Today is the birthday of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who found himself in the midst of a musical hoax in 2015. How much did Gates reportedly offer to pay hip hop artist Young Thug to never again make music? And how did Young Thug respond? Find out on today's episode of "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1925, the Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress witnessed its inaugural concert. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" learn more about the woman who made the venue possible, Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge - a pianist, composer, and ardent promoter of chamber music.

It was on this day in 2013 that American musician Lou Reed died. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the path that Reed took to become one of the 20th century's most iconic figures in music.

Today in 1917, violinist Jascha Heifetz had his Carnegie Hall Debut--he was only 16 years old at the time. What made his playing so dynamically engaging? And what Bing Crosby song did he compose? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1973, jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock released the album Head Hunters, featuring a funky updated version of his song "Watermelon Man." The tune would go on to be recorded, covered, and sampled by hundreds of future musicians. Find out more on today's "A Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 1975 that novelist Zadie Smith was born in London, England. On today's "A Day in the Life" learn how Smith compares the act of reading literature to an amateur pianist playing a piece of unfamiliar music.

Today, in 1969 the Paul Newman and Robert Redford film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was released in the United States. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Burt Bacharach's Academy Award winning soundtrack to the film.

Today in 2006, a sixteen-year-old Taylor Swift released her self-titled, debut album. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the beginnings of the rise of Swift.

It was on this day in 1992 that the fastest selling coffee table book of all time - "Sex" by Madonna, was published. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the shocking aspects of the book and Madonna's album "Erotica" that was released a day later.

Today is the birthday of conductor Georg Solti, born in Hungary in 1912. In addition to his work as a conductor with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, today's Classical Day in the Life explores his work as an accompanist as well as a commissioner of modern music.