A Major Work by a Major Cellist

Record producer Huey Meaux opened a barber shop before becoming a record producer. He worked hard to turn regional Texas and Louisiana music -- made by both black and white artists -- into national hits.

Bryan Ferry didn't start Roxy Music -- his first band -- until he was 25. Now a solo artist, he draws inspiration from black American music, ethnic music, and contemporary composers. His latest album is called Bete Noir.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the uniquely American tradition of spelling bees. The oracular practice may date back to a time when literacy was considered a form of magic. But, Nunberg says, it has nothing to do with education.