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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!

Nov 9, 2016

The first issue of Rolling Stone was published on this day in 1967 in San Francisco.  Today's "A Day in the Life" explores the musical origins of the publication's title and shares fun facts such as who was on that first cover and how much it cost.

Nov 8, 2016

It was on this day in 1994 that Sonny Bono was elected to Congress as the representative of California's 44th Congressional District.  On today's "A Day in the Life" we search the political landscape around the world for musicians who have been bitten by the bug of politics.

Nov 7, 2016

Today in 1988, the American boy band New Kids on the Block released “You Got it (The Right Stuff)” a song that would finally propel them into the national spotlight. On today's "A Day in the Life" we take a look back at the group's beginnings and that time that Mark Wahlberg left the group and was replaced by a 12-year-old Joey McIntyre.

Nov 4, 2016

Today in 1889 Sigmund Freud published The Interpretation of Dreams--it was a publishing flop.  This episode of "A Day in the Life" explores the music of dreams from Mendelssohn to Belle and Sebastian and questions why Freud was so averse to music in the first place

Nov 3, 2016

Today in 1995 Bob Dylan and Hootie and the Blowfish reached an out-of-court settlement regarding copyright infringement.  But that isn't the end of the story.  Find out about the ongoing and unexpected collisions between Hootie frontman Darius Rucker and Bob Dylan on today's "A Day in the Life."

Nov 2, 2016

It was on this day in 1973 that Billy Joel released the song, "The Piano Man".  On today's "A Day in the Life" you'll learn about the heavy metal band Joel was in prior to this release and much more.

Nov 1, 2016

It was on this day in 1894 that the first issue of Billboard Magazine was published. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the history of the magazine and the ways in which it has chronicled popular music.

Oct 31, 2016

Today is Halloween! On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the history of Halloween and the music associated with the holiday from the Monster Mash to Werewolves of London.

Oct 28, 2016

Today is the birthday of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who found himself in the midst of a musical hoax in 2015.  How much did Gates reportedly offer to pay hip hop artist Young Thug to never again make music?  And how did Young Thug respond?  Find out on today's episode of "A Day in the Life." 

Oct 27, 2016

It was on this day in 2013 that American musician Lou Reed died. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the path that Reed took to become one of the 20th century's most iconic figures in music.

Oct 26, 2016

Today in 1973, jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock released the album Head Hunters, featuring a funky updated version of his song "Watermelon Man."  The tune would go on to be recorded, covered, and sampled by hundreds of future musicians.  Find out more on today's "A Day in the Life."

Oct 25, 2016

It was on this day in 1975 that novelist Zadie Smith was born in London, England. On today's "A Day in the Life" learn how Smith compares the act of reading literature to an amateur pianist playing a piece of unfamiliar music.

Oct 24, 2016

Today in 2006, a sixteen-year-old Taylor Swift released her self-titled, debut album. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the beginnings of the rise of Swift.

Oct 21, 2016

It was on this day in 1992 that the fastest selling coffee table book of all time - "Sex" by Madonna, was published. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the shocking aspects of the book and Madonna's album "Erotica" that was released a day later.

Oct 20, 2016

It was on this day in 1955 that Sam Phillips of Sun Records began negotiations with Colonel Tom Parker to sell the contract of an up and coming singer named Elvis Presley.  On today's "A Day in the Life", we learn the details of the transaction.

Oct 19, 2016

It was on this day in 2015 that citizens of Canada elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, son of former Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau. Today's "A Day in the Life" celebrates the Canadian music used for American and Canadian political campaigns, past and present.  

Oct 18, 2016

On this day in 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System was released in North America. The release featured several games, including Super Mario Brothers, whose soundtrack, by Koji Kondo, remains a landmark in video game music. On today's "A Day in the Life" explore the 8-bit soundscape of the 1980's.

Oct 14, 2016

Whose chopper is this?  Today in 1994 the film Pulp Fiction was released in the United States.  It revived acting careers and musical genres alike, including "surf rock."  Today's "A Day in the Life" features music by The Tornadoes, The Lively Ones, and Dick Dale. 

Oct 13, 2016

Today is the birthday of Margaret Thatcher, born in 1925, who would become the longest serving British Prime Minster of the 20th Century.  Today we explore how this “Iron Lady,” for better or worse, gave her constituents something to sing about, including Pink Floyd, Morrissey, and Elvis Costello.

Oct 12, 2016

What's the Buzz?  Tell me what's happening!  Today in 1971 Jesus Christ Superstar made its debut on the Broadway stage.  Today's "A Day in the Life" introduces the music for this well-known narrative, with just a touch of musicological inquiry into Andrew Lloyd Webber's time signature choices.

Oct 11, 2016

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.

Oct 10, 2016

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. 

Oct 7, 2016

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.”

Oct 6, 2016

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

Oct 5, 2016

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.

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