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".
Today in 1889, the World's Exposition opened in Paris. Famous for bringing the Eiffel Tower into existence, it also had a significant impact on music. Find out how it inspired the compositional output of Claude Debussy on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
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."
Today is May the fourth, the day of the year when aficionados of all things Star Wars lispingly proclaim their continuing dedication to hokey religions and ancient weapons. On Today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the origins of this unlikely holiday.
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.”
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.