Coffee Break: Happy Birthday, Beethoven!
by Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala
December 16, 2025

Waaaaay back in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany. The musical genius gave us classical jams that have stood the test of time.
December 16 in Music History: Beethoven's birthdaySongs like “Für Elise”; “Symphony No. 5”, “Ode to Joy”; and “Moonlight Sonata” continue to inspire musicians across genres to this day. It seems only fitting to pay tribute to this inspirational giant by creating a special Beethoven birthday playlist.
So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs inspired by Beethoven would you like to hear?
Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.
Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.
Songs Played
Walter Murphy- A Fifth of Beethoven
Nas- I Can
The Beatles- Because
Chuck Berry- Roll Over Beethoven
Jon Batiste- Fur Elise- Batiste
Bright Eyes- Road to Joy
Ultravox- Vienna
