Critical Karaoke

Today in 1964 Bob Dylan introduced The Beatles to marijuana.  What happened that day and how did it forever influence the course of music history?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1940 Meredith Wilson--better known as the composer of the 1957 musical The Music Man--conducted his second symphony on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay.  How does this musical work pay homage to the Spanish Missions of his home state?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1968, Jimi Hendrix opened up Electric Lady Studios in New York City's Greenwich Village. What musicians played in this space before and after it became Hendrix's personal space for creativity?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life." 

It is the birthday of Gene Simmons, born as Chaim Witz on this day in 1949.  How did he come to be the long-tongued bassist for KISS?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today we celebrate the birthday of Leon Theremin--born on this day in 1894--by exploring his singular contribution to the sound world of the 20th century: The Theremin.  How did this spy influence The Beach Boys? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."    

Lili Boulanger, younger sister of the well-known Nadia, was born on this day in 1893.  The first woman to win the prestigious Rome Prize, Lili Boulanger was on a path to success before her untimely death at the age of 25.  Hear her musical excellence on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1965 Lawrence Parker, better known as the politically active hip-hop artist KRS-One was born Brooklyn New York.  Idris Goodwin details his early years, including the origins of his name on this edition of “A Day in the Life.”

Today is the birthday of former President Bill Clinton.  When did he first become interested in music and when did he first pick up the saxophone?  And how might that saxophone have swayed his 1992 presidential victory? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."  

Today in 1997 Patrick Swayze received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the anniversary of Dirty Dancing.  Learn about the film's music and Swayze's own contributions to the soundtrack on today's "A Day in the Life."

The first commercial disc was made on this day in 1982.  Who was featured on this first recording and what was next for this new technology?  Find out on this episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 2003, 50 million people were affected by a massive failure of the electrical grid.  What type of music is best to listen to during a blackout?  And does such an event cause a rise in the birth rate?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

It is the 150th birthday of soprano Emma Eames, one of the first opera singers to have her voice captured by recording technology.   Hear vintage audio of Eames in her signature roles as well as what she thought of making such recordings on today's "A Day in the Life."

English poet William Blake passed away on this day in 1827.  What was he working on at the time of his death?  And what was his influence on the music of Monty Python and U2?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1973, DJ Kool Herc threw the first ever hip-hop party.  The venue was his sister's high-rise apartment in the Bronx.  What was the price of admission, what music did he play, and what innovative techniques did he introduce? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Isaac Hayes passed away today in 2008.  Today's DITL looks at the wide-reaching impact of his career as a songwriter, performer, producer, and voice-actor.  From "Shaft" to "Soul Man" to Public Enemy and South Park, Hayes was one bad mother--shut your mouth! Subscribe to our podcast and never miss a day!

Why did Ryan Raul Bañagale once consider "Philosophy" by Ben Folds Five to be the greatest song ever?  He explains all in this "Critical Karaoke" performance outtake from CK Episode 4.  

Virtuoso of the "mouth organ," Larry Adler passed away today in 2001.  A master of both popular and classical repertoire, he remains largely unknown.   Find out why on today's "A Day in the Life." Subscribe to our podcast and never miss a day!

Yo! MTV Raps debuted on this day in 1988 in the United States, quickly spreading the music and culture of hip hop to new audiences across the country.  Who was on the first episode?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."  Subscribe to our podcast and never miss a day!

Today in 1957, American Bandstand had its national broadcast debut.  Find out how Dick Clark's dance-oriented program spawned the phrase: "It's got a good beat and you can dance to it" on today's "A Day in the Life." Subscribe to our podcast and never miss a day!

Today in 1944, the Gestapo discovered the family of Otto Frank in Amsterdam, including his daughter Anne.  Find out how The Diary of Anne Frank connects to the band Neutral Milk Hotel and the comedian Stephen Colbert on today's "A Day in the Life." Subscribe to our podcast and never miss a day!