Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for April 24: In 1792, the French national anthem "La Marseillaise" was composed by Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle. In 1897, the first "Halifax Symphony Orchestra" gave its inaugural concert at the Academy of Music.

Today in History for April 24: In 1626, French explorer Samuel de Champlain sailed from Dieppe on his 11th voyage to Canada. In 1800, the U.S. Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 23: Actor Alan Oppenheimer is 95. Actor Lee Majors ("Six Million Dollar Man") is 86. Actress Blair Brown is 79. Actress Joyce DeWitt ("Three's Company") is 76. Writer-director Paul Brickman is 76.

Today in Music History for April 23: In 1920, Canadian string instrument builder Frank Gay was born in Marcelin, Sask.

Today in History for April 23: In 34, Jesus Christ was crucified, according to mathematician and physicist Sir Isaac Newton, one of the foremost scientific intellects of all time. In 303, St.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 22: Actor Jack Nicholson is 88. Singer Mel Carter is 86. Author Janet Evanovich is 82. Country singer Cleve Francis is 80. Director John Waters is 79. Singer Peter Frampton is 75.

Today in Music History for April 22: In 1922, bassist Charles Mingus, a leader in modern jazz, was born in Arizona. He started with the traditional jazz outfits of Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory and Lionel Hampton.

Today in History for April 22: In 1233, the Dominicans were established in France as operators of the Inquisition by a decree of Pope Gregory IX. Their methods included torture and execution, usually by fire.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 21: Actress-comedian-writer Elaine May is 93. Singer Iggy Pop is 78. Actress Patti LuPone is 76. Actor Tony Danza is 74. Actor James Morrison is 71. Actress Andie MacDowell is 67. Singer Robert Smith of The Cure is 66.

Today in Music History for April 21: In 1921, Canadian tenor Roger Doucet was born in Montreal. He was best-known for singing "O Canada" at the home games of the Montreal Canadiens, Alouettes and Expos.