Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Dec. 4: In 1619, a group of settlers from Bristol, England, arrived at Berkeley Hundred in present-day Charles City County, Va., where they held a service thanking God for their safe arrival.

Today in Music History for Dec. 4: In 1927, Duke Ellington’s band began a four-year engagement at the famous Cotton Club in New York. Among the Ellington classics to emerge from this period were "Creole Love Call" and "Black and Tan Fantasy.

Today in History for Dec. 3: In 1170, Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, returned to England after six years of exile in France. He would be martyred on Dec. 29 -- killed by soldiers sent by his former friend, King Henry II.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 3: Singer Jaye P. Morgan ("The Gong Show") is 92. British singer and actor Paul Nicholas is 79. Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne is 75. Singer Mickey Thomas of Jefferson Starship is 74. Don Barnes, of the Florida rock band .

Today in Music History for Dec. 3 In 1908, the Regina Orchestral Society, the forerunner to the Regina Symphony Orchestra, gave its first concert.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 2: Jazz saxophonist P.J. Perry is 82. Bassist Tom McGuiness ("Manfred Mann," "McGuiness Flint") is 82. Actress Cathy Lee Crosby ("That's Incredible") is 79.

Today in Music History for Dec. 2: In 1923, soprano Maria Callas, renowned for her dramatic intensity and versatility, was born in New York City. She moved to Greece at the age of 13, studying at the Royal Conservatory in Athens.

Today in History for Dec. 2: In 1552, St. Francis Xavier, the founder of the Jesuits, died while on a missionary journey to China. In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 8: Flutist James Galway is 84. Singer Jerry Butler is 84. Drummer Bobby Elliott of The Hollies is 82. Actress Mary Woronov is 80. Singer-songwriter Bertie Higgins is 79.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 6: Comedy performer David Ossman is 87. Actor Patrick Bauchau is 85. '60s pop singer Steve Alaimo is 84. Country singer Helen Cornelius is 82. Actor James Naughton is 78. Singer Frankie Beverly of Maze is 77.