Critical Karaoke

It was on this day in 1980 that Win Butler, lead vocalist and songwriter for the Montreal-based indie rock band Arcade Fire. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the career of today's birthday boy.

It was on this day in 1985 that "We Are The World" hit #1 on the charts.  Find out the who/why/how today on "A Day In The Life."

On this day in 1964, Sydney Poitier won the Academy Award for best actor— becoming the first African-American to do so. The film was Lilies of the Field, and on today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the musical side of the film.  

Today in 1940, keyboardist and composer extraordinaire, Herbie Hancock, was born in Chicago, Illinois.  On today's "A Day in the Life", we track his career from a child prodigy playing Mozart’s 26th piano concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to his jazz and mainstream success.

It was on this day in 1970 that British blues rock guitarist Peter Green left Fleetwood Mac. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the early days of Fleetwood Mac and Green's contributions to it.

Today in 1909, the Notre Dame marching band played the school’s now-famous “Victory March” for the very first time. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", discover the origins of this iconic and instantly recognizable tune.

Today in 1986, American actor, film director, and musician, Clint Eastwood, was elected Mayor of Carmel, California. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the lesser-known side of Eastwood - his work as a composer and jazz pianist.

It was on this day in 1977 that Doucette's "Mamma Let Him Play" entered the Billboard charts. But which of the many Doucette's was responsible for the song that ultimately won its composer a Juno award for most promising new artist?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life".

Today in 1949, American musician, John Oates was born in New York City. He was responsible for six number one hits with bandmate Daryl Hall.  Find out which Hall & Oates song was the first number one hit to make use of the Roland 78 electric drum machine on today's "A Day in the Life".

It was on this day in 1770 that the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the musical side of the poet.

It was on this day in 1974 that the Swedish pop outfit, ABBA, won the Eurovision song contest--and the world was never the same.  Find out which song helped them capture the hearts of millions on today's "A Day in the Life".

Today in 1971, Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky passed away in New York City at the age of 88. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we survey his career and learn what he did to the national anthem of the United States to cause a bit of a controversy.

It was on this day in 1985 that Japan notified the United States that it would end all commercial whaling by March, 1988 - due, in no small part, to the efforts of GreenPeace. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the ways in which the song of the whale has served as inspiration to earth humans.

Today in 1977, jazz musician and composer Julius Watkins passed away in Short Hills, New Jersey at the age of 55. On today's "A Day in the Life", we have a listen to Watkins' work and talk about the unconventional instrument he chose as a medium for his expression.

It was on this day in 1973 that John Lennon and Yoko Ono held a press conference to announce the formation of the conceptual nation of Nutopia. On today's "A Day in the Life", we let you know how you can become a citizen.

It was on this day in 1825, in Bavaria, that Irene Krapp began what would be the longest bow stroke in history. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the world of competitive bow stroking.

It was on this day in 1969 that Led Zeppelin's first album was released in the United Kingdom. On today's "A Day in the Life" we visit upon the final days of the Yardbirds and the beginnings of Led Zeppelin.

Today in 1928, at the Mogador Theater in Paris, duo-pianists Jean Wiéner and Clémont Doucet undertook a performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the history of the duo-pianists and we learn a little something about "Le Boeuf sur le Toit".

It was on this day in 1978 that Paul Simonon and Topper Headon, two members of the UK punk group, The Clash, were arrested for shooting pigeons with an air rifle from the roof of the group's rehearsal studio. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the incident and the music that may, or may not, have been inspired by the incident.

Today in 1839, German composer and pianist Robert Schumann received a letter informing him that his brother Eduard was deathly ill.  At the time he was at work on a set of piano pieces that he had tentatively titled “Corpse Fantasia.” Under the advice of his wife Clara, he changed the name to Nachtstüke, or “Night Pieces.”  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we illuminate the work, movement by movement.