Terry Gross

Soul singer Barry White, the sweet-talking, deep-voiced performer who rhapsodizes about love. His hits include My First, My Last, My Everything, Never Never Gonna Give Up, and I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More. Before he became a hit as a solo performer, White put together the female vocal trio, Love Unlimited and founded the Love Unlimited Orchestra, a 40 piece ensemble to accompany himself and the trio.

Curtis Mayfield has been called "the thinking man's soul man." He was known for his floating falsetto voice, gospel sound, and social commentary. He was with the group The Impressions for 12 years recording such classics as "Gypsy Woman," "I'm so Proud," and "People Get Ready." After that he went solo. His score for Superfly, was considered a musical breakthrough, and has inspired many of today's hip-hop performers.

We hear from two former members of the vocal group The Impressions who went on to have their own successful solo careers. First, singer Jerry Butler, aka The Iceman. His 1969 hit, –Only the Strong Survive,— is a rhythm and blues classic, and also the title of his autobiography: Only the Strong Survive: Memoirs of a Soul Survivor. (Indiana University Press) Butler founded The Impressions. His awareness of civil rights led him to politics, and he is serving his fourth term on the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Chicago.

Singer and pianist Ray Charles. He was born in Albany, Georgia. Charles created a new sound when he merged country, blues, R&B and gospel music. His hits include classics such as I Got a Woman, Unchain My Heart, Georgia on My Mind, and Ruby. He has won 12 Grammy Awards.

We begin with a rare interview with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. She's won fifteen Grammy awards and is the first woman to be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. She was born and grew up in Detroit. The state of Michigan has proclaimed her voice a natural resource. Her hits include "Respect," "I Say a Little Prayer," and "You Make me Feel Like a Natural Woman."

Rock musician NEIL YOUNG. In 1966 he joined the L.A. rock band Buffalo Springfield; they split up 3 albums later due to inter-band fighting and their lack of commercial success. YOUNG then meandered from band to band, including "Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young," while doing a lot of solo work as well. He's been called the "Godfather of Grunge" and "The king of punk."

Author Elizabeth Gitter. Her book is The Imprisoned Guest: Samuel Howe and Laura Bridgman, the Original Deaf-Blind Girl. (FSG) Gitter came upon the story of Laura Bridgman and was fascinated by this forgotten chapter of history. Bridgman learned to read and write, but her fame was eclipsed by the more charming and attractive Helen Keller. Gitter is a professor of English at the City University of New York John Jay College. She specializes in the Victorian era.

Dancer and actress Marge Champion starred in some of the great musicals of the 1950s, including the films Show Boat and Mr. Music, as well as several stage productions and television shows, along with her partner Gower Champion. She acted in some notable films, including The Swimmer (1968). Her career spans many decades and she was most recently in a Broadway revival of Follies. Champion teaches classes at Jacob Pillow Dance Festival.

Actor Dominic Chianese plays Uncle Junior on the hit HBO series The Sopranos. He been nominated for an Emmy. He had roles in TV shows such as Kojak, Law and Order, and films including Dog Day Afternoon, and The Godfather Part II. At the age of 70, he is now launching a singing career. His new album is called Hits (Madacy Entertainment Group). He brings his guitar to the studio.