Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Sept. 7)

Today's birthdays include Little Milton, whose real name is Milton Campbell, born in 1934 (age 68); the late Buddy Holly in 1936; Chic's Alfa Anderson in 1946 (age 56); Gloria Gaynor in 1949 (age 53); Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders in 1951 (age 51); keyboardist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1954 (age 48); Starland Vocal Band's Margot Chapman in 1957 (age 45); and "Soul Train" dancer-turned-singer Jermaine Stewart in 1962 (age 40).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1963, Bob Dylan debuted on the pop album charts with "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan."

Also in 1963, "American Bandstand" began airing every Saturday morning from Southern California.

In 1978, The Who's Keith Moon died of a drug overdose after watching the premiere of the film "The Buddy Holly Story." He was 31.

In 1984, Ringo Starr became the first Beatle to be a grandfather with the birth of Tatia Jayne Starkey to the wife of Starr's son, Zak Starkey.

Also in 1984, the elopement of Janet Jackson and James DeBarge was announced. The marriage was over by the spring of 1985.

In 1991, Gloria Estefan was awarded damages of $5 million for the injuries she suffered when her tour bus was hit by a truck in Pennsylvania in March 1990.

Also in 1991, Motley Crue signed a $22.5 million record deal.

In 1993, Michael Jackson was greeted in Fukuoka, Japan, by hundreds of screaming fans undaunted by the child molestation charges facing the pop star back in Los Angeles.

In 1994, Pink Floyd launched its European tour in Prague, the Czech Republic.

In 1995, Weezer, TLC and Michael and Janet Jackson topped the list of winners at the 12th annual MTV Video Music Awards in New York.

Also in 1995, newsstands and music stores nationwide reportedly were refusing to carry the October issue of Guitar magazine because of its cover photo -- which showed heterosexuals Flea and Dave Navarro of the Red Hot Chili Peppers kissing.

And in 1995, a Buddy Holly exhibit opened at Texas Tech University in Holly's hometown of Lubbock.

In 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and mortally wounded in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. He died six days later. Shakur was 25. His slaying has yet to be solved.

Also in 1996, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres married supermodel Eva Herzigova at a star-studded wedding in Sea Bright, N.J.

In 2000, 'N Sync, bad boy rapper Eminen and Red Hot Chili Peppers were the big winners at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.

Today's musical quiz:

What was Buddy Holly's real name? Answer: Charles Hardin Holley. His last name was misspelled on his first recording contract and he left it that way.

-----------

(Sept. 8)

Today's birthdays include the late country singers Jimmie "The Singing Brakeman" Rodgers, who was born in 1897, and Patsy Cline in 1932; John Sylvia, bassist with the Tune Weavers, in 1934 (age 68); Brian Cole of The Association and Beau Brummels lead singer Sal Valentino, both in 1942 (age 60); Kelly Groucutt of ELO in 1945 (age 57); the late Rod "Pigpen" McKernan of the Grateful Dead in 1946; Atlanta Rhythm Section keyboardist Dean Daughtry, also in 1946 (age 56); Great White's Michael Lardie in 1958 (age 44); and David Steele of Fine Young Cannibals, and formerly with English Beat, in 1960 (age 42).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1937, a 19-year-old Frank Sinatra was discovered, singing with a group called The Hoboken Four, on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour radio show. The appearance led to a regular job with the show and several small nightclub performances.

In 1957, "Reet Petite," Jackie Wilson's first solo record after leaving the Dominoes, was released. The song was written by Berry Gordy Jr.

In 1958, Paul Anka launched a month-long concert tour of Asia in Tokyo.

In 1962, "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers entered Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart for the first time.

In 1965, an advertisement announcing auditions for "The Monkees," an upcoming TV show, appeared in Variety magazine.

In 1971, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences gave Elvis Presley its Bing Crosby Award. Previous winners included Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Irving Berlin and Bing Crosby. The award honors those who've "made creative contributions of outstanding ... significance to the field of phonograph records."

