Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Aug. 20)

Today's musical birthdays include country's Jim Reeves, who was born in 1924; Justin Tubb in 1935 (age 67); Isaac Hayes in 1942 (age 60); Chicago's Jim Pankow in 1947 (age 55); Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin in 1948 (age 54); the late Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy was born in 1951; and Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers and Doug Fieger of the Knack, both in 1952 (age 50).

Today in music history:

In 1955, Bo Diddley made his first appearance at New York's Apollo Theater.

In 1965, Rolling Stones manager Andrew Oldham announced the formation of his own record company, Immediate Records.

In 1968, Bobby Darin sold his music publishing company for $1 million.

In 1969, Frank Zappa disbanded the Mothers of Invention, reportedly because he was tired of "people who clap for all the wrong reasons."

In 1981, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played a benefit concert for Vietnam veterans in Los Angeles.

In 1983, punk rocker Johnny Ramone suffered a near-fatal head injury in a street fight over his girlfriend.

In 1984, it was reported that the Jacksons' music video "Torture" used only a wax dummy of Michael Jackson.

In 1986, Boy George's friend Marilyn -- real name, Peter Anthony Robinson -- was cleared of heroin possession charges after London prosecutors failed to produce evidence.

Also in 1986, jazz composer, arranger and trumpeter Thad Jones died of cancer at age 63. He was the brother of drummer Elvin Jones and pianist Hank Jones.

In 1992, the surviving members of Queen said they had dropped plans to build a monument in northern London to the group's late frontman, Freddie Mercury, at the request of his parents.

In 1994, rapper Luther Campbell and eight dancers were arrested on obscenity and inciting to riot charges after they allegedly simulated sex acts during a concert in Birmingham, Ala.

In 1998, Bonnie Raitt kicked off a concert tour in Boulder, Colo., in support of her latest album, "Fundamental."

In 1999, Blues Traveler bassist Bobby Sheehan was found dead at his New Orleans home. He was 31. The cause of Sheehan's death may've been a breathing disorder.

Topping the charts on this date: A Big Hunk O' Love - Elvis Presley (1959), All You Need is Love - The Beatles (1967), Jive Talkin' - Bee Gees (1975), Every Breath You Take - The Police (1983).

Today's musical quiz: What musical instrument does Jim Pankow of Chicago play? Answer: The trombone. He also wrote many of Chicago's hits, including "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World."