Rock and roll historian Ed Ward profiles pioneering rhythm and blues artists Joe and Jimmy Liggins. Joe recorded one of the the genre's first hits,"The Honeydripper" in 1945. Jimmy was a lesser musical figure, but also enjoyed success with his more rough and ready style.
The Peanuts creator has been drawing his comic strip for more than 40 years. Schulz says he's always written for adults rather than children, and that his character each reflect a different part of personality.
Television critic David Bianculli reviews the newest installment of the documentary series, "The Koppel Report." It presents a savvy, unexpected, and often sad picture of sexuality abroad.
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by the Music Revelation Ensemble, led by guitarist James Blood Ulmer. Ulmer studied with Ornette Coleman, and has developed a loose, free, and often bluesy sound. A new guitar player, Joe Morris, takes Ulmer's style even further in his trio record, Sweatshop.
Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews Sydney Pollack's new movie, a love story that's supposed to be steamy, but, according to Schiff, lacks both passion and political sophistication.
David Rosengarten and Joshua Wesson, coeditors of the "Wine and Food Companion," join Fresh Air to talk about the history, science, and varieties of sparking wine. Later, Atlantic Magazine food writer Cory Kummer recommends some of cheaper options available.
Journalist Lawrence Weschler is a staff writer for the New Yorker and has been covering Eastern Europe for the past decade. He joins Fresh Air to talk about labor leader Lech Walesa's successful democratic election, and the fallout of Poland's changing government and economy.
Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the new book by Elijah Anderson, which features interviews with city dwellers. The sociological text reveals much about crime and and racism in urban areas.
Classical Music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the Great Performances telecast of Peter Sellars' production of "The Marriage of Figaro." It airs this Friday night on PBS.
Kenneth Jackson and Camilo Jose Vergara are the authors of Silent Cities, about the evolution of cemeteries in the United States. They say these sites reflect American attitudes toward class, race, and public space.
Luft is featured on the new complete recordings of the 1930 musical Girl Crazy -- she sings the part that gave Ethel Merman her start on Broadway. Luft's mother was Judy Garland, and her sister is Liza Minnelli.
Reporter Steven Mufson covered South Africa for three years; he was expelled by the country's government in 1987. His new book, "Fighting Years," is about the conflicts among black communities over the which forms of resistance against the apartheid government are most effective.
It was recently revealed that Wise's character on Twin Peaks was the killer of Laura Palmer. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his role as Leland Palmer, whom he says he thought of as a good friend.
Pollack faced difficulty filming his new movie, in light of the antagonistic relationship between the United States and Cuba. His other films include Tootsie and the Oscar winning Out of Africa.
Book critic John Leonard reviews the African American writer's new novel, set against the events surrounding the 1985 burning of the MOVE house in West Philadelphia by the Philadelphia police.
Rock and roll historian Ed Ward surveys some of this year's best rock and roll CD re-issues, featuring higher-fidelity sound and more informative liner notes.
The accordion player learned how to play by studying with his father, the late Clifton Chenier. C.J. joined his father's band, The Red Hot Louisiana Band, ten years ago, and took over as leader after Clifton Chenier died in 1987. Their new record is called Hot Rod.
Aldridge played in two Superbowls and started a successful career as a broadcaster. In the 1970s, he developed schizophrenia and lost his job, money, wife, family and home. Aldridge now travels the country, talking about his disease and recovery, and about our incorrect attitudes toward mental disease.
Kurys's films include Entre Nous and Peppermint Soda. Her new film, C'est La Vie" is the semi-autobiographical story about the summer when she was a young girl and her parents marriage broke up.
Television critic David Bianculli says the TV biopic about Frank Baum, the man who created "The Wizard of Oz," could have fallen flat with it's well-known, unsurprising story. But it succeeds with excellent performances and visual storytelling.
