Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

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.

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.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 7: American humourist Garrison Keillor is 82. Singer Lana Cantrell is 81. Actor John Glover is 80. Actor David Rasche is 80. Classical pianist Louis-Philippe Pelletier is 79. Country singer Rodney Crowell is 74.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 10: Hockey writer/former commentator Brian McFarlane is 93. Country singer Jonie Mosby is 84. Quebec singer-songwriter Louise Forestier is 81. Actor James Reynolds ("Days of Our Lives") is 78.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 6: Children's performer Ella Jenkins is 100. Actor-director Peter Bonerz is 86. Tenor Paul Trepanier is 85. Actress Louise Sorel ("Days of Our Lives") is 84. Country singer Myrna Lorrie is 84. Actor Michael Anderson Jr.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 8: Actress Nita Talbot is 94. Actor Dustin Hoffman is 87. Actress Connie Stevens is 86. Country singer Phil Balsley of The Statler Brothers is 85. Actor Larry Wilcox ("CHiPS") is 77.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 9: Basketball Hall of Fame point guard Bob Cousy is 96. Tennis Hall-of-Famer Rod Laver is 86. Jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette is 82. Comedian-director David Steinberg is 82. Actor Sam Elliott is 80.

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 Music History for Aug. 15: In 1925, jazz pianist Oscar Peterson was born in Montreal. Peterson began playing on Montreal radio stations and with local dance bands in the early 1940s.

Today in Music History for Aug. 12: In 1838, Joseph Barnby, English organist and choirmaster, was born. He composed nearly 250 hymn tunes during his life. Of these the most enduring include "Now the Day is Over" and "We Give Thee But Thine Own.