Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(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.