Music

Vernel Bagneris is a playwright, actor, and dancer. He wrote, directed, and acts in the musical "One Mo' Time," now playing in Philadelphia. The musical is set in 1920s' New Orleans and draws heavily on the jazz from that time and place. It centers around a touring group of vaudevillians performing at the segregated Lyric Theater. Bagneris describes it as a "piece on Black theater history." He joins the show to discuss the musical, the black vaudeville circuit, black face, and the benefits of live performance.

Randy Weston is a jazz pianist and composer. He travels and performs extensively in Africa, and African influences infuse his music. He is playing a rare American concert in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia-born musician made his mark performing with John Coltrane before striking out as a band leader. He explains the continual evolution of his approach to the piano.

The music writer sees a populist potential in rock music. If anyone can pick up a guitar, he claims, then anyone can make something full of emotion, regardless of their technical abilities. He recently published a book about the band Blondie.

Gambian folk musician Bai Konte discusses how he both learned and now teaches the kora, a West African 21-string lute. He performs along with his son Dembo Konte and anthropologists and musicians Marc and Susan Pevar. Filmmaker Oliver Franklin, who made a movie Bai Konte, also joins the conversation.

Sammy Cahn is a prolific lyricist who wrote countless classic songs, including for musicals and films. He explains how he hears words in melodies and shares anecdotes about his many collaborations over the years.

Anthropologist and ethnomusicolgoist Steven Feld talks about the role of music in the Kaluli tribe of Papau New Guinea.

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.