Introduction
The Blues and Gospel were among the most important influences on Studs Terkel’s views of art and society and he was a fierce and joyful champion of the music on his radio show on WFMT (and earlier radio programs he hosted).
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The Blues and Gospel were among the most important influences on Studs Terkel’s views of art and society and he was a fierce and joyful champion of the music on his radio show on WFMT (and earlier radio programs he hosted). Big Bill Broonzy and Mahalia Jackson were among his closest friends and he frequently lept at the chance to feature their music on-air. Living in Chicago, a cradle for both music genres, Terkel hosted many musical giants on his show including Willie Dixon, Thomas Dorsey, John Lee Hooker, Son House, Brownie McGhee, Memphis Slim, Koko Taylor, Sonny Terry, Big Mama Thornton and Josh White as well as discussing the role of the music with scholars, artists and people from other walks of life such as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin and Langston Hughes.
