On this date in 1896, the Black Patti Troubadours performed their first show. The all-black vaudeville troupe toured the United States until 1915. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", learn about the the Troubadours' star headline performer, opera singer Sissieretta Jones.
It was on this day in 1988 that American R&B singer-songwriter Bobby Brown released his hit song, "My Prerogative". On today's "A Day in the Life", we revisit Brown's beginnings in New Edition and explore how the following of his prerogative led to a troubled personal life.
It was on this day in 1917 that pianist, composer, and jazz visionary Thelonious Monk was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. On today's "A Day in the Life" explore Monk's career and his central role in the creation of a style of jazz called bebop.
Today in 1982, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical Cats opened its Broadway run in the Winter Garden Theater in New York City. What do Mr. Mistoffelees, The Rum Tum Tugger, and Skimbleshanks, The Railway Cat have to do with T.S. Eliot? Find out on today's installment of "A Classical Day in the Life". You'll love it, it'll be much better than "Cats", you'll want to listen again and again...
Today in 1849 American poet and Edgar Allan Poe died under mysterious circumstances. Destined for Philadelphia, he never arrived - found in Baltimore instead. Was the cause of death suicide, murder, cholera, rabies, syphilis, or influenza? And what does his cat have to do with all of this? Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”
Today in 1871, the Fisk Jubilee Singers began their first tour of the United States, bringing black spiritual music to a broad audience. Why did the group form and how did their performances influence the course of American music? Find out today on "A Day in the Life
Today in 1938 Sir Henry Wood conducted the world premiere of the Serenade to Music by Ralph Vaughn Williams--a piece of music almost to gorgeous for words. How does this connect to the world-famous BBC Proms? Find out on this episode of "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1962 that the James Bond film, Dr. No, opened in movie theaters across the world. On today's "A Day in the Life", we revisit the first James Bond film and explore its iconic theme song.
On this day in 1989, Secretariat — perhaps the greatest racehorse in history — died at the age of 19. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we remember Secretariat's glory while exploring equine themes in the compositions of Rossini, Berlioz, and Beethoven.
It was on this day in 1970 that American singer Janis Joplin died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27 in Los Angeles, California. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Joplin's life in music and take a listen to the audio birthday card she recorded for John Lennon just three days before her death.
Today in 1936, American composer Steve Reich was born in New York City. He is closely associate with the minimalist school of composition and is known for works that manipulate recorded sounds--or what we might now call “samples.” On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" learn more of Reich's utilization of phase shifting techniques in his works.
It was on this day in 1992, during her debut performance on Saturday Night Live, that Sinead O'Connor tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore O'Connor's motives and relive the backlash her actions garnered.