Bob Koester, record producer and owner of Delmark Records, the United State's oldest independent jazz and blues label, talks about jazz, blues, and bebop musicians.

Blind John Davis, Chicago blues pianist, discusses his time playing in Germany and at the Blue Note jazz club, chitlin' parties, growing up on the West side of Chicago. He also recalls meeting and working with musicians like Tampa Red and Big Bill Broonzy. Music has been removed from this recording for copyright reasons.

Studs Terkel interviews Birgit Nilsson about her role Leonore in Fidelio at the Lyric Opera. This is an inverview done in two parts.

Studs Terkel interviews Birgit Nilsson during her time playing Leonore in Fidelio.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor (Jazz pianist and commentator for Jazz Alive radio program), who discusses the creativity of jazz musicians, the Jazz Mobile, and relationships between musicians. Taylor also mentions a large variety of Jazz musician influences. Studs plays various pieces of Jazz from a diverse pool of musicians. Taylor provides details about the Jazz Mobile's traveling show and education of Jazz music. There are no music recordings in this edited version.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor about his performance at the Rick's Cafe at the Holiday Inn in Chicago. They discuss what has influenced Billy Taylor's jazz music. Taylor explains some of his work with various other jazz musicians. This edited version does not include the music recordings.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor about his career in Jazz. Taylor shares stories about other Jazz musicians who influenced him. They discuss the improvisation in Jazz music, drug addiction of musicians, and the work Taylor is doing with the Jazz Mobile. Taylor discusses the different sounds of Jazz and describes the White House Jazz Festival that President Jimmy Carter hosted. This edited version does not include the music that is in the original version.

Bill Russo talks about the commedia dell'arte production being staged at the Center for New Music at Columbia College Chicago. The production includes two pieces, "Pedrolino's Revenge" and "Isabella's Fortune".

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.

Big Bill Broonzy discusses the blues and growing up in Arkansas with parents who were former slaves. He talks about the family dynamic and sings: "Willie Mae", "Crawdad song", "Going down this road feeling bad" and "John Henry".

Big Bill Broonzy discusses the blues and growing up in Arkansas with parents who were former slaves. He talks about the family dynamic and sings: "Crying Joe Turner", "C.C. Rider", "Make my get away", and " You've got to stand your test in judgement" . Part 1

Big Bill Broonzy discusses the blues with Studs. Big Bill talks about getting ready for a European tour, his young life, and his life as a musician. The following performances have been removed for copyright reasons: "Ride Alberta, ride," "Going Down the road feeling bad," "House rent stomp," "The glory of love," "Plow hand," "I feel so good," and "Make my getaway."

Scientists, women, birth control, religion and ethics are among the topics covered in Bernard Asbell's book, "The Pill: A Biography of the Drug that Changed the World"

Barrett Deems discusses his upbringing where he began drumming at age 4 and recalls touring with Louis Armstrong and other musicians. He also talks about meeting drummers in Africa. Music is played throughout: "Flip"- Joe Venuti, "Shine"- Barrett Deems Hottet, "Now You Has Jazz"- Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong (from "High Society"), "Muskrat Ramble"- Louis Armstrong, "Struttin' with Some Barbecue"- Louis Armstrong, "Slipped Disc"- Benny Goodman, "Stompin' at the Savoy"- Louis Armstrong. Music has been removed from this recording for copyright reasons.

Barbara Hendricks discusses her career, music education, and opera. Includes a clip of Jennie Tourel's voice.