This catalog contains biographies for composers, conductors, educators, performers, and songwriters.
Most of these titles are available in digital cartridge format as indicated with a DBM prefix.
Any title may be ordered by contacting:
Music Section
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542
1-800-424-8567
[email protected] 
Biographies
Composers
Bach, Johann Sebastian
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Bach
Download DBM 01656
Bartók, Bela
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Bartók
Download DBM 01662
Beethoven, Ludwig van
Beethoven the Incredible
Download DBM 00369
Fictionalized account of Beethoven’s life.
Beethoven, the Man
Download DBM 01513
Beethoven, the Man Who Set Music Free
Download DBM 00938
Biography of Beethoven and excerpts from his music.
Beethoven, Revolutionary Artist
Download DBM 01514
Ludwig von Beethoven
Download DBM 00084
Biography of the composer who believed that music was a branch of moral philosophy and that musical sounds were the very stuff and substance of political and religious life.
The Music of Beethoven
Outlines the career of the great German composer.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Beethoven
Download DBM 01628
Berlioz, Hector
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Berlioz
Download DBM 01633
Bizet, Georges
Life and Music of Georges Bizet
Download DBM 00987
The life and work of Georges Bizet with excerpts from Carmen, his best known opera.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Bizet
Download DBM 01644
Boulez, Pierre
Experiments in Electronics
Download DBM 00330
Composer-conductor Pierre Boulez discusses his search for a new musical language.
Brahms, Johannes
Brahms
Download DBM 00627
Description of life and musical style of the great German composer, accompanied by the excerpts of his major works.
Johannes Brahms
Download DBM 00085
Biography of the composer.
The Music of Brahms
Download DBM 00164
Describes the life and work of the composer, a leading figure in the German romantic movement. Includes selections from his compositions.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Brahms
Download DBM 01642
Britten, Benjamin
Benjamin Britten, the Early Years
Download DBM 01518
Buxtehude, Dietrich
Lübeck, the Abendmusiken concerts established by Dietrich Buxtehude
Download DBM 00389
Discussion of Buxtehude’s fame as an organist, influence as a composer, and role in establishing the Abendmusiken, a series of concerts held on the five Sundays preceding Christmas. Includes a performance of Buxtehude’s sacred solo cantata, Laudate Dominum.
Chopin, Frédéric
Frédéric François Chopin
Download DBM 00102
Biography of the composer.
Poet of the Piano-Chopin
Fictionalized biography of Frédéric Chopin, illustrated with orchestral versions of his piano music.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Chopin
Download DBM 01635
Copland, Aaron
An Aaron Copland Portrait
Download DBM 00134
Interview with Aaron Copland, who discusses the use of folk material in his opera The Tender Land, and a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Copland, of two suites from the opera.
Copland, Gershwin, and Piston
Download DBM 00025
A discussion of three contemporary American composers who have achieved international prominence.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Copland
Download DBM 01666
Corelli, Arcangelo
Corelli and Vivaldi: Their Lives and Their Music
Download DBM 01292
Narrated by Ward Botsford
Debussy, Claude
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Debussy
Download DBM 01655
Dohnanyi, Ernst von
Ernst von Dohnanyi
Download DBM 00149
Dohnanyi plays his compositions and talks about his musical career.
Ernst von Dohnanyi in Concert
Download DBM 00148
Dohnanyi tells of his early concert days.
Donizetti, Gaetano
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Donizetti
Download DBM 01632
Dvorák, Antonín
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Dvorák
Download DBM 01647
Ellington, Duke
Duke Ellington
Download DBM 00933
Mike Whorf interviews friends and relatives of the pianist, bandleader, and composer of more than one thousand pieces.
Falla, Manuel de
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: de Falla
Download DBM 01661
Faure, Gabriel
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Faure
Download DBM 01650
Foster, Stephen Collins
Beautiful Dreamer
Download DBM 00930
Biography and music of the American songwriter Stephen C. Foster.
The Foster Nobody Knows
Download DBM 00988
Biography of Stephen Foster and a glimpse into the legacy of his naturally beautiful melodies, which have been enjoyed for generations.
Franck, César
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Franck
Download DBM 01640
Gershwin, George
Copland, Gershwin, and Piston
Download DBM 00025
A discussion of three contemporary American composers who have achieved international prominence.
George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
Download DBM 00891
The story behind writing this composition and performing it with Paul Whiteman in New York. Gershwin cut the piano roll used for this performance.
Gershwin
Download DBM 00709
Description of life and musical style of Gershwin, accompanied by several excerpts of his major works and numerous popular songs.
The Gershwin Years
Download DBM 00614
Overview of Gershwin’s life, with several songs from stage musicals, including “Yankee Doodle Blues,” “Somebody Loves Me,” “Clap Yo’ Hands,” and “Bess, You Is My Woman.”
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Gershwin
Download DBM 01665
Gluck, Christoph
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Gluck
Download DBM 01625
Gottschalk, Louis Moreaux
America’s First Superstar
Download DBM 00951
Biography of Louis Moreaux Gottschalk, who used American folk music in his compositions. Selections heard are “Bamboula” and “A Night in the Tropics.”
Grieg, Edvard
Grieg
Download DBM 00998
Biography and music of the Norwegian born composer who wove the folk melodies and rhythms of his homeland into his works.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Grieg
Handel, George Frideric
The Music of Handel
Download DBM 00140
Details Handel’s career as a composer.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Handel
Download DBM 01624
Haydn, Franz Joseph
Franz Josef Haydn
Download DBM 00104
Introduction to the composer’s life.
Haydn
Download DBM 00706
Description of life and musical style of the great Austrian composer, accompanied by the excerpts of his major famous works.
Josef Haydn
Download DBM 00671
Biography plus musical examples.
The Music of Haydn
Download DBM 00165
Describes the finer points of Haydn’s music as seen in his Symphony no. 94 and his Concerto for trumpet and orchestra.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Haydn
Download DBM 01626
Henze, Hans Werner
Spotlight on Hans Werner Henze
Download DBM 00290
A contemporary German composer discusses the successful opera.
Herbert, Victor
The Legend of Victor Herbert
Download DBM 00612
Focus on Victor Herbert, one of the founders of ASCAP, covering his varied career as composer of the operetta Babes in Toyland, bandmaster of New York’s Twenty-Second Regiment Band, and conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Victor Herbert
Download DBM 00585
Biography. Herbert’s failure at composing serious pieces for the opera and violoncello resulted in the operetta Naughty Marietta, a forerunner of musical comedy. Includes selections from Victor Herbert’s musical comedies.
Hoddinott, Alun
Moelwyn Merchant Talks with Composer Alun Hoddinott
Download DBM 00321
The composer talks about his and other composers’ work. Includes excerpts from Hoddinott’s works.
Ives, Charles
Charles Ives: Fascination with What Is Difficult; Erik Satie: Man in the Grey Velvet Suit
Gilbert Highet discusses the lives of two composers, Charles Ives and Erik Satie. He explores the influences that shaped their compositions.
