Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for April 30: In 311, Roman Emperor Galerius issued the first edict of toleration for Christianity, ending three centuries of persecution.

Today in Music History for April 30: In 1925, country singer Johnny Horton was born in Tyler, Texas. His "Battle of New Orleans" sold one million copies in 1959, as did his 1960 "North to Alaska," the title song from a John Wayne movie.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 29: Singer Willie Nelson is 91. Conductor Zubin Mehta is 89. Rock bassist Klaus Voorman is 87. Singer Bob Miranda of The Happenings is 83. Country singer Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys is 82. Singer Tommy James is 78.

Today in History for April 29: In 1429, Joan of Arc entered Orleans, France to score her great victory in driving out the English. In 1607, English settlers established the first Anglican church in the American colonies at Cape Henry, Va.

Today in Music History for April 29: In 1899, jazz musician, composer and bandleader Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington was born in Washington, D.C.