Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Sept. 28)

Today's birthdays include Ben E. King, who was born in 1938 (age 64); Steppenwolf bassist Nick St. Nicholas in 1943 (age 59); 10cc's Paul Burgess in 1950 (age 52); Jennifer Rush in 1960 (age 42); and Moon Unit Zappa, daughter of Frank Zappa, in 1967 (age 35).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1928, the first commercial recording session was held in Nashville. The Binkley Brothers' Clodhoppers were recorded on the Victor label.

In 1956, RCA Records announced Elvis Presley had sold more than 10 million records in his first year with the label.

In 1963, the Springfields announced it was disbanding and that its female singer, Dusty Springfield, was going solo.

In 1968, The Beatles' "Hey Jude" hit No. 1 on the charts, setting a record that still stands. It's seven-minute running time was the longest ever for a No. 1 song.

Also in 1968, Janis Joplin announced through her manager that she was leaving Big Brother and the Holding Company.

In 1974, King Crimson broke up -- for the first time -- after five years.

Also in 1974, Mick Ronson joined Mott the Hoople, replacing Ariel Bender.

In 1976, Jerry Lee Lewis accidentally shot bass player Norman "Butch" Owens in the chest. Owens later sued Lewis -- accusing the singer of drinking as he tried to shoot a soft-drink bottle. Instead, the bullet ricocheted and hit Owen.

In 1991, jazz great Miles Davis died at a hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 65.

Also in 1991, AC/DC and Metallica headlined a free "Rock Monsters" concert just outside Moscow.

In 1992, ex-E Street Band keyboardist Danny Federici joined Bruce Springsteen onstage for one night in Los Angeles.

Also in 1992, Duran Duran's Nick Rhoades and his wife Julie Ann announced they were getting a divorce after eight years of marriage.

In 1993, a Philippine lawyer who used to work for Michael Jackson claimed he saw the pop star fondle young boys.

In 1995, Bobby Brown -- husband of Whitney Houston -- escaped unharmed but his future brother-in-law was killed during a robbery outside a Boston nightclub.

Also in 1995, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the first bill introduced by Rep. Sonny Bono, R-Calif.

In 1996, Tiny Tim collapsed on-stage when he suffered a heart attack during a ukulele concert in Montague, Mass.

Topping the chart on this date:

My Heart Has a Mind of its Own -- Connie Francis (1960), Hey Jude -- The Beatles (1968), Play That Funky Music -- Wild Cherry (1976), Missing You -- John Waite (1984).

Today's musical quiz:

This Steppenwolf tune figured prominently in the 1996 movie "Star Trek: First Contact." What? Answer: "Magic Carpet Ride." Warp-drive inventor Zephram Cochrane inserts a Steppenwolf mini-CD into his rocket ship's stereo just as they're blasting off.

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(Sept. 29)

Today's birthdays include the late singing cowboy and actor Gene Autry in 1907; rockabilly pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis in 1935 (age 67); Jean-Luc Ponty (age 60) and singer/actress Madeline Kahn, both in 1942; Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner and guitarist Mike Pinera, of Blues Image and Iron Butterfly, both in 1948 (age 54); Suzzy Roche in 1956 (age 46); and Mari Wilson in 1957 (age 45).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1958, "Chantilly Lace" by J.P. "the Big Bopper" Richardson entered the pop music chart.

In 1961, Bob Dylan's first recording session -- playing background harmonica on an album by folk singer Caroline Hester -- led to a record contract for Dylan.

In 1963, the Rolling Stones began the group's first tour of Britain with a show in London, opening -- along with Bo Diddley -- for the Everly Brothers.

In 1967, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Gladys Knight and the Pips was released.

In 1976, Boy George -- then known as George O'Dowd -- was expelled from school.

In 1990, Nelson -- Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, the twin sons of Rick Nelson -- followed in the footsteps of their dad and grandfather by topping the Billboard Hot-100 singles chart with "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection."

In 1992, during an interview with a British music magazine, Madonna invited Princess Diana to move in with her in the United States.

Also in 1992, a London newspaper reported that Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall -- estranged since earlier that year -- had been seen back together again.

