Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Aug. 9: In 1914, Canadian fiddler King Ganam was born Ameen Sied in Swift Current, Sask., to Syrian-English parents. He formed "The Sons of the West" in Edmonton in 1942.

Today in Music History for Aug. 7: In 1942, singer B.J. Thomas was born in Hugo, Okla., but soon moved to Houston, Texas.

Today in Music History for Aug. 3: In 1907, Greta Kraus, who became Canada's most outstanding harpsichordist, was born in Vienna. After moving to Canada in 1938 she appeared as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist in concert and on the CBC.

Today in Music History for Aug. 4: In 1927, Jimmie Rodgers, often called the "Father of Country Music," made his first recordings in Bristol, Tenn.

Today in Music History for Aug. 6: In 1939, Canadian tenor Paul Trepanier was born in Noranda, Que. In 1940, the Vancouver company "Theatre Under the Stars" opened its first season at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.

Today in Music History for Aug. 8: In 1911, Canadian violinist Frederick Grinke was born in Winnipeg. He was known for his performances of 20th-century English music.

Celebrity Birthdays for July 25: Singer-guitarist Bruce Woodley of The Seekers is 83. Drummer Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds is 82. Bassist Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire is 74. Supermodel Iman is 70. Cartoonist Ray Billingsley ("Curtis") is 68.

Today in Music History for July 25: In 1874, "The Maple Leaf Forever," one of Canada's most famous patriotic songs, was said to have been performed for the first time during the laying of the foundation stone for the Christian Baptist Church in Newma

Today in History for July 25: On this date: In 325, the Council of Nicea closed. Regarded as the first ecumenical council, its 300 attending bishops drafted the Nicene Creed and fixed the formula for Easter Sunday.

Today in History for July 23: On this date: In 1621, the Virginia colony was granted the New World's first written constitution. In 1767, the Prince Edward Island land lottery was held in London, England.