It was on this day in 1962 that the James Bond film, Dr. No, opened in movie theaters across the world. On today's "A Day in the Life", we revisit the first James Bond film and explore its iconic theme song.

On this day in 1989, Secretariat — perhaps the greatest racehorse in history — died at the age of 19. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we remember Secretariat's glory while exploring equine themes in the compositions of Rossini, Berlioz, and Beethoven.

It was on this day in 1970 that American singer Janis Joplin died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27 in Los Angeles, California. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Joplin's life in music and take a listen to the audio birthday card she recorded for John Lennon just three days before her death.

Today in 1936, American composer Steve Reich was born in New York City. He is closely associate with the minimalist school of composition and is known for works that manipulate recorded sounds--or what we might now call "samples." On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" learn more of Reich's utilization of phase shifting techniques in his works.

It was on this day in 1992, during her debut performance on Saturday Night Live, that Sinead O'Connor tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore O'Connor's motives and relive the backlash her actions garnered.

It was on this day in 1983 that Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" reached the top spot on Billboard's Hot 100. On today's "A Day in the Life" find out who songwriter Jim Steinman originally wrote the song for.

Today in 1863 composer Georges Bizet's opera The Pearl Fishers had its debut at the Lyric Theatre in Paris. This precursor to Carmen shows off Bizet's early ability to author memorable music and to depict exotic subjects. How did this opera secure its position in the canon of classical music? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

For several countries around the world, today is National Coffee Day--a day to celebrate the consumption and culture of this caffeinated beverage. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we trace the history of Coffee and its influence on such luminaries as Bach and Strauss.

Today in 1980, rapper Kurtis Blow released his self-titled debut album on the Mercury label--the first rapper to sign a major-label record deal. Today we breakdown his early career, his rise to stardom, and the impact of his music on the trajectory of hip-hip history.

Today in 1829, composer Fanny Mendelssohn wrote her first piece for organ, a prelude in F-major to be played at her wedding just six days later. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we learn about the surprisingly prolific "other Mendelssohn".