Segments by Date

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Jazz trumpeter Ted Curson makes a living as a musician in the U.S. and abroad. He shares his thoughts on improvising, staying fit and playing with different ensembles.

After years in dance bands, jazz trombonist Jimmy Knepper made his mark playing with Charles Mingus, with whom he had a fraught relationship.

Author Jerzy Kozinski's new novel, Passion Play, is about polo and middle age. He talks about adopting the English language, sexuality in his fiction, and the state of the publishing industry.

The Japanese-American sculptor discusses the reception of his art both in the U.S. and abroad.

African-American poet Ntozake Shange tells Terry Gross about how Black liberation, women's movements and jazz have influenced her work. She has a new collection of poetry called Nappy Edges.

Scholar, activist and singer Bernice Reagon was a member of SNCC's Freedom Singers. She talks about the history of songs associated with the Civil Rights Movement.

Writer Christopher Cerf co-edited a humorous speculative history called The 80s, which anticipates what happens in the coming decade. Fresh Air listeners and host Terry Gross discuss a number of whimsical predictions.

Philadelphia-based trombonist Al Grey talks about making a living in jazz and his experience playing with Count Basie's big band.

Writer and cartoonist Jules Feiffer recently published a novel called Tantrum, which follows the story of a middle-aged father who becomes a two-year-old. He shares his take on the culture of the 1970s and writing the screenplay of the upcoming Popeye film.