Book Critic John Leonard will review Beloved, the new novel by Toni Morrison, the author of Tar Baby and Song of Solomon, winner of the 1978 Book Critics Circle Award for fiction.
Comic Emo Philips. He'll share the neurotic, insecure, post-adolescent persona that has made him one of the hottest neurotic, insecure, post-adolescent comics today.
Jazz Critic Francis Davis will review "Birth of a Notion," the first album by Shadow Vignettes, a 25-member ensemble, led by Chicago-based saxophonist and composer Edward Wilkerson.
Barry Gifford, publisher and founder of Black Lizard Press. The press specializes in reprints of hard-boiled detective fiction, complete with the original book jackets.
Dr. Allan Brandt, a researcher in the history of science and medicine will discuss the social history of sexually transmitted diseases such as VD and AIDS.
Keith Haring, whose playful and colorful artwork has made him one of the most successful contemporary artists. His work can be found in amusement parks, discos, T-shirts, and the subways, where he first got his start.
Donald Woods, who worked as a reporter in South Africa. While covering the racial unrest there, he befriended Black activist Steve Biko. He was later placed under house arrest when he pressed authorities to investigate Biko's death in prison. A movie based on his work and his friendship with Steve Biko will be released in November.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld. His reflections on his suburban New York upbringing have earned him over 20 appearances on "The Tonight Show" and "Late Night with David Letterman."
Celebrated by critics and opera aficionados, the singer is finally reaching a larger audience with recent recordings, like her CD of Schubert, Hayden, and Mozart lieder. She joins Fresh Air to talk about her technique, and the differences between singing lieder and opera.
The former girl group singer is making a comeback with a new album. Spector was the frontwoman of the Ronettes and former wife of Phil Spector, who forbade her from performing during their marriage.
Few people are familiar with the Canadian guitarist, who doesn't often record. After listening to Greenwich's new, Coltrane-inspired album, jazz critic Francis Davis hopes he's resurfaced for good.
TV critic David Bianculli isn't sure how best to describe PBS's show Alive from Off Center, which features music, dance, and performance art--but little dialog. He recommends an upcoming episode about composer Meredith Monk called Ellis Island.
