Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Aug. 6)

Today's musical birthdays include Pat McDonald of Timbuk 3, who was born in 1952 (age 50); Randy DeBarge of DeBarge in 1958 (age 44); and singer Geri Halliwell, formerly known as Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls, in 1962 (age 40).

Today in music history:

In 1960, Chubby Checker performed "The Twist" on U.S. television for the first time, on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand."

In 1964, Loretta Lynn gave birth to twin girls she named Patsy and Peggy.

In 1971, Procol Harum played a concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Edmonton, Canada. Portions of the concert -- which was recorded -- became the 1972 album "Procol Harum In Concert With the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra." The album included the single "Conquistador."

In 1973, Stevie Wonder was seriously injured in a car-truck accident in North Carolina. He was hospitalized in a coma.

In 1977, at the Mont du Marsan Punk Festival, the Police played for the last time as a quartet.

In 1981, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame released her first solo album "Bella Donna." It included two top-10 singles that were both duets. "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" teamed Nicks with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, while "Leather and Lace" featured her with Don Henley of the Eagles.

In 1982, the film version of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" -- starring Irish rocker Bob Geldof -- opened in New York City.

In 1985, Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The USA" tour kicked off its last leg in Washington, D.C.

In 1986, New York musician Michael Rudetski died from a drug overdose at Boy George's London home. He was 27.

In 1987, the Beastie Boys sued the city of Jacksonville, Fla., claiming an ordinance aimed specifically at them violated their constitutional rights.

Also in 1987, Madonna's film "Who's That Girl?" premiered in New York.

In 1990, it was announced that Michael Jackson would do his first television commercials in almost four years -- for LA Gear.

In 1992, Ella Fitzgerald cited ill health for canceling her appearance at Ravinia Fest, in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Ill.

In 1998, Deep Purple kicked off a North American tour in New Jersey in support of the band's latest CD "Abandon."

Also in 1998, Ted Nugent began a 15-city tour at Hollywood's House of Blues in support of his new album.

Topping the charts on this date:

Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley (1957), (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones (1965), The Morning After - Maureen McGovern (1973), Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield (1981).

Today's musical quiz:

Has Bruce Springsteen ever won an Oscar? Answer: Yes. In 1994, Springsteen won the Academy Award for Best Song for his tune "Streets of Philadelphia," from the Tom Hanks movie "Philadelphia."