Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Oct. 22)

Today's birthdays include bassist Ray Jones of Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas, who was born in 1939 (age 63); Annette Funicello in 1942 (age 60); the late Bobby Fuller, who had a hit in 1966 with "I Fought The Law," in 1943; Edward Brigati of the Rascals in 1946 (age 56); and Zac Hanson, the youngest brother of the pop trio the Hansons, in 1985 (age 17).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1966, the Beach Boys released "Good Vibrations." It became the band's third No.1 single.

In 1969, Paul McCartney officially denied the persistent rumor that he was dead.

In 1976, The Who wrapped up their tour with a concert in Toronto. It was the last show Keith Moon would play in North America.

In 1992, Elton John sued the tabloid TV show "Hard Copy" for $35 million, contending a reporter harassed him and invaded his privacy after he refused a request for an interview.

Also in 1992, Sinead O'Connor called off a London news conference, at which she'd promised to explain further her views on the Catholic Church.

In 1994, producer Jimmy Miller died of liver failure at age 52. He'd worked with the Rolling Stones and Blind Faith, among others.

In 1996, Aerosmith was named act of the decade at the Boston Music Awards.

Also in 1996, Van Halen's "Best of Volume 1" album, featuring former lead singer David Roth, was released.

And in 1996, Ted Nugent joined Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole at a political rally in Troy, Mich.

And in 1996, Ahmet and Moon Zappa, Frank Zappa's kids, made guest appearances on the ABC sitcom "Roseanne."

In 1998, Dishwalla kicked off a tour in support of the band's new CD "And You Think You Know What Life's About" in Lafayette, La.

Also in 1998, 4,000-plus fans showed up at an Mentor, Ohio, shopping mall to see a reunited Black Sabbath -- Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terry Butler and Bill Ward -- and have them sign copies of the band's double CD "Reunion."

In 2000, Sheryl Crow, Destiny's Child, Melissa Etheridge, Amy Grant, Heart, Cyndi Lauper and Wynonna headlined Lifetime Television's "Women Rock!: Girls & Guitars." The concert raised funds for breast cancer research.

Topping the charts on this date:

Hit the Road Jack -- Ray Charles (1961), I Can't Get Next to You -- The Temptations (1969), You Light Up My Life -- Debbie Boone (1977), Take on Me -- ah-ha.

Today's musical quiz:

How long did it take for the Beach Boys to record "Good Vibrations"? Answer: Six months. The song also cost $4,000 to produce, making it the most expensive single at the time.