The Ragdale Ensemble is a wind piano group composed of artists from the Ragdale artists' colony in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Discussing "It Ain't Necessarily So: An Autobiography" (published by Grove) with the author, musician Larry Adler.

Terkel comments and reads letters of ex-convict Jimmy Blake

*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Langston Hughes, John Sellers, James Cotton, and Otis Spann discuss their origins and blues music. The interview focuses heavily on Langston Hughes and how deeply he is influenced by the blues. Hughes also discusses his upcoming book "An African Treasury" at length. Hughes, Sellers, Spann, and Cotton perform a number of songs during the interview, they have been removed due to copyright.

Singer-songwriter and activist Holly Near discusses her work for fighting for social justice through outlets such as her music. Near a prominent proponent for the LGBTQ community has streamlined her work using folk and protest-inspired songs. Near has been awarded multiple honors from organizations such as the ACLU and the National Organization for Women for her work for social change.

In conclusion, August Derleth, spoke of his biggest influences, Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Derleth believed that one day there would be a renaissance of great literary authors. With regards to playing the sleigh bells in churches, Iris Ford says its like blending something ridiculous to the sublime. Ford, a self-taught sleigh bell player, plays for all types of religious orders. Because playing the music is for God, says Ford, it needs to be exceptional.