Critical Karaoke

It was on this day in 1983 that Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video debuted on MTV. Get the play-by-play commentary on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1804, at Notre Dame in Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned emperor of the French. Come along with us on a musical voyage of discovery as we visit the likes of Jean Francois Lesueur, Ludwig van Beethoven and, of course, ABBA.

It was on this day in 1997 that everyone's favorite saxophonist, Kenny G was officially recognized by the folks at Guinness World Records for doing something notable. But what exactly was it? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1944, the Hungarian composer Béla Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra had its first performance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. How do Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony and an operetta loved by Adolf Hitler figure into Bartok's concerto? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1949, Charlie "Bird" Parker recorded the album Charlie Parker With Strings.  What jazz standards did he perform and which pre-fame cult figure was also in the studio?  Find out on this "A Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 1942 that American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jimi Hendrix was born. On today's "Day in the Life," we explore the devilish connection between Hendrix and such artists David Bowie, Metallica, and even Leonard Bernstein!

Today in 1915, American piano virtuoso Earl Wild was born.  A renowned interpreter of Rhapsody in Blue, he also pioneered live broadcasting--both on television and online.  Find out more on today's "A Day in the Life."

'Twas on this day in 1976 that the Sex Pistols' debut single, Anarchy in the UK, was released. Find out why it almost didn't happen on today's "A Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 1984 that Band Aid, a supergroup made up of anyone who was anyone in the early 1980's Brit Pop scene, recorded "Do they Know it's Christmas." Find out who was behind it and why on today's "A Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 1882 that Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera Iolanthe debuted in London and New York. Was it merely a tale of fairy love or was it a political satire? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

On this day, in 1960, American bassist and composer, Edgar Meyer was born. His work ranges from bluegrass to jazz and brings forth the often overlooked soloistic capacity of the double bass. What do renowned artists Béla Fleck, Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, and Jerry Douglas have in common? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

On this day in 1974, Elton John and John Lennon rehearsed for an upcoming Thanksgiving Day concert at Madison Square Garden. Why did John Lennon agree to do a special appearance at an Elton John show and which Paul McCartney tune did Lennon cover at the end of the concert? All will be revealed on today's "A Day in the Life."

On this day in 2004, Nova Scotia native and sometime Broken Social Scene member,  Feist released her single, "Mushaboom."  What does the name reference and what are the origins of the word?  Find out all this and more on today's "A Day in the Life."   

Today in 1889 witnessed the premiere of Gustav Mahler's first symphony.  The sonic combination of birdsong, peasant dances, arresting melodies, and distant fanfares set the stage for all future works by this late-Romantic composer.  Today's "A Classical Day in the Life" explores all of this as well as Mahler's unsettling incorporation of Frère Jacques.

Today in 1936 American novelist and essayist Don DeLillo was born in the Bronx.  Hear an excerpt from his novel Great Jones Street, possibly modeled on Bob Dylan, and find out which indie rock band borrowed its name from the novel White Noise on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1990 pop superstar duo Milli Vanilli was stripped of their Grammy Award for Best New Artist.  How might their fate have been different had they come along a decade later after the advent of Auto-Tune?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today's "A Classical Day in the Life" explores the sprawling musical world of author Margaret Atwood, born on this day in 1939.  We journey from high school musicals, to Elvis, to her "Letter to America," to the operatic stage.  

Today in 2005 the Hollywood biopic Walk the Line about the life and career of Johnny Cash premiered in the United States.  Mainstream films about country music are rare and it took more than ten years to make this one, find out why on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1558, Queen Elizabeth I ascended the throne of England.  Nicknamed Oriana, the queen created a fostering environment for music during her 44-year reign.  Who were the leading figures of this so-called Elizabethan era?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1938, Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot was born in Toronto.  He made his debut in 4th grade over the school's PA system and would go on to author the classic song "Early Morning Rain."  What else should you know about Lightfoot?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."