In 1972, the three-day Ann Arbor, Mich., Blues and Jazz Festival was dedicated to the memory of R&B pianist Otis Spann, who'd died two years earlier a month after his 30th birthday.

Also in 1972, a son -- Zeke -- was born to rocker Neil Young and actress Carrie Snodgrass.

In 1977, guitarist Jimmy McCulloch left Wings -- Paul McCartney's band -- to join a reunited Small Faces.

In 1986, Westinghouse agreed to sell Muzak to the Field Corp. of Chicago. Earlier, Ted Nugent had expressed an interest in buying it.

In 1992, a British court cleared a man accused of assaulting the 15-year-old son of Rolling Stone Ron Wood. A London newspaper reported Wood was upset with the decision.

In 1994, Aerosmith and R.E.M. dominated the 11th annual MTV Video Music Awards. The show kicked off with a surprise appearance by Michael Jackson and his new wife, Lisa Marie Presley.

Also in 1994, what was described as a heart problem forced John Mellencamp to cancel the rest of his tour. It later was reported the rocker had suffered a mild heart attack.

And in 1994, a portion of 125th Street in front of the Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y., was renamed "James Brown Boulevard."

And in 1994, at a London auction, a new jazz museum opening in Kansas City paid a record $144,925 for a saxophone played by Charlie "Bird" Parker.

In 1996, the Beatles, Michael Jackson and the Rolling Stones were among the world's best-paid entertainers, according to Forbes magazine's top-40 list.

In 1998, Joan Jett collapsed and went into convulsions at an ACLU banquet in Century City, Calif. She refused to go to the hospital, and was well enough the next day to attend a meeting at PolyGram, her record company, to discuss marketing for her upcoming CD.

Today's musical quiz:

Who was the first country artist to appear in a motion picture? Answer: Jimmie Rodgers. The year was 1929 and the 10-minute film was titled "Singing Brakeman."

-----------

(Sept. 9)

Today's birthdays include the late Otis Redding, who was born in 1941; Luther Simmons of Main Ingredient in 1942 (age 60); Iron Butterfly's Doug Ingle and R&B singer/pianist Billy Preston, both in 1946 (age 56); Freddy Weller, formerly with Paul Revere and the Raiders, in 1947 (age 55); Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics in 1952 (age 50) and singer Aimee Mann of the group 'Til Tuesday in 1960 (age 42).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1954, Elvis Presley performed at the grand opening of a Memphis pharmacy.

In 1956, Elvis Presley appeared for the first time on "The Ed Sullivan Show." He performed "Love Me Tender," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel" and "Ready Teddy."

In 1967, Sam and Dave's "Soul Man" was released.

In 1970, Elvis Presley launched a short U.S. concert tour in Oakland, Calif.

In 1977, David Bowie appeared on T-Rex frontman Marc Bolan's afternoon TV show on British television. They sang a duet, "Standing Next to You." A week later, Bolan was dead -- killed in a car accident.

In 1979, Cat Stevens married Fouzia Ali at Kensington Mosque in west London.

In 1992, Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Annie Lennox, Metallica, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers were the big winners at the ninth annual MTV Video Music Awards.

Also in 1992, the NFL signed Michael Jackson as the only performer for the 1993 Super Bowl halftime show.

In 1993, a Gallup poll published in Entertainment Weekly found most Americans thought Michael Jackson was innocent of the child molestation allegations against him.

Also in 1993, EMI released "The Beatles 1962-1966" and "The Beatles 1967-1970" on CD for the first time.

In 1996, over-excited Michael Jackson fans in Budapest, Hungary, smashed a record shop window trying to get a better look at the pop star.

Also in 1996, John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds" sold for $48,300 dollars at a San Francisco auction.

And in 1996, Bill Monroe -- the "father of bluegrass" -- died in his sleep. He was 84.

