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.

The dulcimer is not only a musical instrument that John Jacob Niles plays, but he builds them too. Playing some scales, Niles gives a brief demonstration of the dulcimer, Niles explained people often requested he play his love songs. Niles believed love is something that is easily relatable to many people.

Music producer John Hammond and jazz critic for Down Beat magazine John McDonough discuss: Hammond's career; the artists he worked with; the artists he was the first to sign; social reform; and more. The following musical excerpts are played: "7 Come 11"; "Sauce"; "Talking Union"; "Blowing In the Wind"; "Today I Sing The Blues"; and "Live Embers".

Joan Baez speaks with Studs Terkel about role of music and the responsibility of musicians in the specific historical moment of the late '60's.

Folk singer-songwriter and composer Jim Post and musician Randy Sabien discuss their upcoming performance at the Levy Center in Evanston, Illinois. The collaborators discuss their musical backgrounds and their opinions on global warming, religious views, and musical influences.

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

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

The folk singer talks about her career and provides some examples of the folk music traditions of her native Scotland.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Janis Ian discusses her career, life, and her songs. The songs she talks about are "Society's Child", "Janey's Blues", "Honey D'Ya Think", "There Are Times", "Shady Acres", and "Lonely One". Janis Ian also discusses society, race relations, and responsibility. Includes Studs Terkel reading Janis Ian's poem "Poem One". Includes Janis Ian reading her poem.

Studs interview with James Talley, who shares his life story through his music. Talley describes his childhood experiences through the depression and the Dust Bowl Migration. He also shares the various jobs he has had and how that has influenced his music. All musical numbers are removed from this edited version.

Presenting an interview with folksinger, songwriter, and musician Bob Dylan.Includes discussion of some of Dylan's songs from that era in his career - Farewell, A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall, Bob Dylan's Dream, Boots of Spanish Leather, John Brown, and Blowin' in the Wind*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations  

Pete Seeger, Cleofes Vigil, and Nimrod Workman discuss folk music and their upcoming appearance at an anthropology conference.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations