Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

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 Music History for Sept. 14: In 1741, after working for 23 uninterrupted days, composer George Frideric Handel completed his famed "Messiah.

Today in Music History for Sept. 13: In 1925, singer-songwriter Mel Torme, nicknamed "The Velvet Fog," was born in Chicago. He was known as one of the great male jazz singers of his generation. He also composed the music for "The Christmas Song.

Today in Music History for Sept.

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 Music History for Sept. 11: In 1850, soprano Jenny Lind, dubbed "The Swedish Nightingale," gave her first concert in the U.S., at Castle Garden in New York. Her tour was organized by showman P.T. Barnum.

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.

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.

Today in History for Sept. 13: On this date: In 1503, artist Michelangelo began work on his "David," which would become one of the most famous sculptures in the world. In 1775, Laura Secord, heroine of the War of 1812, was born. In 1788, the U.S.

Today in History for Sept. 11: On this date: In 1541, Jacques Cartier reached the Lachine rapids above Montreal on his third voyage to Canada.