In 1998, Aerosmith resumed its "Nine Lives" World Tour with a concert in Scranton, Penn. The road trip had been interrupted by lead singer Steven Tyler's knee injury and drummer Joey Kramer's burns in a freak gas station accident.

Today's musical quiz:

Billy Preston was the first non-Beatle credited on a Beatles record, "Get Back." How did he meet the Fab Four? Answer: Preston met the Beatles in 1962 in Germany while a member of Little Richard's band.

-------------

(Sept. 10)

Today's birthdays include country's Tommy Overstreet, who was born in 1936 (age 66); Cynthia Lennon, John Lennon's first wife, in 1939 (age 63); Roy Ayers in 1940 (age 62); Denny Hutton of Three Dog Night in 1942 (age 608); Jose Feliciano in 1945 (age 57); Jethro Tull's Barriemore Barlow in 1949 (age 53); Aerosmith's Joe Perry and drummer Don Powell of Slade, both in 1950 (age 52); Pat Mastelotto of Mr. Mister in 1955 (age 47; Johnnie Fingers of the Boomtown Rats in 1956 (age 46; T'Pau lead singer Carol Decker and Bananarama's Sioban Fahey, both in 1957 (age 45; and rapper Big Daddy Kane in 1968 (age 34).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1964, Rod Stewart recorded his first single, "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl."

In 1973, BBC-1 banned airplay of the Rolling Stones' song "Star Star" -- from the band's "Goat's Head Soup" album -- because the lyrics included the "f" word.

In 1974, the New York Dolls broke up. The group influenced both glam-rock and punk bands.

In 1975, Bob Dylan performed on a television tribute to legendary talent scout John Hammond. The special was produced by a Chicago PBS-TV station (WTTW).

In 1983, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" returned to the top of Billboard's Top-200 album chart, dislodging Police's "Synchronicity" for one week.

In 1986, Frank Sinatra sang at the reopening of the Chicago Theater.

In 1989, 60,000 people attended a free concert in Glasgow, Scotland, by Wet Wet Wet.

In 1992, officials with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum announced eight new inductees -- including Van Morrison, the Doors, Etta James, Sly and the Family Stone, Cream, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.

Also in 1992, Ozzy Osbourne apologized for urinating at the Alamo 10 years earlier. He then donated $10,000 to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

And in 1992, Garth Brooks canceled his world tour and announced plans to take eight months off to be with his family.

In 1993, the German rock band the Scorpions performed a special show in Los Angeles.

In 1995, Barbra Streisand won her first Emmy Awards in 30 years for the HBO special "Barbra Streisand: The Concert."

In 1996, WalMart announced it would not sell Sheryl Crow's new album because one song referred to kids buying guns at the discount giant. A&M Records, Crow's label, called the decision "censorship."

In 1998, Madonna was the big winner, taking home six awards, from the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.

Also in 1998, singer Mac Davis received the 2,117th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Today's musical quiz:

Jose Feliciano had a 1968 hit with a cover version of this band's debut single. Can you name the band and the tune? Answer: The band was The Doors and the song was "Light My Fire."

-------------

(Sept. 11)

Today's birthdays include Monotones lead singer Charles Patrick, who was born in 1938 (age 64); drummer Bernie Dwyer of Freddie and the Dreamers in 1940 (age 62); former Grateful Dead drummer Micky Hart -- who now tours with the surviving Dead as The Other Ones -- and Pretty Things singer Phil May, both in 1944 (age 58); Leo Kottke in 1945 (age 57); Lola Falana in 1946 (age 56); Dennis Tufano of the Buckinghams in 1948 (age 54); Styx's Tommy Shaw in 1953 (age 49); John Moss, formerly with Culture Club, in 1957 (age 45); Style Council keyboardist Mick Talbot in 1958 (age 44); and Harry Connick Jr. in 1967 (age 35).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1847, "Oh! Susanna," Stephen Foster's first major hit, was performed for the first time during a concert in a Pittsburgh saloon. Foster went on to write several other classic pop songs including "Old Folks At Home" and "Beautiful Dreamer."

