Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for March 7: In 1875, composer Maurice Ravel was born in Cibourne, France. He became a leading exponent of impressionism, a style of music in which atmosphere and mood take the place of strong emotion.

Today in History for March 7: In 1274, Thomas Aquinas, considered one of the most significant theologians of all time, died. He's best known for his Summa Theologiae or A summation of Theological Knowledge.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 6: Dancer-actress Carmen de Lavallade is 94. Actress-writer Joanna Miles is 85. Actor Ben Murphy is 83. Jazz singer Flora Purim is 83. Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is 81. Drummer Hugh Grundy of The Zombies is 80.

Today in History for March 6: In 1475, Michelangelo, famous for his paintings such as the Sistine Chapel, sculpture including David, and architecture -- the rebuilding of St. Peter's Cathedral -- was born in Caprese, Italy. He died at age 88 in 1564.

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.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 5: Actor Paul Sand ("St. Elsewhere") is 93. Football player-turned-actor Fred Williamson is 87. Actress Samantha Eggar ("The Molly Maguires," ''Dr. Doolittle") is 86.

Today in History for March 5: 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. In 1755, Anthony Henday, an employee of the Hudson's Bay Co.

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

Celebrity Birthdays for March 4: Actress Paula Prentiss (1975's "The Stepford Wives") is 87. Movie director Adrian Lyne ("Fatal Attraction") is 84. Singer Dieter Meier (Yello) is 80. Saxophonist Jan Garbarek is 78.

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.