On this day in in 1654 Queen Christina abdicated the throne of Sweden and converted to Catholicism.  

Born on this day in 1875 writer Thomas Mann

Born on this day in 1895 soprano Grete Stückgold

Born on this day in 1926 conductor Klaus Tennstedt

Happy 84th birthday mezzo-soprano/soprano Gloria Lane

Happy 76th birthday tenor Giacomo Aragall

Also Happy 76th to baritone Alberto Rinaldi

Happy 73rd birthday countertenor Paul Esswood