Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(May 4)

Today's birthdays include Maynard Ferguson, who was born in 1928 (age 75); Spirit drummer Ed Cassidy in 1931 (age 72); Ritchie Burns of the Hondells in 1941 (age 62); Nick Ashford, of Ashford and Simpson, in 1942 (age 61); Troggs drummer Ronnie Bond and Angels lead singer Peggy Santiglia, both in 1944 (age 59); Stella Parton, Dolly's sister, in 1949 (age 54); Jackie Jackson, one of Michael Jackson's older brothers, and Bruce Day of Pablo Cruise, both in 1951 (age 52); country's Randy Travis in 1959 (age 44); and 'N Sync's Lance Bass in 1979 (age 24).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1956, Gene Vincent and The Blue Caps recorded "Be Bop A Lula."

In 1959, the first Grammy Awards were handed out. Among the winners: Henry Mancini for best album, "The Music from Peter Gunn," Perry Como and Ella Fitzgerald as best vocalists, Domenico Modugno for best record, "Volare," and the Kingston Trio for best country song, "Tom Dooley."

In 1963, the Beach Boys made the group's national album chart debut with "Surfin' USA."

In 1968, British model/actress Twiggy saw Welsh teenage singer Mary Hopkin perform on a TV talent show and recommended her to Beatle Paul McCartney. Three months later, Hopkin's debut single for Apple Records -- "Those Were the Days," produced by McCartney -- was released.

In 1970, the National Guard killings of four Kent State University students inspired the Crosby Stills Nash and Young anti-war anthem "Ohio."

In 1976, Kiss played its first concert, in New York.

In 1984, songwriter Larry Stock died at age 87. He wrote "Blueberry Hill" and "You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You," among others.

In 1987, a San Francisco judge threw out a 21-year-old lawsuit filed by a former Jefferson Airplane manager, which had kept the group from collecting $2 million in back royalties.

Also on 1987, blues harp great Paul Butterfield was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment. The coroner later announced Butterfield had died from a lethal mixture of drugs and alcohol.

In 1991, Dennis Crosby -- the son of Bing Crosby -- was found dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound in his San Francisco-area home. He'd had a rocky career as part of a singing group with his three brothers.

In 1992, it was "Kiss Day" in Baltimore. Members of the rock group were given the key to the city.

Also in 1992, fans buying tickets for a Garth Brooks concert in Waterloo, Iowa, overloaded phone lines -- knocking out 911 service in a three-county area.

In 1993, BMI said Paul McCartney's "Yesterday" was the most played song in the United States.

In 1994, prosecutors in Los Angeles announced that no charges would be filed against Courtney Love, who had been arrested a month earlier after police found syringes in her Beverly Hills hotel room. The syringes turned out to be for prescription pain medication. Love's arrest had come one day before the body of her husband -- Nirvana's Kurt Cobain -- was found at their Seattle home. He'd committed suicide.

In 1995, a federal judge in San Francisco awarded Creedence Clearwater Revival co-founder John Fogerty a record $1.35 million to cover legal expenses after winning a copyright lawsuit.

Also in 1995, Peter Paul and Mary performed Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Kent State shootings.

In 1999, rapper Busta Rhymes pulled out of a tour with R&B singer R.Kelly, saying the promoter "made it impossible to mount a production that would be compatible with the kind of show (his) fans have come to expect."

Also in 1999, Toto was inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk.

Today's musical quiz:

Who won the most awards at that very first Grammy Awards? Answer: Ross Bagdasarian, a.k.a. Dave Seville, with three. His "Chipmunks" song won for best recording for children, best comedy and best engineered.