Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(July 27)

Today's musical birthdays include the late Homer Haynes of Homer and Jethro, who was born in 1920; Nick Reynolds of the Kingston Trio in 1933 (age 69); Gary Lewis and the Playboys guitarist Al Ramsey in 1943 (age 59); Bobbie Gentry in 1944 (age 58); Maureen McGovern in 1949 (age 53); and Paper Lace lead guitarist Michael Vaughn in 1950 (age 52).

Today in music history:

In 1955, "Maybelline" -- Chuck Berry's first hit -- entered the R&B singles chart.

In 1967, Britain's "pirate" radio stations were declared illegal, and BBC Radio One was launched.

In 1976, U.S. immigration officials gave in and issued a "green card" -- or permanent residence card -- to John Lennon.

In 1982, Sting and Virgin Music Publishing settled a lawsuit out of court involving a contract he'd signed when an unknown musician.

In 1984, Prince's "Purple Rain" opened at movie theaters nationwide.

Also in 1984, Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor married Giovanna Cantone in Naples, Italy.

In 1985, Paul Young -- former lead singer of the British soul band the Q-Tips -- topped the U.S. singles chart with a cover of Hall and Oates' "Every Time You Go Away."

In 1986, a man stabbed himself at a Cure concert in Los Angeles --apparently to impress a girl.

In 1990, members of the Grateful Dead announced they would tour despite the death of keyboardist Brent Mydland the day before.

Also in 1990, Madonna launched the British leg of her "Blonde Ambition" tour in London.

And in 1990, Bobby Day died of cancer in Los Angeles. He was 60.

In 1991, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Little Richard, the Dells, Johnny Taylor, and the Winans were no-shows at the Chicago Music Festival. They said they hadn't been paid in advance. But James Brown and the Chi-Lites performed. The promoter later sued Franklin, saying he had tried to pay her but she rebuffed him. The lawsuit was settled out of court.

In 1992, Michael Jackson sued a British tabloid Daily Mirror for libel over its claims that the pop singer was "hideously disfigured" by repeated plastic surgeries.

In 1995, four months after her murder, Selena's first English-language album -- "Dreaming Of You" -- debuted at No.1 on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart.

Topping the charts on this date:

Lonely Boy - Paul Anka (1959), Windy - The Association (1967),

The Hustle - Van McCoy and The Soul City Symphony (1975), Every Breath You Take - The Police (1983).

Today's musical quiz:

Maureen McGovern's biggest hit song comes from a 1970s disaster movie. Can you name the tune, and the film? Answer: The song was "The Morning After" and it's from the flick "The Poseidon Adventure."

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July 28

Today's musical birthdays include crooner Rudy Vallee in 1901;, conductor Carmen Dragon in 1914;, musician Frankie Yankovich in 1915; Dr. Hook's lead guitarist George Cummings, who was born in 1938 (age 64; the late Mike Bloomfield in 1944; Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright in 1945 (age 57; Jonathan Edwards in 1946 (age 56; the late Steven Took of T. Rex was born in 1949; Peter Doyle of the New Seekers and Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke, both also in 1949 (age 53; and Rachel Sweet in 1962 (age 30.)

Today in music history:

In 1954, Elvis Presley gave his first interview. Reporters were hard-pressed to get the 19-year-old former truck driver to say much more than "yes" or "no."

In 1956, Gene Vincent made his national TV debut on "The Perry Como Show."

On this date in 1956 Elvis Presley scored his second No. 1 hit with "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You." In April, he had topped the charts for the first time with "Heartbreak Hotel."

In 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis made his TV debut on "The Steve Allen Show."

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix played his final gig in his hometown of Seattle.

In 1973, an estimated 600,000 fans gathered for "Summer Jam" at the Watkins Glen, N.Y., racetrack to hear the Grateful Dead, The Band, and the Allman Bros. Band--among others.

In 1976, Steve Miller's album "Fly Like An Eagle" was certified "gold."

In 1980, the Police and Squeeze headlined the Dalmount Festival in Dublin, Ireland. Further down on the bill--a local band known as U2.

In 1986, Keith Richards' girlfriend, Patti Hansen, gave birth to a girl they named Alexandra. She was the couple's second daughter.

In 1987, the Beatles--through Apple Corps Ltd. and Apple Records--sued Nike and EMI-Capitol for using "Revolution" in a TV commercial for athletic shoes.

In 1992, at the request of Ice T, Warner Brothers Records said it was pulling the song "Cop Killer" from the rapper's "Body Count" album. The action followed controversy and criticism that the tune promoted violence against police officers.

