Dr. John, Always in the Right Place

Folklorist Nick Spitzer hosts American Routes, a public radio music program based in New Orleans. He left the city before Hurricane Katrina and is now in Lafayette, La. He talks about the cultural and musical history of New Orleans.

Now a film and TV presence, New Orleans native Harry Connick Jr. first made his mark as a musical prodigy, recording his first songs at age 9. He's since done soundtracks and songs for a number of films, including Godfather III and When Harry Met Sally, and has released 17 albums, most recently Only You. Acting credits include Hope Floats, Basic, Little Man Tate and the TV sitcom Will and Grace. Connick has returned to New Orleans to lend a helping hand with hurricane relief. (This interview was first broadcast on June 21, 1988.)

Allen Toussaint, evacuated from New Orleans after the floods hit, is a songwriter best known for the hit "Working in the Coal Mine." He wrote songs for The Meters, Dr. John, Patti LaBelle and many others, and was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. (This interview was first broadcast on Jan. 6, 1988.)