Critical Karaoke

It was on this day in 1955 that Sam Phillips of Sun Records began negotiations with Colonel Tom Parker to sell the contract of an up and coming singer named Elvis Presley.  On today's "A Day in the Life", we learn the details of the transaction.

Toady in 1955, film composer Thomas Newman was born.  Part of an illustrious family of movie music, his contemplative, continually unfolding music appears in "Scent of a Woman," "American Beauty," "Wall-E" and perhaps most memorably, "The Shawshank Redemption."  Find out more on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1845, the soprano Johanna Wagner debuted the part of Elisabeth in Richard Wagner’s Tannhauser in Dresden. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the successful career of Richard Wagner's niece.

It was on this day in 2015 that citizens of Canada elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, son of former Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau. Today's "A Day in the Life" celebrates the Canadian music used for American and Canadian political campaigns, past and present.  

Today in 1883, American musician Amy Beach made her concert debut in Boston’s Music Hall. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore Beach's career as a composer.

On this day in 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System was released in North America. The release featured several games, including Super Mario Brothers, whose soundtrack, by Koji Kondo, remains a landmark in video game music. On today's "A Day in the Life" explore the 8-bit soundscape of the 1980's.

It was on this day in 1888, that Thomas Edison filed a patent for the Optical Phonograph, later known as the kinetoscope. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Edison's contributions to the art of audio recording.

On this day in 1931, notorious gangster Al Capone was sentenced to prison for tax evasion.  Think you know Al Capone? His musical tastes may surprise you. Learn all about it on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".

On this day in 1911, star soprano Dame Emma Albani gave her farewell concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the career of the transatlantic opera star.

Whose chopper is this?  Today in 1994 the film Pulp Fiction was released in the United States.  It revived acting careers and musical genres alike, including "surf rock."  Today's "A Day in the Life" features music by The Tornadoes, The Lively Ones, and Dick Dale. 

On this day in 1836, Le Postillon de Lonjumeau — the most celebrated opera by the French composer Adolphe Adam — had its world premiere. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we encounter a comically extreme use of a tenor's "high D" and learn of Adam's nearly universally-known Christmas composition.

Today is the birthday of Margaret Thatcher, born in 1925, who would become the longest serving British Prime Minster of the 20th Century.  Today we explore how this “Iron Lady,” for better or worse, gave her constituents something to sing about, including Pink Floyd, Morrissey, and Elvis Costello.

What's the Buzz?  Tell me what's happening!  Today in 1971 Jesus Christ Superstar made its debut on the Broadway stage.  Today's "A Day in the Life" introduces the music for this well-known narrative, with just a touch of musicological inquiry into Andrew Lloyd Webber's time signature choices.

On this date in 1896, the Black Patti Troubadours performed their first show. The all-black vaudeville troupe toured the United States until 1915. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", learn about the the Troubadours' star headline performer, opera singer Sissieretta Jones.

It was on this day in 1988 that American R&B singer-songwriter Bobby Brown released his hit song, "My Prerogative".  On today's "A Day in the Life", we revisit Brown's beginnings in New Edition and explore how the following of his prerogative led to a troubled personal life.

It was on this day in 1917 that pianist, composer, and jazz visionary Thelonious Monk was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. On today's "A Day in the Life" explore Monk's career and his central role in the creation of a style of jazz called bebop. 

Today in 1982, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical Cats opened its Broadway run in the Winter Garden Theater in New York City.  What do Mr. Mistoffelees, The Rum Tum Tugger, and Skimbleshanks, The Railway Cat have to do with T.S. Eliot? Find out on today's installment of "A Classical Day in the Life". You'll love it, it'll be much better than "Cats", you'll want to listen again and again...

Today in 1849 American poet and Edgar Allan Poe died under mysterious circumstances. Destined for Philadelphia, he never arrived - found in Baltimore instead. Was the cause of death suicide, murder, cholera, rabies, syphilis, or influenza? And what does his cat have to do with all of this? Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1871, the Fisk Jubilee Singers began their first tour of the United States, bringing black spiritual music to a broad audience.  Why did the group form and how did their performances influence the course of American music?  Find out today on "A Day in the Life

Today in 1938 Sir Henry Wood conducted the world premiere of the Serenade to Music by Ralph Vaughn Williams--a piece of music almost to gorgeous for words.  How does this connect to the world-famous BBC Proms?  Find out on this episode of "A Day in the Life."