Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for April 17: In 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain granted Christopher Columbus a commission to seek a westward ocean passage to Asia.

Today in History for April 18: In 1506, the foundation stone was laid during a celebration overseen by Pope Julius II to begin construction of the new St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Today in Music History for April 19: In 1928, British bluesman Alexis Korner was born in Paris.

Today in Music History for April 13: In 1742, George Frideric Handel's majestic oratorio, ``The Messiah,'' was first performed, in Dublin. The performance raised 400 pounds for charity.

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.