Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Remembering filmmaker Roger Corman, king of B-movies
Corman, who died May 9, made hundreds of films, including the cult classics House of Usher and A Bucket of Blood. We listen back to a 1990 interview, plus critic John Powers offers an appreciation.
Spellbinding 'Witches' Offers A Fresh Take On A Familiar Story
by Maureen Corrigan
In her new book, Stacy Shiff evokes the world of Salem, Mass., and the bitter winter of 1692 when 19 people were hanged for witchcraft. Reviewer Maureen Corrigan calls The Witches a "haunting" tale.
Oncologist Discusses Advancements In Treatment And The Ongoing War On Cancer
During his decades-long career, oncologist Vincent DeVita helped develop the combination chemotherapy regimen that cures most cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma. His new book is The Death of Cancer.
Remembering San Antonio's Horn-Infused Doo-Wop Scene
by Ed Ward
From the early '60s until the mid '70s, a multi-cultural music scene thrived on the west side of San Antonio, Texas. Ed Ward looks at two releases on Numero that open a small window on this music.
Patti Smith Looks Back On Life Before She Became The Godmother Of Punk
The singer joins Fresh Air for a conversation about her career and her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Smith's new memoir is M Train. Originally broadcast in 1996 and 2010.
'Portrait of an American Singer' Revives The Memory Of Tennessee Ernie Ford
by Ken Tucker
Tennessee Ernie Ford was a hugely popular singer in the 1950s and 60s. Now, a new 5-disc boxed set attempts to reintroduce Ford to a new audience. Rock critic Ken Tucker has a review.