Critical Karaoke

It was on this day in 1945 that the English musician, Pete Townshend, was born in London.  On today's "A Day in the Life" we focus on his life and times up until he smashed his very first electric guitar--a moment that changed music history forever

On this day in 715, Gregory the Second became Pope.  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the origins Gregorian Chant and the various Popes Gregory associated with it.

It was on this day in 1978 that The Buddy Holly Story premiered in the united states. The film starred a 33 year old Gary Busey in the title role portraying the legendary bespectacled early rock and roll star from the age 19 to his tragic death at age 22. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore Busey's musical contributions to the film and the world at large.

On this day in 1911, the Austrian composer and conductor, Gustav Mahler, died at the age of 51 of a heart valve infection.  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", find out what you might need to perform his 6th Symphony and his connection to Sigmund Freud.

It was on this day in 1965 that the FBI concluded its investigation on the song, "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the origins of the song and learn of the hysteria caused by what people imagined the lyrics to be.

Today in 1866, French composer and pianist, Erik Alfred Leslie Satie, was born in Honfleur, France. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the most enduring work of one of the central composers of the new minimalist style emerging out of Paris at the end of the 19th Century.

Today in 1929, the first awards ceremony for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—also known now as the “Oscars”—took place in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California.  On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the history of recorded sound and music in film.

Today in 1922, actor Bernice Frankel was born in New York City.  She would become best known in the 1970s as television star Bea Arthur, playing the title role in sitcom Maude and would go on to play Dorothy Zbornak in the 1980s staple The Golden Girls.  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the musical side of the beloved actor.

It is Stevie Wonder's Birthday!  Learn about his early life and career today on "A Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 1972 that the English rock band, The Rolling Stones, released a sprawling double album called "Exile on Main Street". On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the inspiration for the album and we learn who called it the first grunge album ever recorded.

Today on "A Classical Day in the Life": Find out who commissioned baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi to write 100 concerti on this day in 1716 and how such work relates to his life and musical output. 

Today in 1888, Irving Berlin was born in a small town in Siberia.  He would go on to be one of the most celebrated American songwriters of all time.  Learn why on today's "A Day in the Life.

It was on this day in 2010 that Jose Feliciano performed his unique rendition of the US National Anthem at the Detroit Tigers' Comerica Park in remembrance of legendary Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell and of the first, controversial time Feliciano sang the anthem in Tiger Stadium during the 1968 playoffs. On today's "A Day in the Life", we revisit the controversy of 1968 and briefly consider other iconic performances of The Star Spangled Banner.

This day in 1662 saw the first documented performance featuring the comic puppet Punch. Punch came to Covent Garden in London that day as Pulcinella, courtesy of an Italian puppeteer and as a stock character from the Italian comedy tradition. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we envelop ourselves in the darkness of Punch while exploring the 20th century musical connections.

It was on this day in 1985 that the video for "Sussudio" by the English singer-songwriter, Phil Collins, entered heavy rotation on MTV. On Today's "A Day in the Life", we uncover the origins of "Sussudio" and explore its relationship to Prince's "1999" and its connection to Bret Easton Ellis' "American Psycho".

Today in 1889, the World's Exposition opened in Paris.  Famous for bringing the Eiffel Tower into existence, it also had a significant impact on music.  Find out how it inspired the compositional output of Claude Debussy on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 2002 that the songwriter Otis Blackwell died in Nashville, TN. You may have never heard of him, but the songs he wrote for artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others, absolutely defined what early rock and roll sounded like. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Blackwell's immense contribution to the genre.

On this day in 1891, the famous Carnegie Hall opened in New York City.  Find out which equally famous conductors and performers made appearances their during the initial years of operation on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today is May the fourth, the day of the year when aficionados of all things Star Wars lispingly proclaim their continuing dedication to hokey religions and ancient weapons. On Today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the origins of this unlikely holiday.

On this date in 1970, members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of Kent State University students.  Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young immortalized the event in "Ohio." But, what is the connection to the new-wave band Devo?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."