Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Sept. 3: In 1915, blues singer and pianist Memphis Slim was born Peter Chatman in the city from which he took his stage name. Memphis Slim was one of the first American bluesmen to move to Europe and become a star there.

Today in Music History for Sept. 4: In 1955, Canadian violinist Donna Grescoe, a native of Winnipeg, appeared on Ed Sullivan's "Talk of the Town" TV show in New York.

Today in History for Sept. 7: In 1533, England's future Queen Elizabeth I was born to King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn. She ruled 45 years, from 1558 to 1603.

Today in History for Sept. 1: On this date: In 1159, the only English pope in history, Adrian (or Hadrian) IV, died. In 1422, Henry VI, an infant, became King of England on the death of his father, Henry V.

Today in History for Sept. 4: In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier landed at Ile au Coudres and attended the celebration of the first Roman Catholic mass in Canada. In 1768, French novelist Francois Rene Chateaubriand was born in St. Malo.

Today in History for Sept. 2: On this date: In 1666, "The Great Fire" of London started in a wooden house on Pudding Lane.

Today in History for Sept. 5: In 1534, Jacques Cartier arrived in France after his first voyage to Canada. In 1638, Louis XIV of France was born. In 1698, Peter the Great of Russia imposed a tax on beards.

Today in History for Sept. 6: In 1298, the Genoese captured Marco Polo in a sea battle. While imprisoned, the explorer and trader met writer Rustichello of Pisa and together they began a book on Marco's travels.

Today in History for Sept. 3: In 590, St. Gregory the Great was consecrated the 64th Catholic pope, ruling 14 years. His administration took responsibility for converting the Anglo-Saxon tribes in England, chiefly through the work of St.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 23: Actress Vera Miles is 95. Actress Barbara Eden is 93. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen is 90. Actor Richard Sanders ("WKRP In Cincinnati") is 84. Ballet dancer Patricia McBride is 82.