Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Dec. 11: In 1792, France's King Louis XVI went before the Convention to face charges of treason. (Louis was convicted, and executed the following month.) In 1813, Newark, Ont.

Today in Music History for Dec. 8: In 1865, Finnish composer Jan Sibelius was born. A romantic composer, his works express an intense, mystical love of nature. Sibelius is best known for his orchestral works, such as "Finlandia.

Today in Music History for Dec. 10: In 1943, Chad Stuart of the 1960s duo "Chad and Jeremy," was born in England. Their popularity rivalled that of another British pairing of the period, "Peter and Gordon.

Today in Music History for Dec. 14: In 1836, Frances Ridley Havergal, English devotional writer, was born. In frail health most of her life, Havergal nevertheless authored such hymns as "Take My Life" and "Let It Be" and "I Gave My Life for Thee.

Today in Music History for Dec. 11: In 1882, Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta "Iolanthe" was performed at the Bijou Theater in Boston, the first U.S. playhouse to be lighted exclusively by electricity.

Today in History for Dec. 12: In 1783, New Brunswick's first newspaper, the "Royal Saint John Gazette and Nova Scotian Intelligencer," was published. In 1787, Pennsylvania became the second U.S. state. In 1870, Joseph H.

Today in History for Dec. 14: In 1503, French physician and prophet Nostradamus was born. He remains famous today for his book “The Prophecies,” which was first published in 1555.

Today in History for Dec. 13: In 304, St. Lucy is said to have cut out her eyes and sent them to a persistent but unwelcome suitor who said he was haunted by them.

Today in Music History for Dec. 9: In 1934, bluesman Junior Wells was born in West Memphis, Ark. He replaced harmonica player Little Walter in Muddy Waters’ band in the early 1950s. His most famous recording is "Hoodoo Man.

Today in Music History for Dec. 13: In 1835, Phillips Brooks, American Episcopal clergyman and hymn writer, was born.