Critical Karaoke

It was on this day in 1965 that Jeffrey Townes, better known as DJ Jazzy Jeff, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On today's "A Day in the Life," we track the career of the other side of the Fresh Prince.

Today in 1988 Christopher Rouse's Symphony No. 1 had its first performance, with David Zinman conducting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we explore Rouse's expressive, at times gut-wrenching and despair-soaked first symphony.

It was on this day in 2010 that Canadian novelist and musician, Paul Quarrington passed away. On today's "A Day in the Life," we dive into the music of Quarrington and his collaborations with Rheostatics and Dan Hill.

Today in 2005, Philip Glass's monumental Symphony No. 7, also known as the "Toltec" symphony premiered. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we explore the inspiration and symbolism of the piece.

It was on this day in 2013 that Barack Obama was sworn in for his 2nd term as President of the United States. On today's "A Day in the Life," we recall the music of the inauguration and the musical preferences of the president himself.

Today in 1609, Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga of Mantua wrote a letter to Italian composer, Claudio Monteverdi, asking him to return to the Duke's employ. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we explore Monteverdi's relationship with his benefactor and the music that resulted from it.

It was on this day in 1943 that American singer-songwriter, Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore Joplin's musical beginnings at the University of Texas and beyond.

Today in 1947, a new radio show took to the airwaves titled, "This is Jazz." On today's "A Day in the Life," we delve into the kind of jazz that the host of "This is Jazz," Rudi Blesh, was jazzed about.

It was on this day in 1981 that the American police drama Hill Street Blues debuted on NBC with its iconic theme song. On today's "A Day in the Life," we take a listen to the TV theme song catalog of the creator of the Hill Street Blues theme, Mike Post.

It was on this day in 1968, that American jazz saxophonist and composer, John Coltrane was to have held a concert at Philharmonic Hall—now known as Avery Fisher Hall—in New York City. Appearing on the bill with Coltrane would have been Yusif Lateef and Babatunde Olatunji. Find out why the concert didn't take place and hear what we think it could have sounded like on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1822, Ludwig van Beethoven began what would become his final piano sonata. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the music and confront the claim that Beethoven invented jazz.

It was on this day in 1928 that the 20th century's most thrilling pianist, Vladimir Horowitz, had his debut performance in America. Learn how his performance was received on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1981, the American rock and roll outfit, Blondie, released "Rapture." Not only was the song the first to reach number one on the Billboard Chart that featured a rap vocal, it was also the first rap music video ever broadcast on MTV. On today's "A Day in the Life," learn who had cameo appearances in the video and eclectic group of folks who have sampled the song.

It was on this day in 1990 that American composer William Bolcom's 5th Symphony had its world premiere with the Philadelphia Orchestra. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we explore Bolcom's influences - from ragtime to Richard Wagner.

It was on this day in 1813 that Spanish jack-of-all-trades Don Francisco de Paula Marín planted the first pineapple on Hawaii. On today's "A Day in the Life," we follow the pineapple's journey and explore the music it has inspired, from Crowded House to Rick Ross.

On this episode of Critical Karaoke we are talking about music that needs to be visually encountered to fully connect with the intended experience of the music itself.  That is, music that you have to see to believe.  Our challenge is to describe these visual aspects and elements--these live moments of performance--in a purely audio realm.  We explore the musical/visual magic of Parliament Funkadelic, Snarky Puppy, and the Theremin to figure out what is really going on behind the sounds...

Today in 1833, the Boston Academy of Music was founded with the goal of training vocal music teachers. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we explore its short but influential existence and its first professor, a man who would become known as the "Father of Public School Music."

It was on this day in 1642 that Italian scientist and scholar, Galileo Galilei died. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the space-time vortex that occurred during the second week of May, 1992, wherein Galileo leapt into the musical zeitgeist.

It was on this day in 1966 that the Newlywed Game premiered on ABC. We take a good look at the game show's theme song, its writer, and the young singer that was hoping to have a hit with the song before a bunch of lawyer-types got involved. All of this and more, on today's "A Day in the Life". 

It was on this day in 1993 that jazz trumpeter, band leader and composer John Birks Gillespie passed away at the age of 75. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore his legacy as one of the pioneers of bebop.