Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

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.

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.

Today in Music History for March 4: In 1678, composer Antonio Vivaldi was born. In 1948, "Yes" bass player Chris Squire was born in London.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 2: Actor John Cullum ("Northern Exposure") is 94. Actress Barbara Luna is 87. Author John Irving is 82. Canadian Songwriters Hall-of-famer Luc Plamondon is 82. Actress Cassie Yates is 73.

Today in Music History for March 5: In 1882, Canadian soprano Pauline Donalda was born in Montreal.

Today in History for March 4: In 1561, Cardinal Carlo-Carafa became the last Roman Catholic prelate sentenced to death by a Pope. In 1678, composer Antonio Vivaldi was born. In 1789, the first U.S. Congress met in New York City.

Today in History for March 8: On this date: 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, r

Today in Music History for March 3: In 1875, one of the most popular operas ever written, Georges Bizet's "Carmen," premiered in Paris. It unfolds a story of love, hate, jealousy and murder set in the world of Spanish gypsies and bullfighters.

Today in History for March 5: On this date: In 1496, King Henry VII of England granted a charter to John Cabot and his three sons, permitting them to claim any and all lands they might discover.

Today in Music History for March 9: In 1942, Mark Lindsay, lead singer with "Paul Revere and the Raiders," was born in Cambridge, Idaho.