In 1960, teen idol Tommy Sands married Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra. They were divorced five years later.

In 1962, Ringo Starr joined the other Beatles in a recording session for the first time, cutting "Love Me Do."

In 1963, Bob Dylan's "Great White Wonder" -- what may be the first significant rock bootleg album -- appeared in Los Angeles music stores.

In 1966, the Rolling Stones appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Brian Jones's right hand was in a cast after he'd injured it in Tangiers, Algeria.

In 1967, the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" bus appeared for the first time on English highways -- shooting scenes, some of which eventually were included in a short film of the same name.

In 1979, The Who played in the United States for the first time since the death of Keith Moon. Kenney Jones -- formerly with Faces -- filled in on drums.

In 1982, John Cougar Mellencamp's "American Fool" topped Billboard's Top 200 albums chart, where it would sit for nine weeks.

In 1984, country singer Barbara Mandrell was seriously injured in a car accident in Hendersonville, Tenn. The driver of the other car was killed.

In 1986, inspectors at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, Calif., gave the LAWN a clean bill of health following a series of fires. The Whitney Houston concert was held as scheduled. The fires were blamed on methane generated by rotting garbage underground.

In 1987, guitarist Peter Tosh -- co-founder, along with Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley, of the seminal reggae group The Wailers -- was killed by burglars at his home in Jamaica. He was 42.

In 1992, LA Gear sued Michael Jackson, accusing him of violating his endorsement contract with the shoemaker.

Also in 1992, more than 100 people were arrested at a Guns N' Roses, Metallica and Faith No More concert in Foxboro, Mass.

And in 1992, a Los Angeles judge sentenced Billy Preston to 30 days in jail for violating his probation on a DUI conviction.

In 1993, John Mellencamp previewed his new "Human Wheels" album at special mini-concert in Chicago.

In 1994, retired Stockbridge, Mass., police chief William Obanhein -- the "Officer Obie" mentioned in Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" -- died at age 69.

In 1997, Bob Dylan was among five artists announced as recipients of the 1997 Kennedy Centers Honors.

Also in 1997, veteran blues musician John Lee Hooker received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Today's musical quiz:

This is the birthday (born in 1940) of filmmaker Brian DePalma, who directed what Bruce Springsteen video? Answer: "Dancing in the Dark."

-------------------

(Sept. 12)

Today's birthdays include country singer George Jones, who was born in 1931 (age 71); Redbone's Tony Bellamy in 1940 (age 62); Maria Muldaur in 1943 (age 59); Barry White in 1944 (age 58); America's Gerry Beckley and Neil Peart of Rush, both in 1952 (age 50); and Barry Andrews of King Crimson and, later, XTC and Motorhead's Brian Robertson, who was once with Thin Lizzy, both in 1956 (age 46).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1948, the Presley family moved from Tupelo, Miss., to Memphis. Elvis was 13 at the time.

In 1965, the Beatles' "Yesterday and Today" album was released. That evening, the Fab Four performed on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1966, the TV series "The Monkees" made its debut.

In 1970, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Arlo Guthrie headlined the Woody Guthrie Memorial Concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

In 1974, Mick Jagger and Roberta Flack were among the celebrities attending a party in New York in honor of Stevie Wonder, who was leaving the next day on his first concert tour since his near-fatal accident.

In 1977, a son, James Lewis, was born to Paul and Linda McCartney.

In 1986, the 17-minute, 3-D movie "Captain EO" -- starring Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston -- premiered at Disney World's Epcot Center.

Also in 1986, Dionne Warwick's alma mater -- the University of Hartford (Conn.) Hartt School of Music -- awarded her an honorary doctorate of music.

In 1987, Stephen Morrissey's solo appearance without the rest of The Smiths appeared to confirm rumors that the group was about to break up.

In 1992, the Four Tops cut short a concert in Edinburgh, Scotland, when the voice of lead singer Levi Stubbs failed.