In 1993, Vince Gill was the big winner at the 27th annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville.

In 1996, Los Angeles police said Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee had assaulted a photographer who was trying to snap pictures of the rocker and his actress/wife, Pamela Anderson Lee, as they left a Hollywood nightclub.

In 1997, Robert Sheehan of Blues Traveler was arrested at the Winnipeg, Canada, airport and charged with possession of cocaine. The band was touring with the Rolling Stones at the time, but Sheehan's arrest didn't affect the road trip.

Also in 1997, Don Henley of the Eagles was awarded the National Medal of Humanities. He was among 21 artists and scholars honored by the White House.

And in 1997, funkster Rick James performed at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. It was his first concert in 10 years.

In 1998, Sheryl Crow released her third CD, "The Globe Sessions," on A&M.

In 1999, "In the Spotlight," a concert special by the Dave Matthews Band, aired on PBS. It had been taped earlier in month during a show in East Rutherford, N.J.

Also in 1999, rapper Sean "Puffy" Combs was a keynote speaker at a "Digital Hollywood" conference in Beverly Hills, Calif.

In 2000, Tejano star Emilio (full name: Emilio Navaira) was arrested and charged with drunken driving after being arrested in San Antonio, Texas.

Topping the charts on this date:

Sleep Walk -- Santo and Johnny (1959), The Letter -- The Box Tops (1967), I'm Sorry -- John Denver (1975), Let's Go Crazy -- Prince and the Revolution (1984).

Today's musical quiz:

Jerry Lee Lewis has two famous cousins. Who are they? Answer: Former televangelist the Rev. Jimmy Swaggart and country singer Mickey Gilley.

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(Sept. 30)

Today's birthdays include Johnny Mathis, who was born in 1935 (age 67); Frankie Lymon, of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, in 1942; Buffalo Springfield drummer Dewey Martin, also in 1942 (age 60); Marilyn McCoo, formerly with the Fifth Dimension, in 1943 (age 59); Spooky Tooth's Mike Harrison in 1945 (age 57); Marc Bolan of T-Rex in 1948; country's Deborah Allen in 1953 (age 49); Patrice Rushen in 1954 (age 48); and actress-turned-country singer Crystal Bernard in 1964 (age 38).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1950, the Grand Ole Opry was first televised.

In 1955, James Dean was killed in a car accident. He was 24.

In 1967, BBC One, Britain's long-awaited pop music radio network, signed on the air. The first record played was "Flowers in the Rain" by The Move.

In 1977, Mary Ford -- the vocal half of the husband-and-wife team Les Paul and Mary Ford -- died at age 53.

In 1986, Eddie Money launched his first concert tour in three years.

In 1992, thousands of Romanians -- including the country's premier -- flocked to a Bucharest orphanage, hoping to catch a glimpse of Michael Jackson at the opening of a playground financed by his Heal the World Charity.

In 1992, Garth Brooks and Billy Ray Cyrus were the big winners at the 26th annual CMA awards in Nashville.

In 1993, the B-52's Kate Pierson was arrested during an anti-fur sit-in at Vogue magazine in New York.

Also in 1993, two firefighters were fired and two more suspended for taking rock memorabilia from the burned-out Northern California home of Grace Slick.

In 1996, Smashing Pumpkins played a surprise concert for 300 contest winners in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

In 1998, three of the four members of the punk band Dead Kennedys voted to severe ties with Alternative Tentacles Records, the label founded by frontman Jello Biafra in 1983. Guitarist East Bay Ray, bassist Klaus Flouride and drummer D.H. Peligro said they'd been unable to settle claims of royalty underpayments with the label. Biafra did not attend the meeting at which the vote was taken.

In 1999, John Lennon's handwritten original lyrics to "I Am the Walrus" were purchased for $129,200 by an anonymous phone bidder at an auction.

Topping the charts on this date:

It's All in the Game -- Tommy Edwards (1958), Cherish -- The Associationj (1966), Rock Me Gently -- Andy Kim (1974), Tell Her About It -- Billy Joel (1983).

