On this day in 1846, Elias Howe was granted a patent for the sewing machine.

Born on this day in 1659 composer Henry Purcell
Happy 73rd birthday conductor Christopher Hogwood

Born on this day in 1714 composer Niccolò Jommelli

Happy 75th birthday bass Hans Sotin

Born on this day in 1939 soprano Judith Nelson

Happy 70th birthday baritone Thomas Allen

Happy 67th birthdays stage director David Pountney and composer Adriano Guarnieri

Happy 65th birthday soprano Francoise Pollet

Happy 57th birthday tenor and director Laurence Dale