Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Celebrity Birthdays for May 20: Actor-author James McEachin is 95. Actor Anthony Zerbe is 89. Former world champion figure skater and federal cabinet minister Otto Jelinek is 85. Actor David Proval ("The Sopranos") is 83. Singer-actress Cher is 79.

Today in History for May 20: In 325, the first Christian ecumenical council opened at Nicea in Asia Minor. The doctrine of Jesus Christ's divinity was formally affirmed for the first time by the council.

Today in Music History for May 20: In 1927, the Canadian Folk Song and Handicraft Festival opened in Quebec City.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 19: TV personality David Hartman is 90. Actor James Fox is 86. Actress Nancy Kwan is 86. Composer-musician John Mills-Cockell is 82. Musician Pete Townshend is 80. Concert pianist David Helfgott is 78.

Today in Music History for May 19: In 1866, "When You and I Were Young, Maggie," which became one of the most popular ballads in North America, was published in Indianapolis, Ind., by James A. Butterfield. The song was based on a poem written by G.W.

Today in History for May 19: In 804, the English medieval scholar Alcuin of York died. As an educator, he made beauty, goodness and truth the hallmarks of Charlemagne's Frankish empire.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 18: Actress Candice Azzara ("In Her Shoes," ''Caroline in the City," ''Rhoda") is 84. Bluegrass singer-guitarist Rodney Dillard of The Dillards is 83. '70s pop singer Albert Hammond is 81.

Today in Music History for May 18: In 1911, Big Joe Turner, one of the forefathers of rock 'n' roll, was born in Kansas City.

Today in History for May 18: In 1096, the Jews of Worms, in present-day Germany, were massacred by Christian Crusaders on their way to the Holy Land.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 17: Actor Peter Gerety is 85. Singer Taj Mahal is 83. Drummer Bill Bruford of Yes and King Crimson is 76. Singer-guitarist George Johnson of The Brothers Johnson is 72. TV personality Kathleen Sullivan is 72.