Today's musical quiz:

One of the Fifth Dimension's biggest hits, "Aquarius," was from this Broadway musical. What? Answer: "Hair."

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(Oct. 1)

Today's birthdays include concert pianist Vladimir Horowitz, born in 1904: singer/actress Julie Andrews, who was born in 1935 (age 67); Sly and the Family Stone's Jerry Martini in 1943 (age 59); Herbert "Tubo" Rhoad of the Persuasions and Scott McKenzie, both in 1944 (age 58); the late Donny Hathaway in 1945; Mud lead singer Rob Davis in 1947 (age 55); "Cub" Koda of Brownsville Station and April Wine's Brian Greenway, both in 1948 (age 54); and Howard Hewett of Shalamar in 1955 (age 47).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1954, the Penguins' "Earth Angel" was released.

In 1967, Pink Floyd arrived in New York for the band's first U.S. tour.

In 1969, the Beatles' "Abbey Road" was released.

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix's funeral was held in Seattle. Among the mourners -- Miles Davis, Eric Burdon of the Animals, and all four members of Eric Clapton's group Derek and the Dominos.

In 1975, drummer Al Jackson of Booker T and the MGs was shot and killed during a break-in at his home in Memphis. He was 39.

In 1977, Elton John became the first rocker honored in Madison Square Garden's Hall of Fame in New York.

In 1980, Paul Simon's movie "One Trick Pony" opened in New York. The film also included Lou Reed, Sam and Dave, the B-52s, and the Lovin' Spoonful.

In 1981, Pretenders drummer Martin Chambers cut up his hand trying to open a window, forcing the band to cancel the rest of its U.S. tour.

In 1983, Shalamar broke up on member Howard Hewett's 28th birthday.

In 1991, Michael Jackson's glove was stolen from the Motown Museum in Detroit. It was recovered two days later.

Also in 1991, George Michael kicked off the North American leg of his "Cover To Cover '91" tour in Oakland, Calif.

Also in 1991, Donna Summer filed a $25 million libel suit against New York Magazine over the anti-gay remarks attributed to her in a recent article.

And in 1991, Sonny Bono announced plans to run as a Republican for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Alan Cranston. He lost.

In 1993, rapper Snoop Doggy Dog, a.k.a. Calvin Broadus, pleaded innocent in the shooting death of a man one month earlier. He said his bodyguard killed the man in self-defense.

Also in 1993, a federal judge in Los Angeles threw out the breach-of-contract suit filed against Olivia Newton-John in connection with the bankruptcy of her Koala Blue store chain.

In 1997, A&M Records announced that Elton John's Princess Diana tribute "Candle in the Wind 1997" had sold more than 3.4 million copies in the United States in one week -- breaking a record set in 1992 by Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You."

In 1998, John Fogerty -- co-founder, along with his late brother Tom, of Creedence Clearwater Revival -- received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1999, "The Fragile," Nine Inch Nails' first studio album in 5 years, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top-200 album chart. It was the band's first-ever No. 1 album.

Also in 1999, Melanie C., a.k.a. "Sporty Spice," launched her debut solo album "Northern Star" with a limited world tour that began in New York City.

Topping the charts on this date:

Wake Up Little Susie -- The Everly Brothers (1957), Eve of Destruction -- Barry McGuire (1957), We're an American Band -- Grand Funk (1973), Abracadabra -- The Steve Miller Band (1982).

Today's musical quiz:

In 1972, Donnie Hathaway had a hit single with a duet with his college classmate, Roberta Flack. Can you name that tune? Answer: "Where Is The Love."

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(Oct. 2)

Today's birthdays include Don McLean, who was born in 1945 (age 57); Richard Hell in 1949 (age 53); Michael Rutherford of Genesis, and Sting, a.k.a. Gordon Sumner, both in 1951 (age 51); Phil Oakey of Human League in 1955 (age 47); R&B singer/songwriter Freddie Jackson in 1956 (age 46); and Tiffany, whose full name is Tiffany Renee Darwisch, in 1971 (age 31).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1961, record producer Phil Spector released the first single on his own label, Philles. "There's No Other (Like My Baby)" was the debut single of the Crystals.