In 1993, John Mellencamp kicked off a series of three concerts in Chicago to raise money for the victims of Midwest flooding.

In 1994, the ceremonial top beam was hoisted into place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, under construction in Cleveland.

Also in 1994, Sun Records announced it was getting back into the contemporary music business by releasing traditional country music.

In 1995, the Los Angeles Times reported that a Michael Jackson music video had to be digitally corrected because a shot of the pop star floating naked in the water showed too much of his anatomy.

In 1998, rocker Patti Smith began a rare U.S. concert tour in New York. Other dates included San Francisco and Hollywood.

In 1999, a Los Angeles judge ordered rapper ODB (real name: Russell Jones) to stand trial under a new law that made it illegal for convicted felons to wear bullet-proof vests. ODB was allegedly wearing one when stopped by LA police earlier in the year.

Also in 1999, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder joined The Who's co-founder Pete Townshend on stage at a New York nightclub.

And in 1999, legendary South African singer Simon Nkabinde--who had popularized Zulu music around the world in the 1970s under his middle name, Mahlathini--died at age 61. He had suffered from diabetes for many years.

In 2000, a federal appeals court issued a stay halting an injunction that required Napster to shut down its controversial Web site. The three-judge panel in San Francisco ruled Napster can continue providing its popular music-sharing service while the company formally appeals an injunction requested by the recording industry.

Also in 2000, Rage Against the Machine and the Beastie Boys canceled their first tour together. The "Rhyme and Reason" tour had been slated to begin in August but Beasties drummer Mike D. needed time to recover from a dislocated shoulder--sustained when he hit a pothole while riding his bicycle in New York City.

And in 2000, Counting Crows and Live launched a co-headlining North American summer tour in Kansas City, Mo.

Topping the charts on this date:

Patricia - Perez Prado (1958), Hanky Panky - Tommy James and The Shondells (1966),

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor (1982).

Today's musical quiz:

Bob Dylan's song "Like A Rolling Stone" featured what musician

on electric guitar? Answer: Mike Bloomfield.

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(July 29)

Today's musical birthdays include REO Speedwagon keyboardist Neal Doughty, who was born in 1946 (age 56); Rush's Geddy Lee in 1953 (age 49); singer Patty Scialfa in 1956 (age 46); former Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes in 1959 (age 43); and country singer Martina McBride in 1966 (age 36).

Today in music history:

In 1962, Bob Dylan sang on the radio for the first time, on a 21-hour "hootenanny" broadcast by a New York radio station (WRVR-FM).

In 1965, Britain's Queen Elizabeth attended the London premiere of the Beatles' second film "Help!"

In 1966, Bob Dylan was severely injured in a motorcycle accident near his Woodstock, N.Y., home. He would disappear from the music scene until the 1968 release of his "John Wesley Hardin" album.

In 1968, the Byrds embarked on a tour of South Africa. However, Gram Parsons refused to play in an apartheid country and instead formed his own group, The Flying Burrito Brothers.

In 1973, Led Zeppelin lost more than $180,000 in cash from two Madison Square Garden shows to a thief at the New York Hilton.

In 1974, "Mama" Cass Elliot--formerly with the Mamas and the Papas--died from a heart attack at Harry Nilsson's London home. It was first thought she'd choked to death while eating a ham sandwich. Elliot was 30.

In 1978, Prince entered the black music charts for the first time with "Soft and Wet."

In 1980, David Bowie made his stage debut in a Denver production of "The Elephant Man." He portrayed the subject of the play, John Merrick.

In 1982, Duran Duran's Andy Taylor wed Tracie Wilson.

In 1984, Boy George sent fans into a frenzy when he was photographed in Jamaica with bleach blond hair and beard stubble.

In 1986, Boy George pleaded guilty to heroin possession charges. The London magistrate hearing the case said Boy George "faced up to the charge manfully" and let him off with a $375 fine.

Also in 1986, a would-be robber shot and wounded country singer/songwriter Paul Davis in the stomach outside a Nashville Music Row hotel.

In 1987, Ben and Jerry's announced an agreement with Jerry Garcia to market a new ice cream flavor--"Cherry Garcia."

In 1990, Stevie Wonder made a surprise appearance at a Hackensack, N.J., church. He sang "The Lord's Prayer."

In 1992, John Mellencamp canceled a concert in Toronto due to exhaustion.

In 1993, Elton John's personal record collection was auctioned off for $273,000. The money was donated to benefit AIDS research.

