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.
On this day in 1895, Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony had its world premiere in Berlin, with the composer at the podium. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the movements of the work and listen to a rehearsal recording of the piece conducted by Leonard Bernstein where we hear the Maestro, himself, singing snippets of the contralto solo in the fourth movement.
It was on this day, in 1989, in Reading Pennsylvania, that Taylor Alison Swift was born. On today's "A Day in the Life" learn which Canadian singer inspired the young Taylor Swift.
On this day in 1787, Pennsylvania ratified the U.S. Constitution. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the musical contributions of those who call the Keystone state home.
It was on this day in 1901 that an Italian physicist named Guglielmo Marconi succeeded in sending the first radio transmission across the Atlantic. On today's "A Day in the Life" we consider the medium of radio and the songs it has inspired.
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.
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.
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."
Today in 1892, English contralto Clara Butt made her professional debut in London at the Royal Albert Hall. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Butt's career from her debut in Arthur Sullivan’s cantata The Golden Legend to her association with Edward Elgar.
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
On this day in 1913, Karl Haas — one of the most recognizable voices in classical music, was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Haas' contributions to the understanding of music on his long-running radio program "Adventures in Good Music".
It was on this day in 1902 that a twenty year old James Joyce wrote to his parents describing how the famous poet WB Yeats had spent the day making introductions for him around London. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical world of James Joyce.
Today in 1912, actress, singer, dancer, and author, Fuji Ko died in Montreal, Canada. Learn more about the life and career of the Japanese entertainer on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
It was on this day in 1945 that five Avenger Torpedo Bombers and the fourteen airmen piloting them--the collective designation for the mission was Flight 19--disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the music inspired by the mystery of the "Devil's Triangle".
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 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 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."
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 1947 that Gustav Mahler’s monumental Third Symphony had its first performance in England, marking a significant moment in the canonization of Mahler’s works after World War II. Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
It was on this day in 2001 that English singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist of The Beatles, George Harrison died. On today's "A Day in the Life" learn about the rather unconventional audition that John Lennon imposed upon Harrison to become a member of The Beatles.
It was on this day in 1909 that Sergei Rachmaninoff presented the world premiere of his Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, with Walter Damroch leading the Symphony Society of New York as his backing band. How did Rachmaninoff handle the playing of this notoriously difficult piece? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
Today is the day that Donald Trump urged his supporters to go out and vote when speaking at a rally in Panama City, FL on October 11, 2016 - notwithstanding the fact that the election was to be held on the first Tuesday of the month, November 8th. On today's "A Day in the Life" we use Trump's mistake as an excuse to explore mistakes made in popular music.
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."
It was on this day in 1882 that Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera Iolanthe debuted in London and New York. Was it merely a tale of fairy love or was it a political satire? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."