Critical Karaoke

The great American writer Flannery O'Connor passed away on this day in 1964.  Find out how her writings influenced U2, PJ Harvey, and Bruce Springsteen on today's "A Day in the Life."  Subscribe to our podcast and never miss a day!

Steven Hayward takes on Vince Guaraldi's arrangement of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones.  This segment originally aired on Episode Two, which is available here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/criticalkaraoke/CK2_Final_Mixdown.mp3 And don't forget to subscribe to our podcast: http://bit.ly/CriticalKaraokePodcast

The Weimar Constitution was approved on this day in 1919. What music thrived in this new democracy and which of these composers relocated to the United States in 1933 following Hitler’s rise to power?  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1932 the Games of the 10th Olympiad convened in Los Angeles, California.  Learn about the long tradition of music and the Olympic Games and the period of time when musical composition also became part of the athletic proceedings on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Billy Joel’s 10th studio album, The Bridge, debuted on this date in 1986, which features guest appearances by Cindi Lauper, Ray Charles, and Steve Winwood.  What do these musicians have to do with the title of the album?  Find out today on “A Day in the Life.”

On this day in 1941, the American playwright Eugene O’Neill presented his wife with the manuscript of Long Day’s Journey into Night.  It would eventually become a successful theatrical production and a film staring Katharine Hepburn.  Hear André Previn’s haunting soundtrack and learn how it contributes to the narrative action today on “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1984 the film Purple Rain was released in US movie theatres.  To what extent is it autobiographical about Prince’s rise to fame in Minneapolis?  What does the title mean?  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”    

On this day in 1849, John Casper Henry Dielman received the first doctor of music degree awarded in the United States of America. Until this 1849 this degree remained the province of European Universities.  So what was special about Henry Dielman?  Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1962 the first live television programming was broadcast across the Atlantic ocean thanks to Telstar 1. Find out what was seen these transatlantic viewers and the effect it had on music here in the United States on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1938, Caterina Jarboro became the first African-American to perform with an all-white opera company in the United States.  Find out the special significance of the role that she played on today's "A Day in the Life."  

Today in 1989 the comedic film UHF, staring "Weird Al" Yankovic, had its premiere in the United States.  Find out Find out what you've been missing if you've never seen this cult classic on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1969, Apollo 11 landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon.  Steve Hayward shares the music their travels inspired and the music that accompanied their epic journey on this episode of "A Day in the Life."

Musical satirist Peter Schickele was born on this day in 1935.  On today’s “A Day in the Life,” Matt Mugmon explores Professor Schickele’s most important discovery: a fantastically funny fictional fellow named P.D.Q. Bach, the last (and oddest) son of J.S. Bach.  

Today in 1941, Desmond Dekker was born in Kingston, Jamaica.  He would become one of the most important ska performers to emerge from that country and provided some of the earliest Afro-Caribbean crossover hits.  Found out more on today's "A Day in the Life." 

Steven Hayward takes a look at the musical life and times of the planet/non-planet Pluto as it comes into new focus for the people of earth for the first time on this day in 2015.

On this day in 1938, George Gershwin's first biographer, Isaac Goldberg, passed away in Boston.  Find out the significance of this writing on our long-term understanding and interpretation of Gershwin's music on today's "A Day in the Life."

Idris Goodwin recounts Run DMC's epic performance at the globally televised Live Aid supter concert, which took place on this day in 1985.

This episode we are talking about summertime.  What is summer all about and how is it represented in music? Ryan Banagale, Idris Goodwin, and Steve Hayward discuss “Dear Summer” by Jay Z, “Heavy Metal Drummer” by Wilco, and “Summertime” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. All that and more—including “Band Name Pop Quiz”—on this month’s episode.

Idris Goodwin on a Global Music Day. Starting today July 10, 2015 all new music will be released globably on the same day. Why? Who? 

Listen to more fun music history and subscribe to our podcast: http://www.CriticalKaraoke.com Today is the birthday of beloved children's entertainer Raffi Cavoukian.  He became (and remains) the soundtrack to millions of young lives.  Find out how on today's "A Day in the Life."