Janácek, Leoš
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Janácek
Download DBM 01654
Johnson, James P.
(James Price)
James P. Johnson
Download DBM 00858
The composer of “Charleston” and “If I Could Be with You” ranked along with Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton as the “father” of the eastern Harlem stride style.
Liszt, Franz
Franz Liszt
Download DBM 00673
Biography plus musical examples.
Liszt
Download DBM 00708
Description of music and musical style of the great Hungarian composer and pianist, accompanied by the excerpts from his most important works.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Liszt
Download DBM 01637
Mahler, Gustav
Recollections of Mahler
Download DBM 00108
Musicians, acquaintances, and Mahler’s daughter describe their experiences with this composer and discuss his personal and professional life.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Mahler
Download DBM 01652
Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix
Felix Mendelssohn
Download DBM 00161
Discusses the life and music of Felix Mendelssohn.
Felix Mendelssohn
Download DBM 00674
Biography plus musical examples.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Mendelssohn
Download DBM 01634
Monteverdi, Claudio
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Monteverdi
Download DBM 01619
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
The Music of Mozart
Download DBM 00027
The third movements from Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 26 in D major and his Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major illustrate Mozart’s musical development.
Profile: Mozart
Download DBM 00962
The universal genius and unique style of Mozart are discussed along with his personal life. Excerpts from his music are performed.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Mozart
Download DBM 01627
Mussorgsky, Modest
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Mussorgsky
Download DBM 01645
Offenbach, Jacques
Death in A Major
Download DBM 00970
The story of Offenbach’s near lifelong quest of a haunting melody, his famous “Barcarolle.”
Palestrina, Giovanni
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Palestrina
Download DBM 01618
Piston, Walter
Copland, Gershwin, and Piston
Download DBM 00025
A discussion of three contemporary American composers who have achieved international prominence.
Prokofiev, Sergei
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Prokofiev
Download DBM 01664
Puccini, Giacomo
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Puccini
Download DBM 01651
Purcell, Henry
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Purcell
Download DBM 01620
Rachmaninoff, Sergi
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Rachmaninoff
Download DBM 01658
Rameau, Jean Philippe
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Rameau
Download DBM 01622
Ravel, Maurice
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Ravel
Download DBM 01660
Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolay
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Rimsky-Korsakov
Download DBM 01649
Rossini, Gioacchino
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Rossini
Download DBM 01631
Saint-Saëns, Camille
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Saint-Saëns
Satie, Eric
See entry under Ives, Charles
Schoenberg, Arnold
Download DBM 01659
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Schoenberg
Schubert, Peter Franz
Franz Schubert
Download DBM 00672
Biography plus musical examples.
Peter Franz Schubert
Download DBM 00101
Story of the composer who sank so low into poverty that he couldn’t afford to rent a piano to do his writing. Most of his works were not performed until years after his early death at thirty-one.
Schubert
Download DBM 00707
Description of life and musical style of the great Austrian composer, accompanied by numerous excerpts from his works.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Schubert
Download DBM 01629
Schuman, William
Close-up on William Schuman
Download DBM 00286
Reminiscences of the educational administrator, president of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and composer.
Schumann, Robert
Robert Schumann
Download DBM 00014
David Randolph discusses the life of the composer who set out to become the world’s greatest pianist, but lost the use of his hand and died impoverished. Illustrated with numerous examples of Schumann’s compositions for piano, orchestra, instrumental ensembles, and voices.
A Tribute to Schumann
Download DBM 00924
The life and work of Robert Schumann. Several of his piano works and songs are performed.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Schumann
Download DBM 01636
Schutz, Heinrich
Dresden
Download DBM 00384
Lecture on Heinrich Schutz, stressing Schutz’s importance in applying Italian polychoral style and dramatic monody to German church music; motets from Schutz’s Symphoniae Sacrae.
Shostakovich, Dmitri
Shostakovich and Stravinsky
Download DBM 00301
Lecture on the life and work of two leading Russian composers.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Shostakovich
Download DBM 01667
Sibelius, Jean
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Sibelius
Download DBM 01656
Sousa, John Philip
John Philip Sousa
Download DBM 00297
Discussion concerning the great composer’s life, highlighted by comments of friends and associates.
Marching Along
Download DBM 00851
John Philip Sousa, born in Washington, D.C., in 1854, wrote over one hundred marches. His band performed from 1892 to 1931. Interviews with his daughter Helen and friend Meredith Willson, and examples of his music such as El Capitan.
The Sousa Nobody Knows
Download DBM 00971
Explores other compositions Sousa wrote besides his well-known marches. A tango called Gliding Girl, composed in 1912, is among the selections.
Strauss, Johann
Johann Strauss II
Download DBM 00710
Description of life and music of the Waltz King, with numerous excerpts from his famous works.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: J. Strauss
Download DBM 01641
Strauss, Richard
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: R. Strauss
Download DBM 01653
Stravinsky, Igor
See also listing under Shostakovich
A Sound Portrait of Igor Stravinsky
Download DBM 00719
Biography of the composer whose ballet The Rite of Spring touched off a riot when it was first produced in Paris in 1913. Illustrated by writings from Stravinsky as well as Debussy and Rimsky-Korsakov and interviews with Elliot Carter and John Rosen. Selections from composer’s pieces for orchestra, conducted by Stravinsky.
Spotlight on Igor Stravinsky
Download DBM 00056
Igor Stravinsky invites the listener into his Hollywood studio to hear a conversation with conductor Robert Craft.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Stravinsky
Download DBM 01663
Tchaikovsky, Peter
The Music of Tchaikovsky: Music by the Melancholy Russian
Download DBM 00023
Excerpts from The Nutcracker Suite, Sleeping Beauty, and Symphony no. 4, showing how Tchaikovsky’s music is rooted in Russian folk music.
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Download DBM 00194
David Randolph introduces many of Tchaikovsky’s compositions.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Tchaikovsky
Download DBM 01646
Tippett, Michael
Sir Michael Tippett
Biography and discussion of the composer’s life. Includes interview with Tippett and others, and extensive musical extracts.
Vaughan Williams, Ralph
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Vaughan Williams
Download DBM 01657
Verdi, Giuseppe
A General Lecture on Verdi
Download DBM 01336
This composer, born into abject poverty, was to become one of the greatest opera composers of all time. There is also a comparison of Il Trovatore and Aida, two of his greatest works.
The History Makers: Giuseppe Verdi
Narrated by John Green
The Master of Melody-Verdi
Download DBM 00948
Biography of the renowned opera composer, his tragedy and triumphs. Excerpts from his operas are heard.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Verdi
Download DBM 01619
Vivaldi, Antonio
Corelli and Vivaldi: Their Lives and Their Music
Download DBM 01292
Narrated by Ward Botsford
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Vivaldi
Download DBM 01621
Wagner, Richard
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: Wagner
Download DBM 01638
Walton, William
Sir William Walton
Download DBM 01520
Biography and discussion of the composer. Includes interview with Walton and others and extracts from his works.