In 1994, rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg and two other men pleaded innocent to additional charges related to the shooting death of reputed Los Angeles gang member 11 months earlier. Snoop and his bodyguard were eventually acquitted.

In 1998, a Studio City, Calif., man filed a $250,000 lawsuit against Eddie Money, claiming the rocker was drunk when he hit the man with his car following a fight with the man's neighbor.

Also in 1998, Paul McCartney's boyhood home in Liverpool, England, opened for limited public tours.

In 2000, organizers said the 'N Sync Challenge for the Children II basketball game was a huge success, collecting $550,000 for various charitable organizations.

Topping the charts on this date:

Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley (1957), (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones (1965), Bad, Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce (1973), The One that You Love - Air Supply (1981)

Today's musical quiz:

Before he went into music fulltime, what did rocker Eddie Money do for a living? Answer: Money was a New York City police officer.

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(July 30)

Today's musical birthdays include Christina McGuire of the McGuire Sisters, born in 1929; blues guitarist Buddy Guy, who was born in 1936 (age 66); Edd "Kookie" Byrnes--as in "Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb"--in 1938 (age 64); Paul Anka in 1941 (age 61); saxophonist and composer David Sanborn in 1945 (age 57); former Jethro Tull bassist Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond in 1946 (age 56); Andy Scott of Sweet in 1949 (age 53); The Damned drummer Rat Scabies, whose real name is Chris Miller, in 1957 (age 45); and Kate Bush in 1958 (age 44)/

-Today in music history:

In 1968, the Beatles' Apple Boutique closed its doors in London, only eight months after opening. Everything was given away to passers-by.

In 1973, a Led Zeppelin concert was filmed for the movie "The Song Remains The Same."

In 1978, Parliament-Funkadelic singer and guitarist Glen Goins died of Hodgkins' Disease. He was just 24.

In 1986, John Denver's contract with RCA Records was not renewed.

Also in 1986, Ella Fitzgerald was released from a Niagara Falls, N.Y., hospital.

Singer Kate Smith, who debuted on radio in 1931, made her last public appearance on this date in 1976, singing her trademark "God Bless America" as part pf a TV salute to the nation's Bicentennial.

More on Kate Smith: In 1987, Catholic Church officials in Lake Placid, N.Y., agreed to allow a pink granite mausoleum to be erected for the singer who had died the previous year. The mausoleum was originally rejected as too ornate.

Also in 1987, country singer George Jones was hospitalized in Birmingham, Ala., for a variety of ailments--including bronchitis, stomach pains, an inflamed prostate and exhaustion.

In 1989, Larry Parnes--Britain's first manager of rock 'n' roll--died. His roster included Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde and Billy Fury.

In 1990, Paul McCartney ended his world tour at Chicago's Soldier Field.

Also in 1990, Chuck Berry posted bond on drug and child abuse charges in St. Charles, Mo.

And in 1990, Pearl Bailey was released from a Philadelphia hospital following knee replacement surgery.

In 1991, Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose threw a temper tantrum and threatened to cancel that night's concert at the Forum after an Inglewood, Calif., police officer ticketed the band's limo driver. The police tore up the ticket, saying they wanted to prevent a riot.

Also in 1991, the family of the late Temptations lead singer David Ruffin appealed to the public for the return of the gold records that'd been stolen from the family home.

In 1992, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Gladys Knight, Julian Lennon, Johnny Gill, Bell Biv DeVoe, Keith Sweat, and Heavy D and The Boyz were among the artists who agreed to take part in a concert to raise money to help rebuild riot-torn Los Angeles.

Also in 1992, upcoming Guns N' Roses concerts in Boston; Columbia, S.C.; and Minneapolis were postponed after frontman Axl Rose strained his vocal cords during a New Jersey show.

In 1993, Tom Hulett--an early rock music promoter and later the manager of the Beach Boys and the Moody Blues--died of cancer at age 55.

In 1994, tickets went on sale for Farm Aid VII, scheduled for Sept. 18 in New Orleans.

In 1996, Smashing Pumpkins topped the list of 1996 MTV Video Music Award nominees, with eight nominations. Alanis Morissette, Foo Fighters and Bjork got five nominations each.

In 1998, the Smashing Pumpkins made its first appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS. The band performed outside the Ed Sullivan Theater following the show's taping.

Also in 1998, Stevie Wonder--in South Africa--visited the jail cell where Nelson Mandela spent much of his 27 years in custody.

