How Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star
Author Ricky Riccardi says Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist helped set the entire soundtrack of the 20th century. His new book about Armstrong's early life is Stomp Off, Let's Go.
Brittany Howard Draws Listeners In With 'Jaime', A Very Personal Solo Album
The new album by the Alabama Shakes lead singer mixes autobiography with an exploration of different musical styles. Listening to Jaime is like discovering Howard as an artist all over again.
Remembering Celebrated Operatic Soprano Jessye Norman
Norman, who died Monday, was first exposed to opera as a child listening to live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. "I was intrigued by it and I loved it," she told Fresh Air in 1987.
Claire Tomalin Moves 'Between The Trivial And The Tragic' In 'A Life Of My Own'
Literary biographer Tomalin tells of her conflicting desires to have children and to lead a meaningful working life in her memoir. Originally broadcast Sept. 12, 2018.
'Joker': A Piercing Psychological Portrait Of Batman's Notorious Nemesis
Joaquin Phoenix renders the iconic villain on an intimate, human scale in Joker, a disturbing film about one man's psychological destruction and a city's descent into criminal anarchy.
'In Hoffa's Shadow' Uncovers An Author's Family Ties To A Mafia Mystery
Jack Goldsmith's new memoir centers on his investigation into his stepfather's involvement in the 1975 disappearance of the mob-connected labor leader Jimmy Hoffa.
