Today inMusic: a lookl back at pop music

(Oct. 21)

Today's birthdays include the late jazz great "Dizzy" Gillespie, who was born in 1917; Del Vikings lead singer Norman Wright in 1937 (age 65); Manfred Mann, whose real name is Michael Leibowitz, in 1940 (age 62); guitarist Steve Cropper of Booker T and MGs and, later, the Blues Brothers in 1941 (age 61); Elvin Bishop in 1942 (age 60); Ron Elliot of the Beau Brummels in 1943 (age 59); Chicago's Lee Loughnane in 1946 (age 56); bassist Tetsu Yamauchi, who played with Free and with Faces, in 1947 (age 55); GoGos guitarist Charlotte Caffey in 1953 (age 49); Eric Faulkner of the Bay City Rollers in 1954 (age 48); and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather in 1957 (age 45).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1957, the movie "Jailhouse Rock" starring Elvis Presley opened. The title song hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts and became Presley's eighth chart topper.

In 1958, in New York, Buddy Holly recorded "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" at what turned out to be his last studio recording session.

In 1961, Bob Dylan recorded his first album -- the self-titled "Bob Dylan" -- in one day. The production cost: $400.

In 1965, a brain tumor took the life of Bill Black, Elvis Presley's bassist and the leader of the Bill Black Combo. He was 39.

In 1971, a daughter, Jade, was born to Mick and Bianca Jagger.

In 1972, "My Ding-a-Ling" became Chuck Berry's first No.1 pop single.

In 1976, the Led Zeppelin film "The Song Remains The Same" premiered in New York.

In 1985, Carl Perkins was honored by a concert in London commemorating the 30th anniversary of his classic song "Blue Suede Shoes."

In 1989, Polygram purchased A&M Records from founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss for between $400 million and $500 million.

In 1992, Boyz II Men's "End Of The Road" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the 12th week, breaking the 11-week record set back in 1956 by Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog."

Also in 1992, Madonna's photo book "Sex" was published.

And in 1992, rapper Hammer was sued by an independent producer, who said he was owed $5.7 million in royalties.

And in 1992, protesters in New York used a steamroller to crush Sinead O'Connor cassette tapes and CDs. They were protesting the Irish pop singer's tearing up of the pope's picture on "Saturday Night Live" earlier that month.

And in 1992, Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, gave birth to her second child, a boy, in a Florida hospital. She and her then-husband, Danny Keough, named their new son Benjamin Storm Keough.

In 1993, Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose settled out-of-court with a man who claimed he was injured when the singer jumped on him during the infamous suburban St. Louis concert that ended in a riot.

Also in 1993, an animated version of the Ramones performed on Fox TV's "The Simpsons."

In 1994, Neil Diamond announced that he and his wife of 24 years were divorcing.

In 1995, Blind Melon lead singer Shannon Hoon was found dead on the band's tour bus in New Orleans. He was 28. Cause of death -- an accidental drug overdose.

In 1996, Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora conducted the first-ever online clinic for aspiring guitarists.

Also in 1996, the Cincinnati, Ohio, Historic Conservation Board voted to investigate whether the old King Records plant should be granted landmark status. James Brown, Hank Ballard and Clyde McPhatter were among the singers who had recorded there.

In 1997, the Guinness Book of World Records declared Elton John's tribute to Princess Diana, "Candle In the Wind 1997," to be history's biggest-selling single -- with 31.8 million copies distributed.

Also in 1997, the Smashing Pumpkins agreed to pay $10,000 to the widow of backing musician Jonathan Melvoin, who died from a drug overdose in July 1996 after shooting heroin with drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Chamberlin had been arrested on drug charges and subsequently kicked out of the band. He rejoined in 1999.

In 1998, Fastball launched the band's first-ever headlining U.S. club tour in Birmingham, Ala.

Also in 1998, Seal performed his only live concert appearance of the year at the third annual "GQ Men of the Year Awards" at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Topping the charts on this date:

Monster Mash -- Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers (1962), I'll Be There -- The Jackson 5 (1970), Kiss You All Over -- Exile (1979), When I Think Of You -- Janet Jackson (1986).

Today's musical quiz:

This song was just starting to climb the charts when Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash in February 1959. What song? Answer: "It Doesn't Matter Anymore." The tune was written by Paul Anka.