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.”
It was on this day in 1863 that the Greek poet Constantine Cavafy was born in Alexandria, Egypt. Coincidentally, it was also on this day in 1933 that he died. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the themes of Cavafy's poetry and a musical piece that British composer John Tavener wrote in tribute to the poet.
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 1720, a violin was purchased for a young woman named Anna Maria. She has no known last name, as Anna Maria was an orphan, residing the entirety of her life at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, Italy. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore Vivaldi's connection to the ospedale and the music he composed for Anna Maria.
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.
Today is “Earth Day”, the international holiday that celebrates our planet. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the origins of the holiday and listen to musical selections apropos of the occasion.
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.
Today in 1949, actress and singer extraordinaire, Patti LuPone was born in Northport, New York. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore LuPone's career from Broadway to television and back to Broadway.
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".
It was on this day in 1746 that Giacomo Casanova was adopted by a nobleman in Venice, Italy. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music during the time in which Casanova lived.
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 1947, Jackie Robinson played his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Find out about the musical response created by Buddy Johnson, today on "A Day in the Life."
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.
Today in 1958, the front page of the Los Angeles Times ran two headlines emblematic of the cold war era anxieties between The Soviet Union and the United States. The first headline dealt with the re-entry of Sputnik 2, the second Soviet satellite launched into orbit, the second reported that a young Texan named Van Cliburn had won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we transport ourselves back to the uncertainty of 1958.
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."
On this day in 1964, Sydney Poitier won the Academy Award for best actor— becoming the first African-American to do so. The film was Lilies of the Field, and on today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the musical side of the film.
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.
Today in 1909, the Notre Dame marching band played the school’s now-famous “Victory March” for the very first time. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", discover the origins of this iconic and instantly recognizable tune.
Today in 1986, American actor, film director, and musician, Clint Eastwood, was elected Mayor of Carmel, California. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the lesser-known side of Eastwood - his work as a composer and jazz pianist.