Studs and John briefly discuss coal mining in Appalachia, specifically Blackey, Kentucky. Includes an interview with Joe Begley a coal miner from Blackey.

The opening song is a rebroadcast from a previous recording with Studs Terkel. John Prine talks about his family history in Paradise, Kentucky and when he was born and raised in Maywood, Illinois (Chicago Greater Area). Prine is known for humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, as well as serious songs with social commentary, or which recollect melancholy tales from his life. All the songs are played in the studio from his albums "John Prine" and "Diamonds in the Rough"

Discussing the Regal Theater with actor and theater historian John Keyes.

The American folksinger and archivist joins Studs in the studio to share stories and songs discovered in his youth and through his years of research.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The dulcimer is not only a musical instrument that John Jacob Niles plays, but he builds them too. Playing some scales, Niles gives a brief demonstration of the dulcimer, Niles explained people often requested he play his love songs. Niles believed love is something that is easily relatable to many people.

Presenting music with music producer (impresario) John Hammond. The following topics were discussed: various recordings; his encounters with famous jazz musicians; the first time he met Billie Holiday; the song "Strange Fruit"; improvisation; racial reform; Bessie Smith's death; and uniting rural and urban artists. The following musical excerpts were played and have been removed for copyright reasons: "7 Come 11"; "This Years Kisses"; "Lady Be Good"; "Young Woman's Blues"; "What More Can Jesus Do"; and "Piney Brown Blues".

Music producer John Hammond and jazz critic for Down Beat magazine John McDonough discuss: Hammond's career; the artists he worked with; the artists he was the first to sign; social reform; and more. The following musical excerpts are played: "7 Come 11"; "Sauce"; "Talking Union"; "Blowing In the Wind"; "Today I Sing The Blues"; and "Live Embers".

Interviewing jazz violinist and composer Johnny Frigo.

Interviewing jazz violinist and composer Johnny Frigo.

John Cage discusses his music, life, influences, and career. Rebroadcast of an interview with John Cage to celebrate his life and what would have been soon his 80th birthday. Includes a clip of John Cage reading/ telling a story in 1969 to Studs Terkel.

Considered one of the most influential 20th-century composers, John Cage and musician/composer Peter Gena discuss their upcoming performance at the Rubloff Auditorium. Cage's pieces will be featured at this performance, including Hymnkus.

Studs interviews Joe Venuti, who reflects on his career with various bands and shows. John McDonough cohosts the interview with Studs. Venuti speaks about various instruments he and others use in Jazz. He shares a story of how the depression affected him. Venuti discusses the pranks he pulled on people and other musicians he has worked with. The musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Terkel comments and presents music written by Joe Hill and sung by Chris Farrell