The originator of the Roots ‘N’ Blues series and Grammy winner and nominee Lawrence Cohn discusses his latest work which focuses on the life and times of blues and the musicians that helped the genre become what it is today.

Studs Terkel interviews Lawrence "Bud" Freeman about his career in jazz.

Studs interviews Bud Freeman about his career in Jazz and his book, "Working" as well as his album, "Complete Bud Freeman." Freeman shares stories about his dad and brother during his childhood. He discusses various songs from his album and shares stories about his interactions with other jazz musicians. Studs reads a few passages from Freeman's book. They discuss how Freeman's creative practices and how his music has changed over the years. Musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Lawrence Freeman about his career in jazz. Studs notes that he first interviewed Freeman in 1939 as his first guest on his radio program with WGES. Freeman shares the names and events of influences in his life. He describes his interactions with other jazz musicians throughout his career and shares some stories about his brother, father, and childhood. Studs quotes Mark Miller of the Toronto Globe, music critic, for what he notes about Freeman.

Laurie Anderson discusses her album "Big Science" and talks about he creative process. Talks briefly about her transition from plastic arts to performance artist and her perspective of the world after World War II and her collection of short stories and songs called "United States"

Indian singer and Hindustani classical vocalist Lakshmi Shankar discusses different styles of Hindustani classical music and music theory.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo discuss South African music and South Africa. Songs that have been removed include those from the play "The Son of Jacob Zulu." that was playing at Steppenwolf Theater. Includes a clip of an interview with the Chief of Durban.

Judy Collins discusses how she began writing her own songs; successes in her career; and the fight for abortion rights.

*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Maestro Josef Krips is mostly associated with conducting Mozart operas. He discovered early in his career that conducting Mozart is very difficult, but he believed that Mozart should be enjoyed by everyone, not just the well-to-do in society. He also believed art is an essential part of life that should be experienced by everyone.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Jon Vickers discusses his career, opera music, and opera singers.

As a result of making cabinets, the family business of making pianos started in 1853. John Steinway is a 4th generation piano-maker. Steinway talks about his own apprenticeship and first learning about wood. He feels the pianos are made better today because long ago, only two men made a piano versus a six or eight man crew to perfect the craftmanship today.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Studs and John briefly discuss coal mining in Appalachia, specifically Blackey, Kentucky. Includes an interview with Joe Begley a coal miner from Blackey.

The opening song is a rebroadcast from a previous recording with Studs Terkel. John Prine talks about his family history in Paradise, Kentucky and when he was born and raised in Maywood, Illinois (Chicago Greater Area). Prine is known for humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, as well as serious songs with social commentary, or which recollect melancholy tales from his life. All the songs are played in the studio from his albums "John Prine" and "Diamonds in the Rough"

Discussing African drums, African music, and John Chernoff's book "African Rhythm and African Sensibility" with John Chernoff and Eric Rucker. Includes John Chernoff and Eric Rucker playing the drums. Includes an earlier interview clip of two drummers battling from the island of Silan.