Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Feb. 6: In 1519, Sir Walter Raleigh left England to explore South America. In 1721, Christian Heinecker was born. At age 10 months, Heinecker was reported to have been capable of repeating every word said to him.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 6: Actress Mamie Van Doren is 93. Actor Mike Farrell is 85. Former NBC news anchorman Tom Brokaw is 84. Singer Fabian is 81. Actor Michael Tucker (``L.A. Law'') is 79. Producer-director-writer Jim Sheridan is 75.

Today in History for Feb. 5: In 1555, in the southern part of present-day Germany, the Diet of Augsburg began its final deliberations. Delegates later signed the Peace of Augsburg, granting official recognition to Lutheranism as a religion.

Today in Music History for Feb. 5: In 1887, Verdi's opera ``Otello'' premiered at the La Scala opera house. In 1940, Glenn Miller and his orchestra recorded ``Tuxedo Junction'' for RCA Victor's Bluebird label.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 5: Hockey commentator Don Cherry is 90. Tony-winning playwright John Guare is 86. Financial writer Jane Bryant Quinn is 85. Actor David Selby (``Dark Shadows,'' ''Falcon Crest``) is 83.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 4: Actor Jerry Adler ("The Good Wife," ''The Sopranos") is 95. Actor Gary Conway ("Burke's Law") is 88. Actor John Schuck is 84. Drummer John Steel of The Animals is 83. Singer Florence LaRue of the Fifth Dimension is 81.

Today in Music History for Feb. 4: In 1894, Belgian musician and inventor Adolphe Sax died at age 79. He gave the world the saxophone, the saxtromba and the sax horn.

Today in History for Feb. 4: In 1783, Britain declared a formal cessation of hostilities with its former colony, the United States. In 1789, George Washington was elected the first president of the United States.

Today in History for Feb. 3: In 1690, the first paper money in the American colonies was issued by Massachusetts -- to pay soldiers fighting a war against Quebec.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 3: Jazz saxophonist John Handy is 91. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton is 84. Angelo D'Aleo of the '50s and '60s pop group The Belmonts, is 84. Actress Blythe Danner is 81.