Today in History

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 Music History for Nov. 18: In 1926, 1950s pop singer Dorothy Collins, whose real name is Margaret Chandler, was born in Windsor, Ont. She got her start in Canadian radio, then performed with bandleader Raymond Scott in the U.S.

Today in Music History for Nov. 17: In 1938, singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who became Canada's most famous, and arguably most important, pop musician in the late 1960s, was born in Orillia, Ont.

Today in Music History for Nov. 16: In 1908, conductor Arturo Toscanini made his debut with the New York Metropolitan Opera with a performance of Verdi's "Aida.

Today in Music History for Nov. 15: In 1920, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra made its debut at the Plantages Theatre under the direction of Alberta Weaver Winston. The orchestra folded in 1932, but a second Edmonton Symphony was formed in 1952.

Today in Music History for Nov. 14: In 1900, American composer Aaron Copland, famed for using jazz and folk tunes in his works, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. His many ballets include "Billy the Kid," "Rodeo" and "Appalachian Spring.

Today in Music History for Nov. 13: In 1937, NBC formed the first full-sized symphony orchestra exclusively for radio broadcasting. Network chief David Sarnoff lured Arturo Toscanini out of retirement in Italy to head the orchestra.

Today in Music History for Nov. 12: In 1818, English church organist and composer Henry Hemy was born. Of his several original compositions, the best known is the tune "St. Catherine," to which is commonly sung the hymn "Faith of Our Fathers.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 11: Actress June Whitfield (TV and film: "Absolutely Fabulous") is 92. Actress Bibi Andersson is 82. Former Canadian politician/diplomat Stephen Lewis is 80. Country singer Narvel Felts is 79.

Celebrity Birthday for Nov. 10: Film composer Ennio Morricone is 89. Blues singer Bobby Rush is 83. Jazz saxophonist Houston Person is 83. Actor Albert Hall ("Ally McBeal," ''Beloved") is 80. '50s pop singer Tommy Facenda is 78.