Weber, Karl Maria von
Download DBM 01630
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers: von Weber
Weill, Kurt
The Musical Maverick
Download DBM 00611
Covers the varied career of Kurt Weill, composer of such operas as Threepenny Opera and Mahagonny and such popular songs as “Mack the Knife” and “September Song.” His collaborators Ira Gershwin, Langston Hughes, and Ogden Nash tell their stories about his work in America.
The World’s 50 Greatest Composers
Johann Sebastian Bach
Download DBM 01623
Béla Bartók
Download DBM 01662
Ludwig van Beethoven
Download DBM 01628
Hector Berlioz
Download DBM 01633
Georges Bizet
Download DBM 01644
Johannes Brahms
Download DBM 01642
Frédéric Chopin
Download DBM 01635
Aaron Copland
Download DBM 01666
Claude Debussy
Download DBM 01655
Gaetano Donizetti
Download DBM 01632
Antonín Dvorák
Download DBM 01647
Manuel de Falla
Download DBM 01661
Gabriel Faur‚
Download DBM 01650
Cesar Franck
Download DBM 01640
George Gershwin
Download DBM 01665
Christoph Gluck
Download DBM 01625
George Frideric Handel
Download DBM 01624
Franz Joseph Haydn
Download DBM 01626
Franz Liszt
Download DBM 01637
Gustav Mahler
Download DBM 01652
Felix Mendelssohn
Download DBM 01634
Claudio Monteverdi
Download DBM 01619
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Download DBM 01627
Modest Mussorgsky
Download DBM 01645
Giovanni da Palestrina
Download DBM 01618
Sergei Prokofiev
Henry Purcell
Download DBM 01620
Giacomo Puccini
Download DBM 01651
Sergi Rachmaninoff
Download DBM 01658
Jean-Philippe Rameau
Download DBM 01622
Maurice Ravel
Download DBM 01660
Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov
Download DBM 01649
Gioacchino Rossini
Download DBM 01631
Arnold Schoenberg
Download DBM 01659
Franz Schubert
Download DBM 01629
Robert Schumann
Download DBM 01636
Dmitri Shostakovich
Download DBM 01667
Jean Sibelius
Johann Strauss
Download DBM 01641
Richard Strauss
Download DBM 01653
Igor Stravinsky
Download DBM 01663
Peter Tchaikovsky
Download DBM 01646
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Giuseppe Verdi
Download DBM 01639
Antonio Vivaldi
Richard Wagner
Download DBM 01638
Karl Maria von Weber
Download DBM 01630
Conductors
Ormandy, Eugene
Spotlight on Eugene Ormandy
Download DBM 00265
The conductor reminisces about his boyhood, Vienna, and other musicians.
Stokowski, Leopold
A Leopold Stokowski Profile
Download DBM 00162
Autobiographical account of Stokowski’s unusual range of musical activity.
Szell, George
Maestro George Szell
Download DBM 00472
A great conductor demonstrates his artistry in these rehearsals and concerts.
Toscanini, Arturo
Maestro Arturo Toscanini
Download DBM 00270
This tribute to the famed maestro includes a discussion of his life and work as a conductor, composer, and teacher.
The Man and the Legend-Arturo Toscanini
Download DBM 00913
Called saint and demon, tyrant and democrat, it was an epic experience to play under this great musician of the world. Music by Beethoven is heard.
Educators
Boulanger, Nadia
Focus on Nadia Boulanger
Download DBM 00296
Nadia Boulanger, distinguished teacher of Aaron Copland and numerous other successful composers, discusses her teaching philosophy and comments on success in the world of music.
The Influence of Nadia Boulanger
Download DBM 00173
Nadia Boulanger explains how she develops her students’ creative abilities and musical artistry.
Music for Children
Download DBM 00263
Interviews with Doreen Hall, a leading exponent of the Orff system of music education; Donald Himes, a teacher of eurhythmics; and Derek Healey, a composer.
Performers
Astaire, Fred
The Legend of Fred S. Astaire
Download DBM 00819
Biography of Fred Astaire, dance master of the stage and screen. Music such as “Dancing Cheek to Cheek” is featured.
Austin, Gene
The Legend of Gene Austin
Download DBM 00826
Describes Austin as a kind and generous human being, whose legacy can be summed up by the dictum to embrace the present. “My Blue Heaven,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Lonesome Road,” and “Melancholy Baby” are heard.
Baez, Joan
The Singer as Activist
Download DBM 00113
Interview with folk singer Joan Baez and her family and friends. Discusses her career and her involvement with the Monterey Institute for the Study of Nonviolence.
Beiderbecke, Bix
Bix Beiderbecke
Belafonte, Harry
Spotlight on Harry Belafonte
Download DBM 00287
A prominent black singer and entertainer discusses his life on stage.
Benny, Jack
Jack Benny
Download DBM 00881
Biography of the much loved entertainer who never aged beyond thirty-nine years, played the violin, and personified a vain and miserly character.
Blake, Eubie
Eubie Blake
Memories of Eubie
Download DBM 00728
The ninety-six-year-old ragtime musician reminisces about his many years in show business. He also plays “Charleston Rag,” “Memories of You,” and “If You’ve Never Been Vamped by a Brownskin.”
Borge, Victor
Clown Prince of Denmark
Download DBM 01002
Biography, music, and comedy of Victor Borge. Includes the story of a Mozart opera and phonetic punctuation.
Brice, Fanny
Fanny
Download DBM 00925
A legend in her time, Fanny Brice began her stage career at age fourteen and was a show stopper from her first performance. Original excerpts from her performances are heard.
Britto, Carol
Carol Britto
Download DBM 01245
For two decades she delighted Toronto jazz fans. Carol Britto has returned to her native country, making waves on the New York music scene with her impressive piano skills. Britto discusses her career.
Burton, Gary
Gary Burton
Download DBM 01249
Although his main instrument is the vibraphone, he has taught piano at the Berklee College of Music for many years. Gary Burton performs “Turn Out the Stars.” Marian McPartland interviews Burton and the two blend talents on a duet of “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes.”
Cage, John
John Cage and Burl Ives
Calloway, Paul
See entry under Duncan, Paul
Cantor, Eddie
Gerald Marks on Eddie Cantor
Download DBM 00876
Interview with composer and historian of Tin Pan Alley, Gerald Marks, and his recollections of the “saucer-eyed” entertainer, Eddie Cantor. Songs heard briefly are “Ma,” “Makin’ Whoopee,” and “Ida.”
Caruso, Enrico
Hall of Fame: Enrico Caruso
Download DBM 00989
Biography of the world-famous tenor who was among the first of leading musicians to recognize the value of the phonograph.
Casals, Pablo
Spotlight on Pablo Casals
Download DBM 00293
The renowned cellist discusses his music and ideals.
Chaplin, Charlie
The Comedian: Charlie Chaplin
Download DBM 00986
Biography of the world famous comedian, Charlie Chaplin. Includes his childhood and early stage appearances. Timely and humorous music interspersed throughout.
Chevalier, Maurice
Close-up on Maurice Chevalier
Download DBM 00320
An entertainer recalls his love affairs with Parisian and American audiences.
