Discussing capital punishment with author Nelson Algren. Includes interviews with William (Bill) Witherspoon, a death row inmate; Jack Johnson, warden of Cook County Jail; and an [unidentified woman] who marched in protest at the execution of James Dukes in 1962.

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.

Mirella Freni discusses her career, her colleagues, and opera.

Studs interviews John Eliot Gardiner about his career in baroque music and his background and interests. Studs announces that Gardiner is performing at Orchestra Hall in Chicago. Gardiner explains the instruments that his group uses and how they are different and capture the original sounds of pieces. He also describes the history and time period of baroque music. Gardiner explains various pieces that the choir performs such as Handel's "Israel in Egypt" and Henry Purcell's "King Arthur." The musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Phyl Garland about her book "Sound of Soul." They discuss the history of music and how black music influenced white music. Studs reads a quote from her book where she quoted Lerone Bennett. Garland also reads from her book a few times. They discuss how music changed over time for blacks from spirituals to slave songs to the blues because it was a reflection of their lives. Garland explains how blacks used music to help them through their trials and frustrations.

Studs interviews Phyl Garland about her book "Sound of Soul." They discuss various musicians that she mentions in her book and their influence on black music. Garland explains the music of young black artists and how commercialization of music gave blacks an opportunity that they would not have had otherwise. Garland talks about how Fannie Lou Hamer used music to express her message in the Civil Rights Movement and as a women's rights activist. Studs and Garland discuss various black female artists and their music.

Oscar Ghiglia discusses studying under Andres Segovia and reviews different types of guitars and composers through history, including Weiss, Villa-Lobos, and Scarlatti. Music is played throughout: "Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (Arr. for Guitar) : I. Prelude" composed by J.S. Bach, "Canarios (Air De Danse)","La Maja De Goya", "Fantasia in E-Minor" composed by S.L. Weiss, "Five Preludes, W. 419: No. 1 in E Minor (Andantino expressivo)" composed by Heitor Villa-Lobos, "Sonata In G, L.79" composed by Domenico Scarlatti, and "Tarantella, Op.

Studs interviews jazz and pop critic, and founding editor of "Rolling Stone" magazine, Ralph Gleason while in Berkeley, California (3 parts). Topics include the history of jazz, blues, and jazz culture, and how race played in the development and distribution of the music. Songs include Louis Armstrong's "(I'll Be Glad When You're Dead) You Rascal You."

In Berkeley, Calif., Ralph Gleason, jazz and pop critic, and founding editor of Rolling Stone, talks with Studs about the history of jazz and jazz artists. They talk in depth about Billie Holiday, white performers who imitated the style of black jazz singers, and jazz festivals. Songs include Holiday's "Them There Eyes" and "God Bless the Child."