Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Nov. 15: On this date: In 1280, German theologian and music theorist Albertus Magnus died. Magnus taught famed philosopher Thomas Aquinas. In 1492, Christopher Columbus noted in his journal the use of tobacco among the Indians.

Today in Music History for Nov. 15: In 1920, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra made its debut at the Plantages Theatre under the direction of Alberta Weaver Winston. The orchestra folded in 1932, but a second Edmonton Symphony was formed in 1952.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 14: Actress Kathleen Hughes ("Babe") is 95. Composer Wendy Carlos is 84. King Charles III is 75. Guitarist James Young of Styx is 74. Singer Stephen Bishop is 72. Pianist Yanni (Yiannis Chryssomallis) is 69.

Today in Music History for Nov. 14: In 1900, American composer Aaron Copland, famed for using jazz and folk tunes in his works, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. His many ballets include "Billy the Kid," "Rodeo" and "Appalachian Spring.

Today in History for Nov. 14: On this date: In 1606, "The Theatre of Neptune," a form of dramatic spectacle known as a masque, was performed by Frenchmen and Indians in barges and canoes on the waters off Port Royal, now Annapolis Royal, N.S.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 13: Journalist-author Peter Arnett is 89. Folksinger Bonnie Dobson is 83. Blues singer John Hammond is 81. Country singer-songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard is 77. Actor Joe Mantegna is 76. Country singer J.C. Crowley is 76.

Today in History for Nov. 13: On this date: In 354, African theologian Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, was born in Numidia, now Algeria. Augustine wrote many works that had a dominant influence on later Western Christian theology.

Today in Music History for Nov. 13: In 1937, NBC formed the first full-sized symphony orchestra exclusively for radio broadcasting. Network chief David Sarnoff lured Arturo Toscanini out of retirement in Italy to head the orchestra.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 12: Playwright-actor Wallace Shawn ("The Princess Bride") is 80. Singer Brian Hyland is 80. Keyboardist Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MG's is 79. Sportscaster Al Michaels is 79.

Today in Music History for Nov. 12: In 1818, English church organist and composer Henry Hemy was born. Of his several original compositions, the best known is the tune "St. Catherine," to which is commonly sung the hymn "Faith of Our Fathers.