Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

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.

Today in History for Sept. 8: On this date: In 70 AD, following a six-month siege, Jerusalem surrendered to the 60,000 troops of Titus’ Roman army.

Celebrity Birthdays for Sept. 7: Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins is 94. Soul singer-songwriter Latimore is 85. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 81. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin is 81. Singer Alfa Anderson of Chic is 78.

Today in History for Sept. 7: In 1533, England's future Queen Elizabeth I was born to King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn. She ruled 45 years, from 1558 to 1603.

Today in Music History for Sept. 7: In 1926, Canadian jazz saxophonist Nick Ayoub was born in Trois-Rivieres, Que. He died May 2, 1991. In 1934, Blues singer Little Milton (Campbell) was born in Iverness, Miss. He died Aug. 4, 2005.