It is June Carter Cash’s birthday, born today in 1929. Learn about her musical pedigree and her accomplishments prior to and with eventual husband Johnny Cash on this installment of “A Day in the Life.”
Today in 2009 the Eastman Kodak Company announced the end of the production of its Kodachrome color film stock. What are its musical origins, connections, and inspirations? Find out on this quick episode of "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1973, Brian Eno left the popular UK band Roxy Music. He would eventually go on to be a central and celebrated figure within the experimental rock and ambient music scenes, to say nothing of his work as a producer of albums by the likes of Talking Heads, U2, and Coldplay. Find out why he left and the first song he wrote on this edition of "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1967, Dan Tyminski was born in Rutland, Vermont. This episode of "A Day in the Life" explores this prolific and respected bluegrass musician, including his work with Alison Kraus, the Cohen Brothers, and Electronic Dance Music producer Avicii.
Today in 1965, the first-and-only New York Folk Festival took place in Carnegie Hall. Johnny Cash and June Carter performed. Son House and Muddy Waters reunited for the first time in 20 years. What else emerged from the four-day event? Find out with a quick listen to this episode of "A Day in the Life."
Rapper Tupac Shakur was born on this day in 1971. Today's "A Day in the Life" explores his early influences and rise to stardom, including his original rap name and time with Digital Underground--plus lots of great tracks!
On this day in 1989, grunge band Nirvana released its debut album titled Bleach. Find out how lead singer/songwriter Kurt Cobain was influenced by The Beatles while creating this music for this album on today’s “A Day in the Life.”
Today in 1909, Burl Ives was born in Jasper County, Illinois. Folk singer and actor, he popularized songs such as "The Blue Tail Fly" and "Big Rock Candy Mountain." How might his political views have found their way into a popular holiday television program? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1988, Paula Abdul--then a little-known choreographer and former LA Laker Girl turned pop singer--released her debut album titled Forever Your Girl. Today's "A Day in the Life" explores the hits from this album and why Milli Vanilli was to blame for Abdul only earning four number one singles off of this album.
Today in 2005, Paul Anka was awarded the 'Order of Canada.' What inspired his 1957 hit "Diana"? What song did he write for Buddy Holly? What did he contribute to The Tonight Show? And how many songs has he written? All this and more on today's episode of "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1970 Bruce Springsteen began to record his first album: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. Find out what songs he recorded, who he recorded with, and the critical response to this initial outing today on “A Day in the Life.”
The comedic film Trading Places premiered on this day in 1983. What music accompanied stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd through Prince and the Pauper experiences? Find out today on “A Day in the Life.”
It was on this day in 1958 that the music icon Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, MN. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the life and career of Prince.
Today in 2015, The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) held an open audition call in midtown Manhattan to fill the leading role of Dorothy in their upcoming production of The Wiz Live! On today's "A Day in the Life" learn who won the role of Dorothy and who else rounded out the cast.
On this day in 1949 Pete Seeger performed "If I had a Hammer" for the first time in New York City. Find out the circumstances of its premiere and its eventual cover by Peter, Paul, and Mary on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1970 that American Rapper, Louis Freese, better known by his stage name B Real was born in Los Angeles. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the music of B Real and his group, Cyprus Hill.
One of the best selling female artists of the 1990s was born on this day in 1974: Alanis Morissette. Jagged Little Pills, Irony, and Alt-Rock Stardom all on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1790, the United Sates Congress passed the first copyright act. Under law, maps, charts, and books would be protected for an initial term of 14 years, which could be renewed up to a total of 28 years. Find out all about it on today's "A Day in the Life".
Today in 1956, American trumpeter, singer, dancer, and bandleader Valaida Snow passed away at around the age of fifty. On today's "A Day in the Life", find out why she was known as "Little Louis" and "Queen of the Trumpet".
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."
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."
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.
Today in 1971, at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York, the world said goodbye to American composer, pianist, and bandleader, Duke Ellington. On today's "A Day in the Life" we take a listen to the tunes performed for Ellington's funeral by Ella Fitzgerald, Earl Hines, and more.
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.
Today in 1998 the funeral of Frank Sinatra was held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly Hills, CA. On today's "A Day in the Life", find out who among the who's who was in attendance and learn what music was played at the service.