(Aug. 7)
Today's musical birthdays include Stan Freberg, who was born in 1926 (age 76); country songwriter Felice Bryant in 1927 (age 75); B.J. Thomas in 1942 (age 60); Free's Andy Fraser in 1952 (age 50); Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson in 1958 (age 44); and Jacqui O'Sullivan of Bananarama in 1960 (age 42).
Today in music history:
In 1954, 22-year-old Johnny Cash -- newly discharged from the Air Force -- married Vivian Liberto in San Antonio, Texas.
In 1960, Ike and Tina Turner made their debut on the national singles charts with "A Fool in Love."
In 1963, the original beach movie -- "Beach Party," starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello -- opened nationwide.
In 1965, Mike Smith of the Dave Clark Five broke two ribs when he was pulled off-stage by fans in Chicago.
In 1970, Christine McVie -- then married to Fleetwood Mac's John McVie -- joined the band.
In 1971, the BeeGees topped the U.S. singles charts for the first time with "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?"
Also in 1971, Homer Haynes of the country duo Homer and Jethro died.
In 1974, Peter Wolf, then with the J.Geils Band, married actress Faye Dunaway in Beverly Hills, Calif. They were divorced five years later.
In 1984, blues/jazz vocalist Esther Phillips died at age 48.
In 1985, Mick Jagger's girlfriend, model Jerry Hall, gave birth to a boy they named James Leroy Jagger.
In 1986, a Los Angeles judge threw out lawsuit filed against rocker Ozzy Osbourne by the father of suicide victim John McCollum. The elder McCollum contended the "satanic influence" in Osbourne's music drove his 19-year-old son to kill himself after five hours of listening. The teen was found with the headphones still on his head. The judge said Osbourne's music "maybe totally objectionable and repulsive" to many, but it was still protected by the First Amendment.
In 1987, the Grateful Dead had the band's first top-10 album, "In the Dark," in 22 years. "Touch of Grey" became the group's first Top-40 single.
In 1991, Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose was charged with assault and property damage in the July 2 riot that erupted when the band walked off the stage in suburban St. Louis. The melee had begun when Rose allegedly attacked a fan who'd been taking his picture during the concert.
Also in 1991, Willie Nelson sold his Colorado ranch for $803,000 to help pay off the back taxes he owed the IRS.
In 1999, 17 people were arrested after hundreds rioted outside the Meadows Music Theater in Hartford, Conn., following a Dave Matthews Band concert.
Topping the charts on this date:
My Prayer - The Platters (1956), A Hard Day's Night -The Beatles (1964), Alone Again (Naturally) -- Gilbert O'Sullivan (1972), Magic -- Olivia Newton-John (1980).
Today's musical quiz:
On tour in Britain in 1969, who was the opening act for the Rolling Stones? Answer: The Ike and Tina Turner Revue.
