Studs interviews blues singers Willie Dixon, Sunnyland Slim, and Willie Mae Big Mama Thornton about the blues. They discuss the blues festival in Chicago for which they are all in town for and name other musicians who will be performing. Sunnyland Slim talks about being on the road and the hard times. Thornton describes the blues as music made from life experiences.

Studs interviews Willie Dixon and Koko Taylor about the blues. They discuss their song "Insane Asylum" and their work together. Dixon uses his song "Little Red Rooster" to help explain how the blues are created from life experiences. Taylor reflects on singers like Willie Dixon, Memphis Minnie, and others who influenced her desire to sing the blues. Taylor also discusses European audiences and blues influence there. The musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs presents a tribute to singer, actor, athlete, author and civil rights crusader Paul B. Robeson. Studs talks about his personal memories, the social impact and music of Paul Robeson. Excerpts from 1925362-4-1 Mr Robeson' friends recall memories of him: Earl Dickerson one of the 1 st black aldermen of Chicago, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams football player, Studs Terkel, Claudia Cassidy(1925655-4-1), Eddie Balchowski, Veteran, painter, poet(1934701-3-1) Includes excerpts from 1925362-4-1 and music. Similar to 1925362-3-1, but not identical. 01/23/1976 date of death.

Studs Terkel interviews gospel vocalist Mahalia Jackson. Jackson discusses the freedom rally that will be taking place at McCormick's Place in Chicago, IL.

In a nightclub in Chicago, at two in the morning and after a performance, Louis Armstrong talks about his music stylings. Notes are good to learn the tune, says Armstrong, but it's all about the phrasing. Armstrong explained, it's up to you to express yourself. Armstrong shared the one piece of advice that had always stuck with him. King Oliver told Armstrong not to worry about the notes but rather to put some lead into the song.

Lena Horne talks about her memories of Paul Robeson and Billie Holiday, how her skin color affected her career, and her relationship with her audience.

The conversation continues with Belafonte talking about his album, "Belafonte Sings of the Caribbean". The songs, explained Belafonte, were both reflections of his childhood and things he was exposed to as an adult. Belafonte believed both Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden played important roles in jazz music.

Singer Harry Belafonte discusses Black music including spirituals and jazz and how it has contributed to American culture.

Recorded live on Chicago's South Side. Robeson is ill at the time of recording. Speakers: Earl Dickerson, Etta Moten Barnett, Judge Sidney Jones, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams, Joan Brown (possibly Abena Joan Brown), Charles Hamilton, Margaret Burroughs, [John Gray's sister], [Stevens?]

Author Dorothy Gilliam joins Studs Terkel to discuss her biography of singer, actor, social activist and lawyer Paul Robeson. Gilliam chronicles Robeson’s life in “Paul Robeson, All-American,” describing his early years as a football player, and then lawyer, his introduction into theater, and his exposure to other cultures abroad.