Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Sept. 21)

Today's birthdays include singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, who was born in 1934 (age 68); Dickey Lee, whose hit songs include 1962's "Patches," in 1941 (age 61); American Breed's Kevin Murphy in 1943 (age 59); Eagles guitarist Don Felder in 1947 (age 55); Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor of Motorhead in 1954 (age 48); country singer Faith Hill in 1967 (age 35); and Trugoy the Dove, whose real name is David Jude Jolicoeur, of De La Soul in 1968 (age 34).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1957, "Wake Up Little Susie" by the Everly Brothers made its chart debut.

In 1966, Jimmy Hendrix changed the spelling of his name to J-I-M-I during a trans-Atlantic flight to London.

In 1968, Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower" was released.

In 1974, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter joined the Doobie Brothers soon after leaving Steely Dan.

Also in 1974, Mott the Hoople lost its second lead guitarist in just over a year when Ariel Bender left the British rock band.

In 1984, Cyndi Lauper performed "She Bop" on "The Tonight Show," proving no one listens to lyrics. (The song is about female masturbation.)

Also in 1984, James Brown married Modell Rodriguez in South Carolina.

In 1986, Whitney Houston won an Emmy for best performance in a music or variety special for her appearance on that year's Grammy Awards show.

In 1991, Lena Horne was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame.

In 1993, the Country Music Association announced it would induct Willie Nelson into its Hall of Fame. The actual induction took place on Sept. 29.

Also in 1993, Soul Asylum performed at a White House bill-signing ceremony.

In 1994, prosecutors announced that Michael Jackson would not be charged with child molestation because his alleged victim refused to testify.

In 1998, KISS and Fox Television hosted a listening party at Mann's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles to celebrate the next day's release of the band's 31st album "Psycho Circus" (on Mercury Records).

In 2000, Paul McCartney, Eminem, Rage Against The Machine and Christina Aguilera were among the winners at the first annual Wammy Awards, which honor the best music sites on the Internet.

Topping the charts on this date:

Sleep Walk -- Santo & Jerry (1959), Ode to Billie Joe -- Bobbie Gentry (1967), Fame -- David Bowie (1975).

Today's musical quiz:

What's Faith Hill's real first name? Answer: Audrey. Faith is her middle name.

---------

(Sept. 22)

Today's birthdays include David Cloverdale of Deep Purple and also Whitesnake, who was born in 1951 (age 51); Debby Boone in 1956 (age 46); opera singer Andrea Bocelli in 1958 (age 44); and Joan Jett in 1960 (age 42).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1962, Bob Dylan performed for the first time at Carnegie Hall in New York. He took part in a hootenanny, playing five songs.

In 1983, the Everly Brothers performed together for the first time in 10 years -- at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

In 1984, Michael Jackson attended a dinner in Washington honoring youths who'd written winning essays as part of an anti-drunk-driving crusade.

In 1985, more than 50 rock and country music artists took part in the 14-hour Farm Aid concert for 78,000 rain-soaked fans in Champaign, Ill. The show raised money for debt-ridden U.S. farmers.

In 1989, Irving Berlin -- one of America's most prolific composers of popular songs -- died at age 101. Berlin composed more than 1,500 songs, including "God Bless America," "White Christmas" and "There's No Business Like Show Business," despite being unable to read or write music.

In 1991, "(Everything I Do) I Do For You" by Bryan Adams began its 12th straight week atop the British pop singles chart, breaking the record set back in 1955 by Slim Whitman's "Rose Marie."

In 1993, Michael Jackson fled an Israel army base after news photographers got too pushy during his visit with female soldiers.

Also in 1993, rapper "Marky Mark" Wahlberg made his TV movie debut in the USA cable network film "The Substitute." He played a high school troublemaker.

In 1994, officials at Graceland denied rumors that Lisa Marie Presley and her new husband, Michael Jackson, planned to perform at an upcoming pay-per-view salute to her father, Elvis.

