Peter Gene Hernandez was born on this day in 1985. He would get his start as a performer as "Little Elvis" but would become known to the world as Bruno Mars. His skyrocket to fame is the focus of today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1849 American poet and Edgar Allan Poe died under mysterious circumstances. Destined for Philadelphia, he never arrived—found in Baltimore instead. Was the cause of death suicide, murder, cholera, rabies, syphilis, or influenza? And what does his cat have to do with all of this? Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1871, the Fisk Jubilee Singers began their first tour of the United States, bringing black spiritual music to a broad audience. Why did the group form and how did their performances influence the course of American music? Find out today on "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1938 Sir Henry Wood conducted the world premiere of the Serenade to Music by Ralph Vaughn Williams--a piece of music almost to gorgeous for words. How does this connect to the world-famous BBC Proms? Find out on this episode of "A Day in the Life."

This day in 1951 witnessed the birth of Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, also known as Sting. Today "A Day in the Life" celebrates the early career of Sting and his first album with The Police titled Outlandos d'Amour (1978), which features the perennial favorite, "Roxanne."

Today in 1982 EPCOT center opened in Florida as the first-ever expansion of Walt Disney World. Today on "A Day in the Life": Hear the theme park's original futuristic soundtrack and the ways the music affected guest's experience across a wide range of EPCOT attractions.

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."

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 1964 Arthur "Harpo" Marx passed away at the age of 75. Today's "A Day in the Life" explores how this otherwise silent Marx Brother communicated through music, particularly the harp--an instrument that he played completely by ear.

Today in 1683 Jean-Philippe Rameau was born in Dijon, France. Known primarily for his treatise on music harmony he was also a composer of French opera, sparking a heated cultural debate about contemporary approaches to genre. Find out more on today's "A Day in the Life."