It was on this day in 1945 that the English musician, Pete Townshend, was born in London. On today's "A Day in the Life" we focus on his life and times up until he smashed his very first electric guitar--a moment that changed music history forever
It was on this day in 1978 that The Buddy Holly Story premiered in the united states. The film starred a 33 year old Gary Busey in the title role portraying the legendary bespectacled early rock and roll star from the age 19 to his tragic death at age 22. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore Busey's musical contributions to the film and the world at large.
It was on this day in 1965 that the FBI concluded its investigation on the song, "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the origins of the song and learn of the hysteria caused by what people imagined the lyrics to be.
Today in 1929, the first awards ceremony for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—also known now as the “Oscars”—took place in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the history of recorded sound and music in film.
It is Stevie Wonder's Birthday! Learn about his early life and career today on "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1972 that the English rock band, The Rolling Stones, released a sprawling double album called "Exile on Main Street". On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the inspiration for the album and we learn who called it the first grunge album ever recorded.
Today in 1888, Irving Berlin was born in a small town in Siberia. He would go on to be one of the most celebrated American songwriters of all time. Learn why on today's "A Day in the Life.
It was on this day in 2010 that Jose Feliciano performed his unique rendition of the US National Anthem at the Detroit Tigers' Comerica Park in remembrance of legendary Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell and of the first, controversial time Feliciano sang the anthem in Tiger Stadium during the 1968 playoffs. On today's "A Day in the Life", we revisit the controversy of 1968 and briefly consider other iconic performances of The Star Spangled Banner.
It was on this day in 1985 that the video for "Sussudio" by the English singer-songwriter, Phil Collins, entered heavy rotation on MTV. On Today's "A Day in the Life", we uncover the origins of "Sussudio" and explore its relationship to Prince's "1999" and its connection to Bret Easton Ellis' "American Psycho".
It was on this day in 2002 that the songwriter Otis Blackwell died in Nashville, TN. You may have never heard of him, but the songs he wrote for artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others, absolutely defined what early rock and roll sounded like. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Blackwell's immense contribution to the genre.
On this day in 1891, the famous Carnegie Hall opened in New York City. Find out which equally famous conductors and performers made appearances their during the initial years of operation on today's "A Day in the Life."
On this date in 1970, members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of Kent State University students. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young immortalized the event in "Ohio." But, what is the connection to the new-wave band Devo? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1960, a musical titled The Fantasticks opened off-Broadway at the SullivanStreet Playhouse, a small 153-seat theatre in New York City’s SouthVillage. On today's "A Day in the Life", we revisit thelong-running musical.
It was on this day in 1998 that the film "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" made its debut in theaters across the United States. On today's "A Day in the Life", find out which Burt Bacharach song inspired the comedian and actor Mike Myers to write the film.
On this day in 1982, American music journalist and rock critic Lester Bangs submitted his manuscript for a massive book to be titled “Rock Gomorrah.” It was never published. Find out why on today’s “A Day in the Life.”
Today in 1990, A Chorus Line closed after a fifteen-year run on Broadway. It was reality TV before there was such a thing. Learn more on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today is the birthday of Pulitzer Prize winning dramatist August Wilson, whose plays exude music. Learn about his inspiration and output on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1910, Japanese film producer and creator of the Godzilla franchise was born in Osaka, Japan. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore that which inspired Tanaka to create Godzilla as well as the iconic music that accompanies the monster's destructive exploits.
Today in 1917, jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Virginia. On today's "A Day in the Life" we delve into the early career of one of America's most iconic singers.
On this day in 1978 Bob Marley returned to the stage for the first time
in more than a year for the "One Love Peace Concert" held in Kingston, Jamaica. On
today's "A Day in the Life", we revisit the concert and explore its political
ramifications.
It was on this day in 1960 that American Bandstand host, Dick Clark, testified before congress regarding his involvement in the practice known as "payola". Learn all about it on today's "A Day in the Life".
Today is 4/20, and if you don't know what that means, then man, we aren't going to tell you. Oh, wait: no. We will...you, know... Just listen carefully to today's "A Day in the Life".
Today in 1938, composer, music director, and orchestrator Jonathan Tunick was born in New York City. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the works of the prolific member of the EGOT club.
It was on this day in a year somewhere between 1385 and 1394, that Geoffrey Chaucer's pilgrims set out on their journey to Canterbury Cathedral. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the presence of music in the Canterbury Tales.
Today in 1960, three hundred mostly African American college students from across the South met at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina to establish the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. On "A Day in the Life," guest contributor Kristen Turner explores some of the Freedom Songs that shaped the Civil Rights Movement.