Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for July 1: In 1915, bluesman Willie Dixon, an important link between blues and rock 'n' roll, was born in Vicksburg, Miss.

Today in History for June 30: In 1859, French acrobat Blondin crossed the Niagara gorge on a tightrope. Before reaching the Canadian side, he stopped to drink champagne and perform other feats. A crowd of 25,000 watched.

Today in Music History for June 30: In 1917, jazz drummer Buddy Rich was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Beginning in the late 1930s, Rich drummed with a succession of big bands, including Bunny Berrigan, Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey.

Today in History for June 29: In 67, according to tradition, the Apostle Paul was beheaded with a sword near Rome, probably by order of Emperor Nero, during a time when Christianity was outlawed.

Today in Music History for June 29: In 1888, the first musical recording in Britain was made at the Crystal Palace in London on the occasion of the Handel Festival. The recording was made using Thomas Edison's cylinder phonograph.

Celebrity Birthdays for June 28: Comedian-movie director Mel Brooks is 99. Comedian-impressionist John Byner is 87. Actor Bruce Davison is 79. Actress Kathy Bates is 77. Actress Alice Krige is 71. Playwright Brad Fraser is 66.

Today in Music History for June 28: In 1914, bluegrass musician and singer Lester Flatt was born in Overton County, Tenn.

Today in History for June 28: In 1491, King Henry VIII was born. He was married six times and died in 1547. (NOTE FOR TRIVIA BUFFS: Henry VIII was reputed to have loved beef so much he knighted it "Sir Loin.

Today in Music History for July 9: In 1946, Mitch Mitchell, drummer for "The Jimi Hendrix Experience," was born.

Today in Music History for July 11: In 1889, "Leo the Royal Cadet," described as a military opera, premiered at Martin's Opera House in Kingston, Ont. The performance took place under the patronage of the nearby Royal Military College.