Film offers 'Hard Truths' about why some people are happy — and others are miserable
Marianne Jean-Baptiste gives a phenomenal performance as a profoundly unhappy woman. There isn't a lot of plot, but director Mike Leigh builds his stories from the details and detritus of daily life.
The Riffs And Rhythms That Led To Jazz As We Know It
The Original Dixieland Jazz Band's first recording in Feb. 1917 is often cited as the first jazz record ever, but critic Kevin Whitehead says that the roots of jazz stretch a little further back.
Revisiting The Craft And Vision Of 'Graduate' Director Mike Nichols
The late director is the subject of a new PBS American Masters documentary. Another documentary about Nichols will be shown on HBO next month. Nichols spoke to Fresh Air's Terry Gross in 2001.
Carol Burnett: The 'Fresh Air' Interview
The Emmy Award-winning host of The Carol Burnett Show receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild on Saturday. In 2003, Burnett spoke to Fresh Air about life and comedy.
New Release By Numero Revisits Ork Records' Complete Catalog
Terry Ork was a mystery man who crashed the Warhol scene and founded his own record label. Rock historian Ed Ward traces the brief, tumultuous existence of Ork Records.
Embedded In Des Moines: A 'Times' Reporter's Year Covering The '16 Campaign
New York Times political reporter Trip Gabriel has spent the past year in Iowa, covering the political operations, speeches and rallies leading up to the first vote of the presidential campaign.
'Portable Veblen' Puts A Quirky Spin On Marriage And Family
Elizabeth McKenzie's new novel about the pitfalls of approaching marriage is a sharply written romantic comedy with elements of experimental fiction. Maureen Corrigan calls it "totally endearing."
Deconstructing Gov. Chris Christie's 'Bridge To Redemption'
Journalist Matt Katz discusses Christie's rise to power in New Jersey, the "Bridgegate" scandal and his performance in the '16 Republican presidential primary. Katz is the author of American Governor.