Robert Moog's Birthday: "A Day in the Life" for May 23
A Day in the Life
On this day in 1934, American engineer and pioneer of electronic music, Robert Arthur Moog was born in New York City. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the synthesized sound of Moog's creations from the music of the 70's to they're role in reinterpreting the classics of orchestral music.
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Gustav Mahler's Funeral: "A Classical Day in the Life" for May 22
A Day in the Life
It was on this day in 1911 that the Austrian Composer Gustav Mahler was laid to rest Vienna. Though Mahler was a celebrated composer of stylized symphonic funeral music, his funeral was apparently devoid of any music at all. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we survey some of Mahler's notable funereal compositions and pose the question of whether or not Mahler would have had his famous cousin, Beyonce, perform at his funeral had he lived another hundred years or so.
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Fats Domino Cancelled: "A Day in the Life" for May 22
A Day in the Life
Today in 1955, a concert featuring Fats Domino was cancelled because law enforcement feared a riot would break out. Find out what the fuss was all about today on "A Day in the Life."
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Pac-Man Fever: "A Day in the Life" for March 20
A Day in the Life
Today in 1982 the singer-songwriting duo Buckner & Garcia appeared on the television show American Bandstand to perform their hit single “Pac-Man Fever.” On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the musical side of early-80's video game culture.
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Chopin's Birthday: "A Classical Day in the Life" for March 1
A Day in the Life
Today in 1810, composer and pianist Frederic Chopin was born in Warsaw, Poland. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Chopin's career as a composer from his first piano pieces at the age of seven onward to his most notable works.
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Death of Chiquinha Gonzaga: "A Classical Day in the Life" for February 28
A Day in the Life
It was on this day in 1935 that the Brazilian musician Chiquinha Gonzaga died at the age of 87. Gonzaga was a noted song composer and a significant presence in the musical theatre world of Brazil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Gonzaga's musical and political legacy.
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Denver International Airport Opens: "A Day in the Life" for February 28
A Day in the Life
It was on this day in 1995 that Denver International Airport opened. A replacement for the Stapleton Airport, DIA opened sixteen months behind schedule at a cost of 4.8 billion - two billion over budget. On today's "Day in the Life" we explore songs about Denver.
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First and Last Disco Category at The Grammys: "A Day in the Life" for February 27
A Day in the Life
It was on this day in 1980 that The Recording Academy issued the first and last Grammy for Best Disco recording. On today's "A Day in the Life", we put a finger on the pulse of disco in its final days.
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Hammerstein's Cigar Rolling Machine: "A Classical Day in the Life" for February 27
A Day in the Life
On this day in 1883, Oscar Hammerstein I was granted a patent for a cigar rolling machine. The profits from this invention provided him with the resources to realize his true ambition, and in 1889 he entered the entertainment business when he opened the Harlem Opera House. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Hammerstein's contributions to grand opera in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Mahler's Hemorrhage: "A Classical Day in the Life" for February 24
A Day in the Life
It was on this day in 1901 that the composer Gustav Mahler, just over 40 years old, suffered a severe hemorrhage. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the frenetic pace of the day that nearly killed him.
info_outlineToday in 1958, Gibson Guitars shipped its first Flying Vs to the Chicago Musical Instruments headquarters, its parent company and distributor. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the history of the iconic guitar and survey the musical landscape of those musicians who made it famous.