Today in 2009, hip hop artist Kanye West interrupted up-and-coming country singer Taylor Swift--he was gonna let her finish--at VMA MTV awards. Why did West take the mic just as Taylor was getting going? And why was this only the beginning of an ongoing, public rivalry between the two? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life"
It was on this day in 1944, that Barry Eugene Carter, later known as Barry White, was born in Galveston, Texas. On today's "A Day in the Life", learn which Elvis Presley song inspired White to leave a life of petty crime and embrace music.
Today in 1932, the Philharmonia Orchestra of Rio De Janeiro premiered a new work by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos -- Bachianas Brasileiras [number 1]. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", learn how Villa-Lobos struck a sonic balance between the influences of his homeland and those of Europe.
It was on this day in 1956 that Elvis Presley made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. On today's "A Day in the Life", learn why Ed Sullivan didn't introduce Elvis.
The Kennedy Center's concert hall opened in Washington, D.C. on this day in 1971. It featured a multifaceted performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. What music was heard that evening and who was in attendance? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
On this day in 1971, Leonard Bernstein's MASS had its premiere in Washington, D.C., at the brand new Kennedy Center for the performing arts. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the tradition of the musical representation of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church and Bernstein's unique take on the form.
Rap pioneer Keith "Cowboy" Wiggins passed away on this day in 1989. How did he help define standard tropes and techniques we associate with the genre, including the term "hip hop" itself? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 2008 the final curtain went down on Rent--the 10th longest running musical in Broadway history. How and why does the theme of "No day but today" run throughout this Pulitzer Prize winning show? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 2008, Scottish composer Thea Musgrave’s Rainbow had its London premiere. Originally composed for the opening of the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow in 1990, this London performance at the BBC Proms was in honor of Musgrave’s 80th birthday year.
It was on this day in 1997 that Princess Diana was buried. At the service Elton John premiered his reworked version of "Candle in the Wind" in honor of the late Princess. On today's "A Day in the Life" we learn how John re-imagined his tribute to Marilyn Monroe as a fitting elegy to "England's Rose".
It was on this day in 1964 that the song "The House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the song's provenance in the blues.
Today in 1932, Francis Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos had its debut at the International Society for Contemporary Music in Venice. Commissioned and dedicated to the Princess Edmond de Polignac, the piece was written in three months over the course of the summer of 1932. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we break down the movements of the concerto and explore some of its surprising influences.
Today in 1838, Queen Lili‘uokalani -- the last royal leader of the Hawaiian Kingdom -- was born. Queen Lili‘u was part of a highly musical family, and she and three siblings became known as the “Royal Fours.” On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the musical legacy of the queen.
Today in 1901 Theodore Roosevelt spoke the famous line "Speak softly and carry a big stick." How has music spoken of Teddy over the course of time? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1897 at 6am, approximately 100 people gathered onto the first train to travel beneath the city of Boston. This subway line was the first in the United States following the establishment of similar systems in London, Glasgow, and Budapest. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the music inspired by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Today in 1785 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart dedicated a set of string quartets to his musical mentor, Joseph Haydn--father of the string quartet. How did Mozart demonstrate his own mastery of the genre through this set of quartets? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."