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.

Norman Pellegrini interviews Studs Terkel to discuss his life and career as a radio personality. Studs recalls a specific moment walking through the streets of Chicago and hearing blues music coming through the window of someone’s home. As Studs recalls, this moment is one that jump-started his interest in music and radio and inspired him to leave his life of studying law and move into the unknown of music radio. Technical engineer and producer of the show, Jim Unrath, joins the conversation to recount previous interviews and programs of Studs'.

Studs discusses Roy Eldridge’s work as a jazz musician and recounts prevalent moments from his career.

In Berkeley, Calif., Ralph Gleason, jazz and pop critic, and founding editor of Rolling Stone, talks with Studs about the history of jazz and jazz artists. They talk in depth about Billie Holiday, white performers who imitated the style of black jazz singers, and jazz festivals. Songs include Holiday's "Them There Eyes" and "God Bless the Child."

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.

Writer and poet Maya Angelou talks about her life, Creole influences, and her book “Gather Together in My Name” with Studs Terkel. Angelou reads an excerpt from the book and the recording opens with Angelou reading one of her poems.

Presenting music with music producer (impresario) John Hammond. The following topics were discussed: various recordings; his encounters with famous jazz musicians; the first time he met Billie Holiday; the song "Strange Fruit"; improvisation; racial reform; Bessie Smith's death; and uniting rural and urban artists. The following musical excerpts were played and have been removed for copyright reasons: "7 Come 11"; "This Years Kisses"; "Lady Be Good"; "Young Woman's Blues"; "What More Can Jesus Do"; and "Piney Brown Blues".

Music producer John Hammond and jazz critic for Down Beat magazine John McDonough discuss: Hammond's career; the artists he worked with; the artists he was the first to sign; social reform; and more. The following musical excerpts are played: "7 Come 11"; "Sauce"; "Talking Union"; "Blowing In the Wind"; "Today I Sing The Blues"; and "Live Embers".

Studs Terkel interviews blues singer song-writer Janis Joplin. This program discusses the following: Joplin's song "Turtle Blues"; Joplin's idols Bessie Smith and Lead Belly; Joplin's style of singing; Joplin's song writing; the blues; Joplin's interpretation of "Summertime"; and various renditions of the jazz song "Summertime". The following musical excerpts were presented: "Turtle Blues"; "Summertime" (interpreted by Janis Joplin); "Summertime" (interpreted by Mahalia Jackson); "Summertime" (interpreted by Billie Holiday); "Ball and Chain"; "Piece of My Heart"; and "Billie's Blues".

Janis Ian discusses her career, life, and her songs. The songs she talks about are "Society's Child", "Janey's Blues", "Honey D'Ya Think", "There Are Times", "Shady Acres", and "Lonely One". Janis Ian also discusses society, race relations, and responsibility. Includes Studs Terkel reading Janis Ian's poem "Poem One". Includes Janis Ian reading her poem.

Erroll Garner, jazz pianist, talks about his music style and his career. He explains how he taught himself to play and how he creates new music. He continues to explain his unique style and how it compares to other jazz musicians.

Thinking a person is special and trusting that person and committing yourself to that person are two steps for real love, as covered in Dr. Willard Gaylin's book, "Rediscovering Love". One can not go through life in an armored car but rather Gaylin talks about taking risks. One of Gaylin's last points, if you find yourself in a loveless life, to compensate, give love away.

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