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".

Folk singer-songwriter and composer Jim Post and musician Randy Sabien discuss their upcoming performance at the Levy Center in Evanston, Illinois. The collaborators discuss their musical backgrounds and their opinions on global warming, religious views, and musical influences.

Jean Ritchie discusses her life, music, experiences, and career. She also discusses folk music. Includes songs performed by Jean Ritchie including "Shady Grove", "None But One", "Sweet Sound in the Wind", "Riddle Song" (sung with Oscar Brand), "See That Rainbow Shine", "Black Waters" (sung with Janis Ian), "Now is the Love of the Day", "Little Lonesome Dove", "Barbry Allen", "Brightest and Best", and "Now Is The Cool of the Day".

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".

On a trip to Chicago, the harmonica player and soundtrack composer, sits down with Studs to talk about his career in music and in film.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

A discussion of Gospel music in Chicago and Langston Hughes' play, Black Nativity.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Georgia Sea Island Singers Bessie Burke and Bessie Jones join Studs and music teacher Avon Gillespie to talk about gospel music, before an upcoming concert at the National College of Education in Evanston.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing his appearance at Rick's Cafe with jazz musician Mose Allison.

Charles Keil discusses his book "Urban Blues" and the separation between White Americans and African Americans. There is an excerpt of a song by B.B. King played in the middle of an interview to give an example of Blues music.