Critical Karaoke

It was on this day in 1986 that She’s Gotta Have it The first film by Spike Lee was released in theaters. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore Lee's ascendancy in pop culture as a result of the film and the character he played, Mars Blackmon.

Today in 1962, American actress and model Marilyn Monroe passed away from a barbiturate overdose in Los Angeles, California.  Although she was only thirty-six years old at the time of her passing, she had achieved the status of a Hollywood icon due in large part to her highly provocative persona on screen. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music of one of her most iconic films, The Seven Year Itch. 

Today in 1957, American Bandstand had its national broadcast debut.  Find out how Dick Clark's dance-oriented program spawned the phrase: "It's got a good beat and you can dance to it" on today's "A Day in the Life."

On this day in 1730, at age 18 Frederick the crown prince of Prussia and later to be known as Frederick the Great — took a chance at escape to England from Prussia and from the high-handed, tyrannical behavior of his father Frederick William I. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the musical legacy of the King of Prussia.

Today in 1944, the Gestapo discovered the family of Otto Frank in Amsterdam, including his daughter Anne.  Find out how The Diary of Anne Frank connects to the band Neutral Milk Hotel and the comedian Stephen Colbert on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1778, La Scala Opera House opened in Milan, Italy.  This famous venue replaced the Royal Ducal Theatre which had been destroyed by a fire two years earlier. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the luminaries who are most associated with La Scala, from Verdi to Toscanini.

The great American writer Flannery O'Connor passed away on this day in 1964.  Find out how her writings influenced U2, PJ Harvey, and Bruce Springsteen on today's "A Day in the Life." 

Today in 1939, a letter was dated from the physicist Albert Einstein to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Einstein told Roosevelt that physicists had figured out how to make nuclear chain reactions. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music inspired by the nuke.

It was on this day in 1929 that Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin'" was first performed at the premiere of "Connie's Hot Chocolates" in Harlem. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the ascendance of the tune and the several versions recorded in its debut year.

Today in 1969, an opera titled Help, Help, the Globolinks! had its United States premiere at the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico.  In the opera, creatures from another planet - called Globolinks - are invading earth. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we discover the power of music over marauding space invaders.

It was on this day in 1981 at 12:01 AM that MTV played its first music video.  The song was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the intersection between music and video.

Today in 1900, Don Redman was born in Piedmont, West Virginia.  As a composer, arranger, bandleader, and woodwind player, Redman shaped the sound of jazz as we know it today.  Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".

Billy Joel’s 10th studio album, The Bridge, debuted on this date in 1986, which features guest appearances by Cyndi Lauper, Ray Charles, and Steve Winwood.  What do these musicians have to do with the title of the album?  Find out today on “A Day in the Life.”

On this day in 1750, Johann Sebastian Bach died in Leipzig, where he spent the last 27 years of his life.  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Bach's role as a central figure of the Baroque.

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 1940 a certain rascally rabbit made his official debut. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Bugs Bunny's life in music from Leopold Stokoski to Wagner.

Today in 1984 the film Purple Rain was released in US movie theaters.  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 1788, the state of New York ratified the U.S. Constitution, becoming the 11th state to make its official entrance into the United States of America. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we celebrate New York's contributions to the world of music.

It was on this day in 1943 that the English singer and songwriter Mick Jagger was born. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the beginnings of the Rolling Stones and discover that though time doesn't seem to exert an appreciable force upon the dance moves of the man, it does have a way of transforming the lyrics of some of his songs.

On this day in 1930, the Canadian singer Maureen Forrester was born. A contralto with an arrestingly rich voice, Forrester was one of the 20th century's leading vocalists. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", have a listen to her contributions to opera and the concert stage.