Critical Karaoke

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

Today on "A 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."

Critical Karaoke Episode 3: Music and Place Original broadcast date: May 8, 2015 Featuring: Digable Planets "Borough Check" from Blowout Comb (1994) Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the Bridge" from Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) The National: "England" from High Violet (2010) Plus: Band name pop quiz, untold musical/historical/cultural tangents, a theory lesson on major 7th chords, and a guest visit from multi-instrumentalist and songsmith, Benjamin Lanz.

Today in 1970 The Beatles released their final studio album, Let it Be, in the United Kingdom.  Today on "A Day in the Life, " learn about the trials and tribulations that led to the eventual creation of this album, which almost never existed.

Today in 1718 the city known now as the "Big Easy" was founded by the French Mississippi Company.  Find out the origins of this famous incubator of music, culture, and food on today's "A Day in the Life."  

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 Day in the Life."

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."

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."   And when you are done: Check out "Critical Karaoke" episode 2.  

Today on "A Day in the Life," we relive the first all hip-hop MTV Unplugged, which premiered on this day in 1991.  The broadcast exposed many musicians to a whole new audience and revived at least one artist's career--a comeback you might say, even if we aren't supposed to call it that.

Today in 1900, the famous train engineer Casey Jones made his final, infamous journey.  Learn how his tragic death became musical inspiration for countless musicians on today's "A Day in the Life."

On this day in 1982, American music journalist and rock critic Lester Bangs submitted his manuscript for a massive book to be titled "Rock Gomorrah."  It was never published.  Find out why on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1990, A Chorus Line closed after a fifteen-year run on Broadway.  It was reality TV before there was such a thing.  Learn more on today's "A Day in the Life."   And when you are done: Listen to episode two of "Critical Karaoke" 

Today is the birthday of Pulitzer Prize winning dramatist August Wilson, whose plays exude music.  Learn about his inspiration and output on today's "A Day in the Life." And when you are done: Listen to episode two of "Critical Karaoke" 

On this day in 1792, Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle was inspired to write "La Marseillaise"--a little ditty that would become the national anthem of France and find its way into a variety of compositions over the course of time.

Today on 1564 William Shakespeare was born, or was he?  Regardless, his music has inspired countless composers over the course of time.  Learn more today on "A Day in the Life."  

On this day in 1978 Bob Marley returned to the stage for the first time in more than a year for the "One Love Peace Concert" held in Kingston, Jamaica.

Today on "A Day in the Life": Dick Clark testifies before congress in 1960 about his involvement in the practice known as "payola."

It's 4/20!  And if you don't know what that means, then man, we aren't going to tell you.  Oh, wait: no.  We will...you, know...  Just listen carefully. 

Today in 1960, rocker Eddie Cochran--the creative force behind songs such as "Summertime Blues"--died in a tragic car crash.  Learn more on todays "A Day in the Life."