Part 1 of this program begins with Studs Terkel reading an excerpt from the book "Giants of Jazz" , which describes Dizzy Gillespie's early life. Gillespie discusses the following: the state of jazz; his fellow musicians; jazz contributors; jazz fundamentals; and his tours abroad. Gillespie's "Groovin' High" is played towards the end of this part of the program.

Interviewing jazz composer and pianist Dave Brubeck and conductor Russell Gloyd.

Interviewing jazz pianist and composer Dorothy Donegan.

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

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

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.

Presenting jazz with Bill Leonard and Frank Holzfeind