Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for June 26: In 1284, legend has it that the Pied Piper of Hamelin led 130 German children to their deaths after being refused his fee for charming rats and mice into a river.

Today in History for June 24: In 541, Attila the Hun laid siege to Orleans, France. In 1099, the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, parent body of St. John Ambulance, was founded. It is the oldest order of chivalry in the Commonwealth.

Today in Music History for June 23: In 1920, Canadian dixieland jazz saxophonist and bandleader Lance Harrison was born in Vancouver. He died Nov. 26, 2000.

Today in History for June 22: In 1559, in England, Queen Elizabeth's "Prayer Book" was issued. It was the third revision for the Anglican Church and used for nearly 100 years.

Today in History for June 25: On this date: In 1580, the “German Book of Concord” was published, containing all the official confessions of the Lutheran Church. English translations of the entire work were not available before 1851.

Today in Music History for June 28: In 1914, bluegrass musician and singer Lester Flatt was born in Overton County, Tenn.

Today in Music History for June 25: In 1615, two Roman Catholic priests sang the mass in Quebec City. Samuel de Champlain, who founded the city in 1608, reported it was the first instance of sung mass in New France.

Today in Music History for June 24: In 1803, George Webb, American church organist, was born. He compiled several collections of sacred music during his lifetime, and also composed the melody to the hymn, "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.

Today in Music History for June 27: In 1942, Canadian composer-arranger-pianist Frank Mills was born in Montreal.

Today in Music History for June 22: In 1846, Adolphe Sax patented his invention -- the saxophone.