Discussing the book "Shannon" with the author Gordon Parks.

Author and poet Gloria Wade-Gayles discusses and reads from her book “Pushed Back to Strength: A Black Woman’s Journey Home,” a collection of essays about race, faith, and family. She discusses how the title of the book was inspired by a phrase her grandmother used to say in which she acknowledges how segregation was pushing her back to her family, to community; pushing her back to strength, stories, ritual, and safety. Studs plays “God Bless the Child” - Billie Holiday (1956), "Wade In The Water" - Brother John Sellers (1960), and "Medley of Spiritual" - Belleville A Cappella Choir.

Author George Keithley describes his process for researching and composing the long narrative poem, The Donner Party.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Terkel interview author Geoffrey Wolff about his latest book. Entitled "Black Sun," it is a biography of Harry Crosby.

Interviewing Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Galway Kinnell.

Frederick Ritter, professor at Illinois Institute of Technology, discusses the life and work of playwright Bertolt Brecht, the genre of epic theater, and more.

Frederick Ritter discusses the life and work of playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht and preforms a few his songs. He also discusses the philosophy of epic theater and literature in Germany. Sabina Roupp joins Ritter with Brecht's music.

Fela Sowande discusses his career, music, and compares African culture and music to Western culture and music. Includes two songs that are sung by tenor Max Worthley. Includes a clip of a Nigerian Youth song. Includes performance by a Nigerian skiffle band. Sowande was inspired by [Anthony Gregascoigne], an English poet he met in England.

Fela Sowande discusses his career, different types of Nigerian and African music, the Yoruba people, and religion. Includes clips of an African Yoruba pagan hymn "Oyigiyigi," a Christian version of that hymn, and an organ version of that hymn. Includes Sowande's song "Roll de Ol' Chariot." Quotes a poem by [Anthony Gregascoigne], an English poet he met in England.

Terkel comments and presents a eulogy for three non-adjusted men. Broonzy, Big Bill ; Ciardi, John ; Redfield, Robert

Erica Jong discusses the paperback release of "Fear of Flying," reading excerpts as well as several of her poems from her previous collections, "Half-Lives," and "Fruits and Vegetables."

Stuckey talks about her childhood in Memphis, writing "in the dialect", and reads "Rigamarole", "Daylight Savings Time", "Defense", "Old Man" and "Old King Cotton".

Stuckey talks about her childhood in Memphis, writing "in the dialect", and reads "Rigamarole", "Daylight Savings Time", "Defense", "Old Man" and "Old King Cotton."*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Terkel comments and presents a eulogy for three non-adjusted men. Broonzy, Big Bill ; Ciardi, John ; Redfield, Robert