Journalist Itabari Njeri (it-tah-BAR-ay en-jerry). Her new book, "Every Good-bye Ain't Gone," is a touching and at times humorous memoir of growing up black in Harlem and Brooklyn during the 50s.
On the 25th anniversary of the death of Nat King Cole, jazz critic Kevin Whitehead has an appreciation of the well-known singer, and he takes a look at Cole's often overlooked skills as a jazz pianist. (By the way, Nat King Cole actually died on February 15th, but we're running the piece today, a couple of days early).
World music critic Milo Miles reviews the work of Israeli singer Ofra Haza. Haza's the closest thing to a world music "Superstar," with several very successful albums to her credit.
Investigative reporter David Burnham. His new book, "A Law Unto Itself: Power, Politics and the IRS," takes a critical look at the Internal Revenue Service, which Burnham calls "the single most powerful instrument of social control in the United States." Burnham's previous book, "The Rise of the Computer State," is about the threat to democracy posed by the collection and storage of data by government agencies.
Photographer and adventurer Galen Rowell. Rowell has been called a cross between Sir Edmund Hillary and Ansel Adams. He's made a career out of traveling to the world's wild places and capturing them on film. An accomplished skier and mountaineer, Rowell has made more than 20 trips to the Himalayas and hundreds of climbs throughout the world.
Critic Laurie Stone reviews the latest show by photographer Cindy Sherman. Sherman's known for disguising herself and then featuring herself as the subject of her photos.
Richard Barnet, co-founder of the Institute for Policy Studies. Barnet discusses the end of the Cold War and the implications for U.S. domestic and foreign policy. His new book is "The Rocket's Red Glare." (It's published by Simon and Schuster).
Film producer Gale Anne Hurd. She started out in Hollywood as an executive assistant to filmmaker Roger Corman, going on to become his co-producer. She then left to form her own production company, where she was executive producer of such films as "The Terminator," "Aliens," "The Abyss," and the current "Tremors."
Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new albums by rock groups who are doing country music, Southern Pacific's "County Line," and "Pages of Life" by the Desert Rose Band.
Actress Laurie Metcalf. Metcalf plays Roseanne's sister in the hit TV series. She's appeared in several movies, such as "Uncle Buck," "Making Mr. Right," and "Desperately Seeking Susan," and she plays a cop in the new film "Internal Affairs," starring Richard Gere and Andy Garcia. Metcalf got her start at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater, which she started with John Malkovich and Terry Kinney.
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Mark Knopfler (NOFFler). He's the guiding force behind the British band, Dire Straits. He's recently joined an informal group of musicians, The Notting Hillbillies. Their new album, "Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time," blends rock 'n' roll, blues, gospel, jazz-boogie and country & western. Knopfler has also written soundtracks for "Local Hero," "Cal," "Comfort and Joy," and "The Princess Bride."
Commentator Patricia McLaughlin blasts Ralph Lauren's citified vision of the country life, and she reflects on the "magic thinking" and escapism of some city dwellers.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new reissue of the 1932 recording of "Show Boat," on CD. It includes performances by Paul Robeson and Helen Morgan. (It's part of the CBS Special Products Series).
Filmmaker Robert Young. Young's new movie, "Triumph of the Spirit," tells the true-life story of a young fighter who was imprisoned at Auschwitz during the Second World War. While being held there, the Nazis forced him to box other prisoners, the loser being sent to the death ovens. The film stars Willem Dafoe, Robert Loggia, and Edward James Olmos. Young's earlier credits include "Dominick and Eugene" and "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez."
Author Budd Schulberg. Fifty years ago, Schulberg's first novel, "What Makes Sammy Run?" was a huge success and introduced America to the character of Sammy Glick...a man totally obsessed with making it. Schulberg's other novels include "The Harder They Fall" and "The Disenchanted," and his screenplay for the movie, "On The Waterfront" earned Schulberg an Oscar. Schulberg was also involved with the 'red scare' of the 40s and 50s, and testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Rock and roll historian Ed Ward tells the story of "Rabbit" Brown, a little-known New Orleans blues singer from the 20s who made some of the most haunting music you'll ever hear.
Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the music of two tenor saxophonists, who are father and son. Von Freeman from the Chicago blues style, plays with his son, Chico Freeman, on the album "Freeman & Freeman," (on the India Navigation label). Whitehead also reviews Von Freeman's album "Walkin Tuff!" (on Chicago's "Southport" label).
