Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for March 21: In 1685, Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest and most influential composers in the Western world, was born in Eisenach, Germany.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 20: Actor Hal Linden is 93. Canadian country singer Tommy Hunter is 87. Vito Picone, lead singer with The Elegants, is 83. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley is 79. Canadian author and broadcaster Dr.

Today in History for March 20: In 1413, England's King Henry IV died; he was succeeded by Henry V. In 1455, when Guido di Pietro became a monk at Fiesole, he changed his name to Giovanni and became known as Giovanni da Fiesole.

Today in Music History for March 20: In 1937, Canadian country singer Tommy Hunter was born in London, Ont. Hunter joined CBC-TV's ``Country Hoedown'' in 1956 as rhythm guitarist with ``King Ganam's Sons of the West.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 19: Actress Renee Taylor (``The Nanny'') is 91. Actress Ursula Andress (``Dr. No,'' ''Casino Royale``) is 88. Singer Clarence ``Frogman'' Henry is 87. Singer Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters is 78.

Today in Music History for March 19: In 1859, the opera "Faust" by Charles Gounod premiered in Paris. In 1937, R&B singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry was born in Algiers, La.

Today in History for March 19: In 1229, having negotiated a treaty with Muslims for Christian access to Jerusalem, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II -- a reluctant participant in the sixth crusade -- crowned himself king at the Church of the Holy Sepul

Celebrity Birthdays for March 18: Composer John Kander (``Chicago'') is 97. Novelist Joy Fielding is 79. Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Guy Lapointe is 76. Actor Brad Dourif (``Lord of the Rings,'' ''Chucky`` movies) is 74.

Today in Music History for March 18: In 1902, Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso recorded 10 songs on wax to become the world's first recording star.

Today in History for March 18: In 1314, 39 Knights Templar were burned at the stake in Paris. Created to protect pilgrims going to the Holy Land, the military order had grown wealthy after the Crusades.