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R&B and Gospel Singer Etta James

James was a teenager when she was discovered by bandleader/talent scout Johnny Otis, who helped her record her first single, "Dance with Me Henry." Her career took off in the sixties, until she battled a drug addiction at the end of that decade. "Etta James Live From San Francisco," a recording of a 1981 performance at the Boarding House, has just been released. (Rebroadcast)

22:09
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Other segments from the episode on December 16, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, December 16, 1994: Interview with Etta James; Interview with Julia Child; Review of the film "Speechless"; Review of the made-for-TV movie "Don't Drink the Water."
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11:53

Julia Child on Learning "The Way to Cook" at Home

Child spent three decades explaining the mysteries of classic French cuisine to modern American audiences. She hosted several cooking shows on public television, earning Peabody and Emmy Awards in the process, and written many cookbooks. Her most recent TV series, "Cooking with Master Chefs" was aired in February and March and will be continued in April 1995. We replay our 1989 interview with her. (Rebroadcast)

Interview

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21:59

R&B and Gospel Singer Etta James

James was a teenager when she was discovered by bandleader/talent scout Johnny Otis, who helped her record her first single, "Dance with Me Henry." Her career took off in the sixties, until she battled a drug addiction at the end of that decade. Although James mostly sang R&B, she has just released "Mystery Lady," featuring songs by her favorite jazz singer, Billie Holiday.

Interview
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09:06

The Mythic Power Of Bessie Smith.

"The Empress of the Blues" gave voice the listeners' tribulations and yearnings of the 1920s and '30s. A new 10-CD box set collects the complete works of the colossus who straddled jazz and blues.

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Aretha's Little-Known Siblings

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the early years of the Franklin sisters. Aretha Franklin is a renowned soul legend, but her two sisters, Carolyn and Erma, were also singers.

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