In 2000, a fur protester who allegedly threatened '70s rocker Ted Nugent was arrested during an anti-fur protest at a Neiman Marcus store in San Francisco. Charges were later dropped. Nugent was in the Bay Area to open for KISS.

Topping the charts on this date:

The Wayward Wind -- Gogi Grant (1956), Rag Doll -- The Four Seasons (1964),

Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan (1972), It's Still Rock and Roll To Me -- Billy Joel (1980).

Today's Musical quiz:

Which entertainer holds the record for appearing on the most magazine covers in one month? Answer: Edd "Kookie" Burns, who graced the covers of 20 publications in October 1960.

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(July 31)

Today's musical birthdays include Bob Welch, former guitarist with Fleetwood Mac who later went solo, was born in 1946 (age 55); Gary Lewis, of Gary Lewis and the Playboys and also Jerry Lewis's son, also in 1946 (age 55); Herman's Hermits' Karl Green in 1947 (age 54); Electric Light Orchestra's Hugh MacDowell in 1953 (age 48); guitarist Daniel Ash, with Bauhaus and also Love and Rockets, in 1957 (age 44); and former REM drummer Bill Berry in 1958 (age 43).

-Today in music history:

In 1964, police in Belfast, Northern Ireland, shut down a Rolling Stones concert after 12 minutes when fans being rioting.

Also in 1964, country singer Jim Reeves was killed in a plane crash. He was 39.

In 1967, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were released from jail after spending a month locked up on drug possession charges. Richards' conviction was later overturned, while Jagger was given a conditional discharge.

In 1980, John Philips of the Mamas and the Papas was arrested at his Long Island, N.Y., summer home and charged with running a pill-pushing ring. He was later convicted.

In 1981, Blondie lead singer Deborah Harry released a solo album--"Koo Koo"--produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic. The album sleeve featured a picture of Harry with long needles penetrating her cheeks.

In 1990, Harry Nilsson was charged with drunk driving in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Also in 1990, Joe Cocker organized and performed at a benefit concert to help his adopted hometown of Santa Barbara, Calif., recover from a wildfire.

In 1993, Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickie Betts was arrested after a fight with his wife at a Saratoga Springs, N.Y., hotel. He pleaded innocent to the charges but left the group to undergo alcoholism treatment.

In 1996, the New York City medical examiner confirmed it was an overdose of alcohol and drugs that killed Smashing Pumpkins backing keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin earlier in the month.

Also in 1996, rap artist LB--real name, Seagram Miller--was gunned down in Oakland, Calif. He was 26.

In 1998, the Beastie Boys launched their North American tour in Seattle in support of their fifth CD "Hello Nasty."

In 2000, Christina Aguilera's first headlining concert tour kicked off in Kansas City.

Also in 2000, Britney Spears helped launch a Web site for young girls and teenagers with a live online chat and a behind-the-scenes look at her "Oops, I Did It Again Tour 2000."

Topping the charts on this date:

Rock Around The Clock -- Bill Haley and his Comets (1955), Surf -- Jan and Dean (1963), It's Too Late/I Feel The Earth Move -- Carol King (1971), Bad Girls - Donna Summer (1979).

Today's musical quiz:

Who sang backing vocals on Bob Welch's 1977 single "Sentimental Lady"? Answer: His Fleetwood Mac colleagues, Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham.

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(Aug. 1)

Today's musical birthdays include the late Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead in 1942; saxophonist Dennis Payton of the Dave Clark Five in 1943 (age 58); Raymond "Boz" Burrell, formerly with King Crimson and also Bad Company, in 1946 (age 55); Grass Roots drummer Rick Coonce and Tubes bassist Rick Anderson, both in 1947 (age 54); singer/songwriter Robert Cray in 1953 (age 48); Def Leppard's Joe Elliot in 1960 (age 41); rapper Coolio in 1963 (age 38); and the late Rob Pilatus, one-half of the lip-synching duo Milli Vanilli, in 1964.

Today in music history

In 1927, the Carter Family recorded its first record, in Bristol, Tenn.

In 1960, Chubby Checker's "The Twist" was released.

Also in 1960, Aretha Franklin turned from gospel music to record her first pop songs during a New York City recording session.And

in 1960, Elvis Presley was named "Public Enemy No.1" by the East German newspaper Young World.

In 1964, Johnny Burnette was killed in a boating accident near San Francisco. He was 30.

In 1970, "Performance"--a movie starring Mick Jagger--opened.

