Discussing music history and the book "John Hammond on record" with the author John Hammond, Sr.

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

Studs Terkel has a conversation with Easley Blackwood, and Ralph Shapey, composers and Paul Fromm philanthropist and patron of the music arts. They discuss contemporary music, composing music, composers and the passion of creating music.

Cole Porter biographer Robert Kimball talks with Studs about his book "Cole" and his subject's life and work as they listen to classic performances of some of his most beloved songs. They marvel at how Porter perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the times in his lyrics, his lyrical influences, his unique method of outside-in composing lyrics and music simultaneously, Bobby Short's masterful interpretations, controversies over some of his works, and how well his material holds up.

Studs interviews David Diamond who is in Chicago for a concert at Thorn Hall. Diamond reflects on his family background and his exposure to diverse theater and movies of a variety of cultures that influenced his music. He explains his training and how he uses emotion and then structure to create his work. Studs and David discuss McCarthyism and its affect on performers and the personal affect it had in Diamond's life. The musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

David Amram and Steve Goodman, composers and performers of popular music and folk music, discuss writing and creating music together.

Interviewing pianist and songwriter David Frishberg.

Interviewing pianist and songwriter David Frishberg.

Studs interview with Danny Newman, Public Relations Council for the Lyric Opera Company. Newman shares his theatrical opera introductions and discusses a variety of performers and operas for the Lyric Opera Company season.

A self-proclaimed underground artist, Ferron, says she may not sell tons of records but she does have a good following of fans. Ferron says people like her music because they're seeking balance in their lives. She further explains that a lot of her lyrics have to do with understanding our purpose in life.