In 1965, the McCoys' "Hang On Sloopy" topped the charts.

Also in 1965, The Who appeared for the first time on U.S. television, on the show "Shindig."

In 1970, John McLaughlin, Larry Young, Tony Williams and Jack Bruce formed Lifetime, one of the first "fusion" groups.

In 1977, the remains of Elvis Presley and his mother, Gladys, were moved from Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis to Graceland following an unsuccessful attempt by thieves to steal "The King's" body.

In 1980, Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibbs -- the Bee Gees -- sued producer Robert Stigwood for $2 million, claiming misrepresentation and fraud.

In 1986, the Everly Brothers -- Don and Phil -- received the 1,834th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Also in 1986, Mick Jagger's feature-length video "Running Out of Luck" premiered. It was part music video, part movie.

In 1991, country star Garth Brooks took top honors at the 25th annual CMA Awards in Nashville.

In 1995, recording began in London on the movie soundtrack of "Evita" -- starring Madonna, Jonathan Pryce and Antonio Banderas.

In 1996, the alternate-rock trio Babe the Blue Ox kicked off its fall tour in Greensboro, N.C.

In 1997, A&M Records announced that Elton John's Princess Diana tribute "Candle in the Wind 1997" had sold more than 26 million copies, making it the second-biggest-selling single of all time, behind Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," which had sold 30 million copies to date. "Candle in the Wind 1997" would soon pass "White Christmas."

In 1998, Gene Autry -- singing cowboy turned media mogul and major league baseball team owner -- died at his Los Angeles home. He was 91.

Topping the charts on this date:

Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel -- Elvis Presley (1956), Oh, Pretty Woman -- Roy Orbison (1964), Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me -- Mac Davis (1972).

Today's musical quiz:

This past TV season, Sting portrayed himself on what Fox Television series? Answer: "Ally McBeal."

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(Oct. 3)

Today's birthdays include James Darren, who was born in 1936 (age 66); the late Eddie Cochran in 1938; Alan O'Day in 1940 (age 62); Chubby Checker, real name Ernest Evans, in 1941 (age 61); Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac in 1947 (age 55); the late blues-rock guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1954; Jack Wagner in 1959 (age 43); Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee in 1962 (age 40); and Gwen Stefani of No Doubt in 1969 (age 33).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1945, a 10-year-old Elvis Presley sang in public for the first time, in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show. He sang "Old Shep" and came in second in the contest, winning a $5 prize.

In 1955, "The Mickey Mouse Club" made its broadcast premiere.

In 1964, The Supremes' "Baby Love" was released.

In 1967, Woody Guthrie died from Huntington's disease. He was 55.

In 1969, bluesman Skip James died. He was best known for his song "I'm So Glad," which was covered by Cream.

In 1980, Bruce Springsteen opened his U.S. tour in Ann Arbor, Mich. He was joined on-stage by local hero Bob Seger for "Thunder Road."

In 1992, Sinead O'Connor sparked a controversy when she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." The incident prompted angry calls to the network. An SNL spokesman said the Irish pop singer would not likely be invited back on the show in the near future.

Also in 1992, "bad boy" comic Andrew "Dice" Clay introduced Guns N' Roses at the band's Pasadena, Calif., concert.

In 1993, Madonna arrived in Israel for her first-ever concert in the Holy Land.

In 1994, Rolling Stone frontman Mick Jagger took questions from fans during an hour-long "chat" session on American Online.

In 1995, Mariah Carey's album "Daydreams" was released.

Also in 1995, Bobby Brown agreed to undergo a blood test to see if he was the father of a 3-year-old girl, as a Boston woman claimed.

In 1996, in an open letter, Van Halen -- brothers Edward and Alex, and Michael Anthony -- denied that former lead singer David Lee Roth was an "unwilling participant" in an appearance the previous month on the MTV Video Music Awards. Roth apparently felt his former bandmates had falsely implied he might be hired back when he worked on two songs for the group's new album "The Best of Vol. 1."

In 1997, funkster Rick James kicked off a concert tour in Indianapolis, his first in 10 years.

