This program presents the musical group the Flying Burrito Brothers and their album 'The Gilded Palace of Sin'. Studs Terkel interviews two of the band members, Chris Ethridge and Gram Parsons. The following topics discussed are: the artists' backgrounds; their musical perspective; their songwriting; Los Angeles; earthquakes; their early life; their lyrics; life in the south (America); and instrumentation. The following musical excerpts are presented: "Wheels"; "Sin City"; "My Uncle"; "Do You Know How It Feels"; and "Hippie Boy".

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.

Discussing the book "the Black Messiah" with the author Reverend Albert B. Cleage, Jr. He discusses the African American church and theology. He also discusses broader topics such as civil rights and African American history. Includes a clip of an interview with a woman named Mrs. Alexander at the beginning. Includes a clip of the song "Beulah Land" sung by the Georgia Sea Island Singers.

Studs interviews Phyl Garland about her book "Sound of Soul." They discuss the history of music and how black music influenced white music. Studs reads a quote from her book where she quoted Lerone Bennett. Garland also reads from her book a few times. They discuss how music changed over time for blacks from spirituals to slave songs to the blues because it was a reflection of their lives. Garland explains how blacks used music to help them through their trials and frustrations.

Studs Terkel interviews Mary Lou Williams and her manager, Father Peter O'Brien. They discuss music, musicians, and instruments. Some clips of piano music playing at the end.

Studs Terkel interviews gospel vocalist Mahalia Jackson. Jackson discusses the freedom rally that will be taking place at McCormick's Place in Chicago, IL.

The originator of the Roots ‘N’ Blues series and Grammy winner and nominee Lawrence Cohn discusses his latest work which focuses on the life and times of blues and the musicians that helped the genre become what it is today.

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 interviews two of the band members, Chris Ethridge and Gram Parsons. The following topics discussed are: the artists' backgrounds; their musical perspective; their songwriting; Los Angeles; earthquakes; their early life; their lyrics; life in the south (America); and instrumentation. The following musical excerpts have been removed due to copyright restrictions: "Wheels"; "Sin City"; "My Uncle"; "Do You Know How It Feels"; and "Hippie Boy".

Big Bill Broonzy discusses the blues and growing up in Arkansas with parents who were former slaves. He talks about the family dynamic and sings: "Crying Joe Turner", "C.C. Rider", "Make my get away", and " You've got to stand your test in judgement" . Part 1