Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for May 19: On this date: In 804, the English medieval scholar Alcuin of York died. As an educator, he made beauty, goodness and truth the hallmarks of Charlemagne's Frankish empire.

Today in Music History May 25: In 1893, Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman, leader of one of the most famous family groups in country music, was born in Monorat, Va.

Today in Music History for May 19: In 1866, "When You and I Were Young, Maggie," which became one of the most popular ballads in North America, was published in Indianapolis, Ind., by James A. Butterfield. The song was based on a poem written by G.W.

Today in Music History for May 21: In 1738, Charles Wesley was converted to evangelical Christianity, becoming a co-founder of Methodism. He wrote hundreds of hymns such as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

Today in Music History for May 22: In 1813, composer Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany. In 1836, Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio "St. Paul (Paulus)" was first performed in Dusseldorf at the Lower Rhine Festival to great enthusiasm.

Today in Music History for May 23: In 1889, Mary Susanne Edgar, a Canadian YWCA leader who wrote a number of hymns during her years of leading a Christian camping ministry with girls, was born.

Today in Music History for May 24: In 1859, the song "Ave Maria," featuring a melody by French composer Charles Gounod superimposed on a theme from Bach's "Well-Tempered Clavier," was first performed in Paris by opera singer Marie Caroline Miolan-Car

Today in History for May 10: In 1278, Jews in England were imprisoned on charges of coining. In 1427, Jews were expelled from Berne, Switzerland. In 1534, Jacques Cartier arrived at Cape Bonavista, Nfld., on his first voyage to Canada.

Today in Music History for May 10: In 1899, dancer, singer and actor Fred Astaire, whose real name was Frederick Austerlitz, was born in Omaha, Neb.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 10: Author Barbara Taylor Bradford is 91. Actor David Clennon is 81. Writer-producer-director Jim Abrahams is 80. Singer Donovan is 78. Singer Graham Gouldman of 10cc is 78. Singer Dave Mason is 78.