Benny Goodman was one of 12 children and when he was little, his father took him to a synagogue where he learned to play the clarinet. Ross Firestone's book, "Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman" is full of information about the musician. Goodman was a perfectionist, always wanting to better at his craft. According to Firestone, as a band leader, Goodman never thanked any musicians that played for him or with him.

Howard Levy, Stuart Rosenberg, and Johnny Frigo reminisce about their discovery of musical genres that inspired them and discuss the early roots of folk music.

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.

Presenting music with the Burgundian Consort; , Warren Luther, John Pellegrin and Albert Rawlins, Ronald Renbeck, Richard Simons.

Studs Terkel interviews the members of the Fine Arts Quartet, 1st violin Leonard Sorkin, 2nd violin Abram Loft, viola Gerald Stanick, and cello George Sopkin. The members of Fine Arts Quartet discuss the following: Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge's contributions to chamber music in America, the centennial anniversary of Coolidge's birth, the history of chamber music in America, the nature of their rehearsals, and their performances.

Edith Wilson talks about her singing and acting career in California and throughout the states. Songs have been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Rosalie Sorrels discusses her career, family, and folk music. Includes Rosalie Sorrels reading her mother's writing. The following songs have been removed due to copyright restrictions: "Traveling Lady", "You Can't Go Home Again", "Her Mantle So Green", "If You Love Me", and "The Long Memory". Cal Hans plays the dobro in the background and makes some comments. Includes performance by pianist Daniel Varsano at the end.

Sweet Honey In The Rock, an African American female vocal group, discusses their music. They talk to Studs and play folk/blues/traditional music.

Chilean folk songs have been removed due to copyright restrictions: "If We Are Americans;" a flute song for the harvest celebration; the song "Jacinto Cenobio;" song ["Winos Poinas"]; a Mexican flute song; the song "La Fiesta De San Benito;" the song "La Pulque;" and the song "El Condor Pasa." but are discussed within the program.