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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!

May 23, 2017

On this day in 1934, American engineer and pioneer of electronic music, Robert  Arthur Moog was born in New York City. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the synthesized sound of Moog's creations from the music of the 70's to they're role in reinterpreting the classics of orchestral music.

May 22, 2017

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."  

Mar 20, 2017

Today in 1982 the singer-songwriting duo Buckner & Garcia appeared on the television show American Bandstand to perform their hit single “Pac-Man Fever.” On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the musical side of early-80's video game culture.

Feb 28, 2017

It was on this day in 1995 that Denver International Airport opened. A replacement for the Stapleton Airport, DIA opened sixteen months behind schedule at a cost of 4.8 billion - two billion over budget. On today's "Day in the Life" we explore songs about Denver.

Feb 28, 2017

It was on this day in 1980 that The Recording Academy issued the first and last Grammy for Best Disco recording. On today's "A Day in the Life", we put a finger on the pulse of disco in its final days.

Feb 21, 2017

Today in 1958, Gibson Guitars shipped its first Flying Vs to the Chicago Musical Instruments headquarters, its parent company and distributor. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the history of the iconic guitar and survey the musical landscape of those musicians who made it famous.

Feb 20, 2017

It was on this day in 1992 that Boyz in the hood director John Singleton was nominated for a Best Director Academy Award. At age 24 he would be the youngest to ever receive such recognition and also the first African American. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the integration of the sounds and stories of rap music into the cinematic landscape.

Feb 13, 2017

It was on this day in 2000 that Lucy and Linus, Snoopy, and, of course, Charlie Brown made their final appearance. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the musical world of the Peanuts.

Feb 7, 2017

Today in 1964, The Beatles landed at JFK Airport which proved an auspicious backdrop for the official start of the so-called “British Invasion". On today's "A Day in the Life", we relive the moment that Beatlemania began in the United States.

Feb 6, 2017

It was on this day in 1945 that international music Superstar Bob Marley was born in Kingston Jamaica. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Marley's rise to international stardom.

Jan 23, 2017

It was on this day in 1914 that George W. Johnson, the first African-American recording star died in New York City.  On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Johnson's career as a recording artist for the Edison Company.

Jan 17, 2017

It was on this day in 1994 that Danny Bonaduce stepped into the ring with Donny Osmond in Chicago, IL for a boxing match.  On today's "A Day in the Life", find out whose trash-talking led to the match and who came out on top.

Jan 16, 2017

Today in 1980, composer, actor, and hip-hop artist, Lin-Manuel Miranda was born in Manhattan, in Washington heights.  On today's "A Day in the Life" we track Manuel's career from his first musical "In the Heights" to the rise of "Hamilton".

Jan 10, 2017

It was on this day in 1839 that the first bulk shipment of tea from India arrived in England. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the role of tea for two music luminaries, Doris Day and Dmitri Shostakovich.

Jan 9, 2017

It was on this day in 1493, while sailing near the Dominican Republic, that Christopher Columbus claimed to have seen three mermaids. On today's "A Day in the Life" we uncover what Columbus actually saw while considering songs inspired by the sea.

Jan 5, 2017

It’s the day after New Year’s Day, a national holiday in Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine and Scotland, where it’s known as the New Year Holiday. As widely observed as it is, the Day after New Years day is unusual for a holiday in that it’s not connected to any national or religious event. It’s just an extra day off at the beginning of year to kick the year off right. On today's "A Day in the Life", we consider the music of the number 2.

Dec 28, 2016

It was on this day in 1974 that Barry Manilow scored his first number one hit with "Mandy." Is the song really about Manilow's dog? Is Mandy any relation to Brandy? On this installment of "A Day in the Life," we get to the bottom of the origin of the song.

Dec 28, 2016

It was on this day in 1904  that Peter Pan--a play by the Scottish writer JM Barrie--premiered at the Duke of York Theater in London. On today's "A Day in the Life", we examine the music inspired by the boy who wouldn't grow up.

Dec 26, 2016

It’s St. Stephen’s Day, the feast of Stephen, the same day when good King Wenceslas looked out and saw the snow laying deep and crisp and even. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the music of St Stephen.

Dec 26, 2016

It was on this day in 1814 that Andrew Jackson led a group of soldiers in the Night Attack of December 23rd, a prelude to the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. Nearly 150 years later, a high school history teacher commemorated the events of the battle in a song that would eventually become a worldwide hit.

Dec 22, 2016

It was on this day in the year 2000 that Joel and Ethan Coen's "O Brother Where Art Thou" opened in theaters across North America. In today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the role that the distinctive soundtrack played in the film.

Dec 21, 2016

Today in 1937, Walt Disney's first feature length film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" premiered at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles. Explore the music and the people behind the music in today's "Day in the Life."

Dec 19, 2016

Today, in 1915, vocalist and actress Édith Giovanna Gassion was born in Belleville, Paris - she would eventually become known to the world as Edith Piaf - or the little sparrow. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the life and career of Edith Piaf through rose colored glasses.

Dec 16, 2016

Today in 1977, the film, Saturday Night Fever opened in theaters. The movie that made everyone want to dance like John Travolta, except perhaps John Lydon. The soundtrack featured several tunes by the Bee Gees in addition to other staples of the 70's including KC and the Sunshine Band, The Trammps, and Kool and the Gang. Jump back to those tribal rites of old Saturday nights on today's "A Day in the Life."

Dec 15, 2016

It was on this day in 1970 that the Venera 7 spacecraft landed on Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another planet. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical side of Venus; from Frankie Avalon to Richard Wagner, and Gustav Holst to Bjork.

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