Fresh Air
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Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
This collection may be the closest we'll ever come to a Dickinson autobiography
by Maureen Corrigan
The Letters of Emily Dickinson collects 1,304 letters, starting with one she wrote at age 11. Her singular voice comes into its own in the letters of the 1860s, which often blur into poems.
Car Seat Headrest Is Gloriously Morose In 'Teens of Denial'
by Ken Tucker
Will Toledo, the singer-songwriter who performs under the name Car Seat Headrest, is ambitious and passionate on his new album. Critic Ken Tucker says the record will make you want to sing along.
Friend Or Fiend? 'Pit Bull' Explores The History Of America's Most Feared Dog
Author Bronwen Dickey says the idea of pit bulls as predators is based on myth and misinformation. In the early Hollywood era, Dickey says, the dogs were often chosen to appear in comedies.
How Soul Great Clarence Carter Put Fame Records On The Map
by Ed Ward
Carter's influence on pop and soul predates his best-known hit, "Patches," and is still felt today. Rock historian Ed Ward revisits the early career and the lasting impact of the expert songwriter.
Richard Russo Returns To North Bath, NY, In 'Everybody's Fool'
The Pulitzer-Prize winning author of Empire Falls says his characters are inspired by his parents' working-class World War II generation. Russo's new novel is set in a small town in upstate New York.
Superheroes Engage In All Out 'Civil War' In The Latest 'Captain America' Film
by David Edelstein
The new movie from Marvel Studios features almost all the members of the Avengers superhero collective. Critic David Edelstein calls it an irresistible hodgepodge of special effects and superheroes.
After 20 Years On The Job, NYC Police Officer Tells His Intense Stories
"Your heart is pounding; your adrenaline is shooting out of your ears," retired police officer Steve Osborne says. "And you got one second to get it right." Originally broadcast April 21, 2015.
Power Trio Mixes Old And New, And The Result Is 'Perfection'
by Kevin Whitehead
Jazz stars David Murray, Geri Allen and Terri Lyne Carrington first played together last year in New York. Now they come together with the new album, Perfection. Critic Kevin Whitehead has a review.