Discussing the book "The New Grove Dictionary of American Music". They talk about American music and musicians of all kinds and from different periods. Includes Charles Ive's song "At the River" sung by Cleo Laine in the middle of the program.

Studs Terkel and Billy Taylor discuss the book "Jazz Piano: History and Development". They discuss jazz musicians and the history of jazz music. Includes excerpts of drums, piano, and orchestra playing in the background.

Studs Terkel shares a special program honoring the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Includes excerpts from Terkel’s 1965 interview with King about King’s dream for civil rights in the United States, influence of his father, the damaging effects of segregation, and the role of love in bringing about social change. The program also includes excerpts from King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech from the Civil Rights March on Washington, and his 1967 Christmas Eve speech at Bethesda Memorial Church in Atlanta.

Ralph Ellison, winner of the National Book Award for Fiction for his book "Invisible Man," discusses his early life and education and his life as a writer and lifetime scholar. He speaks on being a musician (trumpet), the joy of music and the Church and how they fit into the lives of African Americans.

Author Dorothy Gilliam joins Studs Terkel to discuss her biography of singer, actor, social activist and lawyer Paul Robeson. Gilliam chronicles Robeson’s life in “Paul Robeson, All-American,” describing his early years as a football player, and then lawyer, his introduction into theater, and his exposure to other cultures abroad.

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.

Presenting "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" Chapter 1: A Fairy Tale. Montage of young voices that talk about their parents' stories of surviving the Depression. The March: Jimmy Sheridan explains the origins of the Bonus March and what life was like on the rails. The Song: Edgar Yipsel (Yip) Harburg talks about writing "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" while a version by the Weavers plays. Born Losers: Ed Paulsen discusses traveling the country to find work, march riots in San Francisco, and the relief felt as WPA projects and money began to lift burdens.

Presenting "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" Chapter 3: Big Business & A Portrait of Two Women. William Benton credits Pepsodent's survival of the Great Depression to Amos 'n Andy. Arthur Robertson talks about the initial aftermath of the 1929 crash as a Wall Street businessman. Sidney Weinberg discusses the confusion on Wall Street after the crash and praises FDR's programs. Jimmy McPartland talks about the importance of working and the success of WPA to boost morale.

Presenting "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" Chapter 1: A Fairy Tale. Montage of young voices that talk about their parents' stories of surviving the Depression. The March: Jimmy Sheridan explains the origins of the Bonus March and what life was like on the rails. The Song: Edgar Yipsel (Yip) Harburg talks about writing "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" while a version by the Weavers plays. Born Losers: Ed Paulsen discusses traveling the country to find work, march riots in San Francisco, and the relief felt as WPA projects and money began to lift burdens.

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.

Studs presents a tribute to singer, actor, athlete, author and civil rights crusader Paul B. Robeson. Studs talks about his personal memories, the social impact and music of Paul Robeson. Excerpts from 1925362-4-1 Mr Robeson' friends recall memories of him: Earl Dickerson one of the 1 st black aldermen of Chicago, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams football player, Studs Terkel, Claudia Cassidy(1925655-4-1), Eddie Balchowski, Veteran, painter, poet(1934701-3-1) Includes excerpts from 1925362-4-1 and music. Similar to 1925362-3-1, but not identical. 01/23/1976 date of death.

Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers talk with Studs about the forming of the Folk singing group Peter, Paul and Mary and their first year together. They perform their music throughout the interview. Song: "The Shape of Things to Come," Winn, John--ends: 00:08:42 Begins 00:08:50 (recording change).

Max Morath discusses his career, jazz music, and history.

Presenting "Hard Times: an oral history of the great depression": "A gathering of survivors" with Joe Morrison, Evelyn Finn, Jose Iglesias, Bob Stinson, Oscar Heline, Eml & Ruth Loriks, Buddy Blankenship, Mary Owsley, Sally Rand, Jerome Zerbe, John Beeche (promgram XIII)