Colianni, John
John Colianni
Download DBM 01235
At fifteen he demonstrates his abilities with a composition of his own, “Slow Blues.” A powerful duet of “Get Happy” concludes a session with Marian McPartland.
Columbo, Russ
The Legend of Russ Columbo
Download DBM 00833
A crooner of the 1930s who reflects on the slowdown in musical style after the stock market crash. “Time on My Hands,” “Sweet and Lovely,” and “All of Me” are among the songs included.
Copeland, Johnny
Johnny Copeland
Download DBM 01232
The singer and guitarist explains the difference between Texas country blues and Texas city blues and why his music is often considered the quintessence of just plain Texas blues.
Corea, Chick
Chick Corea
Download DBM 01250
The multitalented musician plays selections from a variety of musical genres- from big band to jazz-rock fusion. In “Piano Jazz,” recorded at Corea’s own California studio, the prolific composer joins Marian McPartland for a dazzling mix of talk, improvisations, and musical portraits.
Crosby, Bing
Close-up on Bing Crosby
Download DBM 00284
A giant in show business tells the story of his life and work with the easy style that was his trademark for two generations.
Dapogny, James
James Dapogny
Download DBM 01254
A specialist on piano music from the turn of the century to World War II tells his favorite tales of the legendary Jelly Roll Morton and plays tunes by Morton and Gershwin.
Disney, Walt
Walt Disney’s Dream Factory
Download DBM 00846
Biography and excerpts of music from Disney’s movies such as “Chim Chim Cher-ee” sung by Dick Van Dyke, “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf,” and “Alice in Wonderland.”
Duchin, Peter
Peter Duchin
Download DBM 01257
He began studying music at five and went on to lead his own orchestra. This demonstration features Duchin in a solo of Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Duncan, Todd
Todd Duncan and Paul Calloway
Download DBM 00083
Todd Duncan, the original Porgy in Porgy and Bess, and Paul Calloway, the Washington Cathedral’s director of music, discuss their difficulties in achieving success.
Durante, Jimmy
The Legend of Jimmy Durante
Download DBM 00828
“The Great Durante” began his career as a ragtime pianist in 1913. Reminiscences of his radio days include portions of broadcasts and songs he played and sang.
Eldridge, Roy
Roy Eldridge
Download DBM 01238
In this demonstration the great jazz trumpet stylist displays his piano abilities by playing several of his own works and a composition penned by both Marian McPartland and Eldridge, the “M and R Blues.”
Ellington, Duke
Duke Ellington
Download DBM 00933
Things Are Just like They Used to Be
Download DBM 00980
Anecdotes and facts about the man Duke Ellington and his big-band style of arranging. “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “Perdido” are heard.
Elman, Mischa
The Art of Mischa Elman
Download DBM 00958
Biography of the pioneer of the “Russian School” of violin playing. Some familiar tunes are played in this highly romantic style.
Fields, Gracie
Gracie Fields Forever
Download DBM 00868
Through recordings and recorded interviews, the life of this famous English music hall queen is traced. Beginning as a professional singer at the age of sixteen, she made her last appearances at age seventy. Introduced by Stanley Holloway.
Gilmore, P. S.
Super Salesman of Music
Download DBM 00943
Biography of the extraordinary band master of the 1800s who traveled the country producing musical events. Choral and orchestra music are performed.
Gluck, Alma
The Legend of Alma Gluck
Download DBM 00829
Alma Gluck, operatic soprano born in Romania in 1884, came to New York as a child. She sang for Toscanini in 1909. They became lifelong friends. Featured songs are from her operatic roles.
Gould, Glenn
Glenn Gould on the Moog Synthesizer
Download DBM 00244
Glenn Gould talks about the Moog synthesizer used in the production of the recording Switched-on Bach. Includes interviews with synthesizer performer Wendy Carlos and Canadian poet Jean Le Moyne.
Grillo, Frank “Machito”
Machito
Download DBM 01190
Pays tribute to the late Cuban musician Frank “Machito” Grillo, universally acclaimed as the first musician to blend jazz with Latin American sound. Includes interviews with Machito, as well as with those who knew him. (This tape contains material on one side only.)
Guthrie, Woody
Legend of a Balladeer
Download DBM 00912
Biography of Woody Guthrie, who traveled the land and wrote songs about American life. “This Land Is Your Land” and “Roll on, Columbia” are among the musical selections.
Hancock, Herbie
Herbie Hancock
Download DBM 01229
His mastery of both acoustic piano jazz and electronic jazz-rock-funk has propelled him to stardom. Herbie Hancock discusses his role in the film Round Midnight, plays “Chan’s Song,” written especially for the film, and joins Marian McPartland for their own version of “That Old Black Magic.”
Hawkins, Coleman
Spotlight on Coleman Hawkins
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Friends and colleagues reminisce about the jazz musician’s career. Includes a recording of his last performance.
Heifetz, Jascha
The World’s Greatest Violinist
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Interview with renowned violinist Jascha Heifetz. Includes performances.
Hines, Earl
Fatha Hines Groove
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Traces the development of Hines’s unique jazz piano style throughout the long span of his career.
Holiday, Billie
Billie Holiday
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Biography of the blues singer. Examples of her sensitive style include both upbeat and blues songs. Some backings are played by Teddy Wilson and Lester Young.
Holly, Buddy
Buddy Holly
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Buddy Holly’s legacy of rock and roll music influenced such performers as Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. “Well, That’ll Be the Day” is heard.
Hopkins, Lightnin’
Focus on Lightnin’ Hopkins
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In this documentary, the blues singer and guitarist reminisces about the early days of his career and performs many of his songs.
Jackson, Mahalia
Mahalia Jackson Discusses “Movin’ on Up”
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Interview with the great black singer, who describes her strong faith and the hymns and spirituals she sings that reinforce her faith.
Jarvis, Jane
Jane Jarvis
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An executive for Muzak, former organist with the New York Mets, and now a headliner in premier jazz clubs, Jarvis plays a solo version of “The Bounder.” A duet of “J and M Blues” concludes this interview by Marian McPartland.
Jessel, Georgie
The Legend of Georgie Jessel
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Old radio broadcasts illustrate his wit along with songs and comments about his life and career.
Jolson, Al
I’d Rather Please You than Anyone
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Jessel eulogizes Al Jolson whose popularity spanned the 1920s to 1950s. This in-depth biography of the great entertainer includes the song “My Mammy.”
The Legend of Al Jolson
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Famous for his black face, white gloves, and bended knee, the minstrel man became a legend in his own time. Born in 1886, he went from vaudeville to Broadway. Includes “My Mammy,” his memorable specialty.
Jones, Oliver
Oliver Jones
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His renditions of “Street of Dreams” and “Straight, No Chaser” have earned this Montreal native international recognition. The endearing Oliver Jones talks about his career and tells stories of his childhood friend Oscar Peterson.
Joplin, Janis
Janis Joplin
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Biography of the electrifying performer born in Port Arthur, Texas, who died at age twenty-seven of a heroin overdose. Includes several of her emotionally charged songs.
