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Today in Music: a look back at pop music

By United Press International
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(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).

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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.

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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.

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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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