Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for March 23: On this date: In 752, Pope Stephen II was elected to succeed Pope Zacharias. Stephen died just two days later.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 8: Composer, conductor, pianist and arranger Dick Hyman is 97. Actress Sue Ane Langdon is 88. Actress Susan Clark is 81. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager is 80. Actor-director Micky Dolenz of The Monkees is 79.

Today in History for March 8: In 1698, the first meeting convened of the British group which later formed the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, or SPCK Today, SPCK equips Christians throughout the world with financial grants, resources, advi

Today in Music History for March 8: In 1942, "Transit Through Fire: An Odyssey of 1942," the first opera commissioned by the CBC, was broadcast on the network. The music was by Healey Willan, and was orchestrated by Lucio Agostini.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 7: Architect Douglas Cardinal is 90. International Motorsports Hall-of-Famer Janet Guthrie is 86. Actor Daniel J. Travanti (``Hill Street Blues'') is 84. Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 82.

Today in Music History for March 7: In 1875, composer Maurice Ravel was born in Cibourne, France. He became a leading exponent of impressionism, a style of music in which atmosphere and mood take the place of strong emotion.

Today in History for March 7: In 1274, Thomas Aquinas, considered one of the most significant theologians of all time, died. He's best known for his Summa Theologiae or A summation of Theological Knowledge.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 6: Dancer-actress Carmen de Lavallade is 93. Actress-writer Joanna Miles is 84. Actor Ben Murphy is 82. Jazz singer Flora Purim is 82. Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is 80. Drummer Hugh Grundy of The Zombies is 79.

Today in History for March 6: In 1475, Michelangelo, famous for his paintings such as the Sistine Chapel, sculpture including David, and architecture -- the rebuilding of St. Peter's Cathedral -- was born in Caprese, Italy. He died at age 88 in 1564.

Today in Music History for March 6: In 1853, Giuseppe Verdi's opera "La Traviata" premiered in Venice, Italy. In 1905, Bob Wills, the man who originated the style of music known as western swing, was born near Kosse, Texas.