Best of Studs Terkel
Fridays at 10:00 pm
For 45 years (1952-1997), WFMT was home to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Studs Terkel. Operating from a tiny room overstuffed with papers, books, and an antique typewriter, Studs’ career – and everything cultural – unfolded before our eyes. Over the years, his daily guests ranged from ordinary Chicagoans to international figures: political leaders, writers, performers, social activists, and labor organizers. Covering wide-ranging topics, Studs was remarkable in his depth of knowledge, and in his ability to get others to open up and talk. If you ask those who worked with him – “What exactly was Studs Terkel’s job title at WFMT?” – you’ll get a wistful smile, “Free Spirit.”
For more information and to access select audio archives, visit The Studs Terkel Conversations with America website.
Program Schedule
May 24, 2013
DIETER FISCHER-DIESKAU Pt 1
Originally aired 1/30/1970
May 31, 2013
DIETER FISCHER-DIESKAU Pt 2
Originally aired 1/30/1970
June 7, 2013
GWENDOLYN BROOKS
Originally aired 7/21/1964
Above: Studs speaking with beat poets (pictured from left to right) Gregory Corso, Allen Ginsberg and Peter Orlovsky in a program originally broadcast in 1960 (Photo Courtesy of The Chicago History Museum).
Studs Terkel
(1912-2008)
We received an outpouring of memories about the life of Studs Terkel from listeners and WFMT staff. His impact on the WFMT community is evident in each comment and story. Thank you to all of our listeners for sharing.
Read listeners' memories about Studs Terkel.
