Interviewing Michael Feinstein, American singer, pianist, and music revivalist, about his music and his work cataloging Ira Gershwin’s collection of phonograph records.

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.

Michael Anania discusses and reads his from his books of poetry called "The Red Menace" and "The Sky At Ashland". Anania also discusses his life and inspirations. Includes a clip of children speaking about the world and war. Includes a clip of a jazz song called "Lester Leap In" by Count Basie at the end of the program.

The day before their concert performance at North Park College, the Shanghai Quartet was at the WFMT studios. Betty Bucchari explained her job was to search for great musicians that were not well-known. The Li brothers were destined to play the violins, as their parents were music teachers for 15 years.

Ernesto Anaya, Hector Sanchez, José Ávila, Olga Alanís, and Rosalinda Renoso discuss the influence of Mexican culture and history in the music they perform and the instruments they use.

Studs Terkel interviews the members of the Fine Arts Quartet, 1st violin Leonard Sorkin, 2nd violin Abram Loft, viola Gerald Stanick, and cello George Sopkin. The members of Fine Arts Quartet discuss the following: Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge's contributions to chamber music in America, the centennial anniversary of Coolidge's birth, the history of chamber music in America, the nature of their rehearsals, and their performances.

Howard Levy, Stuart Rosenberg, and Johnny Frigo reminisce about their discovery of musical genres that inspired them and discuss the early roots of folk music.

Meg Christian discusses songwriting and the music industry, especially her work in the feminist movement.

Chilean folk songs have been removed due to copyright restrictions: "If We Are Americans;" a flute song for the harvest celebration; the song "Jacinto Cenobio;" song ["Winos Poinas"]; a Mexican flute song; the song "La Fiesta De San Benito;" the song "La Pulque;" and the song "El Condor Pasa." but are discussed within the program.

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.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. Musical selections have been removed due to copyright.

Poet Maya Angelou and journalist Tom Wicker discuss life in the U.S. South and how the region’s history has shaped its culture. Topics of discussion include social dynamics and race in the South, the concept of “home” and what it means to return to one’s roots, and religion in the South. Angelou reads excerpts of her poetry, including “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman,” and shares spiritual songs from her childhood.

Max Morath discusses his career, jazz music, and history.

Self-taught composer Maurice Weddington talks about his music career from his early years when he was raised on the West Side of Chicago to his performances around Western Europe.

Studs interview with Mattiwilda Dobbs, first female and black to perform at La Scala. Dobbs describes her musical beginning as a child within a musical family in Atlanta, Georgia. She explains her training and professional background with various opera houses and theaters. The musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.