Son House discusses his life and career as a preacher and blues musician. He talks about his family, his religious background as a preacher, and his recent comeback after disappearing from music scene in 1943. He performs several songs during the interview, which have been removed due to copyright.

Bob Koester, record producer and owner of Delmark Records, the United State's oldest independent jazz and blues label, talks about jazz, blues, and bebop musicians.

Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry discuss blues music, their backgrounds, and their nearly twenty year collaboration. The duo perform several songs during the interview, including: 00:03:32-00:07:32 "Cornbread, Peas, and Black Molasses" 00:08:50-00:11:50 "Climbing on Top of the Hill" 00:12:35-00:14:30 "Uncle Bud" 00:17:39-00:20:49 unknown song 00:25:16-00:28:15 "That's How I Feel" 00:29:23-00:32:02 unknown song

Studs Terkel interviews gospel vocalist Mahalia Jackson. Jackson discusses the freedom rally that will be taking place at McCormick's Place in Chicago, IL.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. In this program "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" and "Joe Turner No. 2 (Blues of 1892)" by Big Bill Broonzy, "I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins is played, as well as other musical selections.

Folk singer-songwriter and composer Jim Post and musician Randy Sabien discuss their upcoming performance at the Levy Center in Evanston, Illinois. The collaborators discuss their musical backgrounds and their opinions on global warming, religious views, and musical influences.

Studs Terkel interviews blues singer song-writer Janis Joplin. This program discusses the following: Joplin's song "Turtle Blues"; Joplin's idols Bessie Smith and Lead Belly; Joplin's style of singing; Joplin's song writing; the blues; Joplin's interpretation of "Summertime"; and various renditions of the jazz song "Summertime". The following musical excerpts were presented: "Turtle Blues"; "Summertime" (interpreted by Janis Joplin); "Summertime" (interpreted by Mahalia Jackson); "Summertime" (interpreted by Billie Holiday); "Ball and Chain"; "Piece of My Heart"; and "Billie's Blues".