Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Oct. 5)

Today's birthdays include country's Johnny Duncan and the Belmonts' Carlo Mastrangelo, who were both born in 1938 (age 64); Richard Street of the Temptations in 1942 (age 60); Steve Miller in 1943 (age 59); Brian Johnson, who replaced Bon Scott in the AC/DC lineup, in 1947 (age 55); Sweet's Brian Connoly in 1948 (age 54); B.W. Stevenson in 1949; Motorhead's Eddie Clarke in 1950 (age 52); Irish rocker Bob Geldof, of the Boomtown Rats and also organizer of the Live Aid famine relief, in 1954 (age 48); and Leo Barnes of the Hothouse Flowers in 1955 (age 47).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1925, WSM-AM Radio in Nashville signed on the air.

In 1962, the Beatles' "Love Me Do" was released in England. The first radio station to play it -- that night -- was Radio Luxembourg.

In 1968, Cream's "White Room" was released the same day the rock band launched its farewell U.S. tour in Oakland, Calif.

In 1970, Papa John Creach joined Jefferson Airplane.

In 1974, after one year and 83 days on Billboard's Top-200 album chart, Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells" reached the No. 1 position.

In 1986, Hal Wallis -- who produced Elvis Presley in "Blue Hawaii" and other movies -- died at age 88.

In 1992, to protest Sinead O'Connor's tearing up of the pope's picture on "Saturday Night Live," a New York-based coalition of ethnic and national groups announced it would donate $10 to charity for each record, cassette tape or CD by the Irish pop singer that people mailed in.

Also in 1992, former Temptations lead singer Eddie Kendrick died of lung cancer. He was 52.

In 1993, Madonna performed her first-ever concert in Israel and didn't tone it down -- despite being in the Holy Land.

In 1994, Vince Gill broke his own record by winning two more Country Music Association awards at the 26th annual CMA Awards -- bringing his total to 13.

In 1995, the late Selena was honored with the first-ever star at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Antonio, Texas.

Also in 1995, ex-Warner Bros. Records executive Mo Ostin was appointed to run the music division of DreamWorks SKG.

In 1999, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) named Elton John its MusicCares Person of the Year for 2000.

Topping the charts on this date:

Sherry - The 4 Seasons (1962), Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross (1970), Kiss You All Over - Exile (1978), Stuck with You - Huey Lewis and The News (1986).

Today's musical quiz:

What led to Steve Miller's first recording contract? Answer: Miller, 24, was signed after his appearance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival in California.

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(Oct. 6)

Today's birthdays include soprano Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale, born in 1821; Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir, who was born in 1947 (age 55); Millie Small, who had a hit song in 1964 with "My Boy Lollipop," in 1948 (age 54); Thomas McClary of the Commodores, and Bobby Farrell, both in 1949 (age 53); REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin in 1951 (age 51); and Matthew Sweet in 1964 (age 38).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1967, the "Death of a Hippie" funeral service was held by The Diggers in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district. The coffin -- filled with stereotypical hippie artifacts -- was burned to symbolize the end of the "media-hyped movement."

In 1973, Todd Rundgren's "Hello, It's Me" was released.

In 1975, the Who's "Who By Numbers" was released.

In 1978, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad -- one-half of ABBA -- were quietly married at a Swedish church.

In 1980, John Lydon -- the former Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols -- was sentenced to three months in jail for assaulting a customer in a Dublin bar. The conviction was later reversed on appeal.

In 1985, Nelson Riddle died from kidney and liver failure at age 64.

In 1986, David Lee Roth released a Spanish-language version of the "Eat 'Em and Smile" album.

In 1990, rapper Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew paid $300,000 to LucasFilms -- owners of the copyrights to "Star Wars" -- for his unauthorized use of Luke Skywalker as the name of his record label.

In 1993, Paul Simon began a 21-night gig in New York with former partner Art Garfunkel.

Also in 1993, two Hollywood producers announced plans to make a movie out of Billy Ray Cyrus's hit song "Achy Breaky Heart."

In 1994, Patti LaBelle opened her own nightclub in her hometown of Philadelphia.

In 1999, the 3 surviving members of Blues Traveler announced that they had decided to stay together, despite the August 1999 death of bassist Bobby Sheehan.

Topping the charts on this date:

Take Good Care of My Baby - Bobby Vee (1966), Sugar, Sugar - The Archies (1969), Since I Met You Baby - Sonny James (1977), Money for Nothing - Dire Straits (1985).

