Sandra Lieb discusses the book "Mother of the Blues: A Study of Ma Rainey." Includes songs sung by Ma Rainey such as "Runaway Blues," "See See Rider," "Moonshine Blues," and "Oh, Papa Blues." Includes poem "Ma Rainey" by Sterling Brown. Includes "Oh, Daddy," by Ethel Waters. Includes "Young Woman's Blues" by Bessie Smith.

Red Saunders discusses jazz music and jazz musicians.

Studs interviews Jimmy and Marian McPartland. The McPartlands reflect on the people who influenced their music in Jazz. Studs quotes Jimmy McPartland and reads part of a critic's column about Marian in the Chicago Sun Times. Marian shares a little about what it is like to be a female musician in Jazz. Both discuss their past career and their futures. Jimmy reflects on his hard times in the 1920s-1930s. The musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

In a nightclub in Chicago, at two in the morning and after a performance, Louis Armstrong talks about his music stylings. Notes are good to learn the tune, says Armstrong, but it's all about the phrasing. Armstrong explained, it's up to you to express yourself. Armstrong shared the one piece of advice that had always stuck with him. King Oliver told Armstrong not to worry about the notes but rather to put some lead into the song.

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.

Charles Delaunay, jazz expert, and André Réwéliotty, jazz musician, talk about Jazz. Sidney Bechet, mentor of André Réwéliotty, is discussed at length. The two also debate the popularity of classic jazz compared to modern jazz as the genre develops.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor about his performance at the Rick's Cafe at the Holiday Inn in Chicago. They discuss what has influenced Billy Taylor's jazz music. Taylor explains some of his work with various other jazz musicians. This edited version does not include the music recordings.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor about his career in Jazz. Taylor shares stories about other Jazz musicians who influenced him. They discuss the improvisation in Jazz music, drug addiction of musicians, and the work Taylor is doing with the Jazz Mobile. Taylor discusses the different sounds of Jazz and describes the White House Jazz Festival that President Jimmy Carter hosted. This edited version does not include the music that is in the original version.