Also in 1997, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds was honored by BET with the 1997 Walk of Fame Award.

In 1998, 20,000 people joined Farm Aid founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young -- plus Hootie and The Blowfish, Martina McBride, Phish and more -- at Farm Aid '98 at the New World Music Theater in Tinley Park, Ill.

In 2000, Radiohead released its "Kid A" album.

Also in 2000, the Doobie Brothers released "Sibling Rivalry," the band's first studio album in a decade.

And in 2000, Barenaked Ladies performed on "Trackers," the Oxygen cable network's magazine show for teenage girls.

And in 2000, Tonic headlined a Los Angeles benefit concert for MusiCares, the not-for-profit organization established by the Record Academy and VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

Topping the charts on this date:

Love is a Many-Splendored Thing -- The Four Aces (1955), Blue Velvet -- Bobby Vinton (1963), Maggie May/Reason to Believe -- Rod Stewart (1971), Love is a Many Splendored Thing -- the Four Aces (1966), Blue Velvet -- Bobby Vinton (1963), Upside Down - Diana Ross (1980).

Today's musical quiz:

Two weeks after tearing up a picture of the pope on "Saturday Night Live," Sinead O'Connor appeared at a Bob Dylan tribute at New York's Madison Square Garden. What happened? Answer: The Irish pop singer was booed off the stage.

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(Oct. 4)

Today's birthdays include Helen Reddy, who was born in 1942 (age 60); Nona Hendryx, of Patti LaBelle and the BlueBelles, and LaBelle, in 1944 (age 58); bassist James Fielder of Buffalo Springfield and, also, Blood Sweat and Tears in 1947 (age 55); and Pet Shop Boys' Chris Lowe in 1959 (age 43).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1956, Johnny Cash was jailed for one night for possession of pills.

In 1962, Bob Dylan played a showcase concert at New York's Carnegie Hall, attracting an audience of 53 people.

In 1969, Crosby Stills and Nash's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" was released.

In 1970, Janis Joplin died from a heroin overdose in a Hollywood hotel. She was 27.

In 1973, Crosby Stills Nash and Young staged an impromptu reunion during a show by Stills' band Manassas at the Winterland in San Francisco.

In 1974, Thin Lizzy -- up to this point an Irish trio -- introduced its new international line-up, featuring Californian Scott Gorham and Scotland's Brian Robertson, in concert at Aberystwyth University in Wales.

In 1993, country star Garth Brooks' wife, Sandy, announced she was pregnant with the couple's second child.

In 1994, the Eagles postponed the remaining dates on the band's "Hell Freezes Over" reunion tour when Glenn Frey developed a serious gastrointestinal illness that required surgery.

Also in 1994, Crosby Stills and Nash cancelled the rest of their 25th anniversary tour when David Crosby fell ill and needed a liver transplant.

And in 1994, a Los Angeles judge fined Michael Jackson $925 when he failed to show up to give a deposition in a lawsuit against his family. The legal action stemmed from the ill-fated TV special "Jackson Family Honors."

In 1995, bluegrass singer Alison Krauss and country superstars Vince Gill and Alan Jackson were the top winners at the 29th annual CMA Awards in Nashville.

In 1997, Farm Aid was held at the New World Music Theater in Tinley Park, Ill. It starred co-founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young. Other performers included the Dave Matthews Band, Beck, John Fogerty and the Allman Brothers Band.

Also in 1997, an auction of souvenirs in San Francisco from the "Summer of Love" was a disappointment. Such items as notes from John Lennon and Yoko Ono to Black Panther leader Huey Newton failed to bring in as much money as the organizers had hoped.

And in 1997, "Melrose Place" actress Heather Locklear -- the wife of Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora -- gave birth to a baby girl in Los Angeles. Ava Elizabeth Sambora was the couple's first child.

Topping the charts on this date:

You're Breaking My Heart -- Vic Damone (1949), Sleep Walk --Santo and Johnny (1959), Sugar, Sugar -- The Achies (1969), My Sharona -- The Knack (1979).

Today's musical quiz:

Where was Dave Matthews born? Answer: South Africa.