Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Jan. 18)

Today's birthdays include the late David Ruffin, former lead vocalist with the Temptations, who was born in 1941; Bobby Goldsboro also in 1941 (age 62); and Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins in 1957 (age 46).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1948, one of TV's first talent shows, The Original Amateur Hour, made its debut. A spinoff of a popular radio show, Major Bowes' Amateur Hour where Frank Sinatra was discovered in 1937, it ran for 12 years. Among its winners were a seven-year-old Gladys Knight and an 18-year-old Pat Boone.

In 1964, the Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" entered the Billboard singles chart at No. 82.

In 1973, the Rolling Stones staged a benefit concert with Santana and Cheech and Chong at the Los Angeles Forum. The show raised $200,000 for Nicaraguan earthquake victims. Mick Jagger --- whose then-wife Bianca was born in Nicaragua -- added another $150,000.

Also in 1973, Pink Floyd began recording the "Dark Side of the Moon" album in London.

In 1978, the first -- and only -- U.S. tour by the Sex Pistols ended in San Francisco. The next day, Johnny Rotten announced the band was finished.

In 1980, Plasmatics lead singer Wendy O. Williams was arrested following a concert in Milwaukee. She claimed she was beaten by police.

In 1986, the AIDS charity record "That's What Friends Are For," by Dionne Warwick and Friends, topped the Billboard Hot-100 singles chart.

In 1989, the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fellow inductees included Dion, the late Otis Redding, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder and the legendary producer Phil Spector.

In 1991, "Rock In Rio 2" -- billed as the largest rock concert ever -- opened its 10-day run at Rio de Janiero's Maracana Stadium in Brazil. The scheduled highlight was the one-time-only reunion of former Wham!-mates George Michael and Andrew Ridgely.

Also in 1991, three teenagers were killed at an AC-DC concert in Salt Lake City when the crowd pushed toward the stage. The band reportedly refused to stop playing.

In 1995, the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia was unhurt when he crashed his car into a guardrail near Mill Valley, Calif. The car was totaled.

In 1996, Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce in Los Angeles from Michael Jackson after 20 months of marriage, citing irreconcilable difference.

In 2000, the office of British Prime Minister Tony Blair denied reports that Blair had Mick Jagger's name taken off a list of royal subjects to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth on New Year's Eve because the Rolling Stone's legendary sex life didn't fit in with Blair's "family values" political orientation.

Also in 2000, Texas executed convicted killer Spencer Corey Goodman for the July 1991 beating death of the wife of ZZ Top's manager during a Houston carjacking.

Today's musical quiz:

From 1962-64, Bobby Goldsboro played in what pop-country singer's band? Answer: Roy Orbison.

------

(Jan. 19)

Today's birthdays include Phil Everly, one-half of the Everly Brothers, who was born in 1939 (age 64); Janis Joplin in 1943; Shelley Fabares in 1944 (age 59); Rod Evans of Deep Purple in 1945 (age 58); Dolly Parton in 1946 (age 57); Hot Chocolate guitarist Harvey Hinsley in 1948 (age 55); Robert Palmer in 1949 (age 54); Dewey Bunnell of America in 1951 (age 52); the Motels' Martha Davis, also in 1951 (age 52); singer/actor Desi Arnez, Jr., in 1953 (age 50); and UB40's Mickey Virtue in 1957 (age 46).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1957, Pat Boone sang at President Eisenhower's inaugural ball.

In 1967, singer Lesley Gore appeared on the "Batman" TV series as a villain named Pussycat.

In 1974, a Bob Dylan concert in Miami caused huge traffic jams.

In 1975, Paul McCartney and Wings arrived in New Orleans to begin recording the "Venus and Mars" album at Allen Toussaint's Sea-Saint Studio.

In 1976, promoter Bill Sargent offered the Beatles $30 million for a reunion show. The unanimous answer was no.

In 1977, Jimmy Carter's presidential inaugural festivities included a concert featuring Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt and Loretta Lynn on stage -- and John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Paul Simon and Gregg Allman in the audience.

In 1980, Michael Jackson received his first gold record, for "Off the Wall."

In 1981, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Charlie Pride joined Donny and Marie Osmond among the entertainers at Ronald Reagan's inauguration.

In 1984, Ellie Greenwich's "Leader of the Pack" revue opened in New York.

In 1986, Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at an Asbury Park, N.J., benefit concert. The show raised money for workers at a factory that was closing in "The Boss's" hometown of Freehold.

