Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Aug. 6: In 1939, Canadian tenor Paul Trepanier was born in Noranda, Que. In 1940, the Vancouver company "Theatre Under the Stars" opened its first season at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 5: Country songwriter Bobby Braddock is 84. Actress Loni Anderson is 79. Actress Erika Slezak ("One Life To Live") is 78. Singer Rick Derringer is 77. Actress Holly Palance is 74. Singer Samantha Sang is 73.

Today in History for Aug. 5: On this date: In 1100, Henry I ascended the throne of England, three days after his brother, King William II, was killed in a hunting accident.

Today in Music History for Aug. 5: In 1943, country singer Sammi Smith was born in Orange, Calif.

Celebrity Birthdays for Aug. 4: World curling champion Ernie Richardson is 93. Actress-singer Tina Cole ("My Three Sons") is 81. Paul Layton of the '70s pop group The New Seekers is 77. Pro Football Hall of Fame running back John Riggins is 75.

Today in History for Aug. 4: On this date: In 1586, a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth I was uncovered.

Today in Music History for Aug. 4: In 1927, Jimmie Rodgers, often called the "Father of Country Music," made his first recordings in Bristol, Tenn.

Celebrity Birthdays for Aug. 3: Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy is 99. Actor Martin Sheen is 84. Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Lance Alworth is 84. Singer Beverly Lee of The Shirelles is 83. Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart is 83.

Today in History for Aug. 3: On this date: In 1460, King James II of Scotland died in a cannon explosion.

Today in Music History for Aug. 3: In 1907, Greta Kraus, who became Canada's most outstanding harpsichordist, was born in Vienna. After moving to Canada in 1938 she appeared as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist in concert and on the CBC.