Terry Gross

Performance poet Sekou Sundiata (SAY-coo SOON-dee-ah-tah) In 1997, he released his first CD, "The Blue Oneness of Dreams" on Mouth Almighty/Mercury Records. He is one of New York's notable spoken word artists, He blends lyrics of urban dwelling with music. Born in Harlem, He is a professor of English Literature at The New School for Social Research. His second CD, tentatively titled "Urban Music" should be released sometime this year. No exact date has been set. Originally broadcast 4/16/97.

This Monday, 2/8/99, PBS will air the documentary "The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords." This is the first documentary to provide an in-depth examination of the history of African-American newspapers. We'll hear from the film's producer, Stanley Nelson and from Vernon Jarrett, a black journalist featured in the project.

Pierre-Richard Prosper served as a prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal in Rwanda. In 1994, more than a half-million Rwandans were killed in a massacre. Last year, he successfully prosecuted the former Mayor of Taba, Rwanda for genocide. He also convicted the former official on rape charges. This is the first time rape has been recognized as a instrument of genocide. Prosper is an American attorney who worked for the Justice Department and for the Los Angeles County D.A.'s office.

Actress Holly Hunter. Her latest film is "Living Out Loud" where she stars as a doctor's wife whose husband leaves her for a younger woman. She has starred in such films as: "Raising Arizona," "Broadcast News," "Miss Firecracker," "Always," and "The Piano." She was born in Atlanta, Georgia in March 1958 and grew up on a farm, in nearby Conyers, GA.

1960's Pop singer Bobby Vee has released a new tribute recording to the late Buddy Holly. This February 3rd marks the 40th Anniversary of Holly's death. Vee was chosen at the last minute to perform at the show Holly was scheduled to appear at. His tribute is "Down The Line" on Rock House Productions. Also a new re-issue on EMI records features his greatest hits.

Vee, who died Monday, had 38 hit singles including, "Take Good Care of My Baby." During a 1999 Fresh Air interview, Vee explained how the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly got him started in music.

Legendary composer, producer, arranger and performer Brian Wilson, formerly of the Beach Boys. Last fall he released his first solo album of new material in ten years, called "Imagination" (Giant Records/Warner Bros. Records). Now there's a new companion home video which features a live performance and interview. It's also called "Imagination." (Warner/Reprise Video) (REBROADCAST from 8/20/98)

Actress Liv Ullman. She's best known for her work with director Ingmar Bergman. In 1993 she made her directing debut with the film, "Sofie," based on a novel by Danish writer Henri Nathansen. She also co-wrote the screenplay. Ullman is directing again and collaborating again with Bergman. Her new film is "Private Confessions" -- which was written by Ingmar Bergman. (REBROADCAST from 5/11/93)

Playwright, novelist and essayist Arthur Miller. His plays include "All My Sons," "The Crucible," "After the Fall" and "Death of a Salesman," for which he won the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and lasting fame in American theater. "Death of a Salesman" is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year. (REBROADCAST from 11/25/87).