Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for May 14: In 347, St. Pachomius, who was born in Egypt and founded the first monastery, died. In 1565, German Protestant reform theologian Nicolaus von Amsdorf died.

Today in Music History for May 14: In 1936, singer Bobby Darin, whose real name was Walden Robert Cassotto, was born in New York City. Darin's big break came in 1958 when he wrote and recorded "Splish Splash," which reached No. 3 on the U.S.

Today in History for is May 13: In 1110, Crusaders captured Beirut, causing a bloodbath. In 1607, the English colony at Jamestown, Va., was settled. In 1881, a revised New Testament went on sale. By day's end, 800,000 copies had been sold.

Today in Music History for May 13: In 1919, the first Manitoba Music Competition Festival opened in Winnipeg. About 2,500 performers took part in the first festival, sponsored by the Men's Musical Club.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 13: Actor Buck Taylor ("Gunsmoke," ''Gods and Generals") is 86. Actor Harvey Keitel is 85. (Magic) Dick Salwitz, harmonica player with the J. Geils Band, is 79. Author Charles Baxter is 77.

Today in History for May 12: In 1534, Wurttemberg, in Germany, became Lutheran. In 1588, the Catholic League under Duke Henri de Guise occupied Protestant controlled Paris.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 12: Hockey Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bucyk is 89. Actress Millie Perkins ("Knots Landing") is 86. R&B singer Jayotis Washington is 83. Country singer Billy Swan is 82. Actress Linda Dano ("Another World") is 81.

Today in Music History for May 12: In 1910, composer, arranger and conductor Gordon Jenkins was born in Webster Groves, Mo. He is the man responsible for bringing the ground-breaking folk group "The Weavers" to a mass audience. He died May 1, 1984.

Today in Music History for May 11: In 1888, American songwriter Irving Berlin was born in Russia. He wrote nearly 1,000 songs, and had his first hit in 1911 with "Alexander's Ragtime Band.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 11: Fashion designer Valentino (born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani) is 92. Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is 91. Singer Eric Burdon (The Animals, War) is 83.