Discussing the book "The New Grove Dictionary of American Music". They talk about American music and musicians of all kinds and from different periods. Includes Charles Ive's song "At the River" sung by Cleo Laine in the middle of the program.

Studs Terkel and Billy Taylor discuss the book "Jazz Piano: History and Development". They discuss jazz musicians and the history of jazz music. Includes excerpts of drums, piano, and orchestra playing in the background.

Richard McLanathan discusses his book "The American Tradition in the Arts" and takes Studs on a sprawling journey through artistic breakthroughs in architecture, painting, literature, and more while touching on dozens of artists and their works.

Part 1 of this program begins with Studs Terkel reading an excerpt from the book "Giants of Jazz" , which describes Dizzy Gillespie's early life. Gillespie discusses the following: the state of jazz; his fellow musicians; jazz contributors; jazz fundamentals; and his tours abroad. Gillespie's "Groovin' High" is played towards the end of this part of the program.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. In this program "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" and "Joe Turner No. 2 (Blues of 1892)" by Big Bill Broonzy, "I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins is played, as well as other musical selections.

Presenting "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" Chapter 3: Big Business & A Portrait of Two Women. William Benton credits Pepsodent's survival of the Great Depression to Amos 'n Andy. Arthur Robertson talks about the initial aftermath of the 1929 crash as a Wall Street businessman. Sidney Weinberg discusses the confusion on Wall Street after the crash and praises FDR's programs. Jimmy McPartland talks about the importance of working and the success of WPA to boost morale.

Muhammad Ali discusses his book "The Greatest: My Own Story," touching on topics including his childhood and family, conversion to Islam, stance on the Vietnam War, and experiences in jail. After the conversation with Ali ends, the second half of the program consists of music by Billie Holiday ("God Bless the Child"), Jimmy Rushing ("Going to Chicago"), Nina Simone ("Children Go Where I Send You"), Count Basie, Alan Lomax ("Little John Henry"), Dinah Washington ("Willow Weep For Me"), and Duke Ellington ("East St. Louis Toodle-Oo").

Max Morath discusses his career, jazz music, and history.