This program presents the musical group the Flying Burrito Brothers and their album 'The Gilded Palace of Sin'. Studs Terkel interviews two of the band members, Chris Ethridge and Gram Parsons. The following topics discussed are: the artists' backgrounds; their musical perspective; their songwriting; Los Angeles; earthquakes; their early life; their lyrics; life in the south (America); and instrumentation. The following musical excerpts are presented: "Wheels"; "Sin City"; "My Uncle"; "Do You Know How It Feels"; and "Hippie Boy".

Interviewing singer and songwriter Kris Kristofferson during his visit to Chicago for a benefit concert.

Musical performance of Sotavento

Program opens with an excerpt of a May 1, 1963, interview with singer and songwriter Bob Dylan.

Terkel presents music with Susannah McCorkle

Terkel comments and presents a musical performance by the Otters

Discussing the music of the Mothers of Invention and interviewing Frank Zappa. Songs include "Who are the Brain Police," "Brown Shoes Don't Make It," "Concentration Moon," "Mom and Dad," "Bow Tie Daddy," "Harry, You're a Beast," "What's the Ugliest Part of Your Body?" "Trouble Every Day," "Very Distraughtening," "White Ugliness" and "There Will Come a Time."

Part 3. Alec Wilder and Harry Bouras discuss Wilder's book "American popular songs", published in 1972.

Part 1. Alec Wilder and Harry Bouras discuss Wilder's book "American popular songs", published in 1972.