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.

Ola Belle Reed folk singer, songwriter and blue grass musician talks about her childhood in the Appalachians as well as her musical influences that inspire her musical career.

Odetta (often referred as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement") talks about her music career and sings to Studs Terkel. The interview segments are between songs. This record is part of the Studs Terkel Almanac.

Folk singer Odetta joins Studs to talk about her life and music, including her songs "Riding in My Car (Car Song)," "Gallows Pole," and "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," among others.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Norman Wallace discusses his music career. Norman Wallace discusses his occupations as a pianist and a songwriter.

Through his interpreter, the well-known and handsome Bulgarian opera singer, Nicolai Ghiaurov, talks about his profession. At the age of five, he sang a song for his family and it was then when others around him realized his talent. Ghiaurov had first wanted to be an actor. "Don Giovanni," was one of Ghiaurov's favorite roles to play with his acting and interpretation of Mozart's music.

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.

Studs interviews Ned Rorem about his work and book "An Absolute Gift." Rorem discusses his work and how his Quaker background has influenced his work. He reflects on poets and other composers. Rorem shares the people and events that have influenced him and the arts. The musical recordings are not included in this edited version of the original.

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

Howard Levy learned to play the piano at the age of 8. After hearing a John Coltrane album at 17, Levy knew he wanted to play blues on the harmonica. Levy talks about and demonstrates the harmonica, the pan flute, the Marimba and the ocarina. There is also an excerpt of Laurel Masse singing.

Canadian folk singer Murray McLauchlan discusses his career, influences, style, and most recent album, "Day to Day Dust." McLauchlan performs several songs during the interview, including: 00:00:00-00:04:10 "Maybe Tonight" 00:09:18-00:13:07 "Honky Red" 00:17:47-00:23:20 "Shoeshine Workin' Song" 00:27:28-00:32:13 "Revelations" 00:34:10-00:37:24 "Billy McDaniels" 00:38:58-00:44:28 "Paradise" 00:45:38-00:48:55 "Farmer's Song"