Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Jan. 8: In 1324, explorer Marco Polo died at age 70. In 1438, the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches met at the Council of Ferrara-Florence in an effort to form an alliance that would save Constantinople from the Turks.

Today in Music History for Jan. 8: In 1921, Canadian soprano Beatrice LaPalme, one of the most sought-after artists of her generation, died in Montreal at the age of 42.

Celebrity Birthdays for Jan. 7: Singer-songwriter Leona Williams is 82. Magazine publisher Jann Wenner is 79. Singer Kenny Loggins is 77. Singer-songwriter Marshall Chapman is 76.

Today in Music History for Jan. 7: In 1868, the most ambitious musical composition inspired by Confederation, "Cantate: la Confederation" by Jean-Baptiste Labelle, was performed at the city hall in Montreal.

Today in History for Jan. 7: In 1450, in Scotland, the University of Glasgow was founded. In 1610, Italian astronomer Galileo discovered the four satellites of Jupiter and named them Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.

Celebrity Birthdays for Jan. 6: Saxophonist Nino Tempo (born Antonino LoTempio) is 90. Olympic equestrian show jumper Ian Millar is 78. Hall of fame accordionist Joey Miskulin ("Joey the CowPolka King") of Riders in the Sky is 76.

Today in History for Jan. 6: In A.D. 548, the Jerusalem church observed Christmas on this date for the last time as the Western church moved to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec. 25. In 1412, St.

Today in Music History for Jan. 6: In 1924, bluegrass legend and banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs was born in Shelby, N.C.

Celebrity Birthdays for Jan. 5: Actor Robert Duvall is 94. Singer-bassist Athol Guy of The Seekers is 85. Former talk show host Charlie Rose is 83. Actress Diane Keaton is 79. Actor Ted Lange ("The Love Boat") is 77.

Today in History for Jan. 5: In A.D. 459, St. Simeon Stylites, who, according to legend, lived at the top of an 18-metre pillar in the Syrian desert non-stop for 36 years, died on it.