Werner Burkhardt, German music journalist, critic, and translator, discusses his life and work with Studs. Mr Burkhardt speaks about his life during the time of Adolph Hitler, the Hitler Youth, and World War II. They end the interview talking about Jazz in Munich, a recording of "My Man" by Billie Holiday closes the interview.

Studs Terkel comments on baseball, baseball player Sam Crawford, comedian Spike Milligan, and interviews jazz musician Sonny Rollins. Includes a voice clip of baseball player Sam Crawford.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Benny Goodman was one of 12 children and when he was little, his father took him to a synagogue where he learned to play the clarinet. Ross Firestone's book, "Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman" is full of information about the musician. Goodman was a perfectionist, always wanting to better at his craft. According to Firestone, as a band leader, Goodman never thanked any musicians that played for him or with him.

Terkel comments and reads letters of ex-convict Jimmy Blake

The blues and jazz are topics covered by Ralph Ellison. Ellison himself started to play the trumpet at the age of seven. Ellison said for him, when hearing classical music, he then had to go and find classical literature.

Studs interviews Phyl Garland about her book "Sound of Soul." They discuss the history of music and how black music influenced white music. Studs reads a quote from her book where she quoted Lerone Bennett. Garland also reads from her book a few times. They discuss how music changed over time for blacks from spirituals to slave songs to the blues because it was a reflection of their lives. Garland explains how blacks used music to help them through their trials and frustrations.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. Musical selections have been removed due to copyright.

Includes Lawrence Ferlinghetti reading and discussing his poems from his books "A Coney Island State of Mind" and "Big Table."

Discussing the book "The Freedom Principle: Jazz After 1958" (published by Morrow) with author and jazz historian John Litweiler.

Interview with Dr. Frederick Starr, Gleb Nikitin and Perrin Yang

Interviewing producer, director and screenwriter Jean Bach about her Oscar-nominated documentary "A Great Day in Harlem".