Critical Karaoke

Today in 1883, Theodore Thomas conducted his orchestra in the opening concert of the San Francisco Festival. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we take a look at the life and career of the most famous conductor in the United States during the 19th Century.

It was on this day in 1958 that the music icon Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, MN. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the life and career of Prince.

Today in 2015, The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) held an open audition call in midtown Manhattan to fill the leading role of Dorothy in their upcoming production of The Wiz Live! On today's "A Day in the Life" learn who won the role of Dorothy and who else rounded out the cast.

It was on this day in 1888 that the outlook wasn't too brilliant for the Mudville 9, as Ernest Lawrence Thayer's poem "Casey at the Bat" first appeared in the San Francisco Examiner. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we look at musical works that were inspired by the tale.

On this day in 1949 Pete Seeger performed "If I had a Hammer" for the first time in New York City.  Find out the circumstances of its premiere and its eventual cover by Peter, Paul, and Mary on today's "A Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 1897 that the American writer Mark Twain didn't die. As Twain was quoted in the New York Journal "The report of my death was an exaggeration". On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore music inspired by Twain's works.

It was on this day in 1970 that American Rapper, Louis Freese, better known by his stage name B Real was born in Los Angeles. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the music of B Real and his group, Cyprus Hill.

One of the best selling female artists of the 1990s was born on this day in 1974: Alanis Morissette.  Jagged Little Pills, Irony, and Alt-Rock Stardom all on today's "A Day in the Life." 

On this day in 1600, English Renaissance composer, lutenist and singer John Dowland dedicated his "Second Booke of Songs or Airs" to Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we learn that Dowland was the Elizabethan version of Elliot Smith, what with all the melancholia and what have you.

Today in 1790, the United Sates Congress passed the first copyright act.  Under law, maps, charts, and books would be protected for an initial term of 14 years, which could be renewed up to a total of 28 years. Find out all about it on today's "A Day in the Life".

Today in 1956, American trumpeter, singer, dancer, and bandleader Valaida Snow passed away at around the age of fifty. On today's "A Day in the Life", find out why she was known as "Little Louis" and "Queen of the Trumpet".

On this day in 1907, the environmentalist and writer Rachel Carson was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore musical works inspired by the conservation and environmental movement.

Today in 2011, bluesologist Gil Scott-Heron passed away in New York City. Learn about his recording "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and other aspects of this interesting and influential jazz poet, musician, and author on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 2008, film and television composer Earle Hagen passed away in Rancho Mirage, California at the age of 88.  Although his name may not be immediately familiar, his theme songs are. Find out which iconic tunes he composed on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".

Known as the "Singing Brakeman," Jimmie Rodgers changed the course of country music during his brief professional career.  His "Blue Yodels" are perhaps some of his best-known works.  Learn more on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1977, George Lucas's sci-fi film Star Wars made its cinematic debut.  Would it have been as successful without the help of composer John Williams?  Have a listen to today's "A Day in the Life" and decide for yourself.

Today in 1971, at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York, the world said goodbye to American composer, pianist, and bandleader, Duke Ellington. On today's "A Day in the Life" we take a listen to the tunes performed for Ellington's funeral by Ella Fitzgerald, Earl Hines, and more.

On this day in 1934, American engineer and pioneer of electronic music, Robert  Arthur Moog was born in New York City. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the synthesized sound of Moog's creations from the music of the 70's to they're role in reinterpreting the classics of orchestral music.

Today in 1998 the funeral of Frank Sinatra was held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly Hills, CA. On today's "A Day in the Life", find out who among the who's who was in attendance and learn what music was played at the service.

On this day in 1896, composer and pianist Clara Schumann (née Clara Josephine Wieck) passed away.  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", find out how she changed the course of concert recitals and contributed to the musical life of the romantic era--all while raising eight children and caring for her husband, Robert.