Today in 1866 a 650-ton, iron-hulled ship named the Libelle ran aground on a reef off the coast of Wake Island, an atoll some 2300 miles west of Hawaii, one of the most isolated land masses on the planet. One of the only reasons we even know about the wreck of the Libelle is because among its passengers was English soprano Anna Bishop, perhaps the most travelled vocalist of the 19th century. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we explore the globe-trotting life and career of Anna Bishop.

It was on this day in 1966 that London's "The Evening Standard" published an article titled "How does a Beatle Live? John Lennon Lives Like This". In it, John Lennon is quoted as saying he believes The Beatles are more popular than Jesus. On today's "A Day in the Life," we dive into the fallout that followed.

Today in 1956, Carl Perkins’s recording of “Blue Suede Shoes” entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts. On today's "A Day in the Life," we learn what Johnny Cash has to do with the song and we discover that another song entered the charts on this day in 1956 whose singer would go on to record his own, even more popular, version of "Blue Suede Shoes".

On this day in 1933, Fiorello Henry La Guardia's term as a U.S. Congressman for New York's 20th district came to an end. That end marked a new beginning; later that year, La Guardia won election as mayor of New York — a role in which he served until 1945. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we learn about La Guardia's advocacy for music and we discover which tunes he conducted for the New York Philharmonic.

Today in 1973 jazz bassist Jimmy DeBrest, also known as "Spanky", passed away at the age of 36. Though he wasn't tremendously well-known, he played a foundational role as a sideman in the post-bop era of jazz. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore DeBrest's work alongside Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane.

It was on this day in 1692 that Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba were arrested for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. The arrests heralded the beginning of the famed Salem Witch Trials which, when all was said and done, resulted in the execution of 20 people accused of practicing the devil's magic. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we listen to the 1962 Pulitzer Prize winning opera, "The Crucible" adapted from Arthur Miller's play by American composer Robert Ward.

It was on this day in 1969 that "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone entered its third consecutive week at number one on the US Billboard charts. On today's "A Day in the Life," we talk about the family that made up the band and the band's philosophy of equality and racial solidarity.

Today is Leap Day, it's the extra day we add to the end of February every four years to keep the calendar year synced up with the solar year. On today's "A Day in the Life," we leap into an exploration of the rhymes and rhythms associated with these calendar shenanigans.

It was on this day in 1980 that Gordie Howe, also known as Mr. Hockey, scored his 800th goal in the National Hockey League, becoming the first player ever to reach that rare landmark. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we take a listen to the song that was played to celebrate that goal and more.

Today in 1919, the Grand Canyon officially became a national park. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we travel the path once trod by the Griswold's and Thelma and Louise to one of America's most iconic natural wonders. The soundtrack for our voyage is Ferde Grofe's "Grand Canyon Suite" from 1931.