In 1971, George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh at New York's Madison Square Garden featured Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Leon Russell, among others. The show was recorded and released as a triple-album boxed set.

Also in 1971, the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour made its television debut on this date.

In 1981, MTV premiered at 12:01 a.m. with "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles.

In 1986, Jerry Garcia was released from the hospital on his birthday following a three-week stay. He'd been hospitalized in a diabetic coma.

In 1987, Bananarama's Siobhan Fahey married Eurythmics' Dave Stewart in France.

In 1993, more than $1 million was raised for Midwest flood relief during a four-hour fundraiser hosted by Wayne Newton and Jim Stafford in Branson, Mo.

In 1994, Lisa Marie Presley confirmed rumors that she and Michael Jackson had been married May 26 in the Dominican Republic.

Also in 1994, the Rolling Stones launched its "Voodoo Lounge" tour in Washington, D.C. It was the Stones' first tour in five years.

And in 1994, Paul Simon, Phoebe Snow and Jimmy Buffet performed at Simon's fifth annual "Back to the Ranch" benefit concert in Long Island, N.Y.

And in 1994, Bethel '94 -- the smaller of two planned concerts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Woodstock--was canceled.

In 1995, a survey of 1994's top earners in Britain found Phil Collins earned $34.9 million, with Elton John raking in $28.5 million and Eric Clapton getting $21.2 million.

In 1996, Aerosmith announced it had fired its longtime manager Tim Collins. Collins said the band didn't share his vision, including that of sobriety. The rockers called Collins' remarks "ludicrous."

Also in 1996, the Cranberries resumed its world tour in Salem, Ore. The road trip had been interrupted for eight weeks after lead singer Dolores O'Riordan hurt her knee.

In 1999, Whitney Houston cancelled her concert in Concord, Calif., only one hour before the show had been scheduled to begin. She cited illness as the reason. The concert marked the last stop on the U.S. leg of her world tour.

In 2000, Big Ticket Television announced it had signed a deal to develop a TV series for Sisqo, the former lead singer of the R&B group Dru Hill.

Topping the charts on this date:

Roses Are Red - Bobby Vinton (1962), (They Long to be) Close to You -- Carpenters (1970), Shadow Dancing - Andy Gibb (1978), Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel (1986).

Today's musical quiz:

How did Jerry Garcia come up with the name "Grateful Dead"? Answer: Reportedly, Garcia opened a Funk and Wagnalls dictionary and, with his eyes closed, pointed to a page. His finger rested on the phrase "greateful dead," which is a type of folk ballad about death and reincarnation.

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(Aug. 2)

Today's musical birthdays include country singer Hank Cochran, who was born in 1935 (age 67); The Band's keyboardist Garth Hudson in 1937 (age 65); Edward Patton, one of Gladys Knight's Pips, in 1939 (age 63); Dave Govan of the Vibrations, originally known as the Jayhawks, in 1940 (age 62); Doris Kenner of the Shirelles in 1941 (age 61); and Peter de Freitas of Echo and the Bunnymen in 1961 (age 41).

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Today in music history:

In 1961, the Beatles played their first gig as the "house band" at Liverpool's Cavern Club.

In 1969, Bob Dylan attended his 10-year high school reunion in Hibbing, Minn.

In 1972, Brian Cole--an original member of The Association--died from a heroin overdose at his Los Angeles home. He was 28.

In 1973, John Phillips, leader and founder of the Mamas and the Papas, filed a $9 million lawsuit against the group's label, Dunhill Records. The suit charged the company with theft of as much as $60 million in unpaid royalties.

In 1977, The Who purchased Shepperton Film Studios in England for $500,000.

In 1982, Jose Feliciano married Susan Omillian.

In 1983, James Jamerson--who played bass on many Motown classics--died at age 45.

In 1986, Cher was slightly injured in a traffic accident in Massachusetts.

In 1991, Los Angeles police arrested pop/funk singer Rick James and a female companion in the alleged assault and torture two weeks earlier of a woman at his Hollywood Hills home.

In 1993, a South Carolina couple paid $81,000 at a charity auction for a private Carly Simon concert.

Topping the charts on this date:

Tossin' and Turnin' -- Bobby Lewis (1971), In the Year 2525 -- Zager and Evans, I Just want To Be Your Everything -- Andy Gibb (1977), When Doves Cry -- Prince (1985).

Today's musical quiz:

Bob Dylan's real name is Robert Zimmerman. Where did he come up with "Dylan"? Answer: He took his stage name from Welsh poet and playwright Dylan Thomas.