Music

Known for her roles in The Last Picture Show and Taxi Driver, Cybill Shepherd has refocused her career and is now making her name as a jazz singer.

Conga player Mongo Santamaria moved from Havana, Cuba to the United States to play jazz music. He later made his name leading salsa bands.

Dr. Demento, whose real name is Barret Eugene Hansen, hosts a popular radio show where he plays humorous and obscure records.

In his regular feature "Interval," jazz critic Francis Davis shares his thoughts on jazz pianist Jaki Byard.

Sheldon Harnick spent years building his reputation as a lyricist before he began collaborating with composer Jerry Bock. He talks to Terry Gross about honing his craft and two of his most significant works, Fiorello! and Fiddler on the Roof.

Jazz critic Francis Davis takes a look at the brief life and career of baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff.

In his regular feature "Interval," jazz critic Francis Davis explains the work of post-bop pianist John Lewis.

Jazz singer Nancy Wilson talks about her career, how she selects what songs to sing and record, and challenges of traveling and performing.

Red Rodney honed his skills as a trumpet player in Philadelphia. Later, he joined Charlie Parker's band. He tells Fresh Air host Terry Gross about kicking his heroin habit and the kinds of jobs he takes to make a career in music.

Alvin Epstein and Martha Schlamme have teamed up to perform cabaret songs by Kurt Weill. They talk about how they came to work together, along with the difficulties of translating Weill's lyrics from the original German.

Al Fraser co-wrote Dizzy Gillespie's autobiography. He tells Terry Gross about the interviews he conducted with iconic jazz musicians during his research.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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