Today in History

Today in Music History for Nov. 29: In 1880, the 1,100-seat Grand Opera House opened in Hamilton, Ont. It gave the city a proper auditorium for theatrical and musical presentations, and attracted top North American touring companies.

Today in Music History for Nov. 28: In 1902, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert at Tara Hall with violinist J. Alexandre Gilbert as soloist. The Quebec Symphony is Canada's oldest surviving major orchestra.

Today in Music History for Nov. 27: In 1941, country-pop singer Eddie Rabbitt was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Rabbitt's big break came in 1971, when Elvis Presley recorded his "Kentucky Rain." It turned out to be Presley's 50th million seller.

Today in Music History for Nov. 26: In 1933, singer-actor Robert Goulet was born in Lawrence, Mass. He moved to Edmonton while in his teens, and was a semifinalist on CBC TV's "Pick the Stars" in 1952.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 25: Playwright Murray Schisgal is 91. Actress Kathryn Crosby is 84. Actor Matt Clark is 81. Actor Christopher Riordan is 80. Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs is 77. Singer Bob Lind is 75.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 24: Cellist Lorne Munroe is 93. Ray Perkins of the '50s vocal group The Crew Cuts is 85. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Oscar Robertson is 79. Country singer Johnny Carver is 77. Author Eric Wilson is 77.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 23: Actress Elmarie Wendel ("3rd Rock From The Sun," ''George Lopez") is 89. Movie producer-director Robert Towne is 83. Actor Franco Nero is 76. Actress Susan Anspach is 75.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 22: Actor Michael Callan is 82. Actor Allen Garfield is 78. Comedian-director Terry Gilliam (Monty Python) is 77. Actor Tom Conti is 76. Singer Jesse Colin Young (The Youngbloods) is 76.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 21: Actor Joseph Campanella ("The Colbys," ''Ben") is 93. Actor Laurence Luckinbill is 83. Actress Marlo Thomas is 80. Actor Rick Lenz is 78. Singer Dr. John is 77.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 20: Actress-comedian Kaye Ballard is 92. Actress Estelle Parsons is 90. Author Don DeLillo is 81. Comedian Dick Smothers is 79. Tony Butala of the pop vocal group The Lettermen is 77. Singer Norman Greenbaum is 75.