Also in 1994, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee was sprayed in the face with pepper spray by police trying to end a fight in the parking lot of a Hollywood nightclub. Lee was detained but not arrested.

And in 1994, Visa/Mastercard announced plans to issue a Rolling Stones credit card.

In 1995, Mariah Carey's single "Fantasy" debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 -- becoming the first song by a female artist to do so.

Also in 1995, the Hollywood Reporter said Michael Jackson was in early negotiations with Sony Music Publishing in a deal that'd merge his ATV Music catalog with the Sony division.

In 1998, members of the Smashing Pumpkins announced their 15-city charity concert tour had raised $2.8 million for various groups in the United States and Canada.

Also in 1998, the Goo Goo Dolls released "Dizzy Up the Girl," the band's sixth album.

In 1999, Shania Twain was named entertainer of the year at the 33rd Annual CMA Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. It was Twain's first CMA Award.

In 2000, a judge in Los Angeles sentenced rapper Flesh-N-Bone, of the Grammy-winning group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, to 10 years in prison for a variety of charges, including parole violations.

Topping the charts on this date:

Nel Blu Di Pinto De Blu (Volare) -- Domenico Modvegno (1958), You Can't Hurry Love -- The Supremes (1966), Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe -- Barry White (1974), Hard To Say I'm Sorry -- Chicago (1982).

Today's musical quiz:

In the 1977 movie "You Light Up My Life," the title track was a love song but Debby Boone has been quoted saying when she recorded the tune, she had someone else in mind while singing. Who? Answer: Boone reported said she was singing to God.

----------

(Sept. 23)

Today's birthdays include Ray Charles, who was born in 1932 (age 70); Roy Buchanan in 1939 (age 63); Lovin' Spoonful's Steve Boone, and Spanish pop singer Julio Iglesias, both in 1943 (age 59); Iron Butterfly's Ron Bushy in 1945 (age 57); Neal Smith, with Alice Cooper's band, and Sugarloaf lead singer Jerry Corbetta, both in 1947 (age 55); Bruce Springsteen in 1949 (age 53); Lita Ford of the Runaways in 1959 (age 43); and Ani DiFranco in 1970 (age 32).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1966, officials of the Royal Albert Hall in London temporarily halted a Rolling Stones concert when screaming girls attacked Mick Jagger on stage. The incident led to pop concerts being banned at the hall.

In 1967, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention played their first British concert at London's Royal Albert Hall.

In 1969, Beatle fans in the United States were shaken by the widely broadcast rumor that Paul McCartney had died in a car accident three years earlier.

In 1974, Average White Band drummer Robbie McIntosh died from a heroin overdose. He was 24.

In 1984, Prince and his band, Revolution -- billed as Red, Hot and Blue -- played a semi-surprise concert at Bogart's nightclub in Cincinnati.

In 1986, a New York anti-drug benefit, organized by singer Melba Moore, raised $200,000.

In 1992, U2, R.E.M. and the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed on a "Rock the Vote" TV special that urged young people to vote.

In 1993, WalMart announced it wouldn't sell Nirvana's "In Utero" album, fearing it might offend customers' moral standards.

Also in 1993, Garth Brooks opened the first of his three sold-out concerts at Texas Stadium near Dallas.

In 1995, Grammy-winning gospel singer Andrae Crouch was installed as pastor of his late father's church in Los Angeles.

In 1997, the Record Industry Association of America said "Candle in the Wind 1997" -- Elton John's musical tribute to the late Princess Diana -- was the best-selling single of all time, with shipments of 8 million copies to U.S. retailers alone. The same day, Elton John's "The Big Picture" CD was released.

Also in 1997, the Rolling Stones kicked off its "Bridges to Babylon" concert tour in Chicago.

In 1998, Steve Wariner and newcomers the Dixie Chicks were the only multiple award-winners at the 1998 CMA Awards in Nashville, taking home two awards each. Garth Brooks was named entertainer of the year for the second year.

