Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for June 25: On this date: In 1580, the “German Book of Concord” was published, containing all the official confessions of the Lutheran Church. English translations of the entire work were not available before 1851.

Today in Music History for June 25: In 1615, two Roman Catholic priests sang the mass in Quebec City. Samuel de Champlain, who founded the city in 1608, reported it was the first instance of sung mass in New France.

Celebrity Birthdays for June 24: Actress Michele Lee is 83. Singer Arthur Brown is 83. Actor-director Georg Stanford Brown is 82. Singer Colin Blunstone of The Zombies is 80. Drummer Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac is 78. Actor Peter Weller is 78.

Today in History for June 24: In 541, Attila the Hun laid siege to Orleans, France. In 1099, the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, parent body of St. John Ambulance, was founded. It is the oldest order of chivalry in the Commonwealth.

Today in Music History for June 24: In 1803, George Webb, American church organist, was born. He compiled several collections of sacred music during his lifetime, and also composed the melody to the hymn, "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.

Celebrity Birthdays for June 23: Singer Diana Trask is 85. Pianist and harpsichordist Ralph Grierson is 83. Actor Ted Shackelford ("Knots Landing") is 79. Actor Bryan Brown ("The Thorn Birds") is 78. Two-time world curling champion Ed Werenich is 78.

Today in History for June 23: In 1683, English Quaker William Penn signed his famous treaty with the Indians of Pennsylvania that became a universal symbol of religious and civil liberties.

Today in Music History for June 23: In 1920, Canadian dixieland jazz saxophonist and bandleader Lance Harrison was born in Vancouver. He died Nov. 26, 2000.

Celebrity Birthdays for June 22: Actress Prunella Scales (TV: "Fawlty Towers") is 93. Actor Klaus Maria Brandauer is 82. Journalist Brit Hume is 82. Singer Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon is 81. Singer Howard "Eddie" Kaylan of The Turtles is 78.

Today in Music History for June 22: In 1846, Adolphe Sax patented his invention -- the saxophone.