Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Nov. 17: In 1938, singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who became Canada's most famous, and arguably most important, pop musician in the late 1960s, was born in Orillia, Ont.

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.

Today in History for Nov. 17: On this date: In 1558, Queen Mary I, known as Bloody Mary, who tried to return Protestant Britain to Catholicism, died.

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.

Today in Music History for Nov. 16: In 1908, conductor Arturo Toscanini made his debut with the New York Metropolitan Opera with a performance of Verdi's "Aida.

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. 18: On this date: In 1095, Pope Urban II called 600 men to the Council of Clermont, where he asked Europe to recapture the Holy Land from the Turks. A vast crusading army was deployed.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 3: Actress Lois Smith is 93. Harpist Judy Loman is 87. Nick Simper, original bass guitarist with Deep Purple, is 78. Actor-radio personality Shadoe Stevens ("Dave's World") is 76. Singer Lulu is 75.

Today in Music History for Nov. 3: In 1936, harpist Judy Loman was born in Goshen, Ind.. She moved to Toronto in 1957, and two years later became the principal harp of the Toronto Symphony orchestra.

Today in History for Nov. 3: In 1580, English explorer Sir Francis Drake returned from his voyage around the world. In 1640, England's Long Parliament -- the name given to the fifth and last parliament of Charles I -- assembled.