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.

Studs interviews Willie Dixon and Koko Taylor about the blues. They discuss their song "Insane Asylum" and their work together. Dixon uses his song "Little Red Rooster" to help explain how the blues are created from life experiences. Taylor reflects on singers like Willie Dixon, Memphis Minnie, and others who influenced her desire to sing the blues. Taylor also discusses European audiences and blues influence there. The musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

TV critic Les Brown discusses his book "Encyclopedia of Television."

Studs Terkel interviews writer Toni Morrison. This interview begins with a reading from the book, "Sula" by Morrison Morrison continues to read excerpts from her novel "Sula" and discusses her literature.

Presidential Medal of Freedom and Nobel Peace Prize winner for literature Toni Morrison discusses her latest work. Morrison intertwines the ideas of race, mythology, and gender in her book while laying a complex narrative for the reader. The narrative makes the reader question their true identity and reflect on their cultural identity and background.

The African American writer, composer, film director, and photographer - described by Studs as a quadruple threat - joins the program to discuss his wide-ranging career and most recent film - Leadbelly - about the blues singer Huddie Ledbetter (AKA Lead Belly).*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The star of stage and screen joins Studs to talk about his portrayal of Paul Robeson at The Studebaker Theater.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs Terkel shares a special program honoring the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Includes excerpts from Terkel’s 1965 interview with King about King’s dream for civil rights in the United States, influence of his father, the damaging effects of segregation, and the role of love in bringing about social change. The program also includes excerpts from King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech from the Civil Rights March on Washington, and his 1967 Christmas Eve speech at Bethesda Memorial Church in Atlanta.

Studs Terkel discusses poetry with writer and poet Ed English. Topics include race, history, religion, English's biography, and his creative process. Ed reads from his work throughout the interview.

Studs Terkel discusses church architecture William Cooley, a church architect, and Martin E. Marty, a theologian and scholar at the University of Chicago.

Stephen B. Oates discusses his book "Let the Trumpets Sound: A Biography of Martin Luther King;" 2 short excerpts played during the program: one of Terkel interviewing Martin Luther King and another of E.D. Nixon speaking about MLK.

Discussing prejudice in communities with Dr. St. Clair Drake and Dr. Paul Mundy. They discuss discrimination, racism, integration, and other similiar topics.

Discussing prejudice in communities with Dr. St. Clair Drake and Dr. Paul Mundy. They discuss stereotypes, racism, and race relations.

Discussing prejudice in communities with Dr. St. Clair Drake and Dr. Paul Mundy. They discuss prejudice towards the races, religions, and ethnicities of people.