Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Oct. 8: On this date: In 1354, Italian revolutionary Cola di Rienzi was murdered. In 1642, Jeanne Mance established the first hospital in Montreal, the Hotel-Dieu. In 1871, a huge fire destroyed the heart of Chicago.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 7: Author Thomas Keneally is 89. Montreal Symphony Orchestra conductor Charles Dutoit is 88. TV personality Joy Behar ("The View") is 82. Drummer Kevin Godley of 10cc is 79. Actress Jill Larson is 77.

Today in Music History for Oct. 7: In 1832, Charles Converse, American lawyer and sacred composer, was born. He penned the hymn tune for "What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

Today in History for Oct. 7: On this date, In 1663, Jean Baptiste Le Gardeur de Repentigny was chosen as the first mayor of Quebec. In 1737, iron was first smelted in Canada, at St-Maurice, Que.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 6: British broadcaster and writer Melvyn Bragg is 85. Actress Britt Ekland is 82. Singer-guitarist Thomas McClary (The Commodores) is 75. Musician Sid McGinnis is 75. Science fiction author David Brin is 74.

Today in Music History for Oct. 6: In 1908, Canadian composer and musicologist Francois Brassard was born in St. Jerome, Que. He is best known for his work in research, compilation, editing and harmonizing of French-Canadian folk songs.

Today in History for Oct. 6: On this date: In 1520, German reformer Martin Luther published his Prelude on the Babylonian Captivity of the Church, his famous writing which attacked the entire sacramental system of the Catholic Church.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 5: '60s country singer Margie Singleton is 89. Singer Arlene Smith of The Chantels is 83. Singer-guitarist Steve Miller is 81. Singer Brian Johnson of AC/DC is 77. Actress Karen Allen is 73.

Today in Music History for Oct. 5: In 1880, French composer Jacques Offenbach died in Paris. In 1925, Nashville's WSM radio went on the air. One of its first regular programs was a Saturday night feature called the "WSM Barn Dance.

Today in History for Oct. 5: On this date: In 1502, Christopher Columbus reaches Costa Rica. In 1789, William Scoresby, English scientist and Arctic explorer, was born. In 1793, Christianity was abolished in France during the Revolution.