Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity Birthdays for Jan. 1: Documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman is 94. Jazz guitarist Sonny Greenwich is 88. Actor Frank Langella is 86. Singer-guitarist Country Joe McDonald of Country Joe and the Fish is 82.

Today in History for Jan. 1: In 1622, the Roman Catholic church adopted Jan. 1 as the beginning of the year, rather than March 25. In 1653, Newfoundland's Coat of Arms was granted by King Charles I.

Today in Music History for Jan. 1: In 1936, jazz guitarist Sonny Greenwich was born in Hamilton, Ont. Influenced by tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, Greenwich developed a unique saxophone-like tone on the guitar.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 31: TV producer George Schlatter is 91. Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is 86. Actress Sarah Miles is 82. Guitarist Andy Summers of The Police is 81. Actor Sir Ben Kingsley is 80. Producer-director Taylor Hackford is 79.

Today in Music History for Dec. 31: In 1776, the earliest cantata to be mentioned in Canadian historical documents was performed in Quebec City to mark the first anniversary of the repulsion of U.S. invaders.

Today in History for Dec. 31: In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I granted the British East India Co. a monopoly on all trade to the East Indies. In 1687, the first shipload of emigrating Huguenots (French Protestants) left France for South Africa.

Today in History for Dec. 30: In 1384, the English religious reformer John Wycliffe died of a stroke. He was a bold critic of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church and believed the Church should return to the Scriptures.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 30: Actor Russ Tamblyn is 89. Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax is 88. Singer Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary is 86. Director James Burrows ("Cheers," ''Taxi") is 83.

Today in Music History for Dec. 30: In 1672, the first public concert was held in London. The musicians performed behind a curtain while patrons ate cakes and drank ale.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 31: TV producer George Schlatter is 91. Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is 86. Actress Sarah Miles is 82. Guitarist Andy Summers of The Police is 81. Actor Sir Ben Kingsley is 80. Producer-director Taylor Hackford is 79.