Studs interviews Harriet Choice, Jazz critic for the Chicago Tribune. They reflect on the music, talent and career of Duke Ellington. Choice describes several Ellington songs and the history behind them. She shares how Duke created music and wrote specifically for individual people. Studs reads what Ellington wrote about his song “Harlem Airshaft.” Choice and Terkel reflect on Ellington’s music and those who made music with him. Choice shares how a Duke Ellington performance at the Newport Jazz Festival rejuvenated Ellington’s career.

Musical performance of Buck Clayton, includes interview by Studs Terkel.

Studs interviews Dale Clevenger about his music with the Chicago Symphony and his jazz group, Ears, playing at Orphans in Chicago. They discuss the improvisation of Jazz and Bach. Clevenger mentions various Jazz musicians and their style. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Dale Clevenger about his music with the Chicago Symphony and his jazz group, Ears, playing at Orphans in Chicago. Clevenger discusses his work with the symphony. He explains why he credits David Amram for his interest in Jazz music. He names artists like Billie Holiday, Jack Teagarden, and Clark Terry as musical influences in his life. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Mary Collins about her husband, Lee Collins. They discuss the book that she and Lee wrote together until his death in 1960. Mary shares interesting stories of Lee’s experiences when he toured. She and Studs reflect on the other artists that Lee Collins worked with and those that influenced his music. Mary shares the story of how she and Lee reconnected in Chicago. She explains how Lee’s depression because of his health led to his attempted suicide and the horrible way he was treated at the psychiatric hospital.

Studs interviews Barbara Cook about her work in musical theater from Broadway to opera. Cook speaks about the composers and writers she has worked with. She explains some of her songs such as “Ice Cream” and “Grass Harp” and describes her first Carnegie concert. Studs quotes Leonard Bernstein, who speaks to Cook’s talent. Cook describes how she went from Broadway to opera and shares how she chooses the songs that she performs. She discusses the art of her talent. The musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Presenting music and interviewing studio musicians Pat Ferreri, Ron Steele and Jim Crockett editor of Guitar Play Magazine.

Studs interviews Bill Crofut about his career. They discuss Crofut’s recording label, “Cousin Jacks” and his album with Benjamin Luxon, “Simple Gifts.” Crofut shares his experiences working with various musicians and describes some of his songs. He reflects on his work with the Natalie Wood film, “Brainstorm.” Crofut sings part of the “Grandfather’s Clock” and an unnamed children’s song. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Carlo Curly, a RCA recording classical organist. Includes an interview from two years earlier with Curly giving a commentary about Virgil Fox, his greatest influence. Curly describes his family background in music. He explains in great detail the history of the organ, how it is made, and the music written for it. He explains the difference in music between pipe organs and electronic organs. Curly talks about his experience playing in Japan. He speaks of Bach and Mendelson and their influence on the organ as a classical instrument.