Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

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 87. Singer Mel Carter is 85. Author Janet Evanovich is 81. Country singer Cleve Francis is 79. Director John Waters is 78. Singer Peter Frampton is 74.

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.

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.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 21: Actress-comedian-writer Elaine May is 92. Singer Iggy Pop is 77. Actress Patti LuPone is 75. Actor Tony Danza is 73. Actor James Morrison is 70. Actress Andie MacDowell is 66. Singer Robert Smith of The Cure is 65.

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.

Today in History for April 21: In 753 B.C., the city of Rome was founded. In 1142, controversial French theologian, philosopher and musician Peter Abelard died. He was a monk at the monastery of Cluny.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 20: Walter Ostanek, "Canada's Polka King," is 89. Actor George Takei ("Star Trek") is 87. Singer Johnny Tillotson is 86. Bluegrass singer-musician Doyle Lawson (Quicksilver) is 80. Actress Judith O'Dea is 79.

Today in Music History for April 20: In 1908, jazz percussionist, vibraphone virtuoso and bandleader Lionel Hampton was born in Louisville, Ky.