Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Jan. 20: In 1889, Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly, was born in Morningsport, La. Leadbelly, popular during the 1930s and '40s, was probably the first country blues artist to become known to the white audience.

Today in Music History for Jan. 19: In 1853, ``Il Trovatore'' by Giuseppe Verdi, the foremost Italian composer of opera, premiered in Rome.

Today in Music History for Jan. 25: In 1899, (Sleepy) John Estes, an important early bluesman, was born in Ripley, Tenn. He played on the streets of Memphis in the 1920s, supporting himself by working the night shift at a trainyard.

Today in Music History for Jan. 21: In 1891, Calixa Lavallee, the composer of ``O Canada,'' died from tubercular laryngitis at his home in Boston. He was 48.

Today in Music History for Jan. 23: In 1893, Episcopal minister Phillips Brooks, bishop of Massachusetts and author of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," died. In 1940, country singer-songwriter Johnny Russell was born.

Today in History for Jan. 19: In 570, according to tradition, the Muslim Prophet Muhammad was born. In 1200, Zen Master Dogen, an important figure in Japanese Buddhism, was born. In 1563, the ``Heidelberg Catechism'' was first published in Germany.

Today in History for Jan. 23: In AD 638, the Islamic calendar was created and first used. In 1492, the Jewish Pentateuch was first printed.

Today in Music History for Jan. 24: In 1941, singer-songwriter-actor Neil Diamond was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Today in Music History for Jan. 22: In 1935, Sam Cooke, who provided the early foundations of soul music through his mixture of gospel music and secular themes, was born in Chicago.

Today in History for Jan. 22: In AD 304 (traditional date) -- Vincent of Saragossa, one of the most famous martyrs of the early church, was imprisoned and then killed for refusing to consign the scripture to the fire. According to St.