Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for July 23: On this date: In 1621, the Virginia colony was granted the New World's first written constitution. In 1767, the Prince Edward Island land lottery was held in London, England.

Today in History for July 20: On this date: In 1576, English explorer Martin Frobisher discovered the bay off Baffin Island that now bears his name. He thought it was a passage dividing America from Asia.

Today in History for July 26: On this date: In 1603, James VI of Scotland was crowned King James I of England.

Today in Music History for July 20: In 1940, Billboard magazine published its first comprehensive singles record chart.

Today in Music History for July 24: In 1725, John Newton, an English slave ship's captain, was born. He was converted to Christianity at age 22, and entered the Anglican ministry.

Today in History for July 24: On this date: In 1216, Cencio Savelli was consecrated Pope Honorius III. During his 11-year pontificate, he confirmed two well-known religious orders: the Dominicans in 1216 and the Franciscans in 1223.

Today in Music History for July 21: In 1920, master violinist Isaac Stern was born. He's credited with saving Carnegie Hall in New York City from demolition.

Celebrity Birthdays for July 11: Fashion designer Giorgio Armani is 91. Actress Susan Seaforth Hayes is 82. Singer Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is 78. Ventriloquist Jay Johnson ("Soap") is 76. Classical guitarist Liona Boyd is 76.

Today in Music History for July 11: In 1889, "Leo the Royal Cadet," described as a military opera, premiered at Martin's Opera House in Kingston, Ont. The performance took place under the patronage of the nearby Royal Military College.

Today in History for July 11: On this date: In 1533, Pope Clement VII excommunicated England's King Henry VIII. In 1656, Ann Austin and Mary Fisher became the first Quakers to arrive in America and were promptly arrested.