Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Nov. 10)

Today's birthdays include lyricist Tim Rice, who wrote the words for "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Evita" -- among others -- and also worked with Elton John on the soundtrack of "The Lion King." Rice was born in 1944 (age 58). Dave Loggins, cousin of Kenny, and Alice Cooper's guitarist Glen Buxton were both born in 1947 (age 55); Greg Lake of King Crimson and, of course, Emerson Lake and Palmer, in 1948 (age 54); Donna Fargo in 1949 (age 53); and Atlanta Rhythm Section's Ronnie Hammond in 1950 (age 52).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1967, the Moody Blues released "Nights in White Satin." The single, from the "Days of Future Passed" album, became the band's most requested song.

In 1973, country singer David "Stringbean" Akeman and his wife were murdered in their home.

In 1975, the ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a storm on Lake Superior, inspiring Gordon Lightfoot to write a haunting ballad titled "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."

In 1978, the Clash released its second album "Give 'Em Enough Rope," which was produced by Blue Oyster Cult manager Sandy Pearlman.

In 1984, Frankie Goes to Hollywood's debut album "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" entered the British music charts at No. 1.

Also in 1984, "Dukes of Hazzard" actor-turned-singer John Schenider had his first country music No. 1 single with "I've Been Around Enough to Know."

In 1986, Bruce Springsteen's five-album "Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Live 1975-1985" was released.

Also in 1986, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti and 46 members of his entourage were kicked off a United Airlines flight in Dallas following complaints they were smoking dope, throwing food and harassing the flight crew and passengers.

In 1990, it was announced that Madonna had sold 54 million albums and 26 million singles worldwide to date.

In 1992, Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose was sentenced to two years' probation and ordered to contribute $50,000 to charity after being found guilty of charges stemming from the July 2, 1991, riot that erupted at a suburban St. Louis concert.

In 1993, Madonna performed the first of three "Girlie Show" concerts in Mexico City, despite efforts by anti-Madonna groups to have the show canceled.

Also in 1993, Jackson Browne kicked off a seven-city U.S. tour in New York.

In 1994, Elton John sued the Star tabloid after it reported he was romantically involved with an Atlanta man. The singer said the story wasn't true.

Also in 1994, one person was killed and 25 others injured in the rush to get into a Costa Rican stadium to see Aerosmith.

And in 1994, Motown rolled out a new interactive video game with a rap music theme.

In 1996, a three-hour tribute to slain rapper Tupac Shakur was held at the Atlanta Civic Center.

In 1999, Lit lead singer A. Jay Popoff was arrested in Charlotte, N.C., after he stripped down to his boxer shorts during a concert at the University of North Carolina. He was charged with indecent exposure.

Topping the charts on this date:

It's Only Make Believe - Conway Twitty (1958), Last Train to Clarksville - The Monkees (1966), You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet/Free Wheelin' - Bachman-Turner Overdrive (1974), Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes (1982).

Today's musical quiz:

Donna Fargo's real name is Yvonne Vaughn. Where did she come up with "Fargo"? Answer: She took the name "Fargo" from the stuntman who drove the Batmobile in the "Batman" TV series.