The writer Paul Bowles died today in Tangiers, Morocco, his home for 50 years. He was 88 and died of cardiac arrest. His most famous novel "The Sheltering Sky" was selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the century. We remember him with an excerpt of his 1993 interview. (REBROADCAST from 6/15/93).
International security expert George Robert Perkovich (Per-KO-vich) is author of the new book, "India's Nuclear Bomb: The Impact on Global Proliferation" (University of California Press) is about India's 50 year secret nuclear program, which began in 1947, and the forces internal and external that led to their detonation last year of 5 nuclear test bombs. Perkovich is deputy director for programs, and director of the Secure World Program for the W. Alton Jones Foundation, a philanthropic institution.
Critic Milo Miles reviews some Cuban records that aren't by the Buena Vista Club: "Casa de la Trova" (Detour Records), "Bossa Cubana" by Los Zafiros (World Circuit/Nonesuch label), and "Estrellas de Areito" (World Circuit/Nonesuch label).
Ravi Shankar is the world's leading sitar player. Now at the age of 79, he's published his autobiography, "Ravi Shankar: Raga Mala" (Welcome Rain Publishers). The book was edited and introduced by his friend George Harrison. Shankar is now performing on tour with his 18 year old daughter, Anoushka. We'll hear from Ravi Shankar and later we'll be joined by his daughter.
Composer and conductor John Adams. There's a new 10-CD box retrospective of his work, that spans the last two decades. It includes his orchestral pieces like Harmonium, and his operas "Nixon in China," and "The Death of Klinghoffer." The boxset is titled "The John Adams Earbox" (Nonesuch).
Actor Gene Hackman. The star of the films "Bonnie and Clyde," "The French Connection," "The Conversation," and "Unforgiven" is now an author. He's collaborated with Daniel Lenihan (LEN-ah-han) who we'll also from hear from (one of the world's leading underwater archaeologists) on the new novel, "Wake of the Perdido Star: A novel of shipwrecks, pirates, and the sea" (Newmarket Press). (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).
Donald Mills, the last surviving member of the singing group, The Mills Brothers, died on Saturday. He was 84 years old. The group was knwon for their harmonies, and their hits included "Up the Lazy River," and "Glow Worm." (REBROADCAST from July 1985).
A discussion about the exhibition "Norman Rockwell: Pictures for the American People" with art critic Dave Hickey. He wrote an essay for the exhibition catalogue. Hickey is Associate Professor of Art Criticism and Theory at the University of Nevada. He's also author of the book "The Invisible Dragon: Four Essays on Beauty." (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES AFTER THE :60 FLOATER)
Singer/songwriters Buddy & Julie Miller. Their songs have been recorded by everyone from the Dixie Chicks to Little Jimmy Scott. Each have new albums: "Broken Things" (Hightone Records) by Julie Miller, and "Cruel Moon" (Hightone) by Buddy Miller. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).
Pokemon (POH-kay-mahn) is the latest kid craze and worldwide phenomenon. It hails from Japan, and began as an Nintendo game, featuring the superpowered animals called Pokemons. There are 150 characters in all. After the game came the trading cards, comic book series, and weekly cartoon. Now there's the Pokemon movie. We meet the American translator of the Pokemon characters, Gerard Jones.
We remember jazz trumpeter Lester Bowie. He died Monday at the age of 58 from liver cancer. Bowie was a founding member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, founded in 1969. Bowie was known for his flamboyant performing, his sense of humor and theatrics, and his off kilter interpretations of R&B classics. (REBROADCAST from 11/3/89) (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES AFTER THE FLOATER).
Manager to TV and film stars, Bernie Brillstein ("STEEN"). His clients include John Belushi and Garry Shandling. He developed a very hands-on style of management, and has written a new memoir about his work, "Where Did I Go Right?: You're No One in Hollywood Unless Someone wants You Dead" (Little, Brown & Co.).
Writer Michael Lewis is the author of "The New New Thing" (Norton) about the Silicon Valley and the man behind the newest billion dollar-making venture. Lewis is also the author of the bestseller, "Liar's Poker" and has been the American editor of the British weekly, "The Spectator" and senior editor at The New Republic.
TV writer, director and producer Marshall Herskovitz. With his partner Edward Zwick, Herskovitz created "Thirtysomething," "My So Called Life," and the new show "Once and Again."
We remember crime novelist George V. Higgins. He was found dead at his home on Saturday, apparently of natural causes. He was 59. He was best known for his best seller, "Friends of Eddie Coyle," published in 1972. (REBROADCAST from 9/30/1986)
Critic Milo Miles reviews two reissues -- cult favorites -- by the Holy Modal Rounders: Holy Modal Rounders 1 and 2 (on the Fantasy label) and their new album "Too Much Fun" (Rounder Records)
Writer and director Ziad Doueiri ("ZEE-odd Doe-AIR-ee") is making his feature film debut with, "West Beirut." It's set in 1975 during the Lebanese civil war and is largely autobiographical. The film received accolades from the Cannes Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival. Doueiri and his family left Lebanon for California in 1983. Before making this film, Doueiri, was cameraman for all of Quentin Tarantino's films.
