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Soul Musician Isaac Hayes

Hayes rose to the top of the charts in the 1970's on the Staxl record label. He released his first solo album, "Presenting Isaac Hayes," in 1968. His next album, "Hot Buttered Soul," became a gold record in the 1970's. His 1972 soundtrack to the movie "Shaft," went platinum and won an Oscar for "Theme From Shaft." Hayes is also an actor, who has held roles in the movies "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," and "Posse." He is in the new Nicholas Cage movie, "It Could Happen to You," in which he plays a news photographer who puts Nicholas Cage into the media spotlight when he wins the lottery.

44:47
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Other segments from the episode on July 28, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 28, 1994: Interview with Isaac Hayes; Commentary on television theme songs.
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04:15

In Defense of TV Theme Songs

Television critic David Bianculli talks about the power of TV programs' opening theme songs. The president of ABC Entertainment wants to do away with them.

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11:00

Director and Writer Gordon Parks

Parks directed the early black action film, Shaft. His son, who died in 1979, was also a director. The elder Parks began his career as a photographer for Vogue and Life, and documented difficult aspects of the African American experience. He's just written his memoir, "Voices in the Mirror."

Interview
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52:30

Singer Jill Scott is doing what she wants: 'Everything has led me to this place'

Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter and actor JILL SCOTT. She recently released her sixth studio album “To Whom This May Concern”--her first new music in a decade. SCOTT has been making music for more than 25 years. Her 2000 debut, “Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1” was well received with double platinum sales, three Grammy nominations and a sound that helped define neo-soul.

Interview

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The voices of Sept. 11: 'My first thought was ... I can't believe that I survived'

(1.) Former FDNY Deputy Chief JOHN "JAY" JONAS. He was in the North tower on September 11th when the South tower collapsed. He and his crew made their way down from the 27th floor. On the 20th, they came across a woman who could barely walk. They made it to the fourth floor when the building collapsed around them. JONAS retired from the Fire department in 2022 after almost 43 years. (INTERVIEW FROM 2011.09.07)

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How the WNBA became a political prop in the culture wars

SABREENA MERCHANT covers women’s basketball for The Athletic. The WNBA is having a moment, fueled by rising stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Angel Reese, recent leadership changes, and the culture war debates over trans athletes. MERCHANT discusses the latest in professional women's basketball —including the controversies surrounding the WNBA, on and off the court. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW.) (INTERVIEW BY SAM FRAGOSO.)

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