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Rockabilly Progenitors Get Back on the Scene

Guitarist Paul Burlison and drummer D.J. Fontana are two members of rockabilly sextet the Sun Rhythm Section. Both musicians were active in the 1950s and played with legends like Elvis Presley. They join Fresh Air's Terry Gross to share memories of their decades-long career.

27:27
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Other segments from the episode on June 26, 1987

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, June 26, 1987: Interview with Paul Burlison and D.J. Fontana; Commentary on Fats Waller; Interview with James Crumley; Review of the film "Hollywood Shuffle" and the play …
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03:50

Black Artists and Black Narratives

Critic-at-large Laurie Stone reviews a new play and movie about the African American experience, both written by African American artists. She says the works should be celebrated for their refusal to pander to white audiences.

Review

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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08:11

Jerry Lee Lewis: Live, Singing As If Life Depended On It.

In 1958, Lewis suffered a precipitous decline in popularity when people learned that his new wife was not only 13, but also his cousin. Nobody would touch his records. Then, in 1963, he signed a deal with Smash and it looked like things were getting better.

Commentary
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08:03

Roy Orbison: A 'Monument' To A Pop Legend.

Roy Orbison didn't really find his identity until he signed with a small Nashville label, Monument, in 1959. Ed Ward looks at the 17 singles that put him, and the Monument label, on the map.

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Classic Rock Songs Shake to the 'Bones'

Rock historian Ed Ward reviews the new classic rock box set Rockin' Bones: 1950s Punk and Rockabilly. Hits from Elvis, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee light up this 101-track, four-disc collection produced by Rhino Records

Review

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