Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Dec. 6)

Today's birthdays include Mike Smith of the Dave Clark 5, who was born in 1943 (age 59); Jonathan King, who had a hit in 1965 with "Everyone's Gone To The Moon," in 1944 (age 56); Weather Report bassist Miroslav Vitous in 1947 (age 55); Jeff Grobe of Looking Glass in 1950 (age 52); R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Rick Buckler of The Jam, both in 1956 (age 46); and Ben Watt of the duo Everything But The Girl in 1962 (age 40).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1948, "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts," one of TV's first amateur talent shows, began a decade-long run and discovered numerous stars over the years including Rosemary Clooney, Pat Boone, Steve Lawrence, Connie Francis, and Patsy Cline. Elvis Presley flunked his audition for the show in 1955.

In 1949, Leadbelly, whose real name was Huddie Ledbetter, died at age 60.

In 1965, the Rolling Stones recorded "19th Nervous Breakdown" and "Mother's Little Helper" in London.

Also in 1965, the Beatles' "Rubber Soul" album was released in the United States.

In 1968, President-elect Nixon reportedly sent a letter to Elvis Presley, asking for "The King's" support in his first term in the White House.

In 1969, an 18-year-old boy was beaten to death by members of the Hell's Angels bikers group, which was providing security at a free Rolling Stones concert at the Altamont Speedway in Livermore, Calif., near San Francisco.

Also in 1969, Asia's concert in Tokyo was beamed live to the United States, where it was viewed by an estimated 20-million people. The show, titled "Asia In Asia," marked the debut of bass player Greg Lake.

In 1986, the makers of Sun Country Classic wine cooler announced that Ringo Starr had signed to be their commercial spokesman.

In 1988, Roy Orbison died of a heart attack in Henderson, Tenn. He was 52.

In 1991, Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top-200 album chart.

In 1995, Michael Jackson was rushed to a New York City hospital after fainting while rehearsing for an upcoming HBO concert. The show was postponed. Jackson also missed the Billboard Music Awards, where he was to have been honored with a special award.

In 1999, Danish newspapers reported that Michael Jackson was among those seeking to buy Tivoli Gardens, the 156-year-old amusement park in Copenhagen that the Danes consider a national treasure.

Topping the charts on this date:

Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino (1956), Ringo - Lorne Greene (1964), Papa Was a Rolling Stone - The Temptations (1972), Lady - Kenny Rogers (1980).

Today's musical quiz:

Who purchased the best picture Oscar statuette for "Gone With The Wind" when it was auctioned off in 1999? Answer: Michael Jackson. He paid $1.54 million for it.