In 1994, country singer George Jones underwent triple coronary bypass surgery on his 63rd birthday in Nashville.

In 1995, INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence pleaded guilty in London to punching a photographer outside the hotel where he'd spent the night with the estranged wife of Bob Geldof.

Also in 1995, Lenny Kravitz released his fourth album, "Circus," on Virgin Records.

In 1996, Oasis cited "internal difficulties" in abruptly canceling the rest of its U.S. tour.

Also in 1996, Barbra Streisand, the Eagles, Chicago and the Neville Brothers performed at a Beverly Hills, Calif., fund-raiser for President Clinton.

And in 1996, the publisher of the classic 1960s song "Soul Man" asked the Bob Dole campaign to stop using the tune. The GOP had been changing the lyrics to "Dole man."

In 1997, "Candle in the Wind 1997" -- Elton John's tribute to the late Princess Diana -- went on sale in France.

Also in 1997, Michael Jackson told "20/20's" Barbara Walters that he's not "wacko" and that the name-calling by the tabloids hurts his feelings.

In 1999, Graham Nash broke both of his legs in a freak boating accident in Hawaii.

Also in 1999, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and the Dave Matthews Band, among others, performed at Farm Aid '99 in Gainesville, Va.

Today's musical quiz:

J.P. "the Big Bopper" Richardson wrote what George Jones' hit song? Answer: 1959's "White Lightnin.'"

----------

(Sept. 13)

Today's birthdays include the late Bill Monroe, the "father of bluegrass," who was born in 1911, the late Mel Torme in 1925, James Johnson of the 1950s R&B group the Jayhawks in 1939 (age 63), the late Tim Hardin in 1940; Blood Sweat and Tears lead singer David Clayton-Thomas in 1941 (age 61); former Chicago bassist and lead singer Peter Cetera in 1944 (age 58); Randy Jones of the Village People in 1952 (age 50); Sister Sledge's Joni Sledge in 1956 (age 46); Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's son and a drummer in his own right, in 1965 (age 37); and singer Fiona Apple in 1977 (age 25).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1965, Louis Armstrong won the Best Male Vocalist Grammy for "Hello, Dolly!"

In 1969, the Plastic Ono Band -- with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voorman and Alan White -- performed for the first time in public at the Toronto Peace Festival. The concert yielded the album "Live Peace In Toronto." Also on the bill -- The Doors, Chicago, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Richard and Alice Cooper.

Also in 1969, Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" was released. It turned out to be his final No.1 single.

And in 1969, Santana's self-titled debut album entered the U.S. album charts.

In 1974, Stevie Wonder performed in concert for the first time since being nearly killed in a car accident the year before.

In 1979, ABBA opened its first North American concert tour in Edmonton, Canada.

In 1984, President Reagan attended country singer Roy Acuff's 80th birthday party at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Acuff's birthday was actually three days later.

In 1994, respiratory problems forced Roger Daltry to put his tour on hold for three weeks.

In 1995, members of Hootie & the Blowfish announced they don't want to be considered for South Carolina's highest honor -- Order of the Palmetto -- for the band's charity work.

Also in 1995, two of Kenny Rogers' Roasters chicken restaurants closed in Buffalo, N.Y.

In 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur died from the injuries suffered in a drive-by shooting six days earlier in Las Vegas. He was 25. His murder has never been solved.

Also in 1996, Michael Jackson toured the Parliament House in Bucharest, Romania. More than 5,000 fans flooded the once-prohibited inner grounds to try to catch a glimpse of the pop star.

In 1999, Oasis's Liam Gallagher became a father when his wife, actress Patsy Kensit, gave birth to the couple's first child in London. They named the boy Lennon Francis Gallagher after the singer's hero, John Lennon

Today's musical quiz:

Mel Torme said he wrote this song on a hot July day in 1946. What? Answer: "The Christmas Song," known by a lot of people from the first line, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." It was a huge hit for Nat "King" Cole.