'The Wager' chronicles shipwreck, mutiny and murder at the tip of South America
David Grann discusses his book about an 18th-century British warship that wrecked along the coast of Patagonia. Martin Scorsese is slated to direct the film adaptation. Originally broadcast in 2023.
Loudon Wainwright III Opens Up About The 'Exes & Excess' That Inform His Music
Wainwright has written remarkable songs about family, and how we hurt and heal each other. Now he details his life as a husband, father, son, philanderer and musician in the memoir Liner Notes.
Billy Bragg On Skiffle, The Movement That Brought Guitar To British Radio
The singer describes skiffle as "a bunch of British school boys in the mid '50s playing Lead Belly's repertoire ... on acoustic guitars." Originally broadcast July 19, 2017.
Fresh Air Weekend: Director Elia Kazan; Singer Ronnie Spector; Novelist John Updike
We commemorate Fresh Air's 30th anniversary as a nationally syndicated show with interviews from our first years on air. Kazan and Spector spoke to Terry Gross in '88. Updike's interview is from '89.
After Harvey Hit, A Houston-Based Novelist Forged Floodwaters To Reach His Mother
Though Mat Johnson's home wasn't flooded in the recent hurricane, the roads around him were. He had to pass these roads to make sure his elderly mother got the care she needed.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Writer/Director John Waters
Once called the "King of Bad Taste," Waters is known for his off-beat cult films Pink Flamingos and Polyester, as well as the more mainstream Hairspray. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Rocker Joey Ramone
The Ramones helped launch the punk rock scene in the mid 1970s with songs that were short, fast and loud. In 1988, lead singer Joey Ramone spoke to Terry Gross about the band's history.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Character Actor Divine
Divine spoke to Terry Gross in 1988 about his most memorable film credits, including his role as the woman who wins the title of "Filthiest Person Alive" in the John Waters' film Pink Flamingos.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Big Band Pianist Jay McShann
A native of Oklahoma, McShann came to Kansas City, Mo., in 1937, when it was the capital for boogie-woogie, blues and swing. He spoke to Terry Gross in 1987, and also played a few songs in the studio.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Jazz Singer Anita O'Day
O'Day first became known in 1941 when she joined Gene Krupa's band. Later, she later sang with Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman and many other small groups. Originally broadcast in 1987.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Drummer And Composer Max Roach
Considered one of the inventors of modern jazz drumming, Roach helped formulate the language of bebop, along with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. Originally broadcast in 1988.