Professor of English Joan DelFattore at the University of Delaware wrote the book "What Johnny Shouldn't Read," in which she examines several of the more publicized Federal court cases of the 1980s involving attempts to censor schoolbooks, looking at the resulting impact on publishers and on state education officials. She looks at efforts of both the right and the left to influence curricula.
Rock historian Ed Ward looks back at the Troggs, who celebrate their 26th anniversary in the rock and roll business this year. He says they were "a bunch of incompetent goofballs" -- and that made them good.
Rock critic Ken Tucker tells us about two of his favorite hits from the summer. He thinks Tom Cochrane's "Life is a Highway" is a triumph of rock and roll cliches, while En Vogue's cover Aretha Franklin's "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" is the "dreamiest hit of the year."
One of America's best known literary figures, Gore Vidal was once called "the Gentleman Bitch of American Letters." He has two new books out, "Screening History," part memoir and part film commentary, and "Live from Golgotha," about what would happen if the crucifixtion happened in the age of television. Vidal is also starring in a new movie,"Bob Roberts," directed by Tim Robbins. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his frustration with current American politics.
Haden was part of saxophonist Ornette Coleman's legendary free jazz ensemble. Haden has also worked with John Coltrane and Keith Jarrett. Later, he formed the Liberation Music Orchestra with composer Carla Bley, and then the group Old And New Dreams. His latest ensemble is Quartet West. They have a new album "Haunted Heart," which is inspired by movies and music from the 1940s.
Rock critic Ken reviews the new album by Jennifer Warnes, The Hunter. In recent years, Warnes' found modest success with an album of Leonard Cohen songs and some film soundtrack work.
Film critic John Powers reviews "Bob Roberts," directed by and starring Tim Robbins. Powers says it takes courage to make a political movie today, but Robbins' effort lacks nuance.
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead tells us about the unethical practice by record producers of scavenging their vaults for unreleased music by deceased musicians. Two recent examples are "Doo-Bop," featuring Miles Davis, and "Youkali," a Jim Hall album featuring Chet Baker.
Rich got his start working with the Sun record label in the late 50s, writing tunes for Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. From there he began making records himself. In the 70s his songs, "The Most Beautiful Girl," and "Behind Closed Doors," were big country-pop hits. During the 80s he dropped out of sight. But he has a new album now, "Pictures And Paintings," of jazz and blues standards.
Director of the Crown Heights Youth Collective in Brooklyn, Richard Green. A year ago there were race riots in Crown Heights spurred by the accidental death of a young black boy, and the subsequent murder of a Yeshiva student. During the disturbances, Green was outside with a bullhorn trying to keep the peace in the streets. Since then, he has launched a program to bring black and Jewish youth together, called the Crown Heights Youth Collective.
Democratic candidate for the Pennsylvania U.S. Senate Seat, Lynn Yeakel. She is running against incumbent Republican Senator Arlen Specter. Yeakel has never served in elected office before, but says she was inspired to run because of Specter's treatment of Anita Hill during the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings. Yeakel helped found and has been President of "Women's Way," a coalition of organizations raising money to help women and their families. It's the first and largest regional women's fund in the U.S.
Television critic David Bianculli previews the new comedy-drama series, "Going to Extremes," by the same team that created "Northern Exposure," and "St. Elsewhere."
Theatre critic, director, and educator Robert Brustein is the founder and Artistic Director of the American Repertory Company, director of the Harvard Drama Center, and drama critic for the New Republic. He'll talk with Terry about how the arts are in peril because of government action by the left, the middle, and the right.
Sontag's new historical novel "The Volcano Lover: A Romance," is a well-reviewed, best-selling book. She's best known for her intellectually rigorous essayists.
Writer Susan Trento's new book about the merging of lobbying and public relations in politics is called "The Power House." It takes a look at Robert Keith Gray and his role in this trend.
Senior writer for U.S. News and World Report Steve Roberts, and a regular on PBS's "Washington Weekend Review." President Bush has often blamed Congress for stalling on or gridlocking legislation. Terry talks with Roberts about this assertion, whether or not its true, and if so, why? And what kind of impact does it have on the President's ability to govern?
A concert and interview with Louisiana born singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams. She's joined by guitarist Gurf Morlix. Her influences include Bob Dylan, Delta Blues man, Robert Johnson, Van Morrison, and writers Flannery O'Connor and Eudora Welty. In the late 70s she made two obscure folk albums. But she didn't really find her own voice until 1988 when she produced her self-titled album. Her new record is called "Sweet Old World."
Primus is also an actor, and appeared in the TV-show, "Cagney & Lacey," and the films "Absence of Malice," and "New York, New York." He's taught acting and directed for the stage. His first film is a Hollywood satire, "Mistress," about a man trying to get his film made. The idea of it came from his own experience in Hollywood. It stars Robert DeNiro, Eli Wallach, and Laurie Metcalf. It's also the first film to be produced out of De Niro's new production company, Tribeca.