Today's musical quiz:

What was the first George Harrison-written song to be put on the "A" side of a Beatles release? Answer: "Something," which topped the charts in 1969.

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(Oct. 7)

Today's birthdays include Colin Cooper of the Climax Blues Band, who was born in 1936 (age 66); Main Ingredient's Tony Silvester in 1941 (age 61); Dino Valenti of Quicksilver Messenger Service in 1943 (age 59); 10cc's Kevin Godley and Sugarloaf's Robert Webber, both in 1945 (age 57); David Hope of Kansas in 1949 (age 53); John Mellencamp in 1951 (age 51); Bon Jovi's Tico Torres and Hot's Cathy Carsons, both in 1953 (age 49); classical cellist Yo Yo Ma in 1955 (age 47) and Toni Braxton in 1967 (age 35).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1975, John Lennon won his long battle with U.S. immigration officials when a federal judge ruled he could not be deported since his marijuana conviction in Britain was unjust by U.S. legal standards.

In 1977, guitarist Steve Hackett quit Genesis to go solo.

In 1986, tickets to Chuck Berry's Oct. 16 birthday concert in St. Louis sold out in 58 minutes.

In 1991, Disney announced that the "For Our Children" album had raised $2 million for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The album featured Little Richard, Debbie Gibson, Brian Wilson, Pat Benatar, Stephen Bishop, Paula Abdul, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen singing original and traditional kids' songs.

Also in 1991, the federal government nixed a request for $500,000 to build a Lawrence Welk Museum in Strasburg, N.D., hometown of the late entertainer.

In 1993, President Clinton presented the National Metals of Art to Ray Charles and Cab Calloway.

In 1994, rocker Carlos Santana performed a four-hour-long concert in Warsaw to promote his new album "Santana Brothers." He also announced plans to play in Cuba.

In 1997, Everclear's new album "So Much for the Afterglow" was released.

In 1999, Madonna was reported to have signed to star in the movie version of Noel Coward's play "Quadrille," playing the wife of a philandering English aristocrat who runs off with the young wife of an American industrialist.

Also in 1999, it was reported that Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band would co-star with Dabney Coleman and Ned Beatty in the film version of Wilson Rawls' novel "Where the Red Fern Grows."

In 2000, Cypress Hill was joined by Limp Bizkit, 311, Redman, System of a Down and Pennywise --- among others -- at the Cypress Hill Smoke Out, held at the National Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino, Calif.

Also in 2000, Christina Aguilera, LeAnn Rimes and Seal headlined Tiger Jam III, the annual benefit concert hosted by golfing phenom Tiger Woods, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

And in 2000, country's Chris LeDoux underwent a liver transplant at the Nebraska Health System in Omaha, Neb.

Topping the charts 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), Let's Go Crazy - Prince and The Revolution (1984).

Today's musical quiz:

John Mellencamp still lives in the state in which he was born. Where? Answer: Indiana.

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(Oct. 8)

Today's birthdays include George Bellamy of the Tornados, who was born in 1940 (age 62); former Procol Harum guitarist Ray Rowyer, who preceded Robin Trower and played on the "Whiter Shade of Pale" single, in 1945 (age 57); Tony Wilson of Hot Chocolate in 1947 (age 55); Average White Band's Hamish Stuart in 1949 (age 53); Robert "Kool" Bell of Kool and the Gang in 1950 (age 52); and Ramones guitarist Johnny Ramone, whose real name is John Cummings, in 1951 (age 51).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1966, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels released the medley "Devil With A Blue Dress/Good Golly Miss Molly."

In 1976, the Sex Pistols signed a recording contract with EMI.

In 1980, Bob Marley collapsed onstage during a Wailers' show in Pittsburgh. He was taken to New York's Sloan-Kettering Hospital, where a spokesman denied the reggae star had brain cancer. Marley would die of brain cancer less than a year later.

In 1985, Little Richard was seriously injured when his sports car ran into a phone pole in West Hollywood. He'd apparently fallen asleep at the wheel.

In 1986, Ozzy Osbourne's concert in Tyler, Texas, was canceled due to a bomb threat.

Also in 1986, Run-DMC called for a day of peace among Los Angeles street gangs.

In 1988, Phil Collins' remake of the 1966 Mindbenders' hit "A Groovy Kind of Love" became his eighth top-10 single, and would become his fifth No. 1 song.

In 1991, Dionne Warwick announced plans to host a three-day concert in Lagos, Nigeria, to benefit an organization that helps African children.

