Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Nov. 28: In 1902, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert at Tara Hall with violinist J. Alexandre Gilbert as soloist. The Quebec Symphony is Canada's oldest surviving major orchestra.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 27: Footwear designer Manolo Blahnik is 81. Rock and jazz saxophonist Randy Brecker is 78. Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker") is 72.

Today in Music History for Nov. 27: In 1941, country-pop singer Eddie Rabbitt was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Rabbitt's big break came in 1971, when Elvis Presley recorded his "Kentucky Rain." It turned out to be Presley's 50th million seller.

Today in History for Nov. 27 In 1095, in France, Pope Urban II solemnly proclaimed the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 26: Impressionist Rich Little is 85. Singer Jean Terrell (replaced Diana Ross in the Supremes) is 79. Bassist John McVie of Fleetwood Mac is 78. Actress Marianne Muellerleile is 75. Actor Scott Jacoby is 67.

Today in History for Nov. 26: In 1539, in England, the monastery at the Fountains Abbey was surrendered to the Crown.

Today in Music History for Nov. 26: In 1933, singer-actor Robert Goulet was born in Lawrence, Mass. He moved to Edmonton while in his teens, and was a semifinalist on CBC TV's "Pick the Stars" in 1952.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 25: Actress Kathryn Crosby is 90. Actor Matt Clark is 87. Actor Christopher Riordan is 86. Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs is 83. Singer Bob Lind is 81. Actor-game show host Ben Stein is 79.

Today in History for Nov. 25: In 2,348 B.C., according to Archbishop James Ussher's Old Testament chronology, the Great Deluge (Noah's Flood) began.

Today in Music History for Nov. 25: In 1913, the Calgary Symphony Orchestra gave its first young people's matinee concert, performing for a public-school audience. Each pupil paid 15 cents to attend.