Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Aug. 27: In 1877, James P. Clarke, the first musician in English-speaking Canada to have written and published a sizeable number of compositions, died in Toronto.

Today in Music History for Aug. 29: In 1908, Lewis Redner, American Episcopal organist and composer, died at age 78. Redner composed "St. Louis," the tune to which is most commonly sung Phillips Brooks’ Christmas hymn, "O Little Town of Bethlehem.

Today in History for Aug. 26: On this date: In 55 BC, Julius Caesar launched his first attempted invasion of Britain, but achieved limited success. In 1346, King Edward III defeated the French at the battle of Crecy.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 15: Actor Jim Dale is 90. Actress Pat Priest ("The Munsters") is 89. Nesbert (Stix) Hooper, drummer with The Crusaders is 87. Drummer Pete York of The Spencer Davis Group is 83. Author-journalist Linda Ellerbee is 81.

Today in History for Aug. 15: On this date: In 1057, Macbeth, King of Scots, was killed in battle by Malcolm, the eldest son of King Duncan, whom Macbeth had slain.

Today in Music History for Aug. 15: In 1925, jazz pianist Oscar Peterson was born in Montreal. Peterson began playing on Montreal radio stations and with local dance bands in the early 1940s.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 14: Broadway lyricist Lee Adams ("Bye Bye Birdie") is 101. Singer Dash Crofts of Seals and Crofts is 85. Country singer Connie Smith is 84. Actor-comedian Steve Martin is 80.

Today in Music History for Aug. 14: In 1810, Samuel S. Wesley, grandson of Methodist hymnwriter Charles Wesley, was born. Samuel Wesley penned over 130 original hymn tunes. The best remembered is "The Church’s One Foundation.

Today in History for Aug. 14: On this date: In 1040, King Duncan of Scotland was murdered by Macbeth, who became king and ruled for 17 years. In 1811, Paraguay declared its independence.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 13: Actor Kevin Tighe ("Emergency," ''Murder One") is 81. Actress Gretchen Corbett ("The Rockford Files") is 80. Former U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen is 79. Opera singer Kathleen Battle is 77.