Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(March 14)

Today's birthdays include Quincy Jones, who was born in 1933 (age 70); Chicago's Walter Parazaider in 1945 (age 58); disc jockey-turned-comic recording star Rick Dees in 1951 (age 52); Level 42 guitarist Boon Gould in 1955 (age 48); and Taylor Hanson of Hanson in 1983 (age 20).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1960, Sam Cooke -- whose music would influence the neophyte reggae movement -- opened his first Caribbean tour in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

In 1968, Elvis Presley's 26th movie, "Stay Away Joe," premiered.

And, renowned director and choreographer Busby Berkeley died on this date in 1976.

. In 1981, Eric Clapton was hospitalized in St. Paul, Minn., suffering from ulcers and exhaustion. He was forced to cancel the remaining dates of his U.S. tour.

In 1984, the Hard Rock Cafe -- filled with rock 'n' roll memorabilia -- opened in New York City.

In 1991, songwriter Doc Pomus died at age 65. He'd penned such hits as "Save the Last Dance for Me" for the Drifters, Jay and the Americans' "This Magic Moment," as well as several Elvis Presley hits.

In 1992, as many as 40,000 people attended Farm Aid 5 at the Texas Stadium near Dallas. The 12-hour concert featured Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Waylon Jennings, Tracy Chapman, Kris Kristofferson, Arlo Guthrie, and Merle Haggard.

In 1994, a bomb threat disrupted a Jay and the Americans' concert on Long Island, N.Y. No bomb was found.

Also in 1994, a fourth show was added to Barbra Streisand's London concerts, due to the demand for tickets.

And in 1994, the Boring Institute of New Jersey named Madonna's movie "Body of Evidence" the most boring film of 1993.

In 1995, Garth Brooks, Michael Bolton and Kenny G testified before Congress on behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts.

In 1997, U2's eighth studio album, "Pop," debuted on the Billboard Top-200 album chart at No.1.

In 2000, Elton John made his first in-store appearance in more than five years, visiting Tower Records in West Hollywood in connection with the release of "Elton John's 'The Road to El Dorado.'" The album was the musical accompaniment to the animated movie "The Road to El Dorado."

Today's musical quiz:

Who produced Michael Jackson's album "Thriller"? Answer: Quincy Jones.