Studs Terkel presents a program in honor of the birthday of abolitionist and African American leader Frederick Douglass, including excepts from Terkel's 1964 interview with African-American scholar, author and social historian Lerone Bennett. Terkel reads at length from Douglass' autobiography, "My Bondage and My Freedom," focusing on Douglass' interactions with slave owners Hugh and Sophia Auld.

A discussion with sociologist and anthropologist St. Clair Drake at the time of his receiving an honorary award from Roosevelt University on the themes of his convocation address. A fascinating deep-dive into race relations from the Revolution to the Bicentennial, touching on the contradictions, crises and struggles that led to Black institutions and liberation. Studs plays several excerpts from previous programs with St.

The interview begins with an excerpt of Simon Estes singing part of "Lord Nelson Mass: Gloria," Haydn, directed by Leonard Bernstein. Simon Estes, bass baritone opera singer, is in Chicago for 4 performances of George Fredric Handel's Oratorio "Saul." He talks with Studs about growing up, his education and his career in classical music and opera. At the closing of the interview, Studs plays three movements from "Symphony No.

Studs presents a tribute to singer, actor, athlete, author and civil rights crusader Paul B. Robeson. Studs talks about his personal memories, the social impact and music of Paul Robeson. Excerpts from 1925362-4-1 Mr Robeson' friends recall memories of him: Earl Dickerson one of the 1 st black aldermen of Chicago, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams football player, Studs Terkel, Claudia Cassidy(1925655-4-1), Eddie Balchowski, Veteran, painter, poet(1934701-3-1) Includes excerpts from 1925362-4-1 and music. Similar to 1925362-3-1, but not identical. 01/23/1976 date of death.

Discussing the book "Race, rock and religion: profiles from a southern journalist" with the journalist-author Frye Galliard.

Discussing the book "Manchild in the Promised Land" with Claude Brown. Brown also discusses growing up in Harlem, New York as an African American man. Includes a clip of a man speaking from the county jail. Includes a song sung by Mahalia Jackson. Includes a clip of children singing.

Poet Maya Angelou and journalist Tom Wicker discuss life in the U.S. South and how the region’s history has shaped its culture. Topics of discussion include social dynamics and race in the South, the concept of “home” and what it means to return to one’s roots, and religion in the South. Angelou reads excerpts of her poetry, including “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman,” and shares spiritual songs from her childhood.

Discussing the music of the Mothers of Invention and interviewing Frank Zappa. Songs include "Who are the Brain Police," "Brown Shoes Don't Make It," "Concentration Moon," "Mom and Dad," "Bow Tie Daddy," "Harry, You're a Beast," "What's the Ugliest Part of Your Body?" "Trouble Every Day," "Very Distraughtening," "White Ugliness" and "There Will Come a Time."

Recorded live on Chicago's South Side. Robeson is ill at the time of recording. Speakers: Earl Dickerson, Etta Moten Barnett, Judge Sidney Jones, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams, Joan Brown (possibly Abena Joan Brown), Charles Hamilton, Margaret Burroughs, [John Gray's sister], [Stevens?]

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.

Cole Porter biographer Robert Kimball talks with Studs about his book "Cole" and his subject's life and work as they listen to classic performances of some of his most beloved songs. They marvel at how Porter perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the times in his lyrics, his lyrical influences, his unique method of outside-in composing lyrics and music simultaneously, Bobby Short's masterful interpretations, controversies over some of his works, and how well his material holds up.

Discussing folk music with folk musician Pete Seeger. Pete Seeger discusses his life and career. Includes songs sung by Pete Seeger, "East Virginia", "Sticking With The Union", "Old Blue", "Jesu, Meine Freude", "We Shall Overcome", "The Draft", "Sailin' Up, Sailin' Down", and "Precious Friend". Included is an instrumental song played by Pete Seeger.

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").