Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for April 26: In 1886, pioneer blues singer Gertrude "Ma" Rainey was born in Columbus, Ga., During her heyday in the 1920s, she was billed as the "Mother of the Blues" and served as a model for the more famous Bessie Smith.

Today in History for April 21: On this date: In 753 B.C., the city of Rome was founded. In 1142, controversial French theologian, philosopher and musician Peter Abelard died. He was a monk at the monastery of Cluny.

Today in History for April 22: On this date: In 1233, the Dominicans were established in France as operators of the Inquisition by a decree of Pope Gregory IX. Their methods included torture and execution, usually by fire.

Today in History for April 24: On this date: In 1626, French explorer Samuel de Champlain sailed from Dieppe on his 11th voyage to Canada. In 1800, the U.S. Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C.

Today in Music History for April 27: In 1857, "The Septett Club," a string and wind ensemble formed by Antoine Dessane, gave its first concert in Quebec City.

Today in History for April 27: On this date: In 1278, St. Zita, patroness of servants, died. She was credited with many miracles in helping the poor in Italy.

Today in Music History for April 24: In 1792, the French national anthem "La Marseillaise" was composed by Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle. In 1897, the first "Halifax Symphony Orchestra" gave its inaugural concert at the Academy of Music.

Today in Music History for April 25: In 1800, English poet and hymn writer William Cowper died. He wrote such enduring hymns as "God Moves in Mysterious Ways" (1774) and "There is a Fountain Filled With Blood" (1771).

Today in Music History for April 22: In 1922, bassist Charles Mingus, a leader in modern jazz, was born in Arizona. He started with the traditional jazz outfits of Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory and Lionel Hampton.

Today in History for April 26: On this date: In 322, St. Basil was martyred by torture and beheading after he sheltered a young Christian woman named Glaphiga from the clutches of Roman Emperor Lucinius. In 387, St.