Keene, Constance
Constance Keene
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Constance Keene discusses her performances at the Menuhin Festival in Stadt, Switzerland, and her teaching experiences at the Manhattan School of Music. She believes that music schools are admitting too many unprepared and untalented students.
Khan, Bismillah
Spotlight on Bismillah Khan
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Discusses the art, daily life, and music of Bismillah Khan, exponent of India’s subtle and complex music played on the shannai, a double reed instrument.
Kirkland, Kenny
Kenny Kirkland
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While still in his twenties, he has already made thirty recordings and worked with an impressive range of artists-from Wynton Marsalis to Sting. Kenny Kirkland talks with Marian McPartland and performs a two-piano version of “Billy’s Bounce” with her.
Kitt, Eartha
Eartha Kitt
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A candid interview with the singer-dancer. She talks about her life as a poor orphan growing up in the South and her rise to international stardom and self-acceptance.
Kreisler, Fritz
The Legend of Fritz Kreisler
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This famed violinist was born in Vienna in 1875. He toured the United States in 1888 before making his debut in Berlin. Two featured selections are “Rondino” based on a theme by Beethoven and “Caprice” by Kreisler.
Spotlight on Fritz Kreisler
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Fritz Kreisler comments on music in general, his successful career, his collection of violins, and his family. Selections from performances are included.
Laine, Jack
Pappa Jack the Patriarch
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On his ninetieth birthday, Pappa Jack Laine reflects on his role in the development of jazz.
Landowska, Wanda
Focus on Wanda Landowska
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Wanda Landowska describes her affinity for the harpsichord and her thoughts about music, her career, and life in general.
Lanza, Mario
Mario Lanza
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Koussevitzky was instrumental in giving the Philadelphia-born legendary tenor his beginning. Excerpts from operas and “Granada.”
Lauder, Harry
Harry Lauder Special
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Scotsman who created a character of fact and fancy toured the United States extensively for twenty-five years beginning in 1907. He sings several Scottish songs.
Ledford, Lily May
The Life and Music of Lily May Ledford
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Appalachian musician Lily May Ledford plays her fiddle and banjo, and describes efforts to preserve old-time Appalachian music traditions.
Lewis, Ted
The Legend of Ted Lewis
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His trademarks-a top hat, cane, and clarinet-gave him his distinction. He performed for nine presidents during his career.
MacDonald, Jeanette
Queen of the Sentimental Love Song
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Summarizes the film career of Jeanette McDonald, the twenty years from 1929 to 1949. Gives the background of her films, costars, and songs.
Marley, Bob
The Music and Marley
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An interview with Bob Marley, who, until his death in 1981, was considered the living symbol of Jamaica and its Reggae music.
Marsalis, Ellis
Ellis Marsalis
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He is the father of two popular American jazz artists: Wynton and Branford Marsalis. This teacher, performer, and recording artist, credited with instilling a love for music in all his children, talks about and plays his own compositions and combines talent with Marian McPartland for their version of “Blue in Boogie.”
McCormack, John
The Irish Nightingale
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John McCormack, contemporary of Caruso, had a way with words which made him a leading singer of his day. “Where the River Shannon Flows” and a 1916 recording of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” are heard.
McKeller, Kenneth
Troubadour in Tartan
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The Scottish singer Kenneth McKeller sings in much the same style as John McCormack. Among the musical selections are “Danny Boy” and “I Hear You Calling Me.”
Menuhin, Yehudi
Menuhin and Ayrton
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Michael Ayrton, noted sculptor, painter, and writer, discusses the responsibilities of gifted musicians and artists with Yehudi Menuhin, well-known violinist.
Yehudi Menuhin, Man and Musician
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The renowned violinist whose musical career began before the age of three discusses his experiences as a child prodigy and as a mature musician.
Miller, Kid
Focus on Kid “Punch” Miller
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Tribute to black trumpet player “Punch” Miller, known in the New Orleans of the 1920s and 1930s as “King of the Blues.”
Miller, Mulgrew
Mulgrew Miller
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In an interview with Marian McPartland, Miller and McPartland take turns on Art Tatum tunes, and the two combine forces on Cole Porter’s “What Is This Thing Called Love?”
Mingus, Charlie
Charlie Mingus Speaks Out
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Charlie Mingus talks about life, love, education, religion, children, women, men, and injustice, from the black perspective.
Morgan, Helen
The Legend of Helen Morgan
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Songs and the story of Helen Morgan’s life and theatrical career. Vocal samples include “Bill,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Mine,” and “Give Me a Heart to Sing.”
Mulligan, Gerry
Gerry Mulligan
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Best known as a baritone saxophonist and big-band performer, Gerry Mulligan has begun to write and perform symphonic music. During this interview he turns to the piano to play “Ontet” and a duet of “Blue Angst.”
Munsel, Patrice
The Story of Patrice Munsel
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Story of a small-town girl who made it to the Metropolitan Opera.
Novak, Larry
Larry Novak
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A teacher, director, arranger, and composer from Chicago considers himself “one of the last generalists” and proves it by offering an impressive variety of piano jazz during this interview with Marian McPartland.
Peerce, Jan
Jan Peerce
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Versatile performer on radio, TV, stage, and in opera. “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Blue Bird of Happiness,” and Schubert songs are heard.
Pepper, Art
Musical Ideas of Art Pepper
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The artist discusses how he puts a jazz piece together. Starting with a promising tune, he works out rhythmic and melodic outlines, then allows emotions to take over with individual solos.
Petrucciani, Michel
Michel Petrucciani
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“I’m never letting anything stop me from doing what I want to do,” proclaims the twenty-one-year-old Petrucciani during this discussion and demonstration of his own composition style.
Powell, Maud
Child Prodigy of the Violin
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Discusses the life of Maud Powell, the American violin virtuoso who was not considered seriously until she was invited to play for Queen Victoria.
Presley, Elvis
Portrait of Elvis Presley
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Biography and music of the country singer turned rock star. Discusses the views and expectations of his fans.
Puente, Tito
Tito Puente, the King of Salsa
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Biography and music of the popular Latin musician.
Ritter, Tex
Tex Ritter
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Biography of the Texas-born country-western singer and Hollywood cowboy. “High Noon,” “Old Shortie,” and “Lord, Can a Drunk Get into Heaven” are among the songs heard.
Roberts, Judy
Judy Roberts
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In a conversation with Marian McPartland that hits topics from sexism to Cole Porter, Judy Roberts shows that her independence and talent make her one of the most versatile singers and pianists of her age.
Robeson, Paul
Paul Robeson
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Biography of Paul Robeson, the controversial singer who was the first performer to do concerts consisting solely of spirituals.
Rodgers, Jimmie
Portrait of Jimmie Rodgers
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Biography of the country-western singer of the 1920s and 1930s. “Birmingham Jail” and “Lookin’ for a New Mamma” are among the songs heard.
