Singer and storyteller Anndrena Belcher discusses her life growing up in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky and the damaging effects industrialization and coal mining had on the economic, environmental, health, and social conditions of its communities. These experiences and stories serve as inspiration for Belcher as she travels across the country singing and storytelling to raise awareness about Appalachian life. Belcher sings Jean Ritchie’s 1972 song “West Virginia Mine Disaster”.

Interviewing singer and storyteller Anndrena Belcher.

Carol Channing discusses the following with Studs Terkel: her early career; her growth as actor/comedian; her approach to her work; her performance in "Lorelei" as Lorelei; her performance in "Wonderful Town" as Ruth; the job of the understudy; and breaking performance barriers and type casting.

Folk singer Mary Travers - of the group Peter, Paul & Mary - talks about some of the artists that inspired her, like Pete Seeger and The Weavers.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Terkel comments and presents a live performance by David Holt

Terkel comments and presents a performance by David Holt

Interviewing the Cambridge Buskers, Michael Copley (flute and recorders) and Dag Ingram (accordion).

Terkel presents musical performance of Texas songs with Allen Wayne Damron

Frederick Ritter, professor, preforms musical numbers from Austria. He also discusses the history of baroque theater and Volk's Theatre, along with Viennese culture. He is joined by Sabine Roupp, Joseph Gardner and David Miller on piano during the performances. Ritter also compares Bertolt Brecht with earlier writers, Johann Nestroy and Ferdinand Raimund. Selected pieces includes works by Mozart and Ferdinand Raymond and Johann Nestroy.