Today in 1935, the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt was born. Matthew Mugmon explores his early compositional output—which fell afoul of the Soviet authorities— and his later move towards simplicity using a special self-designed compositional system. Find out more on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Today in 1990 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air premiered on NBC. It starred a young Will Smith, but was based on the life story of Benny Medina. Find out how two came together and the role of the IRS in the proceedings on today's "A Day in the Life."

The Kennedy Center's concert hall opened in Washington, D.C. on this day in 1971. It featured a multifaceted performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. What music was heard that evening and who was in attendance? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Rap pioneer Keith "Cowboy" Wiggins passed away on this day in 1989. How did he help define standard tropes and techniques we associate with the genre, including the term "hip hop" itself? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 2008 the final curtain went down on Rent--the 10th longest running musical in Broadway history. How and why does the theme of "No day but today" run throughout this Pulitzer Prize winning show? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

It was today in 1998 that Google became a corporation. Steve Hayward ponders the world of "google music" in the past, present, and future on today's "A Day in the Life."

Pietro Locatelli--the first modern violin virtuoso--was born in 1695. How far did he push the limits of the violin and his own fingers and which subsequent musicians were inspired by his efforts? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1901 Theodore Roosevelt spoke the famous line "Speak softly and carry a big stick." How has music spoken of Teddy over the course of time? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1785 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart dedicated a set of string quartets to his musical mentor, Joseph Haydn--father of the string quartet. How did Mozart demonstrate his own mastery of the genre through this set of quartets? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."

Today in 1987 Michael Jackson's music video for "Bad" premiered on primetime network television. How were Martin Scorsese, Richard Price, and Wesley Snipes involved? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."