Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for June 19: In 1902, band leader Guy Lombardo, whose orchestra played "The Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven," was born in London, Ont.

Today in History for June 17: In 1616, Sir William Vaughan bought the Avalon Peninsula, which forms Newfoundland's southeastern corner, from the London and Bristol Company.

Today in Music History for June 15: In 1843, composer Edvard Grieg, whose strongly nationalist style led to his being known as "The Voice of Norway," was born. In 1872, the Governor General's "Foot Guards Band" made its debut in Ottawa.

Today in History for June 16: In 1502, the Sainte-Chapelle in Chambery, France was completed for the Duke of Savoy to house the much disputed, but often venerated Shroud of Turin, a cloth in which Jesus Christ was reputedly wrapped following His Cruc

Today in History for June 21: In 1639, Increase Mather, an early American theologian, was born. He published nearly 100 books, and is credited with helping end executions for witchcraft in colonial America. In 1749, Halifax was founded by Gov.

Today in Music History for June 17: In 1872, composer Johann Strauss conducted a 987-piece orchestra and a 20,000-member choir in a performance of "The Blue Danube" in Boston.

Today in History for June 18: In 1464, Roman Catholic Pope Pius II organized a crusade against the Turks, but died before he could meet up with his allies. Soon after, the crusading mentality died out. In 1812, the U.S.

Today in Music History for June 16: In 1929, 62-year-old Otto Funk completed a 183-day, 6,600-km walk from San Francisco to New York. He was said to have played his violin every step of the way.

Today in History for June 15: On this date: In 1215, King John signed the Magna Carta -- granting his barons more liberty and marking the birth of responsible government in England.

Today in Music History for June 21: In 1821, Henry Baker, compiler of "Hymns Ancient and Modern," the unofficial Anglican Church hymnal, was born. In 1908, the nationalist Russian composer Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov died at age 64.