Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity Birthdays for March 12: Politician, diplomat and civil rights activist Andrew Young is 93. Actress Barbara Feldon (``Get Smart'') is 92. Actress-singer Liza Minnelli is 79. Singer-songwriter James Taylor is 77.

Today in History for March 12: In 1664, England's King Charles II granted an area of land in present-day North America known as New Netherland to his brother James, the Duke of York.

Today in Music History for March 12: In 1946, singer-dancer-actress Liza Minnelli was born to actress Judy Garland and film director Vincente Minnelli.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 11: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is 94. Former ABC News correspondent Sam Donaldson is 91. Accordionist Flaco Jimenez of Texas Tornadoes is 86. Folksinger and songwriter David Wiffen is 83.

Today in History for March 11: In 843, Eastern churches officially reintroduced and sanctioned icons, after an 89-year controversy. In 1302, according to Shakespeare, Romeo Monteveccio and Juliet Cappelleto were married in Citadela, Italy.

Today in Music History for March 11: In 1829, composer Felix Mendelsson sparked a revival of interest in the music of J.S. Bach after he conducted the St. Matthew Passion, almost a century after the date of its first performance.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 10: Bluegrass/country singer-musician Norman Blake is 87. Actor Chuck Norris is 85. Singer Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean is 85. Playwright David Rabe is 85.

Today in History for March 10: In 1302, Pope Boniface VIII sentenced Italian poet and politician Dante Alighieri, author of "The Divine Comedy," to be burned to death for political reasons. Dante fled into exile.

Today in Music History for March 10: In 1903, legendary jazz cornet player Bix Beiderbecke was born in Davenport, Iowa. The sordid details of his tragically short life have tended to overshadow the remarkable music he produced.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 9: Actress Joyce Van Patten is 91. Canadian and World Gold Hall-of-Famer Marlene Stewart Streit is 91. NHL colour commentator Harry Neale is 88. Actress Trish Van Devere is 84.