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."
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."
On this day in 1893, the New York Philharmonic debuted the 9th Symphony by composer Antonín Dvořák at Carnegie Hall. Why is it known as the "New World Symphony" and what inspired the Czech composer living in the United States to create it? Find out the answers to these questions and more on today's "A Classical 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.
It was on this day in 1828 that the 6th Symphony of Austrian composer Franz Schubert had its first performance. Not to be confused with Schubert's other C Major symphony, the 9th, in today's "A Classical Day in the Life" find out what makes one "great" and the other "little".
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.
Today in 1907, Belgian composer and sometime confectioner, Norbert Rosseau was born in Ghent. Rosseau was a violin prodigy as a child who transitioned to compositional pursuits following a wound he received while fighting in World War I. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore Rosseau's interest in early electronic music and dodecaphonics.
On this day in 1854, the oratorio L’Enfance du Christ, or the Childhood of Christ, by the French composer Hector Berlioz, had its first performance in Paris. Find out why Berlioz's countrymen liked the fake alter ego he created more than him in today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
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."
It was on this day in 1865 that Finnish composer Jean Sibelius was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" find out what Sibelius' Seventh Symphony has in common with Samuel Barber’s First Symphony and the Doctor Atomic Symphony by John Adams.
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.
When 1875's version of December 4th occurred, Bohemian-Austrian poet Ranier Maria Rilke was born unto this world. Known for works such as Duino Elegies, Letters to a Young Poet, and The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge, he also had something to say about music. Find out which composer Rilke was especially interested in on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
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 1883 that Austrian composer Anton Webern was born. Webern was a member of the so-called Second Viennese School: a group of composers known for their forays into atonality. Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
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."
Today in 1804, at Notre Dame in Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned emperor of the French. Come along with us on a musical voyage of discovery as we visit the likes of Jean Francois Lesueur, Ludwig van Beethoven and, of course, ABBA.
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 1944, the Hungarian composer Béla Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra had its first performance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. How do Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony and an operetta loved by Adolf Hitler figure into Bartok's concerto? Find out on today's "A Classical 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."