Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for April 15: On this date: In 1452, Leonardo da Vinci was born in Vinci, Italy. He would go on to paint some historic religious scenes, most specifically ``The Last Supper,'' as well as the iconic ``Mona Lisa.

Today in Music History for April 14: In 1759, German composer George Frideric Handel died at age 74 in London. He worked mainly in England and Italy, and his most famous work is ``The Messiah.

Today in History for April 14: On this date: In 73 AD, rather than face defeat at the hands of the Romans, Jews in the fortress of Masada committed mass suicide.

Today in Music History for April 17: In 1943, Canadian pop singer Bobby Curtola was born in Port Arthur, Ont. (now Thunder Bay).

Today in History for April 13: In 655 (traditional date), Martin, pope from 649 to 655, died in banishment. He was the last pope venerated as a martyr.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 4: Recording executive Clive Davis is 93. Author Kitty Kelley is 83. '60s pop singer Kris Jensen is 83. Actor Craig T. Nelson is 81. Dave Hill, lead guitarist with Slade, is 79.

Today in Music History for April 4: In 397, St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, died. Known as the ``Father of Hymnody,'' he encouraged the singing of hymns, wrote several and codified the Ambrosian chant for the early church.

Today in History for April 4: In 1507, Martin Luther was ordained a priest in Erfurt, Germany.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 3: Conservationist Dame Jane Goodall is 91. Actor William Gaunt is 88. Songwriter Jeff Barry is 87. Actor Eric Braeden is 84. Actress Marsha Mason is 83. Singer Wayne Newton is 83. Singer Tony Orlando is 81.

Today in Music History for April 3: In 1897, German pianist and composer Johannes Brahms died of liver cancer at age 63.