burrito Brothers and, later, the Eagles, and Queen guitarist Brian May, both in 1947 (age 55; the late keyboardist Keith Godchaux of the Grateful Dead was born in 1948; and the late Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynyrd was born in 1952.

Today in music history:

In 1958, the manager of the Drifters fired the entire group and then hired the then-barely-known Ben E. King and his group, the Five Crowns, as their replacement.

In 1966, 21-year-old actress Mia Farrow married Frank Sinatra, who was 30 years her senior. The marriage lasted only two years

In 1969, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition first appeared on the country music charts with "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town." It was the band's first hit single under its new name.

In 1975, country's Lefty Frizzell died from a stroke at age 47.

In 1976, Allman Brothers Band roadie Scooter Herring was sentenced to 75 years in prison for distribution of cocaine and other drugs. Gregg Allman was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony.

In 1980, David Bowie made his stage debut, portraying "The Elephant Man" in a Denver production. The show later moved to Broadway.

In 1987, the rap group Beastie Boys did not use its usual nearly naked dancers and 20-foot male organ at its Memphis concert. That's because the audience included a city councilman waiting for a chance to have the band arrested on obscenity charges.

In 1989, James Brown was moved from a minimum-security prison to a medium-security jail after large amounts of money was found in his cell.

In 1990, Chuck Berry was charged with possession of marijuana in St. Charles, Mo.

In 1991, a wax likeness of singer Gloria Estefan was unveiled at the Movieland Wax Museum in Los Angeles.

Also in 1991, country singer Dottie West was slightly hurt in a car crash.

In 1993, testimony began in the Los Angeles trial of a lawsuit filed by backup singer Yvette Marine against Paula Abdul and Virgin Records. Marine claimed she was entitled to "co-lead" vocal credit on Abdul's 1988 debut album "Forever Your Girl." She would lose the case.

In 1994, throat problems forced Whitney Houston to cancel nine dates on her summer concert tour.

Also in 1994, Delphi Internet Service Corporation was named the official online computer service for the Rolling Stones "Voodoo Lounge" world tour. But officials said the band was not going to "log on."

And in 1994, Rock The Vote kicked off its campaign to help the MTV generation join the health-care debate.

In 1995, the Recording Industry Association of America announced that Carole King's 1971 album "Tapestry" had sold more than 10 million copies -- becoming only the second female solo artist to do so. The first was Whitney Houston's "Bodyguard" soundtrack.

In 1996, Michael Jackson announced he would perform in South Africa for the first time that coming January.

Topping the charts on this date:

Lonely Boy - Paul Anka (1959), Windy - The Association (1967), Listen to What the Man Said - Wings (1975), Every Breath You Take - The Police (1983).

Today's musical quiz:

At age 8, this future pop star won runner-up on "Star Search" with her version of Whitney Houston's "The Greatest Love of All." Who? Answer: Christina Aguilera.