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Jazz Singer Sylvia Syms.

Jazz singer Sylvia Syms. During the 40s and 50s, she perfected her stage style and voice in New York's jazz clubs, including The Village Vanguard and The Latin Casino where she became friends and collaborators with Erol Garner, Billy Holiday and Frank Sinatra. She appeared on stage as well, originating the role of Bloody Mary in "South Pacific," and still sings the musical's centerpiece "Bali Hai" in her cabaret show. Syms teaches voice and song interpretation at Texas' Northwood Institute.

10:09
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Other segments from the episode on June 14, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, June 14, 1988: Interview with Chris Menges; Commentary on The Flamingos; Interview with Sylvia Syms; Commentary on the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "The Pledge of Allegiance…
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28:06

Cinematographer Chris Menges Makes His Directorial Debut.

Cinematographer and director Chris Menges. His new film, "A World Apart," opens soon. The film deals with the relationship between a white woman, politically committed to the fight against apartheid in South Africa, and her 13-year-old daughter's attempts to understand the political choices her mother has made. Menges is Britain's foremost cinematographer and the winner of two Oscars for his camera work on "The Killing Fields" and "The Mission." "A World Apart" is his first feature film as a director.

Interview
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04:00

Making Sense of Patriotic Fervor.

In celebration of Flag Day, Language Commentator Geoffrey Nunberg discusses the wording of the Pledge of Allegiance and "The Star Spangled Banner." (Rebroadcast. Original broadcast 6/10/87.)

Commentary

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Singer Susannah McCorkle

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