Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity Birthdays for Sept. 16: Actor George Chakiris ("West Side Story") is 92. Bluesman Billy Boy Arnold is 89. Movie director Jim McBride is 83. Actress Linda Miller is 82. Bernie Calvert, bass guitarist with the Hollies, is 82.

Today in Music History for Sept. 16: In 1857, the song "Jingle Bells" was copyrighted by Jane Pierpont of Boston. The song, originally titled "One Horse Open Sleigh," was written for a Sunday school entertainment show. In 1925, B.B.

Today in History for Sept. 16: On this date: In 1224, during an extended period of prayer and fasting, it is said St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata (Crucifixion scars of Jesus Christ) on Mount Alvernia, in Italy.

Celebrity Birthdays for Sept. 15: Actress Carmen Maura is 79. Writer-director Ron Shelton is 79. Actor Tommy Lee Jones is 78. Movie director Oliver Stone is 78. NFL coach Pete Carroll is 73. Drummer Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger is 72.

Today in Music History for Sept. 15: In 1903, Roy Acuff, the King of Country Music, was born in Maynardsville, Tenn. The songs he made famous during the 1930s and '40s became symbols of country music to audiences all over the world.

Today in History for Sept. 15: On this date: In 1773, the ship, "Hector," arrived at Brown's Point, near Pictou, N.S.

Celebrity Birthdays for Sept. 14: Actor Walter Koenig ("Star Trek") is 88. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown is 84. Singer-actress Joey Heatherton is 80. Actor Sam Neill is 77. Singer John "Bowzer" Baumann of Sha Na Na is 77.

Today in Music History for Sept. 14: In 1741, after working for 23 uninterrupted days, composer George Frideric Handel completed his famed "Messiah.

Today in History for Sept. 14: On this date: In 1321, Italian poet Dante Alighieri died. In 1752, the Gregorian calendar was officially adopted by the British Empire and its colonies in America.

Celebrity Birthdays for Sept. 15: Actress Carmen Maura is 79. Writer-director Ron Shelton is 79. Actor Tommy Lee Jones is 78. Movie director Oliver Stone is 78. NFL coach Pete Carroll is 73. Drummer Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger is 72.