It was on this day in 1980 that Win Butler, lead vocalist and songwriter for the Montreal-based indie rock band Arcade Fire. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the career of today's birthday boy.
It was on this day in 1985 that "We Are The World" hit #1 on the charts. Find out the who/why/how today on "A Day In The Life."
Today in 1940, keyboardist and composer extraordinaire, Herbie Hancock, was born in Chicago, Illinois. On today's "A Day in the Life", we track his career from a child prodigy playing Mozart’s 26th piano concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to his jazz and mainstream success.
It was on this day in 1970 that British blues rock guitarist Peter Green left Fleetwood Mac. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the early days of Fleetwood Mac and Green's contributions to it.
It was on this day in 1977 that Doucette's "Mamma Let Him Play" entered the Billboard charts. But which of the many Doucette's was responsible for the song that ultimately won its composer a Juno award for most promising new artist? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life".
Today in 1949, American musician, John Oates was born in New York City. He was responsible for six number one hits with bandmate Daryl Hall. Find out which Hall & Oates song was the first number one hit to make use of the Roland 78 electric drum machine on today's "A Day in the Life".
It was on this day in 1974 that the Swedish pop outfit, ABBA, won the Eurovision song contest--and the world was never the same. Find out which song helped them capture the hearts of millions on today's "A Day in the Life".
Today in 1971, Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky passed away in New York City at the age of 88. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we survey his career and learn what he did to the national anthem of the United States to cause a bit of a controversy.
It was on this day in 1985 that Japan notified the United States that it would end all commercial whaling by March, 1988 - due, in no small part, to the efforts of GreenPeace. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the ways in which the song of the whale has served as inspiration to earth humans.
Today in 1977, jazz musician and composer Julius Watkins passed away in Short Hills, New Jersey at the age of 55. On today's "A Day in the Life", we have a listen to Watkins' work and talk about the unconventional instrument he chose as a medium for his expression.
It was on this day in 1969 that Led Zeppelin's first album was released in the United Kingdom. On today's "A Day in the Life" we visit upon the final days of the Yardbirds and the beginnings of Led Zeppelin.
It was on this day in 1943 that English actor, comedian, and singer-songwriter, Eric Idle was born. Idle is most well-known for his work as a member of the British surreal comedy group, Monty Python. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the music of Eric Idle.
Today in 1958, the so-called “Father of the Blues”—W. C. Handy—passed away in New York City at the age of 84. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the music and legacy of Handy, from "St. Louis Blues" to "Muscle Shoals Blues" and beyond.
It was on this day in 1942 that the American singer and musician, Aretha Franklin, was born in Memphis, TN. On today's "A Day in the Life", we follow her career from singing gospel songs in her father's church to becoming an internationally acclaimed superstar.
Today in 1956, Billboard debuted its weekly “Best Selling Popular Albums” chart. On today's "A Day in the Life", we take a look at some fun facts associated with the chart from the The Kingston Trio to the Beatles and even some Paula Abdul.
It was on this day in 1953 that American singer-songwriter Chaka Khan was born in Chicago. On today's "A Day in the Life" we follow the trajectory of Khan's career and explore her association with Stevie Wonder and Prince.
Today in 1948 American jazz critic and historian Gary Giddins was born in Brooklyn, New York. On today's "A Day in the Life", we take a listen to a little-known 1956 composition that Giddins sited as an example of why he is inspired to write about jazz.
It was on this day in 1997 that the post-punk pop trio, Ben Folds Five released their second album, titled "Whatever and Ever Amen". On today's "A Day in the Life" we listen to the hits and track the rise and fall of the band.
It was on this day in 461 that St. Patrick is thought to have died. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the life of the Saint and the music of Shamrock.
It was on this day in 1929 that the piano player Clarence Smith, better known as Pine Top Smith, died in Chicago from a bullet wound. On today's "A Day in the Life", learn more about the influential Boogie Woogie blues pianist.
It was on this day in 1885 that Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera "The Mikado" made its debut at the Savoy Theatre in London. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the genesis of the play, replete with lozenges and a certain "short, sharp, shock."
It was on this day in 1966 that James Brown and the Famous Flames made an appearance on the UK variety show, "Ready, Steady, Go!" On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the history of the program and its first host, Dusty Springfield.
It was on this day in 1972 that #3 and #4 on the Billboard charts were "Heart of Gold" and "Horse with no Name", respectively. Many thought both songs were sung by Neil Young, which wasn't the case. On today's "A Day in the Life", we tease the reality out of the songs and the nationalities of those who sang them.
Today in 1963 the Beatles began their first tour of the UK. Who else was on the bill with the soon-to-be bigger than life band? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1967, the musical You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown opened off-Broadway at Theatre 80 in the East Village. On today's "A Day in the Life", we hear our favorite Peanuts characters come to life in the world of musical theatre.