Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Feb. 25: In 1873, Enrico Caruso, universally regarded as the world's greatest operatic tenor, was born in Naples, Italy.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 25: Actress Ann McCrea (``The Donna Reed Show'') is 93. Actor Tom Courtenay (``Dr. Zhivago'') is 87. CBS newsman Bob Schieffer is 87. Actress Diane Baker is 86.

Today in Music History for Feb. 24: In 1897, Emile Berliner took out a Canadian patent on his gramophone talking machine. Manufacturing facilities were set up in Montreal.

Today in History for Feb. 24: In 1446, the earliest known lottery was drawn in Bruges, Belgium.

Today in History for March 6: On this date: In 1475, Michelangelo, famous for his paintings such as the Sistine Chapel, sculpture including David, and architecture -- the rebuilding of St. Peter's Cathedral -- was born in Caprese, Italy.

Today in Music History for March 6: In 1853, Giuseppe Verdi's opera "La Traviata" premiered in Venice, Italy. In 1905, Bob Wills, the man who originated the style of music known as western swing, was born near Kosse, Texas.

Today in Music History for March 8: In 1942, "Transit Through Fire: An Odyssey of 1942," the first opera commissioned by the CBC, was broadcast on the network. The music was by Healey Willan, and was orchestrated by Lucio Agostini.

Today in Music History for March 4: In 1678, composer Antonio Vivaldi was born. In 1948, "Yes" bass player Chris Squire was born in London.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 2: Actor John Cullum ("Northern Exposure") is 94. Actress Barbara Luna is 87. Author John Irving is 82. Canadian Songwriters Hall-of-famer Luc Plamondon is 82. Actress Cassie Yates is 73.

Today in Music History for March 5: In 1882, Canadian soprano Pauline Donalda was born in Montreal.