Studs engages the former Chicago Symphony Orchestra conductor, Sir Georg Solti, in a wide-ranging conversation about his life and career. From his early studies in Budapest with Béla Bartók, his string of good-luck opportunities before, during, and after World War II, meeting Toscanini in Lucerne, and starting on top conducting in Frankfurt, London, and finally Chicago. He discusses his many German and European musical influences and contemporaries, and stresses the importance of education, arts funding, and hard work.

Renowned soprano, Madame Rosa Raisa discusses her career, early training, Chicago debuts, travels, teaching, and hobbies post opera.

Music performance by Oscar Brown, Jr.

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 George Esteves, the director of the Chicago Chamber Choir. They discuss the musical numbers that the choir will perform in their Mother's Day concert. Dexter Bailey will accompany. Esteves reads the lyrics in Italian of "Ecco Mormorar L'Onde" a Torquato Tasso poem, and Studs reads it in English. Esteves also reads some lyrics of the "Contate Irene Kiesewetter" by Schubert Franz. Esteves shares how members of the choir are recruited. Esteves names all the soloist members of the choir.

Studs interviews Bud Freeman about his career in Jazz and his book, "Working" as well as his album, "Complete Bud Freeman." Freeman shares stories about his dad and brother during his childhood. He discusses various songs from his album and shares stories about his interactions with other jazz musicians. Studs reads a few passages from Freeman's book. They discuss how Freeman's creative practices and how his music has changed over the years. Musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Lawrence Freeman about his career in jazz. Studs notes that he first interviewed Freeman in 1939 as his first guest on his radio program with WGES. Freeman shares the names and events of influences in his life. He describes his interactions with other jazz musicians throughout his career and shares some stories about his brother, father, and childhood. Studs quotes Mark Miller of the Toronto Globe, music critic, for what he notes about Freeman.

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?]

Studs Terkel rebroadcasts a discussion on the Chicago School of Architecture and its future in memory of Carl Condit. Carl Condit, Richard Nickel, and Ben Weese share their opinions on the Auditorium Theatre, University of Illinois-Circle Campus, Chicago Civic Center, Monadnock Building, and historical continuity.