Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Oct. 6: In 1908, Canadian composer and musicologist Francois Brassard was born in St. Jerome, Que. He is best known for his work in research, compilation, editing and harmonizing of French-Canadian folk songs.

Today in History for Oct. 6: On this date: In 1520, German reformer Martin Luther published his Prelude on the Babylonian Captivity of the Church, his famous writing which attacked the entire sacramental system of the Catholic Church.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 5: '60s country singer Margie Singleton is 89. Singer Arlene Smith of The Chantels is 83. Singer-guitarist Steve Miller is 81. Singer Brian Johnson of AC/DC is 77. Actress Karen Allen is 73.

Today in Music History for Oct. 5: In 1880, French composer Jacques Offenbach died in Paris. In 1925, Nashville's WSM radio went on the air. One of its first regular programs was a Saturday night feature called the "WSM Barn Dance.

Today in History for Oct. 5: On this date: In 1502, Christopher Columbus reaches Costa Rica. In 1789, William Scoresby, English scientist and Arctic explorer, was born. In 1793, Christianity was abolished in France during the Revolution.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 12: Singer Sam Moore of Sam and Dave is 89. Actress-singer Susan Anton is 74. Donnie Dacus, guitarist with Chicago, is 73. Pop/rock singer/songwriter Jane Siberry is 69. Jazz musician Chris Botti is 62.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 7: Author Thomas Keneally is 89. Montreal Symphony Orchestra conductor Charles Dutoit is 88. TV personality Joy Behar ("The View") is 82. Drummer Kevin Godley of 10cc is 79. Actress Jill Larson is 77.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 8: Entertainment reporter Rona Barrett is 88. Actor Paul Hogan is 85. Singer Fred Cash of The Impressions is 84. Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson is 83. Actor-comedian Chevy Chase is 81. Author R.L.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 6: British broadcaster and writer Melvyn Bragg is 85. Actress Britt Ekland is 82. Singer-guitarist Thomas McClary (The Commodores) is 75. Musician Sid McGinnis is 75. Science fiction author David Brin is 74.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 11: Indian actor, director, producer Amitabh Bachchan is 82. Country singer Gene Watson is 81. Singer Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates is 78. Country singer Paulette Carlson (Highway 101) is 72. Actor David Morse ("St.