Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 5: Actress Glynis Johns ("Mary Poppins") is 100. '60s country singer Margie Singleton is 88. Singer Arlene Smith of The Chantels is 82. Singer-guitarist Steve Miller is 80. Singer Brian Johnson of AC/DC is 76.

Today in History for Oct. 5: In 1502, Christopher Columbus reaches Costa Rica. In 1789, William Scoresby, English scientist and Arctic explorer, was born. In 1793, Christianity was abolished in France during the Revolution.

Today in Music History for Oct. 5: In 1880, French composer Jacques Offenbach died in Paris. In 1925, Nashville's WSM radio went on the air. One of its first regular programs was a Saturday night feature called the "WSM Barn Dance.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 4: Country singer Leroy Van Dyke is 94. Actress Felicia Farr is 91. Canadian novelist Rudy Wiebe is 89. Actress Lori Saunders (Bobbie-Jo on "Petticoat Junction") is 82. Author and humorist Roy Blount Jr.

Today in History for Oct. 4: In 1535, the printing of the first English-language Bible was completed in London. In 1669, Dutch painter Rembrandt died. In 1824, the Federal Republic of Mexico was proclaimed.

Today in Music History for Oct. 4: In 1929, Leroy Van Dyke, a former livestock auctioneer turned performer, was born in Spring Fork, Miss.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 3: Hockey Hall of Fame goalie Glenn Hall is 92. Composer Steve Reich is 87. Hockey Hall of Fame centre Jean Ratelle is 83. Singer Chubby Checker is 82. Actor Alan Rachins ("Dharma and Greg") is 81.

Today in History for Oct. 3rd: In 1226, St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, died. He was canonized in 1228.

Today in Music History for Oct. 3: In 1938, '50s rock 'n' roller Eddie Cochran was born in Oklahoma City.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 2: Critic Rex Reed is 85. Singer Don McLean is 78. Country singer Jo-el Sonnier is 77. Actor Eric Peterson ("Corner Gas") is 77. Actor Avery Brooks ("Star Trek: Deep Space Nine") is 75. Fashion designer Donna Karan is 75.