Michael Tilson Thomas and Ted Thomas (10/08/1986)

Last week and this, the Best of Studs Terkel remembers Michael Tilson Thomas (1944–2026), the beloved and deeply admired American conductor, who died earlier this year. Tonight, a lively hour, from 1986. Studs Terkel’s guests were Michael Tilson Thomas and his exuberant father, Ted Thomas (1904–1992). Michael Tilson Thomas was the third generation of his family to pursue an artistic career in this country. His grandparents, immigrants Boris and Bessie Thomashefsky, were founding members of the Yiddish Theater in America. Ted Thomas, worked broadly in Hollywood and on Broadway.