Terry Gross

Bandleader, singer, songwriter, and talent scout Johnny Otis. His musical career spans the big band era, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. In the 40's he played and traveled with the big bands, with the Ink Spots and Louis Jordan. Later, with a pared down band, he was on the forefront of the rhythm and blues. He's credited with discovering Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Jackie Wilson and Ernestine Anderson.

Novelist Sue Miller. She wrote the best-seller, "The Good Mother," which was made into a movie starring Diane Keaton. She has a new novel, called "Family Pictures." It's about a family coping with an autistic child. (It's published by Harper and Row).

Author Hubert Selby, Junior. His first novel, "Last Exit to Brooklyn," was published in 1957. It's just been made into a movie, and Selby was an advisor and plays a small part in the film, which opened this week. Selby teaches at the University of Southern California, and is working on a new novel.

Poet Mark Halliday reads two of his poems.

Writer John Banville. His new novel is called "The Book of Evidence." (published by Scribners). It's a story of crime and guilt. Banville is literary editor of the Irish Times.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new thriller, "Q & A," starring Nick Nolte.

Painter Leon Golub and writer Gerald Marzorati. Golub's known for his paintings of torturers and death squads; Marzorati's book asks if works such as Golub's can really change things.

A combination concert and interview with pianist and composer Joel Forrester. Forrester is co-founder of the quirky jazz group, The Microscopic Septet.

South African journalist Allister Sparks. He's been a correspondent for The Economist, the Washington Post, and The Observer. Sparks' new book, "The Mind of South Africa," is a historical study of that country, and an analysis of the roots of apartheid.

Author and illustrator Laurent de Brunhoff (with a silent "h"). He's followed his father's footsteps, and for the past 40 years has written and drawn the continuing adventures of Babar the Elephant. There are now 36 Babar kids books, in 17 languages, as well as a movie and T-V shows. (by the way, it's bah-BAHR, or BAA-bahr, but NEVER BAY-bahr!!!). (Rebroadcast. Originally broadcast Wednesday, February 28, 1990.)