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.

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.