Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for March 24: On this date: In 1580, what are believed to have been the first bombs were tossed at the town of Guelderland, Germany. In 1603, the Elizabethan era ended in England with the death of Queen Elizabeth I.

Today in Music History for March 26: In 1827, composer Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna at the age of 57. His works bridged the classical and romantic periods and brought a new depth and emotional intensity to music.

Today in History for March 26: On this date: In 1821, the Hudson's Bay Company and the Northwest Company amalgamated under the name Hudson's Bay Company. In 1830, Joseph Smith first published ``The Book of Mormon.

Today in Music History for March 24: In 1949, Steve Lang, bass guitarist with the Canadian rock group ``April Wine,'' was born.

Today in Music History for March 27: In 1905, blues pianist, singer and songwriter Leroy Carr was born in Nashville. With guitarist Scrapper Blackwell, Carr formed one of the greatest blues partnerships of all time.

Today in Music History for March 25: In 1942, Aretha Franklin, dubbed ``The Queen of Soul'' for her million-selling records in the 1960s, was born in Memphis. By age 14, Aretha was a featured performer with her father's gospel caravan.

Today in Music History for March 23: In 1743, George Frideric Handel's oratorio, ``The Messiah'' had its London premiere. The first performance of the work had taken place in Dublin the previous year.

Today in Music History for March 28: In 1915, songwriter Jay Livingston was born in McDonald, Penn. He collaborated with Ray Evans on three Oscar-winning songs -- ``Mona Lisa,'' ``Que Sera, Sera'' and ``Buttons and Bows.

Today in History for March 25: On this date: In 1409, rebel bishops met at Pisa and voted to excommunicate the two popes, Benedict XIII and Gregory XII.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 14: Actor Michael Caine is 92. Actor Raymond J. Barry is 86. Jim Pons, bassist with the Turtles and the Mothers of Invention, is 82. Country singer Michael Martin Murphey is 80.