In 1988, Iceland's first rock group, the Sugarcubes, had to re-edit the music video of its second hit single "Cold Sweat" when a British TV show producer objected to a scene in which it appeared that a bandmember's throat was cut.

In 1993, a rare public concert by Barbra Streisand and a reunion by Fleetwood Mac highlighted a President-elect Bill Clinton pre-inaugural bash in suburban Washington, D.C.

Also in 1993, R&B singer Anita Baker gave birth to her first child, a boy, in Detroit.

In 1994, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction dinner saw a possible end to the Paul McCartney-Yoko Ono feud when McCartney presented Ono with the statuette as John Lennon was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The other inducees included Elton John, Rod Stewart, Bob Marley, the late blues singer Willie Dixon, Johnny Otis, the Grateful Dead, the Band, and the Animals.

In 1994, former Door Robby Krieger jammed with his son's band Bloodline at a concert in New York.

In 1996, MCA reportedly was negotiating to buy half of Interscope Records, known for its roster of "gangsta" rap artists. Time Warner had sold its 50-percent interest in the label in September 1995.

In 1997, Madonna was named best actress in a musical or comedy for her role in "Evita" at the 54th annual Golden Globe Awards.

Also in 1997, Duran Duran's John Taylor announced at DuranCon in Los Angeles that he was leaving the group. The split was said to be amicable.

And in 1997, the auditorium at Passaic High School in New Jersey was renamed the Shirelle Auditorium, after the all-girl group which got its start at a student talent show at the school 40 years earlier.

In 1998, rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins died of complications from three strokes he'd suffered in the previous two months. He was 65.

In 1999, Capitol Records announced that John Hiatt was canceling all February tour dates because he needed surgery to remove a cyst in his throat. The cyst was not life-threatening and doctors predicted Hiatt would recover within three months.

In 2000, Geffen Records filed suit against Hole band members Courtney Love and Eric Erlandson for breach of contract in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming the group still owed the label five albums under a 1992 agreement.

Also in 2000, former School Of Fish singer and guitarist Josh Clayton-Felt died of cancer less than a month after his illness was diagnosed. He was 32.

Today's musical quiz:

What reportedly is Dolly Parton's personal CB radio "handle"? Answer: "Booby Trap."

-------------------

(Jan. 20)

Today's birthdays include yodeling country singer Otis "Slim" Whitman, who was born in 1924 (age 79); Ronald Townson of the Fifth Dimension in 1941 (age 62); 10cc guitarist Eric Stewart in 1945 (age 58); Poco drummer George Grantham and rock band manager Malcolm McLaren, both in 1947 (age 56); Paul Stanley of Kiss in 1952 (age 51); and country singer John Michael Montgomery in 1965 (age 38).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1965, disc jockey and promoter Alan Freed died at age 42. Freed is credited with coining the phrase "rock 'n' roll."

In 1967, already a huge hit in the United States, "The Monkees" TV show began airing in Britain.

In 1968, Bob Dylan, the Band, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Odetta, Ramblin' Jack Elliott and Richie Havens appeared at the Woody Guthrie Memorial Concert at New York's Carnegie Hall.

In 1973, Jerry Lee Lewis debuted at the Grand Ole Opry. He played "Great Balls of Fire" and other rock tunes over the objections of Opry officials.

In 1974, Stevie Wonder's concert at the Rainbow Theater in London was his first show following a bad car accident five months earlier.

In 1982, a UNICEF benefit at the Savoy in New York City featured Charlie Daniels, Rick Derringer, Phil Lynott and Carmine Appice.

Also in 1982, bluesman B.B. King donated his entire record collection -- some 7,000 discs, including many rare blues recordings -- to the University of Mississippi's Center for the Study of Southern Culture.

And in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne was hospitalized after biting the head off a bat someone had thrown on stage during a concert. After undergoing rabies shots, the rocker said he thought the bat was plastic.

In 1988, the Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1990, the original members of the Byrds reunited for a Roy Orbison tribute concert.

In 1993, President Clinton picked up a saxophone and jammed at five of the 12 inaugural balls he and his wife, Hillary, attended.

In 1994, a ceremony to honor members of the Pointer Sisters a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was canceled due to the Los Angeles earthquake three days earlier.

In 1995, a Los Angeles judge granted rapper Dr. Dre a one-month delay on his sentence for drunk driving so he could finish work on a music video.

Today's musical quiz:

Name the first country performer to play at the London Palladium. Answer: "Slim" Whitman.