In 1994, most of the big-name stars scheduled to appear at the Elvis Presley tribute in Memphis were no-shows. However, Lisa Marie Presley and her new husband, Michael Jackson, did attend.

In 1995, at an auction, someone paid $17,920 dollars for Madonna's seven-piece black sequined costume from her "Girlie Show" tour.

In 1996, former Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct in connection with the heroin-and-alcohol overdose death on July 12 of bandmate Jonathan Melvoin in a New York City hotel room. He was sentenced to complete a drug treatment program.

Also in 1996, Bruce Springsteen faxed the Asbury Park Press newspaper in New Jersey, saying he doesn't support Bob Dole. The day before, the Republican presidential hopeful had rolled into a rally in Red Banks, N.J., with the bus's PA system blaring "Born in the USA."

In 1999, Crosby Stills Nash and Young announced they wouldn't perform as scheduled at Neil Young's Bridge School concerts later in the month (Oct. 30-31) so Graham Nash's legs, broken during a September boating accident off Hawaii, could heal.

Topping the charts on this date:

Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin (1959), The Letter - The Box Tops (1967), Fame - David Bowie (1975), Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler (1983).

Today's musical quiz:

AWB's Hamish Stuart also played with this ex-Beatle's band. Who? Answer: Paul McCartney.

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(Oct. 9)

Today's birthdays include John Lennon, who was born in 1940; Who bassist John Entwistle in 1944 (age 58); reggae musician Peter Tosh, also in 1944; Jackson Browne in 1948 (age 54); and Sean Ono Lennon in 1975 (age 27).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1966, John Lennon met Yoko Ono at a showing of her avant-garde art at a gallery in London's West End.

Also in 1966, the Rolling Stones recorded the band's first live album -- "Got Live If You Want It" -- at London's Royal Albert Hall.

In 1973, Elvis Presley divorced Priscilla after six years of marriage. She got $1.5 million in cash and $4,200 a month for a year.

In 1975, a son -- Sean Ono Lennon -- was born to John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

In 1980, on his 40th birthday, John Lennon released "(Just Like) Starting Over." It was his first single in five years.

Also in 1980, Gary Glitter declared bankruptcy.

In 1985, the Strawberry Fields garden portion of New York's Central Park was dedicated to the memory of slain ex-Beatle John Lennon.

In 1986, Yoko Ono released the previously unpublished John Lennon manuscript "Skywriting By Word of Mouth." The document had been stolen right after Lennon was killed. It was later recovered. Ono revealed that criticism of his 1975 album "Some Time in New York City" was what forced Lennon into a five-year hiatus from recording.

In 1991, a newly reunited Procol Harum performed on NBC's "Late Night With David Letterman."

In 1995, jury selection began in Houston in the trial of the accused killer of Tejano singer Selena.

In 1996, Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard's favorite instrument was stolen right off the stage during a concert in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

In 1997, Jethro Tull kicked off its North American tour in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., celebrating the 25th anniversary of the band's "Thick As A Brick" concept album.

In 1998, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris performed in Washington, D.C., to raise funds for the Campaign for a Landmine Free World.

Also in 1998, The Cure -- with opening act Hole -- were the blind dates for more than 400 U.S. fans flown to London for the final 1998 concert of the Miller Genuine Draft "Blind Date" contest.

Topping the charts on this date:

It's All in the Game - Tommy Edwards (1958), Cherish - The Association (1966), I Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton-John (1974), Jack & Diane - John Cougar (1982).

Today's musical quiz:

John Lennon's skiffle group changed its name to the Beatles in tribute to Buddy Holly. True or false? Answer: True. "Beetles" had been a name Holly and his band, the Crickets, decided not to use. Lennon changed the spelling to Beatles.

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(Oct. 10)

Today's birthdays include bassist Alan Cartwright of Procol Harum, and Blood Sweat and Tears' Jerry LaCroix, who were both born in 1945 (age 57); John Prine and Ben Vereen, both in 1946 (age 56); Midge Ure in 1953 (age 49); David Lee Roth in 1955 (age 47); country singer Tanya Tucker in 1958 (age 44); Glass Tiger guitarist Al Connelly in 1960 (age 42); Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet in 1961 (age 41); and Michael Bivins of First Edition and Bell Biv Devoe in 1968 (age 34).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1935, George Gershwin's jazz opera "Porgy and Bess" opened.

