American composer William Schuman discusses his career as a composer and music educator at the Juilliard School.

Interviewing jazz musicians Von Freeman (tenor saxophone), Franz Jackson (vocals) and composer Kahil El'zabar.

Studs interview with Virgil Thomson about his career as a music composer. Thomson shares his work with Gertrude Stein in operas "Mother of Us All" and "Four Saints In Three Acts." He discusses his preference for black artists. Thomson describes his work in documentary films such as "Plow That Broke the Plains." He also shares information about the cajun music "Squeeze Box" in the film "Louisiana Story." This edited version does not include the music pieces.

Ursula Oppens and Studs discuss contemporary avant-garde piano. Oppens performs pieces from contemporary composers.

Thomas Wikman discusses Music of the Baroque with Studs Terkel. They also discuss composers, musical talent in Chicago, musical instruments, opera, and the history of Baroque music.

Presenting selections from the Arabesque recording of Dmitrii Shostakovich's composition "Symphony no. 1, op. 10 Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings, op. 35; Three movements from The Age of Gold ballet suite: op.22," with the conductor of the recorded

Presenting Mozart's Birthday program.

Terkel comments and presents 1968 Democratic Convention documentary. He is introduced by William F. Malloch, a composer at the Convention.

Discussing the origins of three schools of contemporary American music, their influence upon each other, and the new directions composers are taking with their music with composer and trombonist Bill Russo.

Studs Terkel and William (Bill) Leonard share memories of the Blue Note Jazz Club as a tribute to Frank Holzfeind. Music is played throughout the episode: "After You've Gone" by the Benny Goodman Sextet, "The Flat Feet Floogie" by Slim and Slam, "How High the Moon" by Sarah Vaughan, "Destination K.C." by Count Basie, "West End Blues" by Louis Armstrong, "Lil' Augie Is A Natural One Man" by Chet Roble, and "Rock Skippin' at the Blue Note", Duke Ellington. Songs have been removed for copyright reasons.

Studs and Einhorn discuss the Chicago premiere of the 1928 silent film "The Passion of Joan of Arc," which is accompanied by Einhorn's "Voices of Light" score. Includes snippets of Franck's "Symphony in D minor" as well as three pieces from the "Voices of Light" score.

Presenting a concert at the Fairmont Hotel with jazz pianist, composer and radio host Ramsey Lewis.

Studs Terkel presents a “musical portrait” of Steve Goodman with the musician joining him in the studio to discuss, listen to, and play songs from his album “Words We Can Dance To.” Goodman begins by performing the blues song “Glory of Love,” and Terkel plays a clip from Big Bill Broonzy’s rendition of the song; Goodman cites Big Bill as one of his many influences. Goodman also plays an old jazz song called “When the Red, Red Robin,” with Terkel connecting that song to his first memories of jazz.

Sol Hurok discusses his work as an impresario, organizing events and bringing artists from around the world to the United States to perform. Studs Terkel plays songs by many of the artists and performers that Hurok has managed during the interview, including Feodor Chaliapin, Nellie Melba, Titta Ruffo, Luisa Tetrazzini, Sviatoslav Richter, Marian Anderson, and Arthur Rubinstein. Music has been removed from this version for copyright reasons.