Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for May 29: In 526, Antioch, in present-day Turkey, was struck by an earthquake, killing about 250,000 people. In 1453, the Turks captured Constantinople, bringing the Eastern Roman Empire to an end.

Today in Music History for May 29: In 1837, Charles W. Fry, the English musician who, along with his three sons, formed the first Salvation Army brass band, was born. Fry also authored the hymn, "Lily of the Valley.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 28: Producer-director Irwin Winkler is 94. Actress Carroll Baker is 93. Annette and Cecile of the Dionne quintuplets are 90. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Jerry West is 86. Singer Gladys Knight is 80. Singer Billy Vera is 80.

Today in History for May 28: In 1089, Lanfranc, the first Norman Archbishop of Canterbury, died. During his time as archbishop, he rebuilt the cathedral, based on the design of his former abbey in Caen, in northern France.

Today in Music History for May 28: In 1878, Canadian soprano Louise Edvina was born in Montreal. She spent much of her career in London, and became one of the city's favourite artists in the early 1900s.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 27: Actress Lee Meriwether is 89. Actor Bruce Weitz is 81. Singer Bruce Cockburn is 79. Jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater is 74. Actor Richard Schiff ("The West Wing") is 69.

Today in History for May 27: In 1534, Jacques Cartier explored Belle Isle on his second voyage to Canada. In 1564, John Calvin, a leader of the Protestant Reformation, died in Geneva at age 54.

Today in Music History for May 27: In 1799, George Washington Doane, American Episcopal clergyman, was born.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 26: Opera singer Teresa Stratas is 86. Sportscaster Brent Musburger is 85. Drummer Garry Peterson of The Guess Who is 79. Singer Stevie Nicks is 76. Actor Philip Michael Thomas ("Miami Vice") is 75.

Today in History for May 26: In 735, Bede the Venerable, known as the father of English church history, Benedictine monk, priest, writer, hymn writer, died at about age 62.