Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for July 8: In 1792, Lowell Mason, Presbyterian pioneer of congregational singing, was born.

Today in History for July 8: On this date: In 1629, Spain's King Philip III sent England's King Charles the First an elephant and five camels. Included were instructions that the elephant be given a gallon of wine each day.

Celebrity Birthdays for July 7: Bandleader Doc Severinsen is 98. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Ringo Starr is 85. Comedian Bill Oddie is 84. Singer-guitarist Warren Entner of the Grass Roots is 81. Actor Joe Spano is 79.

Today in Music History for July 7: In 1607, Britain's national anthem -- "God Save the King" -- was sung in public for the first time.

Today in History for July 7: On this date: In 1438, the decrees of Basel were adopted by the Roman Catholic Church. They restricted the authority of the popes and imposed a degree of accountability on the cardinals and bishops of the church.