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The Oft-Neglected Introductory Verse of Popular Songs

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says some of the best parts of classic songs like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "A Foggy Day" are the half-sung, almost-spoken introductions. But many singers skip them, opting to begin with the chorus. Whitehead remembers some of these forgotten intros.

07:26
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Other segments from the episode on October 8, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, October 8, 1990: Interview with Alan Lomax; Commentary on song verses; Interview with Michael Myers; Review of the television show "The Simpsons."
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24:35

Folklorist Alan Lomax Preserves Traditional Music

Lomax, along with his father, used portable recording equipment to capture regional American music -- including the songs of African Americans, prisoners, and the legendary Woody Guthrie. This effort eventually led to the founding of the American Folklife Center.

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