Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for March 20: In 1937, Canadian country singer Tommy Hunter was born in London, Ont. Hunter joined CBC-TV's ``Country Hoedown'' in 1956 as rhythm guitarist with ``King Ganam's Sons of the West.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 19: Actress Renee Taylor (``The Nanny'') is 92. Actress Ursula Andress (``Dr. No,'' ''Casino Royale``) is 89. Singer Clarence ``Frogman'' Henry is 88. Singer Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters is 79.

Today in History for March 19: In 1229, having negotiated a treaty with Muslims for Christian access to Jerusalem, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II -- a reluctant participant in the sixth crusade -- crowned himself king at the Church of the Holy Sepul

Today in Music History for March 19: In 1859, the opera "Faust" by Charles Gounod premiered in Paris. In 1937, R&B singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry was born in Algiers, La.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 18: Composer John Kander (``Chicago'') is 98. Novelist Joy Fielding is 80. Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Guy Lapointe is 77. Actor Brad Dourif (``Lord of the Rings,'' ''Chucky`` movies) is 75.

Today in Music History for March 18: In 1902, Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso recorded 10 songs on wax to become the world's first recording star.

Today in History for March 18: In 1314, 39 Knights Templar were burned at the stake in Paris. Created to protect pilgrims going to the Holy Land, the military order had grown wealthy after the Crusades.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 17: Singer-songwriter John Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful is 81. Former Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston is 81. Percussionist Harold Ray Brown of War is 79. Rock singer Ian Gomm is 78. Actor Patrick Duffy is 76.

Today in History for March 17: In 461, tradition says St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, died. In 1233, millions of mice invaded the area of Freising, Germany, forcing the evacuation of entire towns.

Today in Music History for March 17: In 1899, the classic Neopolitan song "O Sole Mio!" was published. The composer was E. di Campna with words by G. Capurro.