Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for April 6: On this date: In 1528, Albrecht Durer, German painter, engraver, and designer of woodcuts, died. His most popular work is ``Praying Hands.

Today in History for April 1: On this date: In 1548, England's Parliament ordered the publication of the ``Book of Common Prayer.'' In 1564, All Fools' Day is said to have originated when King Charles IX of France changed the calendar.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 24: Scientist-broadcaster David Suzuki is 88. Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie is 85. Rock musician Lee Oskar is 76. Singer Nick Lowe is 75. Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger is 73.

Today in History for April 2: On this date: In 742, Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, was born. Pope Leo III crowned him Emperor of the Romans on Christmas Day, 800.

Today in Music History for April 6: In 1759, George Frideric Handel made his last public performance, conducting his oratorio ``The Messiah.'' He died eight days later.

Today in History for April 4: In 1507, Martin Luther was ordained a priest in Erfurt, Germany.

Today in History for March 31: On this date: In 1492, Spain issued a royal edict advising Jews to either become Catholics, leave the country, or be executed. In 1596, French mathematician and philosopher Rene Descartes was born.

Today in Music History for April 1: In 1917, Scott Joplin, the ``King of Ragtime,'' died in a mental institution in New York City. Joplin fell into a deep depression -- which eventually led to insanity -- after the failure of his opera ``Treemonisha.

Today in History for April 5: On this date: In 1614, in Virginia, Indian chief Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas, married English colonist John Rolfe. She was one of the first North American native converts to Christianity.

Today in Music History for April 2: In 1872, renowned Canadian soprano Emma Albani made her London debut, singing the role of ``Amina'' in ``La Sonambula.'' In 1939, Motown hitmaker Marvin Gaye was born in Washington, D.C.