Today in History

Today in History for Oct. 15: On this date: In 1542, the great Mogul emperor Jalaluddin Akbar was born in India. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar was introduced in Catholic countries. As a result, 10 days were lost as the calendar jumped from Oct.

Today in History for Oct. 6: In 1520, German reformer Martin Luther published his Prelude on the Babylonian Captivity of the Church, his famous writing which attacked the entire sacramental system of the Catholic Church.

Today in Music History for Oct. 6: In 1908, Canadian composer and musicologist Francois Brassard was born in St. Jerome, Que. He is best known for his work in research, compilation, editing and harmonizing of French-Canadian folk songs.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 6: WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Bruno Sammartino is 82. Broadcaster and writer Melvyn Bragg is 78. Actress Britt Ekland is 75. Singer Millie Small is 71. Singer-guitarist Thomas McClary (The Commodores) is 68.

Today in Music History for Oct. 5: In 1880, French composer Jacques Offenbach died in Paris. In 1925, Nashville's WSM radio went on the air. One of its first regular programs was a Saturday night feature called the "WSM Barn Dance.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 5: Actress Glynis Johns ("Mary Poppins") is 94. '60s country singer Margie Singleton is 82. Singer Arlene Smith of The Chantels is 76. Singer-guitarist Steve Miller is 74. Singer Brian Johnson of AC/DC is 70.

Today in History for Oct. 5: In 1502, Christopher Columbus reaches Costa Rica. In 1789, William Scoresby, English scientist and Arctic explorer, was born. In 1793, Christianity was abolished in France during the Revolution.

Today in Music History for Oct. 4: In 1929, Leroy Van Dyke, a former livestock auctioneer turned performer, was born in Spring Fork, Miss.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 4: Country singer Leroy Van Dyke is 88. Actress Felicia Farr is 85. Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff is 83. Novelist Rudy Wiebe is 83. Author Anne Rice is 76.

Today in History for Oct. 4: In 1535, the printing of the first English-language Bible was completed in London. In 1669, Dutch painter Rembrandt died. In 1824, the Federal Republic of Mexico was proclaimed.