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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: Category: A Day in the Life

"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!

Dec 14, 2016

On this day in 1979, English punk band, The Clash released their third album. The album and its lead single were titled "London Calling." On today's "A Day in the Life" find out the inspiration for the title and learn more about the social and cultural currents in the music.

Dec 13, 2016

It was on this day, in 1989, in Reading Pennsylvania, that Taylor Alison Swift was born. On today's "A Day in the Life" learn which Canadian singer inspired the young Taylor Swift.

Dec 12, 2016

It was on this day in 1901 that an Italian physicist named Guglielmo Marconi succeeded in sending the first radio transmission across the Atlantic. On today's "A Day in the Life" we consider the medium of radio and the songs it has inspired.

Dec 9, 2016

Today in 2002, United Airlines filed for bankruptcy.  This "A Day in the Life" explores the company's long-standing musical relationship with George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

Dec 8, 2016

Today in 1967, Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors, turned 24 years old. The next day he became the first ever rock singer to be arrested on stage. Transport yourself back to that night in New Haven on today's "A Day in the Life."

Dec 7, 2016

As FDR declared in 1941, December 7th is a day that will live in infamy.  Today's "A Day in the Life" explores some of the musical responses to the attack on Pearl Harbor, including some of its more infamous popular songs

Dec 6, 2016

It was on this day in 1902 that a twenty year old James Joyce wrote to his parents describing how the famous poet WB Yeats had spent the day making introductions for him around London. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical world of James Joyce.

Dec 5, 2016

It was on this day in 1945 that five Avenger Torpedo Bombers and the fourteen airmen piloting them--the collective designation for the mission was Flight 19--disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle.  On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the music inspired by the mystery of the "Devil's Triangle".

Dec 2, 2016

It was on this day in 1983 that Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video debuted on MTV. Get the play-by-play commentary on today's "A Day in the Life.

Dec 1, 2016

It was on this day in 1997 that everyone's favorite saxophonist, Kenny G was officially recognized by the folks at Guinness World Records for doing something notable. But what exactly was it? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Nov 30, 2016

Today in 1949, Charlie "Bird" Parker recorded the album Charlie Parker With Strings.  What jazz standards did he perform and which pre-fame cult figure was also in the studio?  Find out on this "A Day in the Life."

Nov 29, 2016

It was on this day in 2001 that English singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist of The Beatles, George Harrison died. On today's "A Day in the Life" learn about the rather unconventional audition that John Lennon imposed upon Harrison to become a member of The Beatles.

Nov 28, 2016

Today is the day that Donald Trump urged his supporters to go out and vote when speaking at a rally in Panama City, FL on October 11, 2016 - notwithstanding the fact that the election was to be held on the first Tuesday of the month, November 8th.  On today's "A Day in the Life" we use Trump's mistake as an excuse to explore mistakes made in popular music.

Nov 25, 2016

It was on this day in 1984 that Band Aid, a supergroup made up of anyone who was anyone in the early 1980's Brit Pop scene, recorded "Do they Know it's Christmas." Find out who was behind it and why on today's "A Day in the Life."

Nov 24, 2016

On this day in 1974, Elton John and John Lennon rehearsed for an upcoming Thanksgiving Day concert at Madison Square Garden. Why did John Lennon agree to do a special appearance at an Elton John show and which Paul McCartney tune did Lennon cover at the end of the concert? All will be revealed on today's "A Day in the Life."

Nov 23, 2016

On this day in 2004, Nova Scotia native and sometime Broken Social Scene member,  Feist released her single, "Mushaboom."  What does the name reference and what are the origins of the word?  Find out all this and more on today's "A Day in the Life."   

Nov 22, 2016

It was on this day, almost at noon, while riding in a motorcade through downtown Dallas that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical references to that fateful day.

Nov 21, 2016

It was on this day in 1965 that the Icelandic singer, songwriter, and actress Björk Guðmundsdóttir was born. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the beginnings of her career as an eleven-year-old pop sensation and later with the Sugarcubes.

Nov 18, 2016

Today in 2005 the Hollywood biopic Walk the Line about the life and career of Johnny Cash premiered in the United States.  Mainstream films about country music are rare and it took more than ten years to make this one, find out why on today's "A Day in the Life."

Nov 17, 2016

Today in 1938, Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot was born in Toronto.  He made his debut in 4th grade over the school's PA system and would go on to author the classic song "Early Morning Rain."  What else should you know about Lightfoot?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life." 

Nov 16, 2016

Ray Charles held the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 today in 1960, with a song titled "Georgia On My Mind."  Where does the song come from, why did Charles record this cover, and who else has recorded it?  Find out today on "A Day in the Life."

Nov 15, 2016

It was on this day in 1986 that the rap group the Beastie Boys debuted their first album, "License to Ill".  After playing in punk bands in the burgeoning Downtown Manhattan arts scene of the early 80's members Mike D, Ad Rock and MCA were quickly drawn to this growing style of music coming out of the Bronx called hip hop. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the early career of the Beastie Boys and their association with record producer Rick Rubin.

Nov 14, 2016

It was on this day in 1943 that a young conductor-in-training named Leonard Bernstein took the stage to conduct the New York Philharmonic for the first time.  On today's "A Day in the Life", learn the circumstances that led to Bernstein's unexpected debut and hear it for yourself.

Nov 11, 2016

Author Kurt Vonnegut was born on this day in 1922.  He once remarked "Music is to me, proof of the existence of God."  What genre of music was his favorite?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Nov 10, 2016

Children's television program Sesame Street debuted on PBS on this day in 1969.  Today's "Day in the Life" considers musical Muppets from the past as well as the pop-song inspiration for the Sesame Street theme song.

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