The Beatles topped the charts; RHCP picked a guitarist; R.E.M. swept the VMA's; and the one and only Freddie Mercury was born, Today in Music History.

Beyoncé was born; Elvis made his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry; the Beatles needed no 'help' reaching the top of the chart; 'Easy Rider' premiered in the U.S.; the Bee Gees reminded everyone they should be dancing, yeah; and DJ and producer Mark Ronson was born in London 40 years ago, Today in Music History.

Mitch Miller had a No. 1 single with a song written in 1853; Ringo returned to the Beatles after a little time off; Fats Domino was rescued from post-Katrina New Orleans; Donovan went to No. 1 with a song that became one of the first examples of psychedelia, and Naughty by Natures self-titled album was released on this day in 1991, Today in Music History.

The Doors recorded their first demos; Bjork slept through a house break-in; Kanye surprised Mike Myers on live national television; and the Rolling Stones recorded their cover of a Willie Dixon song, Today in Music History.

Jerry Reed passed away; Atlantic Records bought Ray Charles' contract; Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery auditioned for radio; U2 released their first record; Mick Jones left the Clash; Tina Turner had her first No. 1 hit; influential punk and new wave act Blondie signed to Chrysalis Records, and Barry Gibb was born, Today in Music History.

Oasis released 'Definitely Maybe'; Fats Domino was rescued from the flood; The Kinks released "Lola"; and Michael Jackson was born, Today in Music History.

The Marvelettes released 'Please Mr. Postman'; Tammy Wynette and Billy Sherrill recorded 'Stand By Your Man'; the Jacksons broke a record for concert-ticket sales; Green Day picked up a bunch of MTV awards; and Devo released their debut album, Today in Music History.

Elvis welcomed the Beatles into his home; Brian Epstein died at home in London; George Michael scored his eighth U.S. No. 1 single; Stevie Ray Vaughan died in Wisconsin; Alex Lifeson of Rush celebrates a birthday; and Pearl Jam released their debut album, 'Ten', Today in Music History.

Frankie Valli had a No. 1 hit with 'Grease'; Ottawa declared it 'Paul Anka Day'; Sonny Bono entered politics officially; Blur had their first U.K. No. 1 single; Seal scored a great hit with the help of Batman; and Shirley Manson was born, Today in Music History.

Former babysitter Little Eva went to No. 1 with 'The Loco-motion'; Elton John played his first gig in the U.S.; the Knack had their one and only hit; Paul Simon released 'Graceland'; Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy was born in Belleville, Ill, and the Replacements released their first album, Today in Music History.