Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

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.

Celebrity Birthdays for July 10: Actor William Smithers ("Dallas," ''Peyton Place") is 98. Singer Mavis Staples is 86. Actor Lawrence Pressman is 86. Actor Mills Watson ("B.J. and the Bear," ''Lobo") is 85. Actor Robert Pine ("CHiPS") is 84.

Today in Music History for July 10: In 1941, Ian Whitcomb, singer, record producer and pop music historian, was born. In 1941, pianist and composer Jelly Roll Morton, who claimed he invented jazz, died in Los Angeles at age 50.

Today in History for July 10: On this date: In 1509, theologian John Calvin was born in Noyon, France. After Martin Luther, Calvin was seen as the guiding spirit of the Protestant Reformation.

Celebrity Birthdays for July 9: Singer Dee Dee Kenniebrew of The Crystals is 81. Author Dean Koontz is 80. TV producer Nigel Lythgoe is 76. Actor Chris Cooper is 74. TV personality-turned-musician John Tesh is 73. Country singer David Ball is 72.