Stand-Up Comic Steven Wright

Tucker wrote Brown's memoir, The Godfather of Soul, which was recently reprinted. He joins Fresh Air to talk about Brown's rise as a soul singer, the evolution of his stage persona, and his recent conviction and imprisonment, a punishment which Tucker believes is too severe based on the charges.

Rather than shop around their works to established big bands, the New York Composers Orchestra founded their own ensemble. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead is impressed by their self-titled debut.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews John McPhee's Looking for a Ship, about the U.S. Merchant Marines. McPhee joined the crew on one of the last remaining ships for a forty-two day voyage to South America.