Terry Gross

An in-studio concert and interview with singer/songwriter, guitarist Richard Thompson. He first became known for his work with "Fairport Convention." He's since gone solo and is known for his dark songs which blend elements of British folk ballads and the blues.

Caesar wrote such songs as "Tea for Two," "Swanee," and "I Want to Be Happy." We play a cut from an old album, "And Then I Wrote" (Coral Records). Caesar died earlier this month at the age of 101.

From a 1995 in-studio concert, jazz singer Rebecca Kilgore and pianist Dave Frishberg perform a song to celebrate the new year.

Alexander's songs were recorded on early records by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. This excerpt from his Fresh Air concert in 1993 was recorded just a few month before he died of a heart attack (Rebroadcast from 05/07/1993)

A concert and interview with Louisiana born singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams. She's joined by guitarist Gurf Morlix. Her influences include Bob Dylan, Delta Blues man, Robert Johnson, Van Morrison, and writers Flannery O'Connor and Eudora Welty. In the late 70s she made two obscure folk albums. But she didn't really find her own voice until 1988 when she produced her self-titled album. (Rebroadcast from 08/28/1992)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor Willie Nelson recently released two new albums. With "Spirit," Nelson is the first country musician to record with Island Records. He recorded "How Great Thou Art" with his sister, Bobbie Nelson. That CD is a collection of gospel standards, like "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." (Rebroadcast from 07/16/1996)

Jeff Moss was one of the original creators and writers of "Sesame Street." He created Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch, and wrote such songs as "Rubber Ducky" and "People in Your Neighborhood." He has won 13 Emmy's, four Grammy's, and an Oscar nomination for his work on "Sesame Street" and with the Muppets. Moss is also the author of four books for children, the newest of which is "Hieronymus White: A Bird Who Believed That He Always Was Right." (Rebroadcast from 11/30/1994).

A concert with the McGarrigle sisters, Kate and Anna. There are new CDs of their first two albums, released in the late 70s: "Kate & Anna McGarrigle" and "Dancer with Bruised Knees." The McGarrigles are known for their close and "subtle harmony." Their music is considered hard to categorize, although it sounds folky. The sisters absorbed an eclectic blend of music when they were growing up in Canada: Victorian ballads, blues, jazz, French-Canadian folk songs, Broadway tunes, and country music.

Lea joins Fresh Air with a musical tribute to Cole Porter. She had her start singing in the 1950s in Boston and then moved to New York where she recorded her first album in 1955 to critical acclaim. She dropped out of singing for a while but made a comeback during the 70s in New York's cabaret world. Lea is accompanied by pianist Tony Tamburello. He was Sinatra's rehearsal pianist and was on the road accompanying Tony Bennett for 21 years. (REBROADCAST FROM 6/07/91)

In this segment we'll play some Christmas music, from previous Fresh Air concerts. The segment includes Susannah McCorkle, Charles Brown singing "Merry Christmas Baby," and composers Martin and Blane telling the story behind their song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." (Rebroadcast. Originally aired 12/24/90)