Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for July 26: In 1938, R&B singer-songwriter Bobby Hebb, who wrote and recorded the 1966 pop classic "Sunny," was born to blind parents in Nashville, Tenn. At the height of "Sunny" popularity, he toured with "The Beatles.

Celebrity Birthdays for July 25: Singer-guitarist Bruce Woodley of The Seekers is 82. Drummer Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds is 81. Bassist Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire is 73. Supermodel Iman is 69. Cartoonist Ray Billingsley ("Curtis") is 67.

Today in History for July 25: On this date: In 325, the Council of Nicea closed. Regarded as the first ecumenical council, its 300 attending bishops drafted the Nicene Creed and fixed the formula for Easter Sunday.

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.