In Sweden In 1712, February Had 30 Days
Most years February is 28 days long. Every fourth year it has 29. But one time, in one country, for one year, there was a February 30th.
Keith Jarrett Improvised A Classic Live Jazz Album On A Not-Quite-Right Piano
Today in 1975, one of the best selling jazz albums of all time was recorded - a live concert in Cologne, Germany by pianist Keith Jarrett. And it almost didn't happen at all.
When Johnny Cash Came To Folsom Prison
Today in 1968 Johnny Cash recorded “At Folsom Prison." Today it's arguably his most acclaimed album ever, but it only came about as a last resort.
Washington Phillips, A Legendary Gospel Musician Surrounded By Musical Mysteries
Today in 1880 was the birthday of Washington Phillips, a musician who made some astonishing music in the 1920s, but we know very little about his life and his music - we aren't even completely sure what instrument he played.
The Glass Armonica, A Musical Instrument Invented By Benjamin Franklin
Today in 1706 was, at least by the old calendar, Benjamin Franklin's birthday. Here's the story of how he once invented his own musical instrument, one for which great composers wrote music.
How The Beatles Stitched Two Takes Of “Strawberry Fields Forever” Into A Rock Classic
Today in 1966, the Beatles were trying to make one great take of their new song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and with help from producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick, they ended up making that one great take out of two half takes.
Scott Joplin, The King Of Ragtime, Also Wrote Operas
Today in 1868, at least on paper, Scott Joplin was born, though his actual birth date is probably a different day. He's best known for his groundbreaking ragtime works like "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer," but Joplin also wrote two operas.
The Mountain Goat Airlift Of 2018
Around this time in 2018 humans started removing mountain goats from Olympic National Park in Washington state. But for a range of reasons, they had to do it by putting the goats in harnesses and flying them out with a helicopter.
Fruit Flies Make Up Customized Songs To Impress Potential Mates
Research from 2018 at Princeton University found that male fruit flies use their wings to improvise musical sounds to win the attention of females. I just wish they didn't try to do all of it in my house.
Two Olympians Turned A Silver And A Bronze Into “Medals Of Friendship”
Whenever the Olympic Games take place we see athletes giving their all to win gold and glory - but we also see great examples of competitors who show character and kindness toward each other. Here’s the story of two of those athletes, who ended up winning the only half-silver, half-bronze medals in Olympic history.