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".

Folk singer Odetta discusses her music; her songs "Another Man Done Gone," "Riding in My Car (Car Song)," "Gallows Pole," "Kaeshite Okure Ima Suguni," "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "Whyn Why" are played throughout the program.

Discussing folk music with folk musician Pete Seeger. Pete Seeger discusses his life and career. Includes songs sung by Pete Seeger, "East Virginia", "Sticking With The Union", "Old Blue", "Jesu, Meine Freude", "We Shall Overcome", "The Draft", "Sailin' Up, Sailin' Down", and "Precious Friend". Included is an instrumental song played by Pete Seeger.

Studs interviews and discusses the history and cultural significance of folk music with Doc Watson. Topics include Watson's personal history and biography, the origins of some of the songs he sings, sacred music.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Mazatl Galindo and Alejandro Galindo discuss traditional and folk music from South and Central America. Includes Chilean folk song "If We Are Americans;" a flute song for the harvest celebration; the song "Jacinto Cenobio;" song ["Winos Poinas"]; a Mexican flute song; the song "La Fiesta De San Benito;" the song "La Pulque;" and the song "El Condor Pasa."

In this interview with Terkel, folk singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie talks about what influences his songwriting and the new definition of folk music. They touch on the shared experience of humanity, the role of the entertainer in society, and the older generation’s contributions to society. Guthrie expresses a desire to create a music “carnival” where performers and audience members both participate together. Guthrie also discusses how he began playing the banjo, and Studs comments on how Arlo has grown as a musician since his father's, Woody Guthrie, death.

Singer Harry Belafonte discusses Black music including spirituals and jazz and how it has contributed to American culture.

Interviewing members of the folk group Bright Morning Star.