-----------------------

(Jan. 21)

Today's birthdays include DJ Wolfman Jack, who was born Robert Smith in 1939; Richie Havens in 1941 (age 62); Mac Davis and War's Edwin Starr, both in 1942 (age 61); Nitty Gritty Dirt Band bassist Jim Ibbotson in 1947 (age 56); Billy Ocean in 1950 (age 53); and Emma Bunton, Baby Spice of the Spice Girls, in 1976 (age 27).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1957, Patsy Cline appeared on "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts."

In 1961, Elvis Presley signed a five-year movie contract with veteran producer Hal Wallis.

In 1966, George Harrison married Patti Boyd. They'd met on the set of the Beatles' movie "Help."

In 1974, Bob Dylan visited with Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter following his "Rolling Thunder" concert in Atlanta.

In 1978, the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack topped the Billboard Top-200 album chart, where it remained for nearly eight months.

In 1984, "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" topped the singles charts, marking a dramatic comeback for Yes.

Also in 1984, Jackie Wilson died at age 49, after spending more than eight years in a semi-coma following a stroke.

In 1987, Jackie Wilson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the anniversary of his death. Other inductees included Aretha Franklin, Bo Diddley, Rick Nelson, Bill Haley, Roy Orbison, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Carl Perkins and B.B. King.

In 1988, Pollstar reported that U2 was the top-earning touring band in the United States in 1987.

In 1992, three dancers sued Madonna -- accusing the singer of violating their privacy by not telling them that the film footage of them discussing their homosexuality would be used in her "Truth or Dare" documentary.

Also in 1992, Billy Idol pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery charges for punching a woman he'd just met at a Los Angeles restaurant. The incident had occurred the previous October.

In 1995, rocker Courtney Love was arrested in Melbourne, Australia, after threatening and harassing the crew on a flight from Brisbane. She pleaded guilty and was released.

Also in 1995, a New York auction billed as the biggest rock 'n' roll auction flopped when most of the famous items went unsold.

In 1997, "Colonel" Tom Parker -- Elvis Presley's manager who was credited with turning the singer into the King of Rock 'n' Roll -- died one day after suffering a stroke. He was 87.

In 1999, the wife of Paul Shaffer, David Letterman's musical director, gave birth to boy -- the couple's second child and first son.

Today's musical quiz:

Where was Billy Ocean born? Answer: The Caribbean island of Trinidad. His real name is Leslie Sebastian Charles.

-------------------

(Jan. 22)

Today's birthdays include Sam Cooke, who was born in 1935; Addie "Micki" Harris of the Shirelles was born in 1940; Alabama bassist Teddy Gentry in 1952 (age 51); Journey's Steve Perry in 1953 (age 50); and Michael Hutchence of INXS in 1960.

Today's musical milestones:

In 1960, Sam Cooke signed with RCA Records on his 25th birthday.

In 1969, Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman" was certified "gold." It was his first gold record.

In 1971, "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" -- a concert film capturing Joe Cocker's 1970 U.S. tour -- premiered in London.

In 1972, songwriting and production team Holland, Dozier and Holland settled out of court with Motown Records, which had sued the trio when they left the label.

In 1987, Reba McEntire's "Whoever's In New England" album was certified "gold."

In 1991, rapper Hammer reached a financial settlement with former Oakland A's baseball players Mike Davis and Dwayne Murphy. The amount was not made public. The athletes had invested in Hammer's music career back in 1987. Hammer was a former ballboy with the A's.

In 1992, Mariah Carey's stepfather filed a breach-of-contract suit against the pop star. He claimed he'd helped make her a star and she'd promised to share her earnings with him when she made it big.

In 1994, Crosby Stills and Nash and Bonnie Raitt performed a concert at the pro-choice Voters for Choice rally in Washington, D.C.

In 1996, a Los Angeles judge ordered Tupac Shakur returned to jail after ruling the rapper had violated his probation from a 1994 assault and battery conviction.

Also in 1996, Disney announced a two-year, first-look deal with Whitney Houston's Houston Productions film company.

In 1997, Don Henley and John Mellencamp joined the growing protest of TCI's decision to dump MTV and VH1 in some areas. The protest worked and the cable giant returned the music channels to its line-up.

In 1998, Mary Bono, widow of entertainer-turned-politician Sonny Bono, announced she would run for the congressional seat held by her late husband. She won both the special election and the November general election, representing the 44th Congressional District, which includes Palm Springs, Calif.

