Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Sept. 11: In 1850, soprano Jenny Lind, dubbed "The Swedish Nightingale," gave her first concert in the U.S., at Castle Garden in New York. Her tour was organized by showman P.T. Barnum.

Today in History for Sept. 11: On this date: In 1541, Jacques Cartier reached the Lachine rapids above Montreal on his third voyage to Canada.

Celebrity Birthdays for Sept. 10: Actor Greg Mullavey ("Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman") is 91. Jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers is 84. Actor Tom Ligon ("Oz," ''Another World") is 84. Singer Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night is 82.

Today in Music History for Sept. 10: In 1819, Canadian hymnwriter Joseph Scriven was born.

Today in History for Sept. 10: On this date: In 1224, the Franciscans, founded in 1209 by St. Francis of Assisi, arrived in England. They were originally called Grey Friars because of their grey habits. The habit worn by modern Franciscans is brown.

Celebrity Birthdays for Sept. 9: Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 79. Country singer Freddy Weller (also of Paul Revere and the Raiders) is 77. Former NFL/CFL quarterback and football analyst Joe Theismann is 75.

Today in Music History for Sept. 9: In 1825, composer Ludwig van Beethoven made his final public appearance, two years before his death. In 1920, Canadian pianist, composer and conductor Neil Chotem was born in Saskatoon, Sask. He died Feb. 21, 2008.

Today in History for Sept. 9: On this date: In 1087, William the Conqueror, England's first king, died in a riding accident in France. In 1776, the second Continental Congress changed the name of the United Colonies to the United States of America.

Celebrity Birthdays for Sept. 8: Ventriloquist Willie Tyler (with Lester) is 84. Actor Alan Feinstein is 83. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders is 83. Singer Sal Valentino of The Beau Brummels is 82. Author Ann Beattie is 77.

Today in Music History for Sept. 8: In 1897, Jimmie Rodgers, known variously as "The Singing Brakeman," "America's Blue Yodeler" and "The Father of Country Music," was born in either Meridian, Miss., or Geiger, Ala.