Music

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.

Canadian record producer and music writer John Norris discusses releasing conventional and avant-garde jazz recordings.

Jazz musician player Charlie Byrd explains his development as a guitar player, his interest in classical music, and the influence of bossa nova on his approach to his instrument.

Part one of Fresh Air's interview with jazz critic and concert producer Dan Morgenstern. He and Terry Gross talk about forming strong bonds with musicians and listen to some of his favorite recordings.

Part two of Fresh Air's interview with jazz critic and concert producer Dan Morgenstern. He and Terry Gross talk about bootleg recordings and ensuring that artists receive fair payment.

Music critic Kal Rudman discusses how he identifies hit records for different demographics. He writes for the popular trade publication Friday Morning Quarterback.

Pianist Jimmy Golden, pianist Sam Dockery, and trumpeter and club owner Jack Fields discuss jazz in Philadelphia. Jimmy Golden and Sam Dockery have served as house pianists at many Philadelphia jazz clubs, and Jack Fields owned the club the Blue Note in the 1950s.

At 19, Jim McGowan was the victim of an assault which left him with paralyzed legs. He later worked as an R&B singer in the 1950s with the group the Four Fellows, whose song "Solider Boy" was a number one hit. He late became an academic and has written a book about an Underground Railroad figure in "The Life and Letters of Thomas Garnett," as well as a history of R&B. He is also an activist for disabled persons and was the photographer for the book "Wheelchair Champions."

Barney Kessel is a jazz guitarist, composer, and music writer. He has worked with artists such as Fred Astaire and Bille Holliday. He continues to perform across the country. He joins the show to discuss his career and life.