Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for April 8: In 1906, Raoul Jobin, considered one of the greatest French tradition tenors of the '30s and '40s, was born in Quebec City.

Today in History for April 8: In 626, Maedoc of Ferns, an early Irish believer in Jesus Christ, died.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 7: Country singer Bobby Bare is 90. Movie director Francis Ford Coppola is 86. Actress Roberta Shore ("The Virginian") is 82. Guitarist Mick Abrahams (Jethro Tull) is 82. Singer Patricia Bennett of The Chiffons is 78.

Today in History for April 7: In 1199, King Richard I of England (also known as ``The Lion-Heart'') died in the Limousin region of France at age 41 after being mortally wounded by an arrow.

Today in Music History for April 7: In 1824, the first complete performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's ``Missa Solemnis'' was held in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 6: Nobel Prize-winning scientist James D. Watson is 97. Actor Billy Dee Williams is 88. Actor Roy Thinnes ("The Invaders") is 87. Movie director Barry Levinson is 83. British singer Julie Rogers is 82.

Today in History for April 6: In 1528, Albrecht Durer, German painter, engraver, and designer of woodcuts, died. His most popular work is ``Praying Hands.

Today in Music History for April 6: In 1759, George Frideric Handel made his last public performance, conducting his oratorio ``The Messiah.'' He died eight days later.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 5: Opera singer Mary Costa is 95. Actor Michael Moriarty ("Law and Order") is 84. Singer Allan Clarke of The Hollies is 83. Writer-director Peter Greenaway is 83.

Today in Music History for April 5: In 1922, Canadian composer Harry Freedman was born in Lodz, Poland. In 1970, he became the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's first composer-in-residence.