Segments by Date

Writer Ralph Allen returns to Fresh Air to talk about his new musical Sugar Babies and the history of burlesque, and to tell his favorite jokes from that tradition. Fresh Air listeners call in to join the conversation.

The actress of stage and screen now stars in the satirical play Miss Margarida's Way, which is designed to foster a confrontational relationship between the audience and the titular protagonist.

Self-taught jazz guitar player Barney Kessel explains his approach to improvisation, as well as his varied career as an arranger and session musician.

Science fiction writer and magazine editor Ben Bova talks about the military influence in the development of space technologies, the present state of technological innovation, and what makes for a great science fiction story.

Nigerian drummer Olatunji discusses African immigration to the United States, American attitudes toward Africa, and his unexpected popularity in the West.

South African folk singer Tony Bird performs his songs for Fresh Air and answers questions about the political dimensions of his art.

Playwright Ralph Allen discusses the history of burlesque theater and it's influence on his new comedy musical, Sugar Babies.

Writer William Hinton wrote the acclaimed book Fanshen, about life in a Chinese village. He talks about life in China after the Cultural Revolution.

Jazz and blues guitar player and singer Joe Williams talks about his experiences touring and his interactions with his audience.

Canadian record producer and music writer John Norris discusses releasing conventional and avant-garde jazz recordings.

Jazz musician player Charlie Byrd explains his development as a guitar player, his interest in classical music, and the influence of bossa nova on his approach to his instrument.

Part two of Fresh Air's interview with jazz critic and concert producer Dan Morgenstern. He and Terry Gross talk about bootleg recordings and ensuring that artists receive fair payment.

Part one of Fresh Air's interview with jazz critic and concert producer Dan Morgenstern. He and Terry Gross talk about forming strong bonds with musicians and listen to some of his favorite recordings.

Terry Gross invites three blind people from different professions to discuss their experiences.

Terry Gross speaks with activists, sociologists, and medical professionals about the social, health concerns, and mental well-being of overweight individuals.

Music critic Kal Rudman discusses how he identifies hit records for different demographics. He writes for the popular trade publication Friday Morning Quarterback.

Pianist Jimmy Golden, pianist Sam Dockery, and trumpeter and club owner Jack Fields discuss jazz in Philadelphia. Jimmy Golden and Sam Dockery have served as house pianists at many Philadelphia jazz clubs, and Jack Fields owned the club the Blue Note in the 1950s.

Anthropologist Dr. Ray Birdwhistell is the founder of the field of kinesics, the study and interpretation of body language and other nonverbal behavior. His books include "Introduction to Kinesics" and "Kinesics and Context." Dr. Birdwhistell is a professor of Communication at the Annenberg School of the University of Pennsylvania.

At 19, Jim McGowan was the victim of an assault which left him with paralyzed legs. He later worked as an R&B singer in the 1950s with the group the Four Fellows, whose song "Solider Boy" was a number one hit. He late became an academic and has written a book about an Underground Railroad figure in "The Life and Letters of Thomas Garnett," as well as a history of R&B. He is also an activist for disabled persons and was the photographer for the book "Wheelchair Champions."

Dr. Robert Giuntoli, gynecologist, of the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Herbert Blough, virologist, of the University of Pennsylvania and the Scheie Institute, join the show to discuss the new treatment they have developed for genital herpes.