Rubinstein, Artur
He Loved Life from Miracle to Miracle
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This great pianist, considered by many to be the world’s reigning artist in Chopin performance, attracted a wider following and performed more concerts than any other concert artist of his day. Works by Brahms, DeFalla, and Beethoven are performed.
Rushen, Patrice
Patrice Rushen
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Her talents range from jazz and soul to rhythm and blues. The popular vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and master keyboardist Patrice Rushen discusses her career and demonstrates her many abilities, including her rendition of “Spirit Song.”
Seals, Son
Son Seals
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The Chicago blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist traces the blues’s move up the Mississippi into Memphis and Chicago, and explains how his own Arkansas roots influence his music.
Seeger, Pete
The Incompleat Folksinger
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Folksinger Pete Seeger sings some of his favorite ballads and discusses his controversial life and his book.
Protests of Pete Seeger
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The folksinger who was branded an outcast and banned from radio, television, and concert halls discusses the origins of his radicalism.
Segovia, Andres
Spotlight on Andres Segovia
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A master guitarist discusses his involvement with music, his search for and ultimate discovery of the perfect guitar, and his most memorable concerts.
Shearing, George
George Shearing
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This legendary blind jazz figure describes his early start in music as a teenager and plays some of his favorite pieces.
Shuur, Diane
Diane Shuur
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This vocalist and pianist first performed at age nine to begin a career that has taken her to the White House and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Diane Shuur reflects on her life and does a solo of “I Can’t Believe You Are in Love with Me.”
Sills, Beverly
From Soap Opera to Grand Opera
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Insight into Beverly Sills’s life. Her role as Cleopatra in the opera Julius Caesar brought her universal popularity.
Smith, Leonard Bingley
Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue
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Trumpeter and conductor Leonard Smith plays “Carnival of Venice” and reminisces about his career and other performers such as Sousa. The Detroit Concert Band is also heard.
Spanier, Muggsy
Musical Ideas of Muggsy Spanier
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A legendary jazz trumpeter discusses his art and idols.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
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An interview with the black musician who is called a “blues man,” but who insists that his music is of many types of people.
Taylor, Cecil
Cecil Taylor
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A jazz artist with a classical background, Cecil Taylor has garnered such honors as a Guggenheim Fellowship and an honorary doctorate from the New England Conservatory of Music. Here he offers his tribute to Jimmy Lyons and joins Marian McPartland in a duet of “Get Out of Town.”
Taylor, Koko
Koko Taylor
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Born in the great blues town of Memphis, Taylor talks about her singing and the importance of female blues singers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith.
Temple, Shirley
The Legend of Shirley Temple
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Her career began when she was seven years old and spanned 1935-1938. “The Good Ship Lollipop” and “Goodnight My Love” are featured.
Thompson, Butch
Butch Thompson
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Best known for his popular appearance on public radio’s “Prairie Home Companion,” Butch Thompson performs opera as well as folk music and jazz. This cassette begins with “Ecuadorian Memories” and ends with a rousing version of “Rosette.”
Torm‚ Mel
Musical Ideas of Mel Torm‚
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Insights into jazz. Torm‚ discusses his vocal style and the vocal trademarks of other singers.
von Trapp
Von Trapp Family Singers
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A retelling of the Sound of Music story along with other real-life adventures of the von Trapp family of singers, who perform folk songs and other selections from concerts.
The Wonderful World of the Trapp Family
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How Maria von Trapp and her singing family found a way to preserve and share the culture and beauty of their beloved Austria. Many musical examples.
Tureck, Rosalyn
First Lady of Bach
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In this interview, Rosalyn Tureck describes her life as child prodigy, gifted student, conductor, concert artist, and music scholar.
Vallee, Rudy L
The Legend of Rudy L. Vallee
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Biography of the singing idol, band leader, and actor who hosted a radio show which had such entertaining personalities as Edgar Bergen and Sophie Tucker as guests. Includes “I’m Just a Vagabond Lover” among other songs.
Verrett, Shirley
Focus on Shirley Verrett
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Shirley Verrett, a black opera singer, discusses her career and sings excerpts from Carmen, Il Trovatore, Samson and Delilah, Aida, and Orfeo.
Waters, Ethel
The Legend of Ethel Waters
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Ethel Waters made her way from poverty to stardom in vaudeville. Among her best known songs, “Dinah” (1925) and “Am I Blue” (1929) are heard.
Williams, Hank
Down That Long Lost Highway
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Biography and music of Hank Williams, who died at age twenty-nine. His career, during which he wrote “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Your Cold, Cold Heart,” lasted only three years. Several of his friends are interviewed.
Winter, Paul
Musical Ideas of Paul Winter
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A jazz artist discusses his State Department tour of Latin America, his meeting with jazz musicians in cosmopolitan cities, and his experiences in the bush where natives had never heard of jazz.
Zeitlin, Denny
Denny Zeitlin
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A practicing psychiatrist as well as an accomplished pianist who has toured with the Paul Winter Consort, Denny Zeitlin discusses his music and plays several tunes from his first album.
Ziegfeld, Florenz
Father of the Follies
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Biography of the great Florenz Ziegfeld, producer in the grand manner. Music selections include “I’m an Indian” (1921) sung by Fanny Brice and “When the Moon Shines on the Moonshine” by Bert Williams.
Songwriters
Alter, Louis
Music in My Heart
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Story of Lou Alter, the composer of the melody “Manhattan Serenade” as well as four other instrumental pieces inspired by New York City: “Manhattan Moonlight,” “Manhattan Masquerade,” “Metropolitan Nocturne,” and “Side Street in Gotham.”
Arlen, Harold
The Man Who Gave the World a Rainbow
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Interview with Harold Arlen, composer of the score to The Wizard of Oz and of songs written for stage and screen. Selections from his work include “Over the Rainbow,” “Stormy Weather,” and “Blues in the Night.”
The Beatles
The Beatles
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Interview with John Lennon and Paul McCartney, former Beatles, about wealth, fame, and world issues.
John and Yoko
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John Lennon and Yoko Ono discuss fame, money, and drugs.
Benjamin, Bennie
The Man Who Set the World on Fire
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Bennie Benjamin talks about his collaboration with lyricist George Weiss. Songs include “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” and “I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore.”
Berlin, Irving
The Bard of Tin Pan Alley
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Biography of the extraordinary songwriter who recorded our history in song. “Always,” “The Girl on the Magazine Cover,” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” are among the featured songs.
Tribute to Mr. America
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Biography of the songwriter who gave us a wonderful legacy of the spirit of America with such songs as “God Bless America” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.”
Boggs, Jesse
Sessions with Jesse Boggs
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Singer-songwriter Jesse Boggs pokes fun at American society by recreating a recording session. The musicians, intent upon making a hit album, reduce music to its most salable elements: music and satire.
Brewster, W. Herbert
Rev. Brewster, Gospel Music
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Gospel music composer W. Herbert Brewster is interviewed on National Public Radio’s Horizons series. His most famous song, “Move On Up a Little Higher,” helped launch the career of Mahalia Jackson.
Brown, Oscar, Jr.
Oscar Brown, Jr.
