Sir Geraint Evans discusses opera and his time as a performer. Includes an in-depth discussion of the opera Peter Grimes.

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.

Known for their songs about the working class, both Florence Reece and Pete Seeger talk about how they come about writing the lyrics to songs. Seeger says unbeknownst to them, anyone can write a song. Included within this interview, Seeger plays the banjo and Reece sings a song.

On the eve of Irving Berlin's 101st birthday, both Studs Terkel and Tony Bennett talk about his album, "Bennett/Berlin," which is Bennett's tribute to Irving Berlin. When talking about his 90th album, Bennett explained none of Berlin's songs are dated. When asked about his own career, Bennett explained that he's learned more from his failures than he's learned from his successes.

Simon Estes, bass-baritone opera singer, is in Chicago for four 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. The following songs were removed due to copyright restrictions. "Symphony No.

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

Shel Silverstein discusses his books "Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back" and "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book".. Shel Silverstein discusses his books, children's literature, and cartoonists.

While in town for the Chicago Jazz Festival, Sam Pilafian and Gerhard Meinl discuss the history of the tuba. With demonstrations on the tuba, they play scales and other short pieces. Gerhard Meinl's family business of making instruments like the tuba has been around since 1810, explained Meinl.

Interviewing singer, guitarist, and civil rights activist Josh White and blues singer Sam Gary about their blues and folk music.

Ryland Davies and Margaret Price discuss opera, Welsh art and culture, and their musical upbringings. They discuss various characters and operas they have performed in, including "Don Giovanni" and "Lulu". Music is played throughout the original airing, but has been removed from this recording for copyright reasons.

Studs Terkel and Tcherepnin discuss Tcherepnin's early years in Leningrad, his creative drive and its relation to real-life experiences and the influence of Chicago on his 1953 Op. 87 Suite for Orchestra.

Benny Goodman was one of 12 children and when he was little, his father took him to a synagogue where he learned to play the clarinet. Ross Firestone's book, "Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman" is full of information about the musician. Goodman was a perfectionist, always wanting to better at his craft. According to Firestone, as a band leader, Goodman never thanked any musicians that played for him or with him.

Rosalie Sorrels discusses her career, family, and folk music. Includes Rosalie Sorrels reading her mother's writing. The following songs have been removed due to copyright restrictions: "Traveling Lady", "You Can't Go Home Again", "Her Mantle So Green", "If You Love Me", and "The Long Memory". Cal Hans plays the dobro in the background and makes some comments. Includes performance by pianist Daniel Varsano at the end.

Studs Terkel interviews soprano Rosa Raisa about her career in Opera.

Renowned soprano, Madame Rosa Raisa discusses her career, early training, Chicago debuts, travels, teaching, and hobbies post opera.