Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for May 1: In 1786, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's comic opera "The Marriage of Figaro" had its world premiere in Vienna.

Today in Music History for April 30: In 1925, country singer Johnny Horton was born in Tyler, Texas. His "Battle of New Orleans" sold one million copies in 1959, as did his 1960 "North to Alaska," the title song from a John Wayne movie.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 30: Singer Willie Nelson is 91. Guitarist Johnny Farina of the instrumental duo Santo and Johnny is 83. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is 78. Actor Perry King ("Riptide") is 76. Movie director Allan Arkush is 76.

Today in History for April 30: In 311, Roman Emperor Galerius issued the first edict of toleration for Christianity, ending three centuries of persecution.

Today in History for April 29: In 1429, Joan of Arc entered Orleans, France to score her great victory in driving out the English. In 1607, English settlers established the first Anglican church in the American colonies at Cape Henry, Va.

Today in Music History for April 29: In 1899, jazz musician, composer and bandleader Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington was born in Washington, D.C.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 29: Conductor Zubin Mehta is 88. Rock bassist Klaus Voorman is 86. Singer Bob Miranda of The Happenings is 82. Country singer Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys is 81. Singer Tommy James is 77.

Today in Music History for April 28: In 1932, violinist Steven Staryk, considered the leading Canadian-born virtuoso of his generation, was born in Toronto.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 28: Violinist Steven Staryk is 92. Actress-singer Ann-Margret is 83. Chef-author Alice Waters is 80. Singer Ginette Reno is 78. Actor Paul Guilfoyle ("CSI") is 75. Former "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno is 74.

Today in History for April 28: In 1220, Bishop Poore laid the first five stones of the famed Salisbury Cathedral in England, one each for himself, Archbishop Stephen Langton, Pope Honorius III, Earl William and Countess Ela of Salisbury.