Fridays at 11:00 pm
Archival gems from historian Studs Terkel’s longstanding WFMT interview program
For 45 years (1952-1997), WFMT was home to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Studs Terkel. Over the years, the guests on his daily radio show ranged from ordinary Chicagoans to international figures: political leaders, writers, performers, social activists, and labor organizers. Studs was remarkable in his depth of knowledge and in his ability to get others to share in spirited and insightful discussion.
Learn more about the Studs Terkel Radio Archive by visiting its website.
Memorial Day (05/30/1960)
From time to time, Studs Terkel dedicated his daily WFMT radio program to exploring a theme or topic through music and poetry. And so it was, on May 30, 1960, that Studs presented WFMT listeners with this show about Memorial Day.
Marilyn Horne and Henry Lewis (1966)
The great American mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne (1934 – ) and her husband, conductor Henry Lewis (1932 – 1996), were Studs Terkel’s guests on WFMT a number of times. Tonight’s archive broadcast dates from 1966.
Holly Near (08/20/1990)
For 50 creative years, singer and songwriter Holly Near has celebrated the human spirit through music and activism. In August 1990, she was Studs Terkel’s guest on WFMT. Holly Near was born in Ukiah, California on June 6, 1949, and we wish her a very happy 75th birthday.
Moms Mabley (06/13/1961)
Comedy pioneer Moms Mabley (1894 – 1975) was Studs Terkel’s guest in 1961. Loretta Mary Aiken was born in 1894 and became a trailblazing performer known for her warm yet edgy stand-up routines and popular albums.
Jean Pierre Rampal (06/30/1989)
Among his many accomplishments, the French flute virtuoso Jean Pierre Rampal (1922-2000) popularized the flute as a solo instrument. It was in 1989 that he spoke with Studs Terkel about his autobiography, Music, My Love.
Composer William Russo (02/13/1997)
Chicagoan William Russo (1928 – 2003) was a Jazz composer, arranger, educator, and band leader whose remarkable international career spanned the second half of the 20th century. He wrote for Stan Kenton and the New York Philharmonic. His collaborators ranged from Duke Ellington to Yehudi Menuhin. And he originated the music department at Columbia College, establishing the long-running Chicago Jazz ...
