Studs Terkel and John McDonough talk with jazz pianist Teddy Wilson about his influences and career. Wilson was initially strongly influenced by Fats Waller and later came to highly admire Earl Hines. He adapted their clean and clear piano style to his own work. Wilson aspired to be a classical musician but felt he could not attain the performance level required because his time was spent in jazz. He was an original member of the Benny Goodman trio alongside both Goodman and Krupa. He was a part of the first inter racial group to play in public.

Terkel comments and presents musical performance of Gershwin program.

Interviewing Michael Feinstein, American singer, pianist, and music revivalist, about his music and his work cataloging Ira Gershwin’s collection of phonograph records.

Martin Gottfried discusses his book "Broadway Musicals" and the history of the musicals by evaluating the different big name composers, lyricists, and directors of Broadway.

Marilyn Horne and Henry Lewis discuss their careers, opera music, and their operatic roles. They also discuss cross-gender roles in opera and Marilyn Horne's role as Romeo in the opera "Capuleti e i Montecchi" by Vincenzo Bellini. Includes clips of Marilyn Horne singing an opera song at the beginning, an opera song by Gioachino Rossini, and a song from Charles Gounod's opera "Sapho."*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs Terkel and Lincoln Mayorga discuss the evolution of American popular piano music with Mayorga playing examples.

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.

Discussing jazz music with jazz vocalist and cabaret performer Spider Saloff. Spider Saloff discusses George and Ira Gershwin. Songs removed due to copyright.

Studs interviews Bobby Short, an African American composer, vocalist, and pianist. Short describes his performances and interpretations of songs by Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Noel Coward, and George Gershwin. Studs reads a letter written to short from Coward requesting that Short sing his songs. Studs and Bobby discuss composer and singer styles. The musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Barbara Hendricks discusses her career, music education, and opera. Includes a clip of Jennie Tourel's voice.