It was on this day in 1981 at 12:01 AM that MTV played its first music video. The song was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the intersection between music and video.

Today in 1900, Don Redman was born in Piedmont, West Virginia. As a composer, arranger, bandleader, and woodwind player, Redman shaped the sound of jazz as we know it today. Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".

Billy Joel's 10th studio album, The Bridge, debuted on this date in 1986, which features guest appearances by Cyndi 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 1750, Johann Sebastian Bach died in Leipzig, where he spent the last 27 years of his life. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Bach's role as a central figure of the Baroque.

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 1940 a certain rascally rabbit made his official debut. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Bugs Bunny's life in music from Leopold Stokoski to Wagner.

Today in 1984 the film Purple Rain was released in US movie theaters. 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 1788, the state of New York ratified the U.S. Constitution, becoming the 11th state to make its official entrance into the United States of America. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we celebrate New York's contributions to the world of music.

It was on this day in 1943 that the English singer and songwriter Mick Jagger was born. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the beginnings of the Rolling Stones and discover that though time doesn't seem to exert an appreciable force upon the dance moves of the man, it does have a way of transforming the lyrics of some of his songs.

On this day in 1930, the Canadian singer Maureen Forrester was born. A contralto with an arrestingly rich voice, Forrester was one of the 20th century's leading vocalists. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", have a listen to her contributions to opera and the concert stage.