Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Dec. 31: In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I granted the British East India Co. a monopoly on all trade to the East Indies. In 1687, the first shipload of emigrating Huguenots (French Protestants) left France for South Africa.

Today in Music History for Dec. 31: In 1776, the earliest cantata to be mentioned in Canadian historical documents was performed in Quebec City to mark the first anniversary of the repulsion of U.S. invaders.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 30: Actor Russ Tamblyn is 90. Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax is 89. Singer Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary is 87. Director James Burrows ("Cheers," ''Taxi") is 84.

Today in Music History for Dec. 30: In 1672, the first public concert was held in London. The musicians performed behind a curtain while patrons ate cakes and drank ale.

Today in History for Dec. 30: In 1384, the English religious reformer John Wycliffe died of a stroke. He was a bold critic of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church and believed the Church should return to the Scriptures.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 29: Actress Barbara Steele is 87. Actor Jon Voight is 86. Singer-commedienne Dinah Christie is 82. Singer Marianne Faithfull is 78. Hall of Fame Jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. is 78. Actor Ted Danson is 77.

Today in History for Dec. 29: In 1170, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, was murdered on the altar of Canterbury Cathedral by knights of King Henry II. In 1813, the British burned Buffalo, N.Y., during the War of 1812.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 28: Singer-keyboardist Edgar Winter is 78. Drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste of The Meters is 76. Pianist Richard Clayderman is 71. Actor Denzel Washington is 70. Contemporary Christian singer Twila Paris is 66.

Today in History for Dec. 28: In 1065, Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor. In 1694, Queen Mary II of England died after more than five years of joint rule with her husband, King William III.

Today in Music History for Dec. 28: In 1842, Calixa Lavallee, the composer of "O Canada," was born in Vercheres, Lower Canada (now Quebec). The song, with words by Judge A.B.