In 1962, Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers topped the charts with "Monster Mash." (The BBC banned airplay of "Monster Mash," saying it was offensive.)

In 1964, the Shangri-Las released "Leader of the Pack."

In 1965, the Supremes appeared for the first time on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1970, "Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles was released.

In 1978, Steve Tyler and Joe Perry were injured by a cherry bomb thrown onstage during an Aerosmith concert in Philadelphia.

Also in 1978, Steve Perry joined Journey.

In 1979, Fleetwood Mac was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Also in 1979, "The Rose" premiered in Los Angeles. The movie starred Bette Midler as a Janis Joplin-like character.

In 1983, Wham! kicked off its Club Fantastic tour in Aberdeen, Scotland.

In 1986, Freddie and the Dreamers, Chad and Jeremy, the Mindbenders, and Gerry and the Pacemakers launched a 35-city "British Invasion Returns" tour in Los Angeles.

Also in 1986, Yoko Ono helped the Chicago Peace Museum celebrate its fifth anniversary.

In 1992, Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash married model Renee Suran in Marina Del Ray, Calif.

In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a music copyright case involving John Lee Hooker's 1948 tune "Boogie Chillen" and the 1973 ZZ Top song "LaGrange."

In 1996, the Recording Industry Association of America reported that Alanis Morissette was now the all-time top-selling female singer in the United States -- her debut album "Jagged Little Pill" having sold 13 million copies -- beating the previous top-selling female singer, Whitney Houston, whose self-titled debut album sold 12 million.

In 1999, Peter Paul & Mary performed at a memorial concert for gay University of Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard, who'd been beaten to death one year earlier.

Also in 1999, Al Green performed at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis. It was his first concert at the church where he serves as pastor. The show raised money for the church's building fund.

In 2000, "Ain't Life Grand," the debut album from former Guns N' Roses axeman Slash and his band, hit stores.

Topping the charts on this date:

Tammy- Debbie Reynolds (1957), Yesterday -- The Beatles (1965), Half-Breed - Cher (1973), Endless Love - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

(1981).

Today's musical quiz:

How old was Tanya Tucker when she had her first hit song? Answer: Just 13. Tucker's first hit single was "Delta Dawn."

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(Oct. 11)

Today's birthdays include the late country singer Dottie West, who was born in 1932; Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates in 1949 (age 53); and Andrew Woolfolk of Earth Wind and Fire in 1950 (age 52).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1960, Aretha Franklin made her New York debut as a pop singer -- appearing at the Village Vanguard in Greenwich Village.

In 1962, the Beatles debuted on the British music charts with "Love Me Do."

In 1975, "Saturday Night Live" premiered on NBC-TV.

In 1978, Nancy Spungen was found dead of multiple stab wounds in the bathroom of the Greenwich Village apartment she shared with boyfriend Sid Vicious, ex-bassist of the Sex Pistols. He was charged the next day with killing her.

In 1983, John Mellencamp -- then known as John Cougar Mellencamp -- released his "Uh-Huh" album.

In 1986, "When I Think of You" became Janet Jackson's first No. 1 single.

In 1993, the North American leg of Madonna's "Girlie Show" tour began in Toronto.

Also in 1993, Amy Grant gave birth to her third child -- a girl she and then-husband, Gary Chapman, named Sarah Cannon Chapman after country legend Minnie Pearl, whose real name was Sarah Cannon.

In 1994, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Branford Marsalis, the Pointer Sisters, and George Thorogood were among the artists who performed at a tribute to the late blues musician Willie Dixon in Los Angeles.

In 1998, Brian Wilson made a rare live appearance -- joining Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band on-stage in Irvine, Calif. They sang the Beach Boys hits "Surfin' USA" and "California Girls."

In 2000, Hootie and the Blowfish and rapper Rah Digga headlined a free concert at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., as part of Rock the Vote's Election 2000 bus tour.

Also in 2000, rapper Flesh-N-Bone (a.k.a. Stanley Howse), one of the founding members of the rap group Bone Thugs N Harmony, released a new album -- "5th Dog Let Loose" (on Koch Records).

Topping the charts on this date:

Canadian Sunset -Hugo Winterhalter and Eddy Haywood (1956), Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison (1964), Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me - Mac Davis (1972), Another One Bites the Dust - Queen (1980).

Today's musical quiz:

How did Hall and Oates meet? Answer: Daryl Hall and John Oates met in a freight elevator while fleeing a gang fight that had broken out at the Adelphi Ballroom in Philadelphia.