Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for March 4: In 1561, Cardinal Carlo-Carafa became the last Roman Catholic prelate sentenced to death by a Pope. In 1678, composer Antonio Vivaldi was born. In 1789, the first U.S. Congress met in New York City.

Today in History for March 8: On this date: In 1698, the first meeting convened of the British group which later formed the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, or SPCK Today, SPCK equips Christians throughout the world with financial grants, r

Today in Music History for March 3: In 1875, one of the most popular operas ever written, Georges Bizet's "Carmen," premiered in Paris. It unfolds a story of love, hate, jealousy and murder set in the world of Spanish gypsies and bullfighters.

Today in History for March 5: On this date: In 1496, King Henry VII of England granted a charter to John Cabot and his three sons, permitting them to claim any and all lands they might discover.

Today in Music History for March 9: In 1942, Mark Lindsay, lead singer with "Paul Revere and the Raiders," was born in Cambridge, Idaho.

Today in Music History for March 7: In 1875, composer Maurice Ravel was born in Cibourne, France. He became a leading exponent of impressionism, a style of music in which atmosphere and mood take the place of strong emotion.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 1: Jazz pianist and guitarist Ralph Towner is 84. Singer Mike D'Abo of Manfred Mann is 80. Singer Roger Daltrey of The Who is 80. Actor Dirk Benedict ("The A Team") is 79.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 28: Architect Frank Gehry is 95. Singer Sam the Sham is 87. Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 85. Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 84. Singer Donnie Iris is 81. Actress Kelly Bishop ("Gilmore Girls") is 80.

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 History for March 9: On this date: In 1541, Jean-Francois de la Rocque Roberval obtained authorization from France to take criminals to Canada to found a colony.