Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Dec. 28: In 1065, Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor. In 1694, Queen Mary II of England died after more than five years of joint rule with her husband, King William III.

Today in Music History for Dec. 27: In 1927, "Show Boat," one of the most influential works in the history of the American musical theatre, premiered in New York.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 27: Actor John Amos ("Men In Trees," ''The West Wing") is 84. Mike Pinder, keyboard player and vocalist with the Moody Blues, is 81. Guitarist Mick Jones of Foreigner is 79. Singer Tracy Nelson is 79.

Today in History for Dec. 27: In 1571, Johannes Kepler, the German astronomer who confirmed Copernicus' theory that the Earth and planets revolve around the sun in elliptical orbits, was born.

Today in Music History for Dec. 26: In 1791, a cantata by English composer John Bentley was performed in Quebec City at the constitutional meeting which marked the partition of the colony into Upper and Lower Canada.

Today in History for Dec. 26: In 1776, the British suffered a major defeat in the "Battle of Trenton" during the Revolutionary War. In 1791, British legislation creating Upper and Lower Canada (now Ontario and Quebec) came into effect.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 26: Singer Abdul "Duke" Fakir of The Four Tops is 88. Hockey Hall of Fame forward Norm Ullman is 88. "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh is 78. Keyboardist Bob Carpenter with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is 77.

Today in History for Dec. 25: Christian tradition associates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem with Dec. 25th, however the exact day and year of Christ's birth have never been determined. The year 6 B.C.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 25: Author Anne Roiphe is 88. Jazz keyboardist Bob James is 84. Actress Hanna Schygulla ("Barnum," ''Casanova") is 80. Singer John Edwards of The Spinners is 79. Actor Gary Sandy ("WKRP In Cincinnati") is 78.

Today in Music History for Dec. 25: In 1641, Rev. Jean de Brebeuf composed "Jesus, He is Born (The Huron Carol)," the song considered to be New France's first Christmas carol written in the Huron language.