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The singer-songwriter and social activist talks about his life, his music, and his strong identification with Scott Joplin.
Caesar, Irving
If You Have to Learn, Don’t Start
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Reminiscences by Irving Caesar, leading lyricist for George Gershwin and lyricist of such songs as “Tea for Two,” “Swannee,” “Sometimes I’m Happy,” and “Yankee Doodle Blues.”
Cahn, Sammy
I’ve Heard That Song Before
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Story of Sammy Cahn, prolific lyricist for composers Jule Styne, Jimmy Van Heusen, and Saul Kaplan.
Cannon, Hughie
Won’t You Come Home, Hugh Cannon?
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Biography of the ragtime pianist who wrote “Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey?”
Cohan, George M. (George Michael)
Cohan Is a Grand Old Name
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Story of the acting and song writing career of George M. Cohan, composer of “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “The Yankee Doodle Boy,” and “Over There,” the World War I song for which Cohan received a congressional gold medal.
Coleman, Cy
If My Friends Could See Me Now
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Cy Coleman, singer, pianist, conductor, and composer, surveys the contemporary music scene.
Comden, Betty
Betty Comden and Adolph Greene
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Two writers of such Broadway hits as The Bells Are Ringing and On the Town discuss musical theater and perform some of their own works.
Coots, J. Fred
The Santa Claus of Tin Pan Alley
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Story of musical comedy composer and popular songwriter J. Fred Coots, composer of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
Corea, Chick
Chick Corea
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The multi-talented musician plays selections from a variety of musical genres-from big band to jazz-rock fusion. In “Piano Jazz,” recorded at Corea’s own California studio, the prolific composer joins Marian McPartland for a dazzling mix of talk, improvisations, and musical portraits.
Coslow, Sam
Put Some Heart in a Song
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Sam Coslow discusses his experience in writing motion picture songs.
Darion, Joe
A Lot of Strings to Play
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Joe Darion, who wrote the lyrics to Man of La Mancha, expresses surprise at the popularity of his song “The Impossible Dream.”
Davis, Benny
The Lyrical Life of Benny Davis
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Benny Davis, lyricist of the World War I song “Goodbye Broadway, Hello France” and the popular song of the 1920s”Margie” tells of his long career as a songwriter.
Donaldson, Walter
When Walter Donaldson Ruled the Roost
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Gerald Marks tells anecdotes about fellow composer Walter Donaldson, whose songs include “Carolina in the Morning,” “MakingWhoopee,” “Back Home in Tennessee,” and “My Mammy.”
Drake, Ervin
A Lot of Meaning with the Music
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Ervin Drake discusses the thread of spirituality that runs through many of his songs, which include “I Believe,” “One God,” and “It Was a Very Good Year.”
Duning, George
For Whom Writing Music Is a Picnic
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Interview with George Duning, one of Hollywood’s most prolific writers of theme and background music.
The Early Days of Songwriting
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Survey of popular music written before the founding of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Features songs of Stephen Foster, songs popular during the Civil War, songs by Henry Clay Work, and songs of the Gay Nineties. Part 1 presents popular music of 1800-1860. Part 2 presents popular music of 1860-1880.
Edwards, Sherman
American History Was Never like This
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Interview with Sherman Edwards, dropout history teacher who composed 1776, the Broadway musical based on the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Eliscu, Edward
You’ve Given Us More than You Know
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Interview with Eddie Eliscu, author, playwright, actor, and lyricist of such songs as “Great Day” and “The Carioca,” the song made famous by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in their first film collaboration, Flying Down to Rio.
Fain, Sammy
He Gave Us a Thousand Beautiful Memories
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Interview and music by lyricist Sammy Fain, who bridges the gap between honky-tonk and modern ballads. “Secret Love” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing” won him two Academy Awards.
Fulson, Lowell
Lowell Fulson
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The man who wrote B.B. King’s first hit, “Three O’Clock Blues,” describes the creation and evolution of the mellow California blues sound.
Gilbert, L. Wolfe (Louis Wolfe)
“G” Is for the Great Songs You Gave Us
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Interview with Mrs. Gilbert, whose late husband, L. W. Gilbert, wrote “Waitin’ for the Robert E. Lee,” “My Mother’s Eyes,” “Down Yonder,” and “Ramona.”
Green, Bud
Evergreens from Bud
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Reminiscences by Bud Green, lyricist of the hit “Sentimental Journey” along with discussion about Sibelius’s Finlandia and Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” two pieces sealed in a time capsule at the New York World’s Fair of 1939.
Grusin, Dave
Dave Grusin
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Known primarily as the composer of the musical scores for “Tootsie” and “On Golden Pond,” Dave Grusin is also a successful producer and performer. During this interview he plays his own “Theme from St. Elsewhere,” and Marian McPartland joins in for a melodic duet of “I Remember April.”
Guthrie, Woody
The Folk Singer
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Detailed biography of Woody Guthrie, born in rural Oklahoma in 1912. He wrote one thousand songs which express the essence of grass roots America.
Legend of a Balladeer
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Biography of Woody Guthrie who traveled the land and wrote songs about American life. “This Land Is Your Land” and “Roll on, Columbia” are among the musical selections.
Woody Guthrie Remembered
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Interviews with friends of Woody Guthrie. Includes songs by Cisco Houston, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie himself, and some children’s songs.
Handy, W.C. (William Christopher)
The Father of the Blues
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The late W.C. Handy sings and tells about writing such songs as “Memphis Blues,” “St. Louis Blues,” and “Beale Street Blues.”
Harbach, Bill
Bill Harbach
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Interview with Otto Harbach’s son, who reminisces about his father’s contribution to musical comedy. “Cuddle Up a Little Closer” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” are two of his well-known songs.
Harburg, E.Y. (Edgar Yipsel)
You’re a Builder Upper
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E.Y. Harburg, lyricist of Finian’s Rainbow and The Wizard of Oz, relates America’s history as a “melting pot” to the songwriting scene.
Herbert, Victor
The Legend of Victor Herbert
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Focus on Victor Herbert, one of the founders of ASCAP, covering his varied career as composer of the operetta Babes in Toyland, bandmaster of New York’s Twenty-Second Regiment Band, and conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Victor Herbert
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Biography. Herbert’s failure at composing serious pieces for the opera and violoncello resulted in the operetta Naughty Marietta, a forerunner of musical comedy. Includes selections from Victor Herbert’s musical comedies.
Herman, Jerry
The American Sampler
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Interview with songwriter-composer Jerry Herman, interspersed with his music. Among his credits are the Broadway shows Hello Dolly and Mame.
The Man Who Carried It Off
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Jerry Herman, composer and lyricist of Broadway shows Hello Dolly and Mame, discusses future plans for writing music.
Johnson, James P. (James Price)
James P. Johnson
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The composer of “Charleston” and “If I Could Be with You” ranked along with Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton as the “father” of the eastern Harlem stride style.
Jones, Tom
A Lot More than Fantastic
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Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, the team that produced The Fantasticks, discuss past shows and present work in musical theater.
