Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for March 19: In 1859, the opera "Faust" by Charles Gounod premiered in Paris. In 1937, R&B singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry was born in Algiers, La.

Today in Music History for March 20: In 1937, Canadian country singer Tommy Hunter was born in London, Ont. Hunter joined CBC-TV's ``Country Hoedown'' in 1956 as rhythm guitarist with ``King Ganam's Sons of the West.

Today in History for March 16: In AD 37, Roman emperor Tiberius died. He was succeeded by Caligula. In 1521, the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippine Islands.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 7: Architect Douglas Cardinal is 91. International Motorsports Hall-of-Famer Janet Guthrie is 87. Actor Daniel J. Travanti (``Hill Street Blues'') is 85. Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 83.

Today in Music History for March 7: In 1875, composer Maurice Ravel was born in Cibourne, France. He became a leading exponent of impressionism, a style of music in which atmosphere and mood take the place of strong emotion.

Today in History for March 7: In 1274, Thomas Aquinas, considered one of the most significant theologians of all time, died. He's best known for his Summa Theologiae or A summation of Theological Knowledge.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 6: Dancer-actress Carmen de Lavallade is 94. Actress-writer Joanna Miles is 85. Actor Ben Murphy is 83. Jazz singer Flora Purim is 83. Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is 81. Drummer Hugh Grundy of The Zombies is 80.

Today in History for March 6: In 1475, Michelangelo, famous for his paintings such as the Sistine Chapel, sculpture including David, and architecture -- the rebuilding of St. Peter's Cathedral -- was born in Caprese, Italy. He died at age 88 in 1564.

Today in Music History for March 6: In 1853, Giuseppe Verdi's opera "La Traviata" premiered in Venice, Italy. In 1905, Bob Wills, the man who originated the style of music known as western swing, was born near Kosse, Texas.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 5: Actor Paul Sand ("St. Elsewhere") is 93. Football player-turned-actor Fred Williamson is 87. Actress Samantha Eggar ("The Molly Maguires," ''Dr. Doolittle") is 86.