Critical Karaoke

It was on this day in 1995 that American singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist Nina Simone fired a gun at two teenage boys playing in a pool next door to her house. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the career of Simone.

Today in 1977, "My Aim is True" - the debut album of a singer who called himself Elvis Costello - was released by Stiff Records in London. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the early career of the guy who used to be Declan MacManus.

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 Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1989 the comedic film UHF, staring "Weird Al" Yankovic, had its premiere in the United States.  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 1821 German composer, conductor, pianist, and critic, Carl Maria von Weber finalized his last will and testament. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the influence von Weber had on his contemporaries, including Wagner, Berlioz, and Chopin.

On this day in 1304, Petrarch — the Italian humanist, poet, and all-around VIP — was born. As a noted speaker, historian, classicist, diplomat, jet-setter, friend to royals, and Rome's poet laureate, Petrarch was one of the cultural bigshots 14th century Italy.  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Petrarch's influence in the realm of music.

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."

Today in 1834, the painter Edgar Degas was born in Paris, France.  From an early age he maintained an interest in art, eventually becoming one of the major figures of the so-called impressionist school of painting. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Degas' world of ballet, the movement and costumes of which inspired more than 1500 paintings by the artist.

Today in 1949, American singer, songwriter, actor, and social activist, Harry Belafonte, began his recording contract with Capitol Records.  On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore his early career as an actor alongside Sidney Poitier and his first attempts in the music industry as a folk musician.

Today in 1946 the Catalan cellist, Pablo Casals, published an article titled "Why Franco Must Go."  How did Casals use his musical standing to fight against General Franco's regime?  Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 2015, the planet/non-planet Pluto first came into visual focus for the people of Earth.  In what ways has Pluto exerted a pull on our collective musical imagination?  Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1988, model, actress, vocalist and Warhol superstar, Nico passed away in Ibiza.  This episode of "A Day in the Life" explores her work as a solo artist, with the Velvet Underground, and even with jazz pianist Bill Evans.  

Today in 2010, Pink fell off the stage during a performance in Germany.  This “A Day in the Life” considers this and other artists that have taken spills while rocking out, including Dave Grohl, Madonna, and Iggy Pop.  Buckle your safety belt.

Today in 1938, George Gershwin's first biographer, Isaac Goldberg, passed away in Boston, Massachusetts.  Find out why you should care about Goldberg if you care at all about the music of Gershwin on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1904 arts entrepreneur and critic Lawrence Morton was born in Duluth, Minnesota.  How did he shape the course of ancient and modern music on the west coast of the United States? And what piece of music did Igor Stravinsky dedicate to Morton in 1962?  Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1985, Run DMC performed at rock super concert Live Aid.  How did their epic performance at this globally televised event change the course of hip hop? Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."  All that and Adidas.

Today in 1922, American operatic soprano Maude Fay got married.  Prior to that point in time she had established an international reputation.  What was the effect of her wedding on her performance career?  And what is her legacy today?  Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1979 an event now known as "Disco Demolition Night" took place in Chicago, Illinois.  This episode of "A Day in the Life" explores the deeper roots of this out-of-control event and how such violence continues to resonate today. 

Today in 1922 The Hollywood Bowl opened for business.  Who were the first performers to take the stage?  And what landmark performances and "odd moments" have taken place there over the course of the last century?  Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1946, Spanish composer Manuel De Falla wrote the last completed page of his opera Atlantis, a work that remained unfinished at the time of his death the following November.  What inspired this epic of Spanish history and legend?  And who later completed the work?  Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."