Critical Karaoke

Today is the birthday of beloved children's entertainer Raffi Cavoukian.  He became (and remains) the soundtrack to millions of young lives. His unlikely path to international stardom (and Simpsons parody) is the subject of this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1987 Eric B & Rakim released their game changing album Paid In Full--often thought of as a watershed moment in the history of rap.  How were they influenced by the likes of John Coltrane and Miles Davis? Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1928 the first loaf of sliced bread was sold.  This brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life" explores the long history of music and bread, from Gregorian Chant to Stephen Sondheim.  We hope you enjoy this musical feast. 

On this day 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. 

Today in 1983 the English-post-punk-goth-rock band Bauhaus held its farewell concert.  How is it connected to the influential art school of its name?  And what were their biggest hits?  Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1898 Clorindy, or The Origin of The Cake Walk had its premiere on Broadway--it was the first musical written and performed by African Americans.  What were its important contributions to the history of music and theatre in the United States?  Have a quick listen to this episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1997 NASA's Pathfinder landed on Mars.  This segment of "A Classical Day in the Life" explores the otherworldly music and Mars as encountered in the movies and the concert hall.

Today in 1927 playwright Neil Simon was born in New York.  Where do the words of this comedic mastermind intersect with music over the course of time?  Listen to this brief segment of "A Day in the Life" to find out! 

Today is Canada Day and we proudly celebrate the musical contributions of our neighbors to the north, including Arcade Fire, Rush, Neil Young, Celine Dion and Justin Bieber.  Go leafs!

Today in 1762, the Bon Family arrived at the Esterházy court in Eisenstadt.  Their musical presence would shape the output of a thirty-year-old Joseph Haydn.  Find out how on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1886, Arturo Toscanini conducted his first opera in Rio de Janeiro. This unstoppable force of the classical music world would go on to be one of the most famous music directors of all time.  What were the roles of Giuseppe Verdi and Samuel Barber in his career? Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."

What's the link between arch duke Franz Ferdinand, a race horse of the same name and some Scottish rockers? All will be revealed on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life.

Toady in 1911, film composer Bernard Herrmann was born in New York City.  His best-known work was with Alfred Hitchcock, including the Psycho shower scene.  What did this famous sequence originally sound like? And who were some of the other Hollywood directors to benefit from his musical talents? Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1905 Pomp and Circumstance--the so-called "graduation march"--was performed for the first time at a commencement ceremony.  Where does its title come from?  And why was it performed on this day at Yale University?  Find out with a quick listen to this episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1969, Neil Diamond released the song "Sweet Caroline."  Its cloudy origins and ongoing life at Fenway Park (Bap, bap, bahhhhh!) are explored on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."  

On this day in 1985, the United States government decommissioned Route 66 — America's main street — after almost 60 years in service connecting Chicago and Los Angeles. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we take in the sonic landscape of Route 66.

Today in 1988 Mike Tyson defeated Michael Spinks in just 91 seconds at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City.  What music accompanied their brief bout?  Take quick listen to this episode of "A Day in the Life."  Bonus points if you can identify the final audio clip.

Today in 1880, “O Canada” was born in Quebec, Canada.  What are its international roots and circumstances of its first performance?  When did it get its English lyrics?  And what does it all have to do with hockey?  All this and more on this installment of “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1943, Harold Spivacke, then Chief of the Music Division at the Library of Congress, wrote a letter to American composer, Samuel Barber about a recent performance of his String Quartet--Opus 11 in B minor.  Find out what the letter contains and hear more about the work itself on this installment of "A Day in the Life."

It is June Carter Cash’s birthday, born today in 1929.  Learn about her musical pedigree and her accomplishments prior to and with eventual husband Johnny Cash on this installment of “A Day in the Life.”