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.

Marian McPartland discusses jazz music, her husband Jimmy McPartland, and her career.

Studs interviews Joe Venuti, who reflects on his career with various bands and shows. John McDonough cohosts the interview with Studs. Venuti speaks about various instruments he and others use in Jazz. He shares a story of how the depression affected him. Venuti discusses the pranks he pulled on people and other musicians he has worked with. The musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Jimmy McPartland, Jazz performer. McPartland speaks about his career and his wife, Marian, who is also a Jazz performer. McPartland names southern black artists, Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, and Big Spider Back as major influences on his music. All musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.