Kahn, Gus
We’re Still Singing “I’ll See You in My Dreams”
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Songs written by lyricist Gus Kahn and his many collaborators, with discussion of Kahn’s film biography.
Kalmar, Bert
A Couple of Crazy Guys/Three Little Words, Thirteen Little Letters
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Story of Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, successful songwriters who remained vaudeville comedians at heart.
Kern, Jerome
Jerome Kern, Man of Melody
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Friends discuss Jerome Kern’s legendary career.
Master of the Medium, the Man Who Found the Silver Lining
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Discusses Jerome Kern’s career as writer of show tunes. Includes performances of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” from Roberta and “Make Believe” and “Ol’ Man River” from Showboat.
Lane, Burton
No Sad Songs for Me
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Burton Lane discusses his collaboration with E.Y. Harburg in writing the Broadway musical Finian’s Rainbow and its most famous song “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”
Leigh, Carolyn
Young at Heart
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Lyricist Carolyn Leigh discusses the influences on her writing.
Lerner, Sammy
Makin’ Up a Song as I Go Along
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Sammy Lerner, lyricist for Hoagy Carmichael and Jay Gorney, tells of writing the song “Popeye the Sailor Man.”
Livingston, Jay
Give It All You’ve Got
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Anecdotes from Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, the team that wrote theme songs for the television series Bonanza and Mr. Ed, as well as award-winning songs like “Que Sera, Sera,” “Mona Lisa,” and “To Each His Own.”
Loesser, Frank
A Man and His Music
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An interview with the widow of Frank Loesser, a songwriter whose World War II songs include “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.”
Marks, Gerald
They Don’t Write ’em like That Anymore
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Gerald Marks, composer of the popular song “All of Me,” reminisces about the songs written by Irving Berlin, Victor Herbert, and others.
Marks, Johnny
Johnny Marks and His Celebrated Reindeer
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Johnny Marks, composer of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” talks about the varied sources of inspiration for his songs.
McHugh, Jimmy
Happy Songs from a Happy Man
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Life and music of Jimmy McHugh, composer of such cheerful songs as “The Sunny Side of the Street” and “It’s a Most Unusual Day.”
Mercer, Johnny
The Man Who Launched 1,000 Hits
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Life and songs of Johnny Mercer, who wrote the lyrics of “Moon River,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” and “Blues in the Night.”
Mizzy, Vic
The Whole World Is Singing My Song
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Songwriter Vic Mizzy tells anecdotes about his contemporaries and collaborators and gives opinions about current popular music.
Nyro, Laura
The Music of Laura Nyro
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Laura Nyro is interviewed by John Daly. Her diverse musical expressions are analyzed by Michael Thomas, Richard Goldstein, and Patrick O’Conner.
Oakland, Ben
You’re Not So Easy to Forget
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Story of the long career of Ben Oakland, who began playing classical music at an early age and went on to success as a vaudeville entertainer and as a songwriter for the Ziegfeld Follies and for Broadway musicals.
Olman, Abe
The Ship That Came In
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Abe Olman reminisces about his career as a music publisher and as a songwriter whose hits include “I’m Waiting for Ships That Never Come In” and “Down among the Sheltering Palms.”
Parish, Mitchell
The Sentimental Gentleman
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Interview with Mitchell Parish, a lyricist who teamed with composers Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, and Sammy Fain, and whose collaboration with Carmichael produced the hit “Stardust.”
Porter, Cole
Focus on Cole Porter
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Comprehensive collection of Cole Porter songs, with commentary tracing his career from 1937.
The Master of “From Major to Minor”
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Relates Cole Porter’s affluent background to the “plutocratic stylishness” of his songs. Plays songs from Porter’s years on Broadway, including “Night and Day,” “Anything Goes,” and “I Get a Kick out of You.”
Raksin, David
So You Want to Write for the Movies
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David Raksin, composer and conductor, discusses the process of writing music for films. Excerpts from Forever Amber.
Ramirez, Ram
Ram Ramirez
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He wrote Billie Holiday’s hit song “Lover Man” and enjoys continued popularity on the New York jazz scene. Roger “Ram” Ramirez converses with Marian McPartland and teams up with her for a duet of “Undecided.”
Rodgers, Richard
The Dynamics of Collaboration
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Musical-comedy composer Richard Rodgers reminisces about the forty- three years he spent in partnerships with lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein.
The Most Unforgettable Composer I Never Met
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Dorothy Rodgers, wife of composer Richard Rodgers, discusses her husband’s career in musical theater and his collaborations with lyricists Larry Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. Includes well-known songs from Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, and South Pacific, as well as less familiar songs and tells the story of the music publishing scene on Tin Pan Alley at the turn of the
century.
Oklahoma! and Beyond
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Richard Rodgers, composer of the theatrical landmark Oklahoma!, reminisces about his collaboration with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein.
Romberg, Sigmund
The Last of the Giants
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Story of Sigmund Romberg, a composer who combined Viennese style with American idioms in such operettas as Blossom Time, The Student Prince, and My Romance.
Focus on Sigmund Romberg
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Oscar Hammerstein talks about Romberg’s life, plays, and greatest songs.
Rome, Harold
Seven Shows to Rome
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Anecdotes told by Harold Rome, composer of such Broadway musicals as Pins and Needles, Call Me Mister, and Wish You Were Here.
Ruby, Harry
A Couple of Crazy Guys/Three Little Words, Thirteen Little Letters
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Story of Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, successful songwriters who remained vaudeville comedians at heart.
Schwartz, Arthur
Something to Remember Him By
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Life and music of Arthur Schwartz, who gave up his law practice to write for musical theater. Songs include “Dancing in the Dark” and “You and the Night and the Music.”
Spina, Harold
Sing Me an Old-Fashioned Song
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Composer and conductor Harold Spina reminisces with Mike Whorf about his long songwriting career and about his music for “Annie Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “It’s So Nice to Have a Man around the House,” and other songs for the movies.
Strouse, Charles
By Strouse
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Strouse, who composed the score of Bye, Bye Birdie, discusses the importance of a composer’s involvement in arranging and orchestrating melodies.
Styne, Jule
There Goes That Song Again
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Songs by Jule Styne, arranger and composer who collaborated with lyricist Sammy Cahn to write such hits as “I’ve Heard That Song Before” and “Let It Snow, Let It Snow.”
Tilzer, Harry von
Please Sing Me One More Chorus
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Life of prolific composer and music publisher Harry von Tilzer, writer of “Wait till the Sun Shines, Nellie” and “I Want a Girl Just like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad.”
Tobias, Charles
As the Years Go By
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Interview with Edna Tobias, who tells of her late husband Charles’s varied career as a vaudeville entertainer and as a songwriter for musicals and motion pictures.
Van Heusen, Jimmy
Mister Music
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Career of Jimmy Van Heusen, whose songs, written with lyricist Johnny Burke, include “Imagination,” “Swinging on a Star,” and “Sunday, Monday, or Always.”
Youmans, Vincent
Through the Years
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Highlights of Vincent Youman’s career writing scores for such musicals as Great Day and No, No, Nanette.