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.
Jerry Lewis On His Borscht Belt Childhood And The Lonely Work Of Comedy
In 2005, Lewis told Fresh Air about his partnership with singer Dean Martin and how he honed his comic skills while working as a busboy. The comedian, actor and director died Sunday at the age of 91.
Haunting 'Marjorie Prime' Is Suffused With Forgiveness And Despair
The new film is set in the near future, when people can purchase holographic versions of their dead loved ones. This drama isn't about technology — it's sci-fi as a means of exploring our inner lives.
Daniel Romano's 'Modern Pressure' Is The Work Of A Confident Pop Craftsman
The singer-songwriter mostly recorded this album in a cabin in Sweden. You can hear that intensity and obsessiveness in his attractive, eccentric pieces, which sometimes sound like works-in-progress.
Billy Eichner Makes A Career Out Of Love/Hating Celebrity Culture
In addition to starring in Hulu's Difficult People, Eichner roams the streets of NYC, asking open-ended questions about celebrities in Billy on the Street. Originally broadcast Dec. 12, 2016.
High Spirited 'Patti Cake$' Dresses Its Cinderella Story In Dirty Jersey Drag
A hard-working aspiring rapper rises above her dead-end existence with the help of some supportive friends and her own irrepressible talent. Critic Justin Change says Patti Cake$ is irresistible.
Snark Aside, Julie Klausner Says 'Difficult People' Is Inspired By Love
Klausner plays an unsuccessful comic who quips about celebrities in her Hulu series, which recently launched its third season. Originally broadcast Aug. 16, 2016.
In Trump's Government, The 'Regulated Have Become The Regulators'
Eric Lipton of The New York Times says lobbyists now working for the government are leading a regulatory roll back that is benefiting the industries they used to represent.
