Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for July 25: In 1874, "The Maple Leaf Forever," one of Canada's most famous patriotic songs, was said to have been performed for the first time during the laying of the foundation stone for the Christian Baptist Church in Newma

Celebrity Birthdays for July 24: Political cartoonist Pat Oliphant is 89. Comedian Ruth Buzzi is 88. Actor Dan Hedaya is 84. Actor Chris Sarandon is 82. Actor Robert Hays ("Airplane!") is 77. Actor Michael Richards ("Seinfeld") is 75.

Today in History for July 24: On this date: In 1216, Cencio Savelli was consecrated Pope Honorius III. During his 11-year pontificate, he confirmed two well-known religious orders: the Dominicans in 1216 and the Franciscans in 1223.

Today in Music History for July 24: In 1725, John Newton, an English slave ship's captain, was born. He was converted to Christianity at age 22, and entered the Anglican ministry.

Celebrity Birthdays for July 23: Actor Ronny Cox is 86. Andy Mackay, horn player with Roxy Music, is 78. Actor Larry Manetti ("Magnum, P.I.") is 77. Singer David Essex is 77. Singer-songwriter and former U.S. Congressman John Hall (Orleans) is 76.

Today in History for July 23: On this date: In 1621, the Virginia colony was granted the New World's first written constitution. In 1767, the Prince Edward Island land lottery was held in London, England.

Today in Music History for July 23: In 1846, William Featherstone, Canadian Methodist hymn writer, was born. He penned the words to "My Jesus, I Love Thee" before age 16. In 1918, Joseph Gilmore, American Baptist clergyman, died at age 84.

Celebrity Birthdays for July 22: Author Tom Robbins is 92. Actor Terence Stamp is 86. Singer George Clinton is 83. Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, best known as the rider of Secretariat, winner of the U-S Triple Crown in 1973, is 83.

Today in History for July 22: On this date: In 1582, England's first newspaper, the "English Mercurie," began publication. (The newspaper was later claimed to be a literary hoax written by the second Earl of Hardwicke.

Today in Music History for July 22: In 1944, Rick Davies, vocalist and keyboards player with "Supertramp," was born in England. "Supertramp's" breakthrough came with 1977's "Breakfast in America," a No. 1 album all over the world.