On this day in 1994, the Second Symphony of American composer Stephen Albert had its world premiere - almost two years after Albert’s death in a car accident on Cape Cod, at age 51. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music of Albert and learn how his unfinished Second Symphony came to life following his untimely death.
Children's television program Sesame Street debuted on PBS on this day in 1969. Today's "Day in the Life" considers musical Muppets from the past as well as the pop-song inspiration for the Sesame Street theme song.
Today in 1901, the second piano concerto by Russian pianist, conductor, and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff had its premiere. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Rachmaninoff's career and triumph over depression.
The first issue of Rolling Stone was published on this day in 1967 in San Francisco. Today's "A Day in the Life" explores the musical origins of the publication's title and shares fun facts such as who was on that first cover and how much it cost.
It was on this day in 1994 that Sonny Bono was elected to Congress as the representative of California's 44th Congressional District. On today's "A Day in the Life" we search the political landscape around the world for musicians who have been bitten by the bug of politics.
On this day in 1602, Oxford University’s Bodleian Library opened. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" join us as we explore the library's music collection.
On this date in 1943, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm were in the midst of a week-long engagement at the Paradise Theater in Detroit. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the history of all-female jazz bands during World War II.
Today in 1988, the American boy band New Kids on the Block released “You Got it (The Right Stuff)” a song that would finally propel them into the national spotlight. On today's "A Day in the Life" we take a look back at the group's beginnings and that time that Mark Wahlberg left the group and was replaced by a 12-year-old Joey McIntyre.
Today in 1889 Sigmund Freud published The Interpretation of Dreams--it was a publishing flop. This episode of "A Day in the Life" explores the music of dreams from Mendelssohn to Belle and Sebastian and questions why Freud was so averse to music in the first place
On this day in 1973, the space probe Mariner 10 was launched, sent on its way to the planets Venus and Mercury. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we consider the ways in which Mercury has been dealt with in the musical sphere.
Today in 1995 Bob Dylan and Hootie and the Blowfish reached an out-of-court settlement regarding copyright infringement. But that isn't the end of the story. Find out about the ongoing and unexpected collisions between Hootie frontman Darius Rucker and Bob Dylan on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1973 that Billy Joel released the song, "The Piano Man". On today's "A Day in the Life" you'll learn about the heavy metal band Joel was in prior to this release and much more.
Although not in the same year, Warren G. Harding was both born and elected president of the United States on this day. His surprising life in music and the surprising music inspired by his life are the subject of today's "A Day in the Life."
On this day in 1800, President John Adams moved into the newly-built White House in Washington, DC. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the occasion through the lens of Leonard Bernstein's 1976 musical, "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue".
It was on this day in 1894 that the first issue of Billboard Magazine was published. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the history of the magazine and the ways in which it has chronicled popular music.