On this day in 1941, the American playwright Eugene O’Neill presented his wife with the manuscript of Long Day’s Journey into Night. It would eventually become a successful theatrical production and a film staring Katharine Hepburn. Hear André Previn’s haunting soundtrack and learn how it contributes to the narrative action today on “A Day in the Life.”
Today in 1984 the film Purple Rain was released in US movie theatres. To what extent is it autobiographical about Prince’s rise to fame in Minneapolis? What does the title mean? Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”
On this day in 1849, John Casper Henry Dielman received the first doctor of music degree awarded in the United States of America. Until this 1849 this degree remained the province of European Universities. So what was special about Henry Dielman? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1962 the first live television programming was broadcast across the Atlantic ocean thanks to Telstar 1. Find out what was seen these transatlantic viewers and the effect it had on music here in the United States on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1938, Caterina Jarboro became the first African-American to perform with an all-white opera company in the United States. Find out the special significance of the role that she played on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1989 the comedic film UHF, staring "Weird Al" Yankovic, had its premiere in the United States. Find out Find out what you've been missing if you've never seen this cult classic on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1969, Apollo 11 landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon. Steve Hayward shares the music their travels inspired and the music that accompanied their epic journey on this episode of "A Day in the Life."
Musical satirist Peter Schickele was born on this day in 1935. On today’s “A Day in the Life,” Matt Mugmon explores Professor Schickele’s most important discovery: a fantastically funny fictional fellow named P.D.Q. Bach, the last (and oddest) son of J.S. Bach.
Today in 1941, Desmond Dekker was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He would become one of the most important ska performers to emerge from that country and provided some of the earliest Afro-Caribbean crossover hits. Found out more on today's "A Day in the Life."
Steven Hayward takes a look at the musical life and times of the planet/non-planet Pluto as it comes into new focus for the people of earth for the first time on this day in 2015.
On this day in 1938, George Gershwin's first biographer, Isaac Goldberg, passed away in Boston. Find out the significance of this writing on our long-term understanding and interpretation of Gershwin's music on today's "A Day in the Life."
Idris Goodwin recounts Run DMC's epic performance at the globally televised Live Aid supter concert, which took place on this day in 1985.
This episode we are talking about summertime. What is summer all about and how is it represented in music?
Ryan Banagale, Idris Goodwin, and Steve Hayward discuss “Dear Summer” by Jay Z, “Heavy Metal Drummer” by Wilco, and “Summertime” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.
All that and more—including “Band Name Pop Quiz”—on this month’s episode.
Idris Goodwin on a Global Music Day. Starting today July 10, 2015 all new music will be released globably on the same day. Why? Who?
Matthew Mugmon on the musical world of Italian composer Ottorino Respghi, born on this day in 1879.
Listen to more fun music history and subscribe to our podcast: http://www.CriticalKaraoke.com
Today is the birthday of beloved children's entertainer Raffi Cavoukian. He became (and remains) the soundtrack to millions of young lives. Find out how on today's "A Day in the Life."
Idris Goodwin on the release and stylistic ramifications of Eric B & Rakim's game chaging album Paid In Full.
Today in 1944 one of the most fires in history struck the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey circus in Hartford, CT. Learn how the music of John Phillip Sousa helped reduce causalities.
Ryan Banagale breaks down the musical threads woven through the space time continuium of Robert Zemeckis's game changing sci fi comedy
Matthew Mugman on the premiere and roots of Seblius's Finlandia. Also it's connection to Bruce Willis.
Proud Canadian Steven Hayward celebrates the musical contributions of his countrymen Arcade Fire, Rush, Neil Young and Justin Beiber. Go leafs!
What's the link between arch duke Franz Ferdinand, a race horse of the same name and some scottish rockers? All will be revealed by Steven Hayward on this episode of "A Day in the Life."
On this day in 1911, film composer Bernard Herrman was born. Here Idris Godowin gives us a snapshot of his enormous decade spanning career working with some of the most important names in cinema.
The marriage of Sonny and Cher came to an end on this day in 1975. Find out how they first met and how their relationship influenced their creative output, from the good times to the bad—today on “A Day in the Life” presented by Steven Hayward.
Today in 1996 Jay Z released his first album Reasonable Doubt. Hear his 1989 duet with Jaz-O, his efforts to become a solo act, and why he started his own record label Roc-A-Fella today on “A Day in a Life” offered by Idris Goodwin.