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A Day in the Life

"A Day in the Life" is a daily history segment about music and the ideas it inspires. This segment is part of Critical Karaoke, a KRCC affiliated radio show run by Prof Ryan Bañagale and Prof Steven Hayward, featuring a wide range of guest contributors.
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Now displaying: May, 2015

"A Day in the Life" is a 2-minute podcast about music, history, culture, and ideas.  We release at least one new episode every weekday on an incredible range of genres and artists.  We hope you enjoy these quick listens!

May 29, 2015

Better known as "Scary Spice" of The Spice Girls, Melanie Janie Brown was born in Yorkshire, England on this day in 1975.  Find out how she got her name and what she's been up to on today's "A Day in the Life."

May 28, 2015

On this day in 1533, Henry VIII officially married Anne Boleyn.  The musical commemoration of Henry and his marriages, from the music hall to Hollywood, today on "A Day in the Life."

May 27, 2015

Today in 2011, bluesologist Gil Scott-Heron passed away in New York City. Learn about his recording "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and other aspects of this interesting and influential jazz poet, musician, and author on today's "A Day in the Life."  

May 26, 2015

Known as the "Singing Brakeman," Jimmie Rodgers changed the course of country music during his brief professional career.  His "Blue Yodels" are perhaps some of his best-known works.  Learn more on today's "A Day in the Life."

May 25, 2015

Today in 1977, George Lucas's sci-fi film Star Wars made its cinematic debut.  Would it have been as successful without the help of composer John Williams?  Have a listen to today's "A Day in the Life" and decide for yourself.

May 22, 2015

Today in 1955, a concert featuring Fats Domino was cancelled because law enforcement feared a riot would break out.  Find out what the fuss was all about today on "A Day in the Life."  

May 21, 2015

Today in 1904, Thomas "Fats" Waller was born.  A celebrated Harlem stride pianist and composer of classic popular songs such as "Ain't Misbehavin'," Waller was one of the most popular entertainers of his day.  Hear an excerpt from one of his final performances of "Ain't Misbehavin'" today on "A Day in the Life."

May 21, 2015

Colorado College professor of music, Michael Grace, delivered the Baccalaureate address at CC's 2015 commencement--and he opened with a Critical Karaoke.  He was unfortunately interrupted in the midst of the action by a fire alarm.

We thought we'd give him a second chance.

Please enjoy this excerpt from his larger address on the subject of enlightenment.  

And subscribe to our podcast so you never miss our "Day in the Life" or "Critical Karaoke" episodes.

May 20, 2015

On this day in 1896, composer and pianist Clara Schumann (née Clara Josephine Wieck) passed away.  Find out how she changed the course of concert recitals and contributed to the musical life of the romantic era--all while raising eight children and caring for her husband, Robert.

May 19, 2015

Pete Townshend was born on this day in 1945.  Today's "A Day in the Life" focuses on his The life and times up until he smashed his very first electric guitar--a moment that changed music history forever.

May 18, 2015

Today we welcome Professor Matthew Mugmon from the University of Arizona to the "Day in the Life" family.  He offers his take on Austrian composer and conductor Gustav Mahler, who passed away on this day in 1911.  Find out what you might need to perform his 6th Symphony and his connection to Sigmund Freud on this episode of "A Day in the Life."

May 15, 2015

Today in 2009, rapper Eminem released Relapse, his sixth studio album.  What was going on in his life leading up to the recording of this double-platinum album?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."    

May 14, 2015

Today in 1956, rock 'n' roller Buddy Holly got a prescription for contact lenses.  Find out why we rarely saw him without his glasses today on "A Day in the Life."

May 13, 2015

It is Stevie Wonder's Birthday!  Learn about his early life and career today on "A Day in the Life."

 

 

May 12, 2015

Today on "A Day in the Life": Find out who commissioned baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi to write 100 concerti on this day in 1716 and how such work relates to his life and musical output. 

May 11, 2015

Today in 1888, Irving Berlin was born in a small town in Siberia.  He would go on to be one of the most celebrated American songwriters of all time.  Learn why on today's "A Day in the Life."

May 9, 2015

Critical Karaoke Episode 3: Music and Place

Original broadcast date: May 8, 2015

Featuring:

Digable Planets "Borough Check" from Blowout Comb (1994)

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the Bridge" from Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

The National: "England" from High Violet (2010)

Plus:

Band name pop quiz, untold musical/historical/cultural tangents, a theory lesson on major 7th chords, and a guest visit from multi-instrumentalist and songsmith, Benjamin Lanz.

May 8, 2015

Today in 1970 The Beatles released their final studio album, Let it Be, in the United Kingdom.  Today on "A Day in the Life, " learn about the trials and tribulations that led to the eventual creation of this album, which almost never existed.

May 7, 2015

Today in 1718 the city known now as the "Big Easy" was founded by the French Mississippi Company.  Find out the origins of this famous incubator of music, culture, and food on today's "A Day in the Life."

 

May 6, 2015

Today in 1889, the World's Exposition opened in Paris.  Famous for bringing the Eiffel Tower into existence, it also had a significant impact on music.  Find out how it inspired the compositional output of Claude Debussy on today's "A Day in the Life."

May 5, 2015

On this day in 1891, the famous Carnegie Hall opened in New York City.  Find out which equally famous conductors and performers made appearances their during the initial years of operation on today's "A Day in the Life."

May 4, 2015

On this date in 1970, members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of Kent State University students.  Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young immortalized the event in "Ohio." But, what is the connection to the new-wave band Devo?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

 

And when you are done: Check out "Critical Karaoke" episode 2.

 

May 1, 2015

Today on "A Day in the Life," we relive the first all hip-hop MTV Unplugged, which premiered on this day in 1991.  The broadcast exposed many musicians to a whole new audience and revived at least one artist's career--a comeback you might say, even if we aren't supposed to call it that.

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