1966 -At a Beatles press conference in Chicago to promote their American tour, the big topic is John Lennon's quote, "We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first, rock 'n' roll or Christianity." Lennon, clearly shaken by the controversy, explains: "I was pointing out that fact in reference to England - that we meant more to kids than Jesus did, or religion, at that time. I wasn't knocking it or putting it down, I was just saying it as a fact."

1968 - Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham practiced for the first time together beneath a record store at 22 Gerrard Street in London's West End. By their own account, the chemistry was felt instantly as they blast through Train Kept A Rollin'. They also played 'Smokestack Lightning' and a version of Jake Holmes' 'I'm Confused' (soon to become 'Dazed And Confused').

1970 - At Harvard University, Janis Joplin performed what would be her final concert. Her final performance was with the Full Tilt Boogie Band. The Harvard Crimson gave the performance a positive, front-page review, despite the fact that the band used makeshift amplifiers after their regular sound equipment was stolen in Boston. Ended the concert with a version of Gershwin's "Summertime."

1977 - Guitarist Henri Padovani quit the band the Police after nine months, leaving them a trio.

2009 - Guitarist Les Paul died at the age of 94 suffering from severe pneumonia. Paul is credited with developing one of the first solid-body electric guitars, which went on sale in 1952 and contributed to the birth of rock.

Birthdays:

Country singer Porter Wagoner was born today in 1927. Known for his flashy Nudie and Manuel suits and blond pompadour. In 1967, he introduced a then little known Dolly Parton on his long-running television show.

Country singer Buck Owens was born today in 1929. Pioneered what has come to be called the Bakersfield sound’a reference to Bakersfield, California.

Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits is 73. Rose to fame as the leader of Dire Straits, where his songwriting and incisive guitar work played a decisive role in making them an international success story. Meanwhile, he began to accumulate an impressive résumé as a producer, sideman, songwriter, and film composer in the '80s, eventually moving on to a successful career as a solo artist in which he continued to explore his interest in country, Americana, and roots music. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Pat Metheny is 68.

Highlights for Today in Music History are gathered from Led Zeppelin.com, Allmusic, This Day in Music, Song Facts and Wikipedia.

Scott Arbough