Studs interviews blues singers Willie Dixon, Sunnyland Slim, and Willie Mae Big Mama Thornton about the blues. They discuss the blues festival in Chicago for which they are all in town for and name other musicians who will be performing. Sunnyland Slim talks about being on the road and the hard times. Thornton describes the blues as music made from life experiences.

Interviewing ragtime pianist-composer Eubie Blake, Bill Bolcolm and Bob Kimball. They discuss the musical "Shuffle Along." Songs include "Gee I'm Glad I'm From Dixie," "Dream Rag," "Brittwood Rag," "He May Be Your Man," "Brass Knuckles," and "Memories of You."

Part 3. Alec Wilder and Harry Bouras discuss Wilder's book "American popular songs", published in 1972.

Part 2. Alec Wilder and Harry Bouras discuss Wilder's book "American popular songs", published in 1972.

Part 1. Alec Wilder and Harry Bouras discuss Wilder's book "American popular songs", published in 1972.

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 and Billy Taylor discuss the book "Jazz Piano: History and Development". They discuss jazz musicians and the history of jazz music. Includes excerpts of drums, piano, and orchestra playing in the background.