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.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': The Kirk Douglas Interview
One of Hollywood's biggest stars of the 1950s and '60s, Douglas went on to run his own production company. His film credits include Spartacus and Lust for Life. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Filmmaker And Theater Legend Elia Kazan
Kazan, whose film credits include Streetcar Named Desire and On The Waterfront, spoke in 1988 about directing Marlon Brando and his 1952 testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Celebrating 30 Years Of Fresh Air: Oscar-Winning Actress Patty Duke
Duke grew up in the public eye, playing Helen Keller in the stage and screen versions of The Miracle Worker. Later she starred in her own TV sitcom, The Patty Duke Show. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Celebrating 30 Years Of Fresh Air: The Carl Reiner Interview
Reiner spoke to Terry Gross in 1988 about how his experiences working backstage in Hollywood inspired him to create the classic sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Celebrating 30 Years Of Fresh Air: Brazilian Composer Antônio Carlos Jobim
In 1988, Terry Gross spoke with Jobim, who wrote "The Girl from Ipanema," one of the songs that started the Bossa nova craze in the United States. Jobim died in 1994.
A Coney Island Teen Struggles To Come To Terms With His Sexuality In 'Beach Rats'
Eliza Hittman's second film focuses on a repressed gay teenager living in a culture of intense sexual exhibitionism. Critic David Edelstein calls Beach Rats "feverish and gripping."
Armed Militias Face Off With The 'Antifa' In The New Landscape Of Political Protest
Mark Pitcavage of the Anti-Defamation League says the militia movement has created a conspiracy theory about the anti-fascist protesters, saying they're domestic terrorists backed by George Soros.
Pianist Vijay Iyer Combines Complicated Rhythms With Modern Style On 'Far From Over'
Iyer studied physics and mathematics before becoming a professional musician in the 1990s. He composes music for an ensemble of interdisciplinary composers and jazz academics on his new album.
If You Want Groundbreaking Noir, Try Looking 'In A Lonely Place'
The 1950 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame was adapted from a lesser-known 1947 novel by Dorothy B. Hughes, who belongs in the crime-writing pantheon. The novel's just been re-released.