Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 2: Jazz saxophonist P.J. Perry is 83. Bassist Tom McGuiness ("Manfred Mann," "McGuiness Flint") is 83. Actress Cathy Lee Crosby ("That's Incredible") is 80.

Today in History for Dec. 2: In 1552, St. Francis Xavier, the founder of the Jesuits, died while on a missionary journey to China. In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French.

Today in Music History for Dec. 2: In 1923, soprano Maria Callas, renowned for her dramatic intensity and versatility, was born in New York City. She moved to Greece at the age of 13, studying at the Royal Conservatory in Athens.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 1: Actor-director Woody Allen is 89. Singer Dianne Lennon of the Lennon Sisters is 85. World Golf Hall-of-Famer Lee Trevino is 85. Television producer David Salzman is 81.

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 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.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 30: Country singer-record company executive Jimmy Bowen is 87. Director Ridley Scott is 87. Movie writer-director Terrence Malick is 81. Leo Lyons, bass guitarist with Ten Years After, is 81.

Today in History for Nov. 30: On this date: 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 Dec. 6: Comedy performer David Ossman is 88. Actor Patrick Bauchau is 86. '60s pop singer Steve Alaimo is 85. Country singer Helen Cornelius is 83. Actor James Naughton is 79. Jazz bassist Miroslav Vitous is 77.