In 1999, U2's Bono, music producer Quincy Jones and rocker Bob Geldof were among those who met with Pope John Paul II to discuss Jubilee 2000 and its mission to cancel the foreign debts owed by the world's poorest countries by the Millennium.

Topping the charts on this date:

Tammy -- Debbie Reynolds (1957), Help! -- The Beatles (1965), Let's Get It On -- Marvin Gaye (1973), Endless Love -- Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie (1981).

Today's musical quiz:

What was the name of the duet Julio Iglesias sang with Willie Nelson? Answer: "To All The Girls I've Loved Before."

--------

(Sept. 24)

Today's birthdays include jazz musician Fats Navarro, born in 1923; actor/singer Anthony Newley, who was born in 1931 (age 71); Linda McCartney, Paul's late wife, in 1942; and Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1942 (age 60).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1957, Alan Freed's semi-autobiographical movie "Mr. Rock and Roll" premiered at New York's Paramount Theater. It featured performances by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, among others.

In 1963, the Beatles launched the band's first-ever tour outside Britain -- a six-date swing through Sweden. The Scandinavian country became among the first to experience "Beatlemania."

In 1974, in his first venture into music promotion -- 10 years before his association with the Jacksons -- Don King promoted a three-day Afro-American music festival in Zaire.

In 1977, at an Elvis Presley convention in Cincinnati, original copies of some of Presley's early singles sold for $300.

In 1983, Annabella Lwin left Bow Wow Wow.

In 1984, the Hard Rock Cafe opened in San Francisco.

Also in 1984, former BarKays guitarist Marcus Price was shot to death as he left a rehearsal.

In 1992, the former members of Jefferson Starship sued guitarist Craig Chaquico and singer Mickey Thomas over their use of "Starship" as part of the name of their new band.

In 1995, a Howard University law student crashed his rented wave runner into Emilio and Gloria Estefan's boat, killing himself and injuring his passenger. The Estefans were not hurt. The accident took place half-a-mile off Miami Beach, Fla.

Topping the charts on this date:

Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel -- Elvis Presley (1956), House of the Rising Sun -- The Animals (1964), Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me -- Mac Davis (1972), Upside Down --Diana Ross (1980).

Today's musical quiz:

Who sang the theme song to "The Cosby Show" spin-off "A Different World"? Answer: Aretha Franklin, who was married to actor Glynn Turman, one of the show's co-stars.

----------

Sept. 25)

Today's birthdays include Ian Tyson of Ian and Sylvia, who was born in 1933 (age 69); Jesse Russell of the Persuasions in 1939 (age 63); keyboardist John Locke of Spirit and Nazareth, Onnie McIntyre of the Average White Band, and Gary Alexander of The Association, all in 1943 (age 59); Ambrosia's Burleigh Drummond in 1951 (age 51); Steve Severin of Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1955 (age 47); and rapper-turned-actor Will Smith in 1968 (age 34).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1954, Elvis Presley's second single, "Good Rockin' Tonight," was released. That night, Presley made what would be his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry -- after which he was advised to go back to truck driving.

In 1975, Jackie Wilson suffered a heart attack onstage in Cherry Hill, N.J. He lapsed into a coma from which he would never recover.

In 1976, Wings played a UNESCO benefit concert in Venice, Italy, raising $500,000 to restore water-damaged Venetian art treasures.

In 1979, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita" premiered on Broadway.

In 1980, Led Zeppelin drummer John "Bonzo" Bonham died from an alcohol overdose. He was 33. His death precipitated the break-up of Led Zeppelin.

In 1981, the Rolling Stones kicked off a 10-week U.S. tour in Philadelphia.

In 1990, a street was named Little Richard Boulevard in the legendary rock 'n' roll star's hometown of Macon, Ga.

In 1993, Madonna kicked off her "Girlie Show" world tour in London.

