Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Interviewing Derek Bell and Kevin Conneff two members of the Chieftains musical group specializing in Irish folk music.

Studs Terkel comments on folk music entertainers Stever Goodman and John Prine. He discusses a little about their life and names a variety of their song titles. The musical performances have been erased from this edited version of the recording. Includes an excerpt from a previous interview with John Prine who speaks about his grandfather and a song he wrote about him.

Studs interviews Harry Chapin about his music and career. They discuss Chapin’s style of writing songs. Chapin describes some of his songs such as “Cats In the Cradle,” “Sniper,” “WOLD,” and “Mr. Tanner.” He stresses that his songs tell stories and often are influenced by real-life events. For example, “30,000 Bananas Pounds of Bananas” came from a trip he took on a Greyhound bus through Pennsylvania where there was a truck accident.

Studs Terkel interviews Canadian singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Arlo Guthrie discusses his approach to songwriting and how storytelling in song writing has changed. He also talks about what it's like to become known for performing works written by others. Arlo Guthrie's music is played and discussed throughout the interview: "Manzanillo Bay", "Week on the Rag", "Buffalo Skinners", "City of New Orleans", "Darkest Hour", "Massachusetts", and "Last Train to Glory". Music has been removed for copyright reasons.

Studs interviews Bill Crofut about his career. They discuss Crofut’s recording label, “Cousin Jacks” and his album with Benjamin Luxon, “Simple Gifts.” Crofut shares his experiences working with various musicians and describes some of his songs. He reflects on his work with the Natalie Wood film, “Brainstorm.” Crofut sings part of the “Grandfather’s Clock” and an unnamed children’s song. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs Terkel interviews Buffy Sainte-Marie in a two part interview.

Studs engages the former Chicago Symphony Orchestra conductor, Sir Georg Solti, in a wide-ranging conversation about his life and career. From his early studies in Budapest with Béla Bartók, his string of good-luck opportunities before, during, and after World War II, meeting Toscanini in Lucerne, and starting on top conducting in Frankfurt, London, and finally Chicago. He discusses his many German and European musical influences and contemporaries, and stresses the importance of education, arts funding, and hard work.

Paul Angle, director of the Chicago Historical Society, discusses his new book "Crossroads: 1913." Win Stracke, musician, provides a musical review of Angle's book.

Paul Angle discusses his book "Crossroads: 1913," and Win Stracke provides a musical review. The three gentlemen talk in depth about the book with live and recorded music interspersed. Songs include: "Casey Jones - The Union Scab," "Sweet Adeline," "We Shall Overcome," "Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be," and "Immortality" by William Jennings Bryan (1908).

Paul Angle discusses his book "Crossroads: 1913," and Win Stracke provides a musical review. The three gentlemen talk in depth about the book with live and recorded music interspersed. Music: "Water--Oh!, Water For Me" and "The Rosary." "The Voice of Vienna" (a waltz).

Don McLean discusses his career and his music. Don McLean discusses his influences, life experiences, and his songwriting.

Program includes an excerpt of a 1978 interview with songwriter and labor rights activist Florence Reece.