Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Jan. 8: On this date: In 1324, explorer Marco Polo died at age 70.

Today in Music History for Dec. 29: In 1849, the Christmas hymn by Edmund Sears, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," was first published in "The Christian Register." In 1939, Radio Luxembourg was given government permission to begin broadcasting.

Today in History for Dec. 29: In 1170, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, was murdered on the altar of Canterbury Cathedral by knights of King Henry II. In 1813, the British burned Buffalo, N.Y., during the War of 1812.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 29: Former ABC newscaster Tom Jarriel is 89. Actress Barbara Steele is 86. Actor Jon Voight is 85. Singer-commedienne Dinah Christie is 81. Singer Marianne Faithfull is 77. Hall of Fame Jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. is 77.

Today in Music History for Dec. 28: In 1842, Calixa Lavallee, the composer of "O Canada," was born in Vercheres, Lower Canada (now Quebec). The song, with words by Judge A.B.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 28: Actress Dame Maggie Smith ("Harry Potter") is 89. Singer-keyboardist Edgar Winter is 77. Drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste of The Meters is 75. Pianist Richard Clayderman is 70. Actor Denzel Washington is 69.

Today in History for Dec. 28: In 1065, Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor. In 1694, Queen Mary II of England died after more than five years of joint rule with her husband, King William III.

Today in Music History for Dec. 27: In 1927, "Show Boat," one of the most influential works in the history of the American musical theatre, premiered in New York.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 27: Actor John Amos ("Men In Trees," ''The West Wing") is 84. Mike Pinder, keyboard player and vocalist with the Moody Blues, is 81. Guitarist Mick Jones of Foreigner is 79. Singer Tracy Nelson is 79.

Today in History for Dec. 27: In 1571, Johannes Kepler, the German astronomer who confirmed Copernicus' theory that the Earth and planets revolve around the sun in elliptical orbits, was born.