In 1994, Metallica's Lars Ulrich and jazz musician Herbie Hancock jammed at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.

In 1995, Hole lead singer Courtney Love pleaded guilty to hitting Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hannah during the July 4 Lollapalooza '95 show in Washington state.

In 1996, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that Beach Boy Al Jardine and Warner Bros. Records could sue former Beach Boy Brian Wilson for libel stemming from Wilson's 1991 book "Wouldn't It Be Nice?"

In 1997, the FBI released more of its secret files on John Lennon's anti-war activities. The files had been sought by University of California professor Jon Wiener.

In 1998, Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs was found unharmed in Southern California after his family had reported him missing. It turned out he'd just switched hotels without telling them.

Topping the charts on this date:

The Yellow Rose of Texas -- Mitch Miller (1955), Blue Velvet -- Bobby Vinton (1963), Go Away Little Girl -- Donny Osmond (1971), My Sharona -- The Knack (1979).

Today's musical quiz:

What's Will Smith's full first name? Answer: Willard.

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

(Sept. 26)

Today's birthdays include the late country singer Marty Robbins, who was born in 1925; George Chambers of the Chambers Brothers in 1931 (age 71); Youngbloods drummer Joseph Bauer in 1941 (age 61); Brian Ferry of Roxy Music in 1945 (age 57); country singer Lynne Anderson in 1947 (age 55); Olivia Newton-John in 1948 (age 54); 10cc's Stuart Tosh in 1951 (age 51); former Jefferson Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico in 1954 (age 48); and Tracey Thorn of Everything But The Girl in 1962 (age 40).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1887, German immigrant Emile Berliner was granted a patent for a new machine he called the "Gramophone."

In 1956, Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill" debuted on the pop music charts.

Also in 1956, Tupelo, Miss., declared Sept. 26 to be "Elvis Presley Day."

In 1957, "West Side Story" with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim opened on Broadway.

In 1969, the Beatles' 13th album, "Abby Road," was released in the United Kingdom.

In 1974, John Lennon released his "Walls and Bridges" album. It was his last album of new material for almost six years.

In 1980, a show by the San Francisco punk group the Dead Kennedys was banned because of the group's name.

In 1981, Prince's first major hit -- the controversial "Controversy" -- entered the music charts.

In 1984, an appeals court in Berlin, West Germany, upheld previous verdicts and cleared Paul McCartney in a paternity suit brought by the mother of Bettina Huebers -- long thought to be the ex-Beatle's illegitimate daughter.

In 1986, the double platinum "Raisin' Hell" by Run-DMC peaked at No. 3 on Billboard's Top-200 album chart. It was the first rap album to crack the top 10.

In 1992, Gloria Estefan, "Wierd Al" Yankovic, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Crosby Stills and Nash, the Bee Gees and Ziggy Marley took part in a benefit concert in Miami to raise money for the victims of Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki.

In 1995, David Bowie's Virgin Records debut "Outside" was released. The same day saw the release of the interactive CD "The Cranberries: Doors and Windows."

Also in 1995, rocker and toy train enthuisiast Neil Young reportedly was among a group of investors buying Lionel Trains.

And in 1995, Marilyn McCoo, formerly with the Fifth Dimension, joined the cast of the Broadway revival of "Showboat."

And in 1995, the widow of rapper Eazy-E gave birth to a girl -- the couple's second child -- in Los Angeles. Eazy-E had died from AIDS earlier in the year.

In 1996, a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled the band Weezer could use the name "Pinkerton" for its new CD over the objections of the security company of the same name.

Also in 1996, a Los Angeles declared a mistrial in a production company's lawsuit against the Jackson family over the "Jackson Family Honors" TV special flop. The company said the show lost money because Michael Jackson refused to perform solo as he reportedly had agreed to do.

And in 1996, the Los Angeles Times reported the FBI was investigating Death Row Records -- the late rapper Tupac Shakur's label -- for possible links to LA street gangs and drug trafficking. The probe reportedly had begun several months before Shakur's September 1996 drive-by shooting death in Las Vegas.

