Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
How Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star
by Terry Gross
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.
Anthology Series 'Why Women Kill' Weaves 3 Mysteries In 3 Decades
by David Bianculli
The creator of Desperate Housewives is back with a new dark comedy on CBS All Access that shifts between three different storylines. It stars Lucy Liu, Ginnifer Goodwin and Kirby Howell-Baptiste.
Remembering Bob Wilber, A Standard Bearer For Traditional Jazz
by Terry Gross
The saxophonist and clarinetist, a student of Sidney Bechet and thusly a specialist in early styles, died Aug. 4 at the age of 91. He spoke with Terry Gross in 1988.
'Kochland': How The Koch Brothers Changed U.S. Corporate And Political Power
by Terry Gross
In a new book, Christopher Leonard chronicles how Koch Industries acquired huge businesses, limited its liability and created a political influence network to remake the GOP.
'Fresh Air' Remembers Toni Morrison With 3 Conversations Over 4 Decades
by Terry Gross
The Nobel laureate died Monday at 88. Terry Gross talked with Morrison in 1987 after she wrote Beloved, in 1992 after she authored Jazz and in 2015 when she published God Help the Child.
'Conspiracyland' Debunks Theories About Murder Of DNC Staffer Seth Rich
by Dave Davies
Journalist Michael Isikoff hosts a new podcast exploring the motivation and methods of those who promoted wild conspiracy theories about Rich, who was killed in a suspected failed robbery in 2016.
'Succession' Season 2 Is A Cleverly Plotted Portrait Of Privilege
by John Powers
The superbly acted HBO series is a darkly funny riff on King Lear. Members of a family struggle for control of a media empire — and not one of them is likable, but all of them are fun.
'This Changes Everything': Geena Davis On Empowering Women In Hollywood
by Terry Gross
A new documentary explores how women in Hollywood are pushing for more representation in front of and behind the camera. Davis and director Maria Giese discuss the dramatic disparities on screen.
'Soul. R&B. Funk.' Features A Decade Of Photos From 'The Best Seat In The House'
by Sonari Glinton
Bruce Talamon has photographed Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Barry White, Bob Marley, Patti LaBelle ... the list goes on. A new book shows his work from 1972-1982.