Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Oct. 29: On this date: In 1618, Sir Walter Raleigh was executed in London on charges of treason against King James I.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 20: Japan's Empress Michiko is 89. Rockabilly singer Wanda Jackson is 86. Actor William "Rusty" Russ is 73. Al Greenwood, keyboards and synthesizer with Foreigner, is 72. Actress Melanie Mayron ("thirtysomething") is 71.

Today in Music History for Oct. 20: In 1828, American lawyer and hymnwriter Horatio Gates Spafford was born.

Today in History for Oct. 20: In 1632, Sir Christopher Wren, British astronomer and architect, was born. He designed 53 London churches, including St.

Today in Music History for Oct. 19: In 1889, recording industry pioneer Art Satherly was born in Bristol, England.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 19: Artist Peter Max is 86. Author and critic Renata Adler is 86. Canadian singer-songwriter Tommy Ambrose is 84. Actor John Lithgow is 78. Singer Jeannie C. Riley is 78.

Today in History for Oct. 19: In 1216, King John of England died after consuming what was described as an excessive number of peaches and too much beer.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 18: Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Mike Ditka is 84. Singer Russ Giguere of The Association is 80. Award-winning Canadian film composer Howard Shore is 77. Actor Joe Morton is 76. Actress Pam Dawber is 72.

Today in Music History for Oct. 18: In 1926, legendary rock singer, guitarist and songwriter Chuck Berry was born in San Jose, Calif.

Today in History for Oct. 18: In 1534, Paul III was elected Pope. He reformed the Catholic Church and forbade the practice of selling church appointments and spiritual favours. However, he was unable to heal the rift of the Reformation. In 1646, Rev.