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.

Studs interview with Sylvia Syms about her career through the years and the people who influenced her. They discuss Jazz music and composers who Syms calls poets. The music numbers are removed from this edited version.

Red Norvo remembers recording some of his albums with other performers like Mildred Bailey, Dizzy Gillespie, and Benny Goodman, as well as the revival of jazz music. Recordings are played of the following: "Lover Come Back to Me" by the Red Norvo Combo, "The Weekend of a Private Secretary" sung by Mildred Bailey, "Congo Blues" by Red Norvo And His Selected Sextet, "After You've Gone" by Red Norvo feat. Benny Goodman Sextet, "Rhee! Oh! Rhee" by Red Norvo, "The Night is Blue" by Red Norvo, and "Everything I've Got Belongs to You" by Red Norvo. Songs have been removed due to copyright.

Polly Podewell and Johnnie McDonough evaluate jazz vocalists, musical influences, and compare music genres. Jazz music performances of Polly Podewell (from private tape) are interspersed throughout the interview as well as recordings from Mildred Bailey, Helen Ward, and Billie Holiday. Songs are removed on this file due to copyright reasons.