History Highlight:

Today in 1961, The Tokens started a three-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". It was adapted and covered internationally by many 1950s pop and folk revival artists, including the Weavers, Jimmy Dorsey, Yma Sumac, Miriam Makeba and the Kingston Trio. It went on to earn at least $15 million in royalties from cover versions and film licensing. REM included a live version of the song on the 1993 Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight single.

Also, in:

1971 - Sly and the Family Stone went to No. 1 on the U.S. album chart with "There's A Riot Going On".

1982 - Hall and Oates started a four week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Maneater", the duo's 5th U.S. No. 1.

1993 - Take That had their third U.K. No. 1 single with the Gary Barlow penned song "Babe".

2003 - James Brown and country music star Loretta Lynn were honored for their contributions to U.S. culture. The pair were invited to a gala attended by President George Bush at the Kennedy Arts Center in Washington.

2004 - A guitar played by George Harrison and John Lennon sold for $570,000 at auction in New York. The Gibson SG guitar was used by Harrison from 1966 to 1969, including the recording of Revolver, and by Lennon during The White Album sessions. Other items sold in the Christie's auction included a letter by Kurt Cobain ($19,400), and a school book report by Britney Spears ($1,200).

Birthdays:

The Animals bassist Chas Chandler was born today in 1938.

Keith Richards is 72 today.

Elliot Easton of The Cars is 62 today.

DMX is 45 today.

Sia is 40 today.

Christina Aguilera is 35 today.

Highlights for Today in Music History are gathered from This Day in Music, Paul Shaffer's Day in Rock, and Wikipedia.