Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Dec. 14: In 1836, Frances Ridley Havergal, English devotional writer, was born. In frail health most of her life, Havergal nevertheless authored such hymns as "Take My Life" and "Let It Be" and "I Gave My Life for Thee.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 7: Academic and activist Noam Chomsky is 95. Actress Ellen Burstyn is 91. Soprano Heather Thomson is 83. Hockey Hall of Fame goalie Gerry Cheevers is 83. Broadcast journalist Carole Simpson is 82.

Today in Music History for Dec. 11: In 1882, Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta "Iolanthe" was performed at the Bijou Theater in Boston, the first U.S. playhouse to be lighted exclusively by electricity.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 1: Actor-director Woody Allen is 88. Singer Dianne Lennon of the Lennon Sisters is 84. World Golf Hall-of-Famer Lee Trevino is 84. Television producer David Salzman is 80.

Today in History for Dec. 1: In 1680, a comet appeared close to Earth and was clearly visible until the end of February. In 1841, the first copyright in Canada was issued for "A Canadian Spelling Book.

Today in Music History for Dec. 1: In 1884, Saskatoon’s first concert was presented by the Pioneer Society. It featured solos, duets, choruses, readings and recitations. In 1913, Broadway musical star Mary Martin was born in Weatherford, Texas.

Today in History for Nov. 30: In 1667, Irish writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was born. In 1782, a preliminary peace treaty ending the American War of Independence was signed between Britain and the United States.

Today in Music History for Nov. 30: In 1915, blues singer and guitarist Brownie McGhee, best known for his collaborations with harmonica player Sonny Terry, was born in Knoxville, Tenn.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 30: Country singer-record company executive Jimmy Bowen is 86. Director Ridley Scott is 86. Movie writer-director Terrence Malick is 80. Leo Lyons, bass guitarist with Ten Years After, is 80.

Today in Music History for Nov. 29: In 1880, the 1,100-seat Grand Opera House opened in Hamilton, Ont. It gave the city a proper auditorium for theatrical and musical presentations, and attracted top North American touring companies.