Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity Birthdays for is Oct. 26: Actress Jaclyn Smith ("Charlie's Angels") is 78. "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak is 77. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is 76. Musician Bootsy Collins is 72. Actor James Pickens Jr.

Today in Music History for Nov. 1: In 1847, Emma Albani, the first Canadian singer to distinguish herself in the international world of opera, was born in Chambly, Que.

Today in Music History for Nov. 2: In 1926, country star Charlie Walker was born in Copeville, Texas. He became a popular disc jockey in Texas as he built a career as a honky-tonk singer.

Today in Music History for Oct. 30: In 1908, Patsy Montana, the first woman in country music to have a million-selling record, was born in Hot Springs, Ark. She accomplished the feat with her 1935 recording of "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart.

Today in Music History for Oct. 31: In 1937, folksinger Tom Paxton was born in Chicago. He was part of the early-1960s folk revival that also saw the emergence of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.

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.

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 Oct. 30: On this date: In 1536, Denmark adopted Lutheranism as its official state religion. In 1768, the first Methodist chapel in the New World was dedicated in New York City.

Today in Music History for Nov. 4: In 1740, English clergyman Augustus Toplady, who wrote the hymn "Rock of Ages," was born. In 1847, composer Felix Mendelssohn died at Leipzig at age 38.

Today in History for Nov. 4: In 1809, the steamer "Accommodation," the first on the St. Lawrence, arrived at Quebec from Montreal. The trip took 66 hours at a speed of five knots but 30 hours were spent at anchor. The fare was $8.