Today's musical quiz:

Before Sam Cooke went solo as an R&B singer, he was in a gospel group. Can you name it? Answer: The Soul Stirrers.

--------------

(Jan. 23)

Today's birthdays include Jerry Lawson of the Persuasions, who was born in 1944 (age 59); the Pointer Sisters' Anita Pointer in 1948 (age 55); Bill Cunningham of the Box Tops, Danny Federici of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, and Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers, all in 1950 (age 53); Cheap Trick's Robin Zander in 1953 (age 50); and UB40's Earl Falconer in 1955 (age 48).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1969, Cream released its final album, appropriately titled "Goodbye Cream."

In 1970, the judge hearing the trial of the Chicago Seven denied Judy Collins permission to sing as part of her testimony for the defense.

In 1972, "Big Maybelle" Smith died at age 47.

In 1973, Neil Young interrupted his concert in New York City to announce the end of the Vietnam War.

In 1978, Chicago guitarist Terry Kath accidentally shot himself to death during a party in Los Angeles. He was 31.

In 1979, Beach Boy Brian Wilson divorced his wife of 15 years. Marilyn Rovell had been 16 when she married Wilson.

In 1982, Daryl Hall and John Oates collected their first platinum album for "Private Eyes."

In 1991, rapper Hammer and vocal group En Vogue became the first recording artists to get five nominations each for the fifth annual Soul Train Music Awards.

Also in 1991, the IRS began auctioning off Willie Nelson's property to satisfy the $16.7 million in back taxes owed by the country singer.

In 1994, Ray Charles provided the after-dinner entertainment for the largest sit-down dinner party in Britain since 1925.

In 1995, a breakdown of the truck carrying the sound equipment forced Boyz II Men to reschedule the group's concert in suburban Detroit.

Also in 1995, William Horton -- lead singer of the 1950's R&B group the Silhouettes -- died at age 65.

In 1998, "Spice World" -- the film debut of the Spice Girls -- opened nationwide.

Today's musical quiz:

Who wrote the 1974 Doobie Brothers' hit "Black Water"? Answer: Singer/guitarist Patrick Simmons.

---------------

(Jan. 24)

Today's birthdays include Neil Diamond, Ray Stevens and Aaron Neville, all of whom were born in 1941 (age 62); Warren Zevon in 1947 (age 56); keyboardist Patrick Moraz, who played with -- among other bands -- the Moody Blues, in 1948 (age 55); the late John Belushi was born in 1949; Matthew Wilder in 1953 (age 50); and 1Squeeze keyboardist Jools Holland in 1958 (age 45).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1962, the Beatles signed a management contract with Brian Epstein -- although Epstein himself never signed it.

In 1964, the Osmonds played a musical family alongside Mickey Rooney in "The Seven Little Foys" on TV.

In 1969, British rock group Jethro Tull played its first U.S. show, opening for Led Zeppelin in New York City.

In 1970, inventor Dr. Robert Moog unveiled a miniaturized synthesizer that'd become known as the mini-moog.

In 1979, the Clash released its first U.S. single, "I Fought The Law," which was written by Buddy Holly associate Sonny Curtis.

In 1984, John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, and their son Sean toured the Liverpool, England, landmarks made famous by the Beatles.

Also in 1984, a London judge fined Linda McCartney 75 pounds for trying to smuggle marijuana into England.

And in 1984, "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood topped the charts in Britain despite restricted radio airplay.

In 1994, Los Angeles prosecutors announced that no extortion charges would be filed against the father of the teenage boy who accused pop star Michael Jackson of molesting him.

In 1995, New York Newsday reported Paul McCartney had secretly visited Yoko Ono to discuss the surviving Beatles recording another of John Lennon's songs, using a tape recording Lennon had done before his death.

Also in 1995, David Cole -- music producer and one-half of C&C Music Factory -- died of complications from AIDS. He was 32.

And in 1995, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Jon Bon Jovi and James Brown performed at a Los Angeles tribute to John Belushi on the 46th anniversary of his birth.

In 1996, Michael Jackson and his "Earth Song" music video won the Doris Day Music Award from The Ark Trust animal protection group.

Also in 1996, the Los Angeles Times reported that MCA was to buy half of Interscope Records, known for its "gangsta rap" roster.

Today's musical quiz:

Before Matthew Wilder achieved solo success with 1983's "Break My Stride," he was a session singer with what artists? Answer: Bette Midler and Rickie Lee Jones.