Interviewing jazz singer and songwriter Oscar Brown, Jr.

Part 1 of this program begins with Studs Terkel reading an excerpt from the book "Giants of Jazz" , which describes Dizzy Gillespie's early life. Gillespie discusses the following: the state of jazz; his fellow musicians; jazz contributors; jazz fundamentals; and his tours abroad. Gillespie's "Groovin' High" is played towards the end of this part of the program.

When the announcement was made, to let the audience know the opera singer they came to see would not be performing but that Martina Arroyo would be singing the part of Aida, Arroyo recalls that you could hear the crowd groan all the way in Chicago. Arroyo talks about singing in the operas. She also talks about even though she may have a starring role in the opera, the show is not hers, but rather everyone in the company works hard to put out a good production.

Georgia Sea Island Singers Bessie Burke and Bessie Jones join Studs and music teacher Avon Gillespie to talk about gospel music, before an upcoming concert at the National College of Education in Evanston.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Folk singer Odetta joins Studs to talk about her life and music, including her songs "Riding in My Car (Car Song)," "Gallows Pole," and "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," among others.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Big Bill Broonzy discusses the blues with Studs. Big Bill talks about getting ready for a European tour, his young life, and his life as a musician. The following performances have been removed for copyright reasons: "Ride Alberta, ride," "Going Down the road feeling bad," "House rent stomp," "The glory of love," "Plow hand," "I feel so good," and "Make my getaway."

Ralph Ellison, winner of the National Book Award for Fiction for his book "Invisible Man," discusses his early life and education and his life as a writer and lifetime scholar. He speaks on being a musician (trumpet), the joy of music and the Church and how they fit into the lives of African Americans.