Almanac - 386. 12/6/1985

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.

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.

Marjorie Guthie, the widow of folk singer of Woody Guthrie is in town for a fundraiser, raising money for Huntington's disease. Woody Guthrie died of the disease, which was passed down from his mother. Marjorie Guthrie also reflects on her courtship with Woody and she also talks about his music.

Marilyn Horne talks about her music career and her upcoming perfomance in "Rinaldo" at the Chicago Opera Theater

Marge Guthrie, Woody Guthrie’s second wife and Arlo Guthrie’s mother, joins Studs Terkel to discuss her late husband’s music and the lasting impact it made. Marge calls Woody a “chronicler,” remarking on his great ability to write songs about and for the common man, and informs Terkel of honors that Woody received from the state and federal government to commemorate his contribution to conservation efforts.

Lino Chavez and his Mexican Folk Ensemble discuss, through a translator, Mexican culture and music and perform their song "El Jarabe" at 2:50, "El Tilingo" at 13:50, "Maria Chuchena" at 23:05, "El Cascabel" at 29:31, "La Bamba" at 38:39, and "El Ahualulco" at 47:55. These songs have been removed from this recording.

The broadcast begins with an excerpt from interview with Pat Zimmerman where Mr. Zimmerman Plays "Sunday Morning" by Kris Kristofferson . Kris Kristofferson discusses his career as a songwriter and performer during the 1960's and 1970's. Mr. Kristofferson discusses working during that time with Janis Joplin, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash.

Judy Collins discusses how she began writing her own songs; successes in her career; and the fight for abortion rights.

Studs and John briefly discuss coal mining in Appalachia, specifically Blackey, Kentucky. Includes an interview with Joe Begley a coal miner from Blackey.

The opening song is a rebroadcast from a previous recording with Studs Terkel. John Prine talks about his family history in Paradise, Kentucky and when he was born and raised in Maywood, Illinois (Chicago Greater Area). Prine is known for humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, as well as serious songs with social commentary, or which recollect melancholy tales from his life. All the songs are played in the studio from his albums "John Prine" and "Diamonds in the Rough"

Discussing African drums, African music, and John Chernoff's book "African Rhythm and African Sensibility" with John Chernoff and Eric Rucker. Includes John Chernoff and Eric Rucker playing the drums. Includes an earlier interview clip of two drummers battling from the island of Silan.

The dulcimer is not only a musical instrument that John Jacob Niles plays, but he builds them too. Playing some scales, Niles gives a brief demonstration of the dulcimer, Niles explained people often requested he play his love songs. Niles believed love is something that is easily relatable to many people.

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".