Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for April 21: In 753 B.C., the city of Rome was founded. In 1142, controversial French theologian, philosopher and musician Peter Abelard died. He was a monk at the monastery of Cluny.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 20: Walter Ostanek, "Canada's Polka King," is 89. Actor George Takei ("Star Trek") is 87. Singer Johnny Tillotson is 86. Bluegrass singer-musician Doyle Lawson (Quicksilver) is 80. Actress Judith O'Dea is 79.

Today in Music History for April 20: In 1908, jazz percussionist, vibraphone virtuoso and bandleader Lionel Hampton was born in Louisville, Ky.

Today in History for April 20: In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier left St-Malo on his first voyage to Canada.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 25: Actor Al Pacino is 84. Singer Michael Kennedy (born Michael Kogel) (Los Bravos) is 80. Bassist Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revisited is 79. Singer Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA is 79. Actress Talia Shire is 79.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 26: Actress-comedian Carol Burnett is 91. Guitarist-songwriter Duane Eddy is 86. Singer Maurice Williams of Maurice and the Zodiacs is 86. Record producer/songwriter Giorgio Moroder is 84.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 27: Actress Anouk Aimee is 92. Drummer Jerry Mercer (April Wine) is 85. Drummer Jim Keltner is 82. Opera singer Judith Blegen is 81. Country banjo player and singer Herb Pedersen is 80. Singer Ann Peebles is 77.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 22: Actor Jack Nicholson is 87. Singer Mel Carter is 85. Author Janet Evanovich is 81. Country singer Cleve Francis is 79. Director John Waters is 78. Singer Peter Frampton is 74.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 24: Actress Shirley MacLaine is 90. Actress-singer-director Barbra Streisand is 82. Country singer Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys is 81. Drummer Doug Clifford (Creedence Clearwater Revival) is 79.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 21: Actress-comedian-writer Elaine May is 92. Singer Iggy Pop is 77. Actress Patti LuPone is 75. Actor Tony Danza is 73. Actor James Morrison is 70. Actress Andie MacDowell is 66. Singer Robert Smith of The Cure is 65.