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. 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. 27: In 1927, "Show Boat," one of the most influential works in the history of the American musical theatre, premiered in New York.

Today in Music History for Dec. 28: In 1842, Calixa Lavallee, the composer of "O Canada," was born in Vercheres, Lower Canada (now Quebec). The song, with words by Judge A.B.

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. 13: Actor-comedian Dick Van Dyke is 99. Country singer Buck White of The Whites is 94. Music/film producer Lou Adler is 91. Actor-singer John Davidson is 83. Trombonist, arranger and composer Russ Little is 83.

Today in History for Dec. 13: In 304, St. Lucy is said to have cut out her eyes and sent them to a persistent but unwelcome suitor who said he was haunted by them.

Today in Music History for Dec. 13: In 1835, Phillips Brooks, American Episcopal clergyman and hymn writer, was born.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 12: Basketball Hall-of-Famer Bob Pettit is 92. Singer Connie Francis is 87. Larry Mercey, lead singer with the Canadian country music trio The Mercey Brothers, is 85. Singer Dionne Warwick is 84.

Today in Music History for Dec. 12: In 1792, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven paid the equivalent of 19 cents for his first lesson in music composition from Franz Joseph Haydn in Vienna.