Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 12: Playwright-actor Wallace Shawn ("The Princess Bride") is 81. Singer Brian Hyland is 81. Keyboardist Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MG's is 80. Sportscaster Al Michaels is 80.

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.

Today in History for Nov. 12: In 1774, British citizens in Quebec protested the Quebec Act which restored French civil law. In 1856, the Grand Trunk Railway was opened from Quebec to Toronto. In 1884, Calgary became a town.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 11: Former Canadian politician/diplomat Stephen Lewis is 87. Country singer Narvel Felts is 86. Americana roots singer/songwriter Chris Smither is 80. Guitarist Vince Martell of Vanilla Fudge is 79.

Today in Music History for Nov. 11: In 1919, the Hart House cultural centre opened at the University of Toronto. It was conceived by Vincent Massey and named after his grandfather, Hart Massey.

Today in History for Nov. 11: In 1215, the Fourth Lateran Council was convened by Pope Innocent III.

Celebrity Birthday for Nov. 10: Blues singer Bobby Rush is 91. Jazz saxophonist Houston Person is 90. Actor Albert Hall ("Ally McBeal," ''Beloved") is 87. Country singer Donna Fargo is 83. Lyricist Tim Rice is 80. Actor Jack Scalia is 74.

Today in Music History for Nov. 10: In 1916, Canadian contralto Marguerite Paquet was born in Quebec City.

Today in History for Nov. 10: In 1483, Martin Luther, the Augustinian monk who became the founder and leader of the German Reformation, was born in Eisleben, Saxony. In 1775, the U.S.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 9: Soprano Mary Morrison is 98. Lee Graziano, drummer with The American Breed, is 81. Actor Robert David Hall ("CSI") is 77. Movie director Bille August is 76.