It was on this day in 1965 that Jeffrey Townes, better known as DJ Jazzy Jeff, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On today's "A Day in the Life," we track the career of the other side of the Fresh Prince.

It was on this day in 2010 that Canadian novelist and musician, Paul Quarrington passed away. On today's "A Day in the Life," we dive into the music of Quarrington and his collaborations with Rheostatics and Dan Hill.

It was on this day in 2013 that Barack Obama was sworn in for his 2nd term as President of the United States. On today's "A Day in the Life," we recall the music of the inauguration and the musical preferences of the president himself.

It was on this day in 1943 that American singer-songwriter, Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore Joplin's musical beginnings at the University of Texas and beyond.

Today in 1947, a new radio show took to the airwaves titled, "This is Jazz." On today's "A Day in the Life," we delve into the kind of jazz that the host of "This is Jazz," Rudi Blesh, was jazzed about.

It was on this day in 1981 that the American police drama Hill Street Blues debuted on NBC with its iconic theme song. On today's "A Day in the Life," we take a listen to the TV theme song catalog of the creator of the Hill Street Blues theme, Mike Post.

It was on this day in 1968, that American jazz saxophonist and composer, John Coltrane was to have held a concert at Philharmonic Hall—now known as Avery Fisher Hall—in New York City. Appearing on the bill with Coltrane would have been Yusif Lateef and Babatunde Olatunji. Find out why the concert didn't take place and hear what we think it could have sounded like on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1822, Ludwig van Beethoven began what would become his final piano sonata. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the music and confront the claim that Beethoven invented jazz.

Today in 1981, the American rock and roll outfit, Blondie, released "Rapture." Not only was the song the first to reach number one on the Billboard Chart that featured a rap vocal, it was also the first rap music video ever broadcast on MTV. On today's "A Day in the Life," learn who had cameo appearances in the video and eclectic group of folks who have sampled the song.

It was on this day in 1813 that Spanish jack-of-all-trades Don Francisco de Paula Marín planted the first pineapple on Hawaii. On today's "A Day in the Life," we follow the pineapple's journey and explore the music it has inspired, from Crowded House to Rick Ross.

It was on this day in 1642 that Italian scientist and scholar, Galileo Galilei died. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the space-time vortex that occurred during the second week of May, 1992, wherein Galileo leapt into the musical zeitgeist.

It was on this day in 1966 that the Newlywed Game premiered on ABC. We take a good look at the game show's theme song, its writer, and the young singer that was hoping to have a hit with the song before a bunch of lawyer-types got involved. All of this and more, on today's "A Day in the Life". 

It was on this day in 1993 that jazz trumpeter, band leader and composer John Birks Gillespie passed away at the age of 75. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore his legacy as one of the pioneers of bebop.

It was on this day in 1602 that William Shakespeare's play, "Twelfth Night", was performed, for the first time, before the court at Whitehall Palace, London. On today's "A Day in the Life," we learn where the play got its name and journey past the twelve drummers drumming on our way to hear Feste's song, "The Wind and Rain".

It was on this day in 1984 that Wayne, "The Great One", Gretzky scored an astounding 8 points in a single game. On today's "A Day in the Life," we figured we use this opportunity to explore the role of music in the fastest game on earth.

Today is the first day of the year, which means that, around the stroke of midnight, you likely encountered one of the very few songs associated with celebrating the ringing in of the new year. On today's "A Day in the Life," we trace the origins of "Auld Lang Syne" and try to make sense of its meaning.

Today in 1993, Barbra Streisand stepped onto the stage of a brand new arena in the brand new MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for her first public concert performance in twenty-seven years. On today's "A Day in the Life," dive into the music and find out who of the who's who were in attendance for the historic event.

It was on this day in 1994 that the American jam band, Phish, made its network television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman. Later that night they would take the stage for their first performance at Madison Square Garden, beginning the tradition of their nearly annual New Years shows there. On today's "Day in the Life" we explore the soundscape of Phish and learn the different types of Phish jams.

Today in 1963, the influential American folk music group, The Weavers, gave their farewell concert at Orchestra Hall in Chicago. On today's "A Day in the Life," we learn why Mary Travers of "Peter, Paul, and Mary" credits The Weavers with the very existence of her group and we learn what happens to a group when its two founding members, Pete Seeger and Lee Hays are accused of being Communists.

It was on this day in 1974 that Barry Manilow scored his first number one hit with "Mandy." Is the song really about Manilow's dog? Is Mandy any relation to Brandy? On this installment of "A Day in the Life," we get to the bottom of the origin of the song. 

It was on this day in 1993 that Mr. Blobby, one of the most annoying songs ever recorded, regained the number one spot on the UK charts. On today's "A Day in the Life," hear this musical abomination and learn who perpetrated such awfulness upon the world.

Today in 1955, Santa Claus's annual trek around the globe was first tracked by the Continental Air Defense Command, or CONAD, the predecessor to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD. On today's "A Day in the Life," discover how this annual holiday tradition began and how it continues today.

It was on this day in 1814 that Andrew Jackson led a group of soldiers in the Night Attack of December 23rd, a prelude to the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. Nearly 150 years later, a high school history teacher commemorated the events of the battle in a song that would eventually become a worldwide hit.

It was on this day in the year 2000 that Joel and Ethan Coen's "O Brother Where Art Thou" opened in theaters across North America. In today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the role that the distinctive soundtrack played in the film.

Today in 1937, Walt Disney's first feature length film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" premiered at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles. Explore the music and the people behind the music in today's "Day in the Life."