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.
'Fresh Air' Commemorates The 50th Anniversary Of Apollo 11's Moon Landing
We listen to archival interviews with Michael Collins, of Apollo 11; Alan Shepard, the first American in space; Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield; and Chuck Yeager, who first broke the sound barrier.
Journalist Digs Into Years Of Corruption, Dysfunction At Border Protection Agency
Trump said he would hire 5,000 new border patrol agents, but has fallen short of that promise. Garrett Graff discusses the leadership vacuum that's plagued the agency and worsened the border crisis.
Satirist Randy Rainbow Uses Show Tunes And Pop Songs To Lampoon Trump
"I always considered song parody kind of cheap," the Emmy-nominated lyricist and performer says. "But ... I've gotten [such a] response from others ... that I'm appreciating it as an art form."
Remembering Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens
Stevens, who died Tuesday, was appointed by President Ford and served on the court for 35 years before retiring in 2010. He spoke to Fresh Air in 2011 about his memoir, Five Chiefs.
Colson Whitehead On The True Story Of Abuse And Injustice Behind 'Nickel Boys'
Whitehead's new novel is based on a notorious Florida reform school where boys were beaten and sexually abused. "If there's one place like this, there are many," he says.
'Jazz From Detroit' Offers A Mosaic Portrait Of A Larger Scene
Mark Stryker covered jazz and its people for the Detroit Free Press for decades. He uses his reporter's eye and critic's ear to chronicle the musicians from the city who made their mark on the world.
Remembering 'Larry Sanders Show' Actor Rip Torn
Torn, who died Tuesday, won an Emmy Award for playing the gruff producer Artie on The Larry Sanders Show. In 1994, he told Fresh Air that he based his character on Johnny Carson's long time producer.
'London Kills': A Cop Series That Keeps You Coming Back For More
Acorn TV's new series follows a Scotland Yard team led by a detective whose wife has gone missing. London Kills combines the reassuring closure of a network cop series with a strong forward momentum.