It was on this day in 1990 that Stephen Sondheim's musical, "Assassins" debuted off-Broadway. The musical, a sort of murderous carnival game, explores the lives of the men and women who attempted, with varying measures of success, to assassinated the President of the United States. But a ticket and take a ride along with us on today's "Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1976 that novelist Walker Percy sat down to write a letter to Thelma Toole in response to a manuscript she had given him a week prior. The manuscript would become the Pulitzer Prize winning novel "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole. Learn more on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1977, the film, Saturday Night Fever opened in theaters. The movie that made everyone want to dance like John Travolta, except perhaps John Lydon. The soundtrack featured several tunes by the Bee Gees in addition to other staples of the 70's including KC and the Sunshine Band, The Trammps, and Kool and the Gang. Jump back to those tribal rites of old Saturday nights on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1970 that the Venera 7 spacecraft landed on Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another planet. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical side of Venus; from Frankie Avalon to Richard Wagner, and Gustav Holst to Bjork.
On this day in 1979, English punk band, The Clash released their third album. The album and its lead single were titled "London Calling." On today's "A Day in the Life" find out the inspiration for the title and learn more about the social and cultural currents in the music.
Today in 1926, blues singer Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was born. Thornton recorded "Hound Dog" 3 years before Elvis and she wrote "Ball and Chain", which Janis Joplin would make famous at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Thornton's legacy.
It was on this day in 1969 that folk singer James Taylor was in a Los Angeles recording studio creating his second album, Sweet Baby James. Journey with us as we learn more, won't you? For example, which member of the Eagles played on the album? Also, what was the budget to make the album, in US dollars? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 2002, United Airlines filed for bankruptcy. This "A Day in the Life" explores the company's long-standing musical relationship with George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
Today in 1967, Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors, turned 24 years old. The next day he became the first ever rock singer to be arrested on stage. Transport yourself back to that night in New Haven on today's "A Day in the Life."
As FDR declared in 1941, December 7th is a day that will live in infamy. Today's "A Day in the Life" explores some of the musical responses to the attack on Pearl Harbor, including some of its more infamous popular songs.
It was on this day in 1983 that Nena's 99 Luftballons entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On today's "A Day in the Life" discover the origins of the song and what, exactly, is going on with the lyrics.
It was on this day in 1991 that pioneering rock and roll DJ, Alan Freed, posthumously received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Freed has become well-known as a result of his involvement in the Payola Scandal, but on today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the contributions he made to the genre he named.
It was on this day in 1983 that Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video debuted on MTV. Get the play-by-play commentary on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1997 that everyone's favorite saxophonist, Kenny G was officially recognized by the folks at Guinness World Records for doing something notable. But what exactly was it? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1949, Charlie "Bird" Parker recorded the album Charlie Parker With Strings. What jazz standards did he perform and which pre-fame cult figure was also in the studio? Find out on this "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1942 that American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jimi Hendrix was born. On today's "Day in the Life," we explore the devilish connection between Hendrix and such artists David Bowie, Metallica, and even Leonard Bernstein!
'Twas on this day in 1976 that the Sex Pistols' debut single, Anarchy in the UK, was released. Find out why it almost didn't happen on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1984 that Band Aid, a supergroup made up of anyone who was anyone in the early 1980's Brit Pop scene, recorded "Do they Know it's Christmas." Find out who was behind it and why on today's "A Day in the Life."
On this day in 1974, Elton John and John Lennon rehearsed for an upcoming Thanksgiving Day concert at Madison Square Garden. Why did John Lennon agree to do a special appearance at an Elton John show and which Paul McCartney tune did Lennon cover at the end of the concert? All will be revealed on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1936 American novelist and essayist Don DeLillo was born in the Bronx. Hear an excerpt from his novel Great Jones Street, possibly modeled on Bob Dylan, and find out which indie rock band borrowed its name from the novel White Noise on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1990 pop superstar duo Milli Vanilli was stripped of their Grammy Award for Best New Artist. How might their fate have been different had they come along a decade later after the advent of Auto-Tune? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 2005 the Hollywood biopic Walk the Line about the life and career of Johnny Cash premiered in the United States. Mainstream films about country music are rare and it took more than ten years to make this one, find out why on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1558, Queen Elizabeth I ascended the throne of England. Nicknamed Oriana, the queen created a fostering environment for music during her 44-year reign. Who were the leading figures of this so-called Elizabethan era? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1938, Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot was born in Toronto. He made his debut in 4th grade over the school's PA system and would go on to author the classic song "Early Morning Rain." What else should you know about Lightfoot? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Ray Charles held the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 today in 1960, with a song titled "Georgia On My Mind." Where does the song come from, why did Charles record this cover, and who else has recorded it? Find out today on "A Day in the Life."