In 2000, 98 Degrees released its fourth album, "Revelation" (on the Universal label), a follow-up to the group's multi-platinum CD "98 Degrees and Rising."

Topping the charts on this date:

Sherry -- The 4 Seasons (1962), Ain't No Mountain High Enough -- Diana Ross (1970), Boogie Oogie Oogie -- A Taste of Honey (1978), Stuck with You -- Huey Lewis and The News )(1986).

Today's musical quiz:

Members of the Cranberries are from what country? Answer: Ireland.

---------

(Sept. 27)

Today's birthdays include the late jazz pianist and composer Bud Powell, who was born in 1924; Bar-Keys singer-turned-producer Don Nix in 1941 (age 61); Randy Bachman of the Guess Who and also Bachman-Turner Overdrive in 1943 (age 59); Meat Loaf, whose real name is Marvin Aday, in 1947 (age 55); Robbie Shakespeare and Men at Work's Greg Ham, both in 1953 (age 49); pop singer/actor Shaun Cassidy in 1958 (age 44); and Third Eye Blind's Stephen Jenkins in 1965 (age 37).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1935, a 13-year-old Judy Garland signed her first contract with MGM.

In 1962, Martha and the Vandellas' first single "I'll Have to Let Him Go" was released.

In 1963, British pop singer Cilla Black's first single, "Love of the Loved," was released. The song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. That same day, Black made her TV debut on the British show "Ready, Steady, Go."

In 1972, Rory Storme, of Rory Storme and the Hurricanes, died of an overdose of sleeping pills. His real name was Alan Caldwell. Ringo Starr had played drums with the group before joining the Beatles in 1962.

In 1979, a flu-stricken Elton John collapsed onstage at the Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood. He returned after a 10-minute break to finish his set.

Also in 1979, Scottish guitarist Jimmy McCullough was found dead in his apartment. He'd just left Paul McCartney's group Wings. McCullough was 26.

In 1980, the Stray Cats, led by Brian Setzer, signed with Arista Records.

In 1983, reggae artist Prince Far I (eye) was killed by gunmen at his home in St. Catherine's, Jamaica. The motive behind his murder was unclear.

Also in 1983, "Chorus Line" became the longest running Broadway musical in history on this date with its 3,389th performance.

In 1984, Culture Club released five versions of its single "The War Song" -- with vocals in English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese.

In 1986, Metallica bass player Cliff Burton was killed when the band's tour bus flipped over on ice in Sweden. He was 24.

In 1990, as hundreds of fans looked on, Marvin Gaye was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1991, funkster Rick James pleaded innocent to charges he and his girlfriend tortured a woman at his Hollywood Hills home in July.

Also in 1991, Vanilla Ice, a.k.a. Robert Van Winkle, pleaded no contest in a Los Angeles courtroom to charges of pulling a gun on a man who'd tried to sell him some jewelry in a Studio City, Calif., parking lot the previous June. The rapper was sentenced to two years probation.

In 1993, a spokesperson for Madonna said the pop star would stay at a hotel in Jerusalem while in Israel because she wanted to be near the holy sites. However, she ended up staying in Tel Aviv.

In 1994, Metallica sued Elektra Records to break its 10-year-old contract with the label. The band said it wasn't getting paid enough in royalties.

Also in 1994, a Brazilian teenager sued Michael Jackson in New York federal court. He said the singer broke a promise to help him financially after Jackson's van hit and injured him in 1993 in Sao Paulo.

Topping the charts on this date:

Take Good Care of My Baby -- Bobby Vee (1961), Sugar, Sugar -- The Archies (1969), Best of My Love -- Emotions (1977), Money for Nothing -- Dire Straits (1985).

Today's musical quiz:

Shaun Cassidy once was a regular on what daytime soap opera? Answer: "General Hospital."