In the of first of many appearances on Studs' radio show, Oliver Sacks discusses his book "Awakenings" and recounts several patient profiles from his groundbreaking treatment application of L-DOPA to sufferers of Sleeping sickness and Parkinson's disease. They explore his work in the context of Studs' concept of Feeling Tone and Sacks tells of a remarkable scene with aphasic patients reacting to a speech of then President Ronald Reagan.

Abram Loft discusses his career, his book "Violin and Keyboard", art, and music education. Includes Abram Loft reading a passage from his book "Violin and Keyboard". Includes Abram Loft reading excerpts from newspapers.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Studs Terkel and Billy Taylor discuss the book "Jazz Piano: History and Development". They discuss jazz musicians and the history of jazz music. Includes excerpts of drums, piano, and orchestra playing in the background.

Discussing bicentennial time and interviewing Otto Friedrich. Otto Friedrich discusses his "Time" magazine piece, his writing, and American history. Includes songs "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Free America" by Joseph Warren, a German song, an 18th century Boston Tea Party song, and a 18th century British soldier song.

Ned Rorem discusses the differences between writing books and writing compositions, his book "The Paris Diary of Ned Rorem", and how he uses poetry in his compositions.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. In this program "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" and "Joe Turner No. 2 (Blues of 1892)" by Big Bill Broonzy, "I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins is played, as well as other musical selections.

Discussing the book "Manchild in the Promised Land" with Claude Brown. Brown also discusses growing up in Harlem, New York as an African American man. Includes a clip of a man speaking from the county jail. Includes a song sung by Mahalia Jackson. Includes a clip of children singing.

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.

Studs Terkel interviews composer Ned Rorem. They discuss Rorem's childhood, music, poetry, languages, and religion.

Paul Angle discusses his book "Crossroads: 1913," and Win Stracke provides a musical review. The three gentlemen talk in depth about the book with live and recorded music interspersed. Music: "Water--Oh!, Water For Me" and "The Rosary." "The Voice of Vienna" (a waltz).

Paul Angle discusses his book "Crossroads: 1913," and Win Stracke provides a musical review. The three gentlemen talk in depth about the book with live and recorded music interspersed. Songs include: "Casey Jones - The Union Scab," "Sweet Adeline," "We Shall Overcome," "Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be," and "Immortality" by William Jennings Bryan (1908).

Aaron Copland discusses his music, his colleagues, contemporaries, musicians, and composers.

Poet and editor Michael Anania discusses his poetry collection, “Riversongs” and reads selected works from the collection. Anania discusses the themes of place, transience, and permanence in the Midwest. Episode includes relevant music recordings, including a number of unidentified instrumental recordings and songs by Woody Guthrie, Los Jaivas, and Joni Mitchell.