Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

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.

Today in Music History for Dec. 24: In 1818, the Christmas carol "Silent Night" was performed for the first time, at the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 24: Dr. Anthony Fauci is 83. Recording company executive Mike Curb is 79. Comedian Steve Smith ("Red Green Show") is 78. Guitarist Jan Akkerman is 77. Actor Grand L. Bush is 68.

Today in History for Dec. 24: In 1524, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese navigator who found the sea route from Europe to the East, died in Cochin, India.