Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Nov. 30: In 1667, Irish writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was born. In 1782, a preliminary peace treaty ending the American War of Independence was signed between Britain and the United States.

Today in Music History for Nov. 30: In 1915, blues singer and guitarist Brownie McGhee, best known for his collaborations with harmonica player Sonny Terry, was born in Knoxville, Tenn.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 29: Blues musician John Mayall is 90. Actress Diane Ladd is 88. Musician Chuck Mangione is 83. Singer-keyboardist Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals is 81. Rock guitarist Barry Goudreau, formerly of the group Boston, is 72.

Today in History for Nov. 29 In 1530, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, adviser to King Henry VIII of England, died.

Today in Music History for Nov. 29: In 1880, the 1,100-seat Grand Opera House opened in Hamilton, Ont. It gave the city a proper auditorium for theatrical and musical presentations, and attracted top North American touring companies.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 28: Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. is 94. Gary Troxel of the '50s pop group The Fleetwoods is 84. Singer-songwriter Bruce Channel is 83. Singer Randy Newman is 80. Movie director Joe Dante is 77.

Today in History for Nov. 28: In 1520, the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean after passing through the South American strait that now bears his name.

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.