Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Pete Seeger's 'Fresh Air' interview
by Terry Gross
The folk singer, who died in 2014, was famous for his songs about working people, unions and social justice. In this 1984 interview, Seeger cited Woody Guthrie as one his most important influences.
Pharrell wanted to tell his story through Legos — here's why
The animated film Piece By Piece traces Pharrell's early life in Virginia Beach and follows his trajectory to a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer and producer. Originally broadcast Oct. 8, 2024.
Yo-Yo Ma on 'touching infinity' through his nearly 300-year-old cello, Petunia
Years ago, the acclaimed cellist asked a high school student to help him name his instrument. He brought his cello — aka "Petunia" — in for music and conversation during this May 2024 interview.
Remembering Roy Haynes, a jazz drummer known for his unfailing good taste
by Kevin Whitehead
Haynes, who died Nov. 12, was a heavy hitter, whose limber beat could lift the bandstand. His 65-year recording career was studded with more classics than we have time to even hint at.
Canonical lyricist Ira Gershwin gets his due
by Terry Gross
Gershwin wrote lyrics for enduring jazz standards, including "I Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You". We talk with Michael Owen, author of Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words, and listen to some of his hits.
'The Piano Lesson' was a family affair for John David and Malcolm Washington
by Tonya Mosley
Actor John David and director Malcolm talk about growing up with their famous father, Denzel Washington, and collaborating with their dad and sister on the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson's play.
'Landman' drills into the wild West workings of today's oil industry
by John Powers
This Paramount+ series, featuring Billy Bob Thornton as a savvy veteran of the oil business, is an old-fashioned soap opera and a breezy portrait of one of the world's most influential industries.
Country songs by Dwight Yoakam, Maren Morris and Shawna Thompson blend old and new
by Ken Tucker
Yoakam has recorded a harmonious new duet with Post Malone. Morris is stretching beyond country's borders. And Thompson — half of the duo Thompson Square — looks back to the roots of honky-tonk.