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.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Rocker Joey Ramone
The Ramones helped launch the punk rock scene in the mid 1970s with songs that were short, fast and loud. In 1988, lead singer Joey Ramone spoke to Terry Gross about the band's history.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Character Actor Divine
Divine spoke to Terry Gross in 1988 about his most memorable film credits, including his role as the woman who wins the title of "Filthiest Person Alive" in the John Waters' film Pink Flamingos.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Big Band Pianist Jay McShann
A native of Oklahoma, McShann came to Kansas City, Mo., in 1937, when it was the capital for boogie-woogie, blues and swing. He spoke to Terry Gross in 1987, and also played a few songs in the studio.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Jazz Singer Anita O'Day
O'Day first became known in 1941 when she joined Gene Krupa's band. Later, she later sang with Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman and many other small groups. Originally broadcast in 1987.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Drummer And Composer Max Roach
Considered one of the inventors of modern jazz drumming, Roach helped formulate the language of bebop, along with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist John Updike
Over the course of his decades-long career, Updike authored more than 25 novels, including the Rabbit series. He also penned short stories, poems, essays and a memoir. Originally broadcast in 1989.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Writer/Director Paul Schrader
Schrader wrote the screenplays for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The Last Temptation of Christ, and wrote and directed Blue Collar. He spoke in 1988 about his religious upbringing and his work in film.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Remembering Horror Film Director Tobe Hooper
Hooper, who died Saturday, wrote and directed the 1974 cult classic film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which helped inspire a wave of slasher films that followed. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Ronnie Spector, Lead Singer Of The Ronettes
Spector, who spoke to Terry Gross in 1988, was part of the 1960s girl group that gave us "Be My Baby." She left the music business for a number of years before returning to recording in the 1970s.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Singer Otis Williams, Founder Of The Temptations
Williams started the famed harmony group, whose hits included "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud To Beg." Later he kept The Temptations together after its lead singers left. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Soul Singer Ben E. King
King began his career in the '50s with The Drifters, but it was the '61 hit "Stand by Me" that sealed his musical legacy. He spoke with Terry Gross in '88 about his career and his childhood in Harlem.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Prolific Filmmaker Sidney Lumet
The Dog Day Afternoon director spoke to Terry Gross in 1988 about his career, which spanned more than five decades and included credits for acting, directing, screenwriting and producing.