Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Dec. 18: In 1707, English hymn writer Charles Wesley was born. He wrote more than 6,500 hymns, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 18: Bram Morrison, of the children's music group Sharon, Lois and Bram, 83. Guitarist Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is 80. Writer-director Alan Rudolph is 80. Director Steven Spielberg is 77.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 17: Actor Armin Mueller-Stahl is 93. Pope Francis is 87. Singer-actor Tommy Steele is 87. Actor Bernard Hill is 79. Actor Ernie Hudson ("Ghostbusters") is 78. Political commentator host Chris Matthews is 78.

Today in Music History for Dec. 17: In 1857, the Sacred Harmonic Choir, conducted by John Carter, performed Handel's Messiah in Toronto. It is thought to have been the first complete oratorio presented in Upper Canada.

Today in History for Dec. 17: In 1538, England's King Henry VIII was excommunicated by Pope Paul III. Married and divorced several times, Henry declared himself head of the Church of England. In 1777, France recognized American independence.

Today in History for Dec. 16: In 1653, Oliver Cromwell became lord protector of England, Scotland and Ireland. In 1770, German composer Ludvig Van Beethoven, universally recognized as one of the greatest composers in history, was born in Bonn.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 16: Actress Joyce Bulifant ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show") is 86. Actress Liv Ullman is 85. Journalist Lesley Stahl ("60 Minutes") is 82. Guitarist Tony Hicks of The Hollies is 78. Singer Benny Andersson of ABBA is 77.

Today in Music History for Dec. 16: In 1770, German composer Ludvig Van Beethoven was born in Bonn.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 21: Talk show host Phil Donahue is 88. Former governor-general Edward Schreyer is 88. Actress Jane Fonda is 86. Actor Larry Bryggman is 85. Singer Carla Thomas is 81. Guitarist Albert Lee is 80.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 19: Actress Elaine Joyce is 80. Actor Tim Reid is 79. Musician John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 78. Country singer Janie Fricke is 76. Jazz musician Lenny White is 74. Keyboardist Doug Johnson (Loverboy) is 66.