Dempsey Travis, author and jazz historian, recalls his memories meeting Jazz artists of the 1920-1940s. Some artists discussed include Jimmie Lunceford, Sy Oliver, Duke Ellington, Chick Webb, Chu Berry, Andy Kirk and others. Travis also discusses his father and his own time playing Jazz.

Dempsey Travis, real estate entrepreneur and civil rights activist turned historian and author, recalls his earlier days meeting and listening to many of the African American jazz artists. Some of the musicans mentioned are Louis Armstrong, Jimmie Lunceford, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, Art Tatum, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, and Benny Goodman.

Studs interviews Dale Clevenger about his music with the Chicago Symphony and his jazz group, Ears, playing at Orphans in Chicago. They discuss the improvisation of Jazz and Bach. Clevenger mentions various Jazz musicians and their style. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs Terkel speaks with Charles Mingus about his life and work in the context of his autobiography "Beneath The Underdog".

Brick Top discusses her career, her colleagues, and the jazz scene.

Bradley Parker Sparrow discusses his musical influences and growing up as a self taught jazz musician and composer. He also discusses the rigidity of the classical music world and how he likes to improvise with that music. His songs from the album "Latin Black" are played: "Latin Black Funk", "Latin Black Agagio", "Bur-wiser", and "Looking for Duke". "Reflections in D" by Duke Ellington and "Cleopatra's Dream" by Bud Powell are also played. Songs have been removed on this file for copyright reasons.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor (Jazz pianist and commentator for Jazz Alive radio program), who discusses the creativity of jazz musicians, the Jazz Mobile, and relationships between musicians. Taylor also mentions a large variety of Jazz musician influences. Studs plays various pieces of Jazz from a diverse pool of musicians. Taylor provides details about the Jazz Mobile's traveling show and education of Jazz music. There are no music recordings in this edited version.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor about his performance at the Rick's Cafe at the Holiday Inn in Chicago. They discuss what has influenced Billy Taylor's jazz music. Taylor explains some of his work with various other jazz musicians. This edited version does not include the music recordings.

Studs interviews Billy Taylor about his career in Jazz. Taylor shares stories about other Jazz musicians who influenced him. They discuss the improvisation in Jazz music, drug addiction of musicians, and the work Taylor is doing with the Jazz Mobile. Taylor discusses the different sounds of Jazz and describes the White House Jazz Festival that President Jimmy Carter hosted. This edited version does not include the music that is in the original version.

Bill Russo talks about the commedia dell'arte production being staged at the Center for New Music at Columbia College Chicago. The production includes two pieces, "Pedrolino's Revenge" and "Isabella's Fortune".